No ****. A good opener should apply themselves to face 240 balls per innings on average, not over an entire ****ing series.
Of these, the last option is the only one that works for me, with Williamson at 5 and Brownlie at 6, Watling at 7.
For as much as I've derided him lately, I've been generally supportive of McCullum in the past, but this just does my head in. Where does he expect to bat? He's managed to push up his average as a specialist bat iirc, but he still averages 35 and isn't that consistent. I don't think he should displace Taylor or Williamson, who are more talented, will have better careers and will provide more for us in their preferred positions. McCullum flirted with being specialist number 3 before going back down the order, then wanted to open. He's changed his game, and we've had another player (Watling) change his as well. I imagine McCullum won't be taking the gloves back up, so I think, realistically, 3 is his best option, but that displaces Williamson. he could go 5 and bump the others down, but what happens to Ryder when he comes back?
Indeed. Maybe they'll get Watling to open and bring in Ronchi? Then who else? Continue with Guptill?
Yes, this is the most annoying thing.
I wouldn't mind this if they picked some domestic journeyman.
Pretty much agree. Really can't see McCullum being one of the best 4/5/6s in the country - would probably rank around 6th if I cbf writing it down. Remember this is someone who, to his credit, has managed to get through the new ball once or twice in all our recent series... and then every single time he gets out in the 50s or 60s and doesn't make a hundred.
Hey remember when Bracewell got random middle order players to open? I do hope for Brownlie's sake that Hesson isn't going to emulate that line of thinking.Edit: or even Williamson...
Ryder to open in a David Warner/Sehwag style attacking role.
1. D Brownlie
