*Official* Third Test at Edgbaston

[Woodster]

Let's just get a little perspective around the guys that are battling for the potentially vacant batting slot. I think James Taylor has an abundance of potential, yet I would not be entirely comfortable in selecting such a young and inexperienced that has only made 502 runs at 31.37 this season in Division Two (with no century all year), I want to be selecting him for England when he's prime form and full of confidence. The reason a lot of the incoming players into the Test side of late have had immediate success is because of their grounding in county cricket, and not rushing players into the side unless they make a compelling case for inclusion. I don't think Taylor has done that so far this season.

Bopara's form this year has not been outstanding with 683 at 42.68, and I'm sure he'd have liked to stack up some serious numbers to exert some real pressure onto Eoin Morgan and his place, at some point this summer.

James Hildreth, who I think is at the right age, knows his game well, has excelled for the last couple of seasons and has the experience, would have been the man to really push Bopara, but his record is only marginally better than Taylor this season, albeit in Division One. Had he had a Trescothick-like season, or a Dale Benkenstein-style one, then I'm sure he'd have got the nod.

So, imo, those batsmen that should really have made this is a difficult choice have made it a much easier one by not weighing in with some heavy run-scoring. Bopara has been the best of an unimpressive bunch.

 

[Woodster]

Anyone hearing the noises about Taylor going to Edgbaston for next year. Some regard it as nailed on. Wonder what Ashley Giles role in this would be?

Would be a good move imo, for Taylor and Warwickshire. Haven't heard anything about this myself, or certainly not in terms of it being a virtually done deal. He should be playing Division One, he needs to be doing so and scoring runs in order to give England a heavier shove as to his capabilities.

 

[Woodster]

Bell always had the technique and quality though. Ravi's a mediocre player with a rubbish temperament. Plus Bell worked hard on his mental toughness.

I'd think the prospect of Bopara putting on an England shirt would be ample reason to 'rush' someone into the side. Although I think the issue of giving a player a debut is massively overplayed. A lot of the current crop of England batsmen have scored a century on Test debut.

I agree that Bell has always had the obvious quality to be a successful Test player, and many disagree that Bopara has. I do think he has the class, and barring the Ashes series, I would have said mentally he'd be fine also. But that was his biggest both technically and mentally to date, and he did fail it, so therefore he does have a lot to prove.

I do think because the selection is consistent, because we are not rushing players into the Test side as soon as they show promise, and we are allowing players to develop in County cricket, that the current crop are having immediate success in the Test arena.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Let's just get a little perspective around the guys that are battling for the potentially vacant batting slot. I think James Taylor has an abundance of potential, yet I would not be entirely comfortable in selecting such a young and inexperienced that has only made 502 runs at 31.37 this season in Division Two (with no century all year), I want to be selecting him for England when he's prime form and full of confidence. The reason a lot of the incoming players into the Test side of late have had immediate success is because of their grounding in county cricket, and not rushing players into the side unless they make a compelling case for inclusion. I don't think Taylor has done that so far this season.

Bopara's form this year has not been outstanding with 683 at 42.68, and I'm sure he'd have liked to stack up some serious numbers to exert some real pressure onto Eoin Morgan and his place, at some point this summer.

James Hildreth, who I think is at the right age, knows his game well, has excelled for the last couple of seasons and has the experience, would have been the man to really push Bopara, but his record is only marginally better than Taylor this season, albeit in Division One. Had he had a Trescothick-like season, or a Dale Benkenstein-style one, then I'm sure he'd have got the nod.

So, imo, those batsmen that should really have made this is a difficult choice have made it a much easier one by not weighing in with some heavy run-scoring. Bopara has been the best of an unimpressive bunch.

Why are you ignoring the Lions games? They're probably more important than the Division Two stuff where Taylor would struggle to get a decent average because he's often batting with the tail by the time he reaches double figures.

 

[honestbharani]

Zak out..


Gotta funny feeling about the rest of the games now.. Think India and esp. Dhoni are gonna do a LOT better than most people expect...

 

[Woodster]

Why are you ignoring the Lions games? They're probably more important than the Division Two stuff where Taylor would struggle to get a decent average because he's often batting with the tail by the time he reaches double figures.

Wouldn't say the Lions games were necessarily more important than domestic cricket, but yes, his performances for the Lions should no doubt be considered. But am I not right in thinking since the start of the summer they have only played twice ? Where the strength of the opposition has to be taken into account also, they played an under-strength SL first XI, and then against a SL 'A' side, which is made up of players in a similar position to Taylor in that generally they're not yet ready to be thrust into Test cricket but possess ample potential.

