*Official* Warm-up Matches Discussion

[Spark]

 

[straw man]

@Bahnz: You make a good point. We have many contenders to bowl through those middle overs and it's far from the most difficult task the bowling unit has to face. Part-timers could do it though I don't particularly want Ryder bowling many overs this tournament, and Styris has his share of injuries too. Oram is another bowler who can play a similar role bowling through the middle overs, doesn't threaten the batsman and is not much use at other times during the innings (especially at the death). Another 10-0-50-1 bowler. Neither of them have the class of Vettori through those middle overs, though if we were to choose one who is surplus to requirements it would have to be Oram. Post World Cup back in NZ, as you're saying it might be a different story.

The most encouraging thing about N McCullum is that he's started making real contributions with the bat (fifties at high SR), whereas he used to only be good for a quick 20 or 30 and out. This makes it less likely you'd want a batsman and part-time bowler (Williamson) over him.

To me the only selection choice (barring injuries) remains whether Oram plays or whether it's Bennett or perhaps Williamson.

 

[Mike5181]

Whoever we put in the starting line up will lose.

 

[Mike5181]

What did he have to say?

Oh he was talking up Tendulkar being a real option as India's third seamer because apparently he has been practicing in the nets. Simon Doull was like wtf.

 

[straw man]

 

[Turbinator]

Oh he was talking up Tendulkar being a real option as India's third seamer because apparently he has been practicing in the nets. Simon Doull was like wtf.

Haha I don't know why, but the last line there just made me chuckle for 5 minutes straight. Actually pictured Doull going wtf.

 

[four_or_six]

How weird that we're playing a warm-up match after the tournament has started... or at least the opening ceremony.

Could be interesting though, given all the stuff that went on last summer. I think we really need a good solid performance to get us ready.

 

[Shri]

How weird that we're playing a warm-up match after the tournament has started... or at least the opening ceremony.

Could be interesting though, given all the stuff that went on last summer. I think we really need a good solid performance to get us ready.

England are like the 6 year old kids that want to play cricket in the backyard with their brothers. People abandon rules when they bat or bowl and don't care about what they do since they will leave early to play with lego blocks.

 

[cricpk]

How weird that we're playing a warm-up match after the tournament has started... or at least the opening ceremony.

Could be interesting though, given all the stuff that went on last summer. I think we really need a good solid performance to get us ready.

hopefully no match fixing news for tomorrow's game :P

 

[Spark]

England are like the 6 year old kids that want to play cricket in the backyard with their brothers. People abandon rules when they bat or bowl and don't care about what they do since they will leave early to play with lego blocks.

Lego is ****ing awesome.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Good start by England 37-2.

 

[Blaze 18]

Pietersen is opening again.

 

[Spark]

It's their new opening pair, that's how it'll be the whole cup. Not the worst move IMO, although the timing is ITSTL.

EDIT: Have a look at the photo on cricinfo's front page. Dear dear Strauss.

 

[Blaze 18]

A rather sudden change. I thought the plan was to open with Matt Prior - wasn't that the reason given for picking him in the squad ?

 

[Spark]

Nah. The reason they picked him was IIRC 1. he's a better keeper and 2. they wanted to keep their Ashes unit together as much as possible. Davies is a much better opener.

 

[Nate]

He failed badly at it in Australia. Badly.

 

[Spark]

...which came as no surprise to most people who had seen him open previously in ODIs, I think.

 

[Daemon]

Anyone who's watching this game live? Has Junaid been decent? Slightly expensive but he has picked up a wicket at least.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

...which came as no surprise to most people who had seen him open previously in ODIs, I think.

Wouldn't have him in the squad to be honest. Davies should be there and opening.

Not too worried about KP opening as it means the best player is in for as long as possible, just wish it had been tried earlier instead of as a last resort.

 

[Blaze 18]

Nah. The reason they picked him was IIRC 1. he's a better keeper and 2. they wanted to keep their Ashes unit together as much as possible. Davies is a much better opener.

Ahan, right. I agree it isn't a bad move, but the timing could have been a lot better. Funny thing is, he has never opened in ODIs.