That’s just embarrassing isn’t it? Shows how bad Warner has been. I mean, at least the other three openers are all newbies who can be excused to some extent, but Warner has been diabolical. Certainly decent plans well executed, but he’s barely given a yelp. Woeful performance from an otherwise proven player.
Nah that doesn’t fit the blinkered narrative. Neither does the fact that their ‘disciplined’ attack conceded 360 to lose in the 4th innings.
Yes, he's been arse. They all have, other than Burns at times, riding his luck as an opener's entitled to do.
Rubbish for the reasons already stated. And the first test was a pizzling by 200 plus runs while England has a five man attack. The argument England wins if Anderson stays fit would certainly have more credence if they carried only four bowlers but they don’t. England got away with a draw at Lord’s as much for Australia missing Smith’s fielding at slip to Lyon as they did his batting.
Indeed. He has an awkward technique and set up so cops extra stock for that, but he applies himself and has a good temperament. If I was england, regardless of the result of this series from here, I would stick with him over the winter tour and let him try to establish himself. Like the cut of his job.
Think we will certainly stick with him, might end up lumbering him with the captaincy sooner rather than later depending on how this series finishes.
Lol they conceded 360 over five sessions in the best batting conditions of the series and lost by one wicket owing to a miracle knock. If england had bowled that tight here, they’d still be in with a shot in this test instead of hoping it rains for a day and a half to save it
Yeah it’s a tough one, that. Has he done much skippering before? But you need Root the batsman back more than you need Root the skipper.
No, Burgey's claim that Aus have had the worse of the conditions (I'm not commenting on whether it's correct or not) is largely based on the less predictable factors such as batting conditions getting much easier when the sun's been out, and general changing of pitch conditions due to several factors. Completely independent of the toss.
you having a laugh?
You're missing the point. The scoreline isn't the only indicator of a flogging.
I do appreciate that can happen, I still disagree (despite getting the point!) that it will have been a flogging. These are two bang average batting sides, and while yes I do think Australia have been marginally the better side on the whole thanks in the main to Smith, there really isn't a huge difference and to this point no flogging has been dished out.
Captained Surrey to title last season.
Correct, largely because of the 2 games Smith missed. That's the point you're still missing.
Ideally I suppose you’d want him to properly establish himself before he gets the gig. Could give it to Stokes but it’s a big load to carry, being allrounder and skipper. Particularly when you’re only a couple of vodkas away from belting someone at a post game bender.
The concussion rule is the only reason you didn't lose at Lord's. Without Smith 2 in the second innings we'd have waltzed home.
Root’s issues with captaincy aren’t dissimilar to Paine’s imo. They’re both under pressure because of the weakness in the batting, and when there under pressure theh sometimes do desperate/ stupid things. Paine with the reviews all series and Root not sticking to basic plans and trying to be too funky.
You’re assuming Smith 1 wouldn’t have batted and made 160, concussed or not.
No, again I understand Smith missed a Test, and our Premier bowler has missed the series, hope you understand this point.