I don't buy into the fact he's always batting with the tail either, I'm sure there have been times when he has had to go in search of quick runs and consequently gifted his wicket away, but in the 17 innings he's had there have been enough opportunities for him to post a substantial score.

 

[marc71178]

Anyone hearing the noises about Taylor going to Edgbaston for next year. Some regard it as nailed on. Wonder what Ashley Giles role in this would be?

I heard they'd approached him but it makes no sense to me. You'd think that within 6 months he'd be a Test regular, meaning that we have yet another middle order batsman not available!

 

[Jarquis]

That's my whole rant really, that the names people have spoken about as replacements etc are guys with not that much first class experience and are very young.

Really? James Taylor has played 60 odd FC games and James Hildreth 130.
The only inexperienced one is Stokes and I don't think anyone is seriously suggesting he should get a call up now.

 

[GIMH]

I heard they'd approached him but it makes no sense to me. You'd think that within 6 months he'd be a Test regular, meaning that we have yet another middle order batsman not available!

Don't counties get money for providing England players?

 

[BoyBrumby]

It's fair to say it isn't the way I'd have gone.

Ravi did score a good ton on what was reported as a capricious Southend wicket (the Foxes, Taylor and all, scored 34 batting fourth), but it seems strange to select a chap who failed twice in the Loins game ahead of the one who made two 50s (and just missed out on a ton). If the selectors set any store by Loins games it's a very odd one.

That said, I can see Ravi scoring runs. Shorn of Zaheer the Indian attack suddenly looks not so much friendly as downright flirtatious.

 

[Jacknife]

Really? James Taylor has played 60 odd FC games and James Hildreth 130.
The only inexperienced one is Stokes and I don't think anyone is seriously suggesting he should get a call up now.

Yes, Taylor has experience but is young and Stokes is young with not too much experience, that's the point. To be honest hadn't really thought of Hildreth because he's had such a poor year.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

When I saw Hildreth dominate for Eng U-19s I was sure we were seeing the next great England batsmen come through. Just a little off the mark

I don't know why he still keeps coming in so low down the Somerset order. He's never going to prove himself batting 5 or 6 surely?

 

[Jacknife]

When I saw Hildreth dominate for Eng U-19s I was sure we were seeing the next great England batsmen come through. Just a little off the mark

I don't know why he still keeps coming in so low down the Somerset order. He's never going to prove himself batting 5 or 6 surely?

He had a brilliant season last year averaged over 65 with seven tons to his name and everyone thought he was going to kick on and become the batman people thought he was going to be.
Seems to have really struggled this year, I' m not sure there's any particular reason why but I bet he's gutted because he could have been playing for England this year, if his form had of held out.

 

[keeper]

I think everyone knows the Lions are a real step towards full recognition. Wonder if there is a motivation thing coming back to the shires for players who feel they are on the brink? In the winter we didn't look short of batting depth. The wicket-keepers seem to be scoring best. And the Yorkie lads seem to have gone quiet.

 

[Howe_zat]

And the Yorkie lads seem to have gone quiet.

Bairstow has really kicked on this year tbf, and of the young ones it's only Lyth that's been a disappointment. Our batting failures this year are mostly down to the senior players.

 

[EnglishCricket]

One argument might be Tremlett in for Trott, but that would leave us batting people out of position and that of course doesn't work. Oh wait...

That's true but in my opinion the selectors should stick with the 4 bowler policy, and make a hard decision with the quick bowlers.

They stuck with Stuart Broad and look how that has worked out, stick with 7 batsmen (including Prior), although I personally don't think Bopara is the man.

 

[keeper]

Bairstow has really kicked on this year tbf, and of the young ones it's only Lyth that's been a disappointment. Our batting failures this year are mostly down to the senior players.

Aye, was thinking of Lyth. Gale too - although I see now he isn't the youngster I thought.

Very excited about young Jonny but guess he is the generation after next. Btw, is he a genuine keeper or converted batsman..?

 

[EnglishCricket]

Aye, was thinking of Lyth. Gale too - although I see now he isn't the youngster I thought.

Very excited about young Jonny but guess he is the generation after next. Btw, is he a genuine keeper or converted batsman..?

I personally believe J.B. is a converted batsmen, but like Prior he can work on his keeping.

 

[Howe_zat]

Hard to say, but I'm yet to find any serious flaw in his glovework. Often takes the gloves ahead of Brophy, who definitely makes a better keeper than batsman, so I presume Bairstow's considered a good long-term keeper.

 

[keeper]

Intriguing - quite a talent it seems...