*Official Third Test at Edgbaston

[Jarquis]

If I was in charge (as I should be), this would be the team, presuming no KP.

*AJ Strauss
AN Cook
ME Trescothick
PD Collingwood
RS Bopara
+MJ Prior
A Flintoff
G Swann
JM Anderson
SJ Harmison
G Onions

I feel like this may not happen though

PEWS to argue that Tresco and Strauss should be switched.

 

[zaremba]

PEWS to argue that Tresco and Strauss should be switched.

Richard to argue that Cook and Strauss should be switched.

 

[Woodster]

3 Tests proves nothing, especially when there are a couple of run-outs involved.

Why are we including only 3 of Shah's 6 Tests ?

 

[marc71178]

3 or 6 is irrelevant - he showed nothing to demand further selection, in fact he showed more than enough to remove him from the thoughts.

Why poor running between the wickets should be discounted baffles me, but that's Dick for you.

 

[four_or_six]

If I was in charge (as I should be), this would be the team, presuming no KP.

*AJ Strauss
AN Cook
ME Trescothick
PD Collingwood
RS Bopara
+MJ Prior
A Flintoff
G Swann
JM Anderson
SJ Harmison
G Onions

I feel like this may not happen though

This, with Bell and Broad in for Trescothick and Onions, IMO.

 

[pasag]

If England win this match with no KP or Fred they deserve the Ashes.

 

[pup11]

If England win this match with no KP or Fred they deserve the Ashes.

I agree, but don't think KP has been the real problem for Aus so far in this series, though he is always a threat, but the real thorn in the flesh for Aus have been Cook and Strauss, and the solid starts that they have provided have not only blunted the Australian bowling attack, it has also helped masking the inconsistency of the English middle order so far.

If Australia are to make a comeback now in this series now, then we have to get early wickets with the new ball, and put the English middle order under some real pressure.

 

[Matt79]

I think the solid opening stands and the blunt attack are a chicken and egg kinda deal.

 

[four_or_six]

I think the solid opening stands and the blunt attack are a chicken and egg kinda deal.

Dunno about that. Whether people like it or not, this is one of our most successful ever opening partnerships.

 

[Matt79]

Strauss has been outstanding. Cook has been ok so far. And I can't imagine that you're saying that their performance is what has made Johnson so bad.

 

[four_or_six]

Strauss has been outstanding. Cook has been ok so far. And I can't imagine that you're saying that their performance is what has made Johnson so bad.

I'm definitely saying that their performance has made a significant contribution to his performace level. They've played him confidently and with skill, put away bad balls and turned the pressure back onto him. Obviously not the only reason he's struggled at all, but imo a significant contributing factor.

 

[zaremba]

Ian Bell:

"I know this might sound strange but I want Kevin to be playing for England. He is our No. 1 batsman and, being the professional I know he is, I am sure he is desperate to play through the series if he possibly can. But if his injury proves beyond him, then I am just as desperate to play."

Nicely put.

 

[pup11]

Strauss has been outstanding. Cook has been ok so far. And I can't imagine that you're saying that their performance is what has made Johnson so bad.

What f_o_s said is true, but what I would like to add to this is that, in this series we have seen most wickets fall to the new ball, but since Johnson has been all over the place, it has allowed Cook and Strauss to hit their straps quickly and provide early momentum to their team, and hence also putting the other bowlers under pressure right from the very beginning.

I think that was one vital differences between both the teams in the last test, where England bowled brilliantly with the new ball and took early wickets with it, whereas on the contrary the Aussies leaked runs almost at the rate of 5-6 rpo with the new ball.

 

[GIMH]

Ian Bell:

"I know this might sound strange but I want Kevin to be playing for England. He is our No. 1 batsman and, being the professional I know he is, I am sure he is desperate to play through the series if he possibly can. But if his injury proves beyond him, then I am just as desperate to play."

Nicely put.

Nice sentiment

 

[TT Boy]

What's Bell form for Warwickshire been like?

Everytime I check, Trott (like today) is scoring the bulk of their runs.

 

[BoyBrumby]

IIRC he's 2nd in the Div 1 averages to Pothas (again, if memory serves) on like 80 per innings. Was in the info box on SSN last night.

 

[Prince EWS]

What's Bell form for Warwickshire been like?

647 runs @ 71.88. Two tons and four fifties in twelve innings.

 

[Pothas]

Generally it has been pretty good, has actually scored more runs then Trott this season.

 

[TT Boy]

So pretty good then. Still don't want him in the side but if pushed, stick him at 6, Prior 5.

 

[BoyBrumby]

647 runs @ 71.88. Two tons and four fifties in twelve innings.

Obviously today's 7 has brought it down a tad.