The 'Summer' of Cricket thread 2013

[TheMajorSTFC]

Clarke to also step down as a selector....Australian cricket is pretty pathetic right now! 5-0 England!

[Summerof69]

I see they are talking about Darren Lehmann as his replacement. Saying that anyone would be better than Mickey Arthur.

Where's the homework boys?!!

[fittons_coaching_badge]

The eight best teams, all over in 2.5 weeks, tight competitive cricket in well attended stadiums.  A terrific format. Because of the cosmopolitan make up the UK is the perfect venue.  If it were held in WI or SA then I suspect the neutral games would be attended by one man and his dog.

England:
Well the plan was obvious the top 3 to set the platform for the rest to explode.  Cook, Bell and Trott had good tournaments which is handy as Morgan and Buttler were disappointments.  Root had a good tournament at 4 as that buffer between the solid top 3 and potentially explosive lower middle order.
A terrific win over Aus which could set the tone for the next 6 months.
A defeat to SL in which they were subjected to a masterclass from Sangakarra about how to chase down a 290 target with plenty left in the tank still.
Can remember much about the NZ game and the Saffer were sorted out early by terrific swing bowling before Trotty put the cherry on top.

So in so far as the plan towards 2015 world cup:
KP obviously comes back in.  I think it would have to be in for one of the top 3.  Cook is captain and Trott in undroppable.  Sorry Belly.
The wicket keeping is an issue.  Buttler has producing an occasional amazing knock such as the 47 of 15 not to long ago but after 14 games he averages 11 and that just isn't enough.  Other options include Kieswetter or Bairstow. I know people will say Prior but I think the England selectors have shut the door on that so haven't considered it.
Bopara is without doubt the surprise.  A few weeks ago most wouldn't have imagined him in the squad let alone such a leading light with vital late order runs and also filling the 5th bowler role.
The bowling again was pretty decent.  Though on the one pitch that didn't swing or seam or spin the Sri Lankan's made hay.

[TheMajorSTFC]

Announced that Joe Root will open for England against Essex next week!

http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12173/8790948/Joe-Root-will-partner-Alastair-Cook-at-the-top-of-the-England-order-next-week

Boyd Rankin also selected as part of the squad

[fittons_coaching_badge]

Rankin seems to fit a tall strong stereotype that David Saker likes.  I can only assume Chris Tremlett isn't fully fit because if he is I would take him over Rankin 10/10.

Rankin's prospects for a winter in Australia must take a massive upturn with this.

[Posh Red]

I suggest you look at his record in places like Australia and India and move yourself quietly into the spacker building

Have done so, and excluding Bangladesh (as even a spacker could score runs against Bangladesh), his test average away from England is a shade under 42 (41.89), which is just less than Ian Bell's test average (45.57) who is the player most likely to make way.  (PS His average including Bangladesh is 43.51)

As you say, he has a better record in India (46.87) & Australia (56.67), but unfortunately for you he also had to play against Pakistan (22.33) & the Saffers (25.29) away from Jolly Old Blighty.


Fell free to join me in the spacker building, unless of course you are also of the opinion that Ian Bell is a world beater and also must be in the team.

[Paolo69]

Sorry Posh I'm with DMR on this one. England are a far better team with KP in it than out of it! His overall record backs this up regardless of the comparison you've made which incidentally is not really comparing like with like.

[Paolo69]

Can't see Bellers getting dropped anytime soon. Certainly not at Test level anyway.

[@mwooly63]

Kiwis hitting it for fun on the twenty 20
McCullom just gone - 161 for 3 off 15.5  

EDIT

201 for 4 after their 20
England will need some decent wallops to get that

[@mwooly63]

5 runs short again ffs
Again was ahead of the rate till the halfway stage then slowed right down when Morgan came in

Oh well roll on thursday

[DMR]

Morgan's absolutely lost the plot. Ben Stokes is laughably shit too. As for Chris Woakes....

[LucienSanchez]

 Morgan's cameo seemed to stall us somewhat...

[TheMajorSTFC]

Why the hell Stokes and Bopara tried smashing it out the ground when 10 needed off 5 balls, the amount of gaps around they could have done it in 2s! Again, I said it Sunday and I'll say it again, Brainless cricket from England! Thursday will be interesting to see if they change it and bring KP in!

[@mwooly63]

Thursday will be interesting to see if they change it and bring KP in!

Kevin Pietersen ‏@KP24 1m
Back with ENG! #T20 http://instagram.com/p/bBgHUeyyxh/

[TheMajorSTFC]

Somerset got to 320 against the 'Australians' at Taunton, Compton chipped in with 83 and another young lad scored a ton! Aus were 2-0 at the close!