Lillian Thomson
Hall of Fame Member
The early signs are for a bit of an Indian summer for the Oval area for the next week or so. It'll still be a bit chilly for the spectators and the sunset will start around 6pm, but it's looking dry.
Bradman was averaging about 185 but still got a duck in his final innings.So sorry England. Smith averages 144.00 at the oval with scores of 138*, 7, 143.
So there is a 1 in 3 chance he'll score less than 10.........I'll take that.So sorry England. Smith averages 144.00 at the oval with scores of 138*, 7, 143.
Yeah but this is Smith we're talking about where his only 'fail' this series was 82 off 90 odd balls when going for it. Here he can take his time and bat for 2 daysBradman was averaging about 185 but still got a duck in his final innings.
I'd pick Starc for The Oval, but given the Ashes has already been retained I think I'm probably somewhat in favour of resting Cummins given how short the turnaround is. I think even though we won the opener situation has to change.It will be interesting to see the approach England takes for this match. A very short turn around so I'm not sure whether Stokes will be able to bowl. Presumably Overton did enough to keep his spot, and certainly the openers and Root are secure. Do they give any or all of Roy, Bairstow and Buttler the last match, or do they make some changes with a view to the future given there's slightly less pressure now the Ashes are not on the line (albeit they want to level the series, of course).
It's also a very short turn around for our bowlers, particularly Cummins who showed the first signs of fatigue late yesterday, although he was still magnificent. Do they rest him to ensure his home summer? And do they stick with Starc, who may be better for the run and wasn't terrible but isn't as unerringly accurate as the others in the squad?
The Oval used to be quite fast and bouncy a few years back. If that's the case it may favour Starc, especially if it's dry. I seem to remember there being a bit of reverse there from time to time as well.
Only in the sense of "it's hard to do worse". I cannot see that working at all, though.Would anyone think Wade could do any worse than Bancroft/Warner/ Harris as an opener?
In Australia, and most places, I think Wade could do a fine job as opener. Not sure about in England though.Would anyone think Wade could do any worse than Bancroft/Warner/ Harris as an opener?
Yeah but that’s no good if he breaks down. I’m not saying to rest him because he needs a snooze, I’m talking in terms of managing potential stress fracture type injuries. They test for those pretty stringently these days anyway I suppose, so they’ll know if he’s at risk. If he is I wouldn’t play him.Resting Cummins would be the height of stupidity. He's got a long break before the next series after this one.