Prince EWS
Global Moderator
I have a feeling England might play five bowlers, and bat Swann at 7. They shouldn't, but they just might.
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***Official*** England in Sri Lanka
- Thread starter JASON
- Start date
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Can't remember that TBH. Folk at CricInfo (and quite a few other places) did but I can't even remember many on here taking it seriously enough even to discuss it, for this reason:
IMO Flintoff opening is just a stupid, stupid idea. If, of course, he ever plays again.
Prince EWS
Global Moderator
Oh, I completely agree, but I can certainly see it happening.
Prince EWS
Global Moderator
Quite a few here did suggest he open in ODIs - most of the calls commenced after the first few CB Series matches and continued right through the World Cup. Strangely enough, given Flintoff's batting style, I'd say the worst possible position for him would be #5, and that's where most of his real success has come. He really shouldn't be any higher than #7 IMO, in both forms of the game.
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Yeah, five's far too high IMO too. Six or seven I'm probably equally happy with - if it's between him and Prior (for example) I'd probably prefer Flintoff (
) but him opening is nothing short of plain madness. That'd be a complete waste, as would having him at three. With a bowler as good as Flintoff, any batting ability he has cannot afford to be wasted.
If people on here's suggestions of him opening were in the CB Series, though, I'd not have known - I didn't post in that thread.
) but him opening is nothing short of plain madness. That'd be a complete waste, as would having him at three. With a bowler as good as Flintoff, any batting ability he has cannot afford to be wasted.If people on here's suggestions of him opening were in the CB Series, though, I'd not have known - I didn't post in that thread.
wpdavid
Hall of Fame Member
At least this is looking like a contest, which hasn't happened for a long time when England have played in this neck of the woods. Helluva shame about Cook dropping Sangakara though.
As for the discussion about the test side, surely, withotu Fred, we're looking at four full time bowlers supported by various from Collingwood, Vaughan. KP & maybe even Bell, although England seem to have completely forgotten about his bowling lately.
As for the discussion about the test side, surely, withotu Fred, we're looking at four full time bowlers supported by various from Collingwood, Vaughan. KP & maybe even Bell, although England seem to have completely forgotten about his bowling lately.
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Well I would say "I hate to say I told you so" but you know I don't really. Just got the Anderson bit wrong.
Just got the Anderson bit wrong.
aussie
Hall of Fame Member
Then that would be the worst team selection in test cricket by the England management this mellinnium.
wpdavid
Hall of Fame Member
Still time for Jimmy ...Well I would say "I hate to say I told you so" but you know I don't really.
Anyway, three down now, and looking interesting. Thankfully Sanga didn't make us pay for the drops.
wpdavid
Hall of Fame Member
I really cannot believe you wrote that.
EDIT
Admittedly you knew they were 4 down before I did. But even so ...
aussie
Hall of Fame Member
They would be on the same level if that selection occured.
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Nah, even England would seriously struggle to make 39-4 chasing 230 into a loss.
I really cannot believe you wrote that.
wpdavid
Hall of Fame Member
I'm guessing he means the Swann at 7 hypothetical selection.
Lostman
State Captain
Watching SL today was like watching South Africa in blue. Four fast bowlers and no decent spin option in the middle overs, where easy runs were being gifted through the crappy field settings.
On top of that during the run chase Sangakkara did a really nice Kallis impersonation.
On top of that during the run chase Sangakkara did a really nice Kallis impersonation.