I've always argued against Pope batting at 3 as he doesn't bat that high for his county. But your logic there isn't the worst, although I have no idea when he'll be fit enough to bat anywhere. There was talk of Malan batting at 3 for the test side, but it would help if he was actually able to play some red ball cricket first.i dont think the openers are too bad compared to their rivals around the world. crawley needs to go though. terrible batsman.
pope would be my #3 when fit. likes pace, hates spin, has talent and county runs.
I struggle to think of a worse one out of Top 7 nations. Maybe Pakistan? Neither have much upside either.i dont think the openers are too bad compared to their rivals around the world. crawley needs to go though. terrible batsman.
pope would be my #3 when fit. likes pace, hates spin, has talent and county runs.
It is a story as old as time (or at least 10 years). Cannot finish England off. Cannot bowl in the third innings. Cannot chase in SENA conditions. Maybe this time will be different but history begs to differ.why does india bowling always go flat at the wrong times when touring England
Shakib al RootCan't truthfully recall an English batting line up where the difference between our best batsman and anyone else is so marked.
I've seen line ups where our top chap was undeniable (Gower in the 80s, Thorpe in the 90s and early 00s, Pietersen in the later 00s) but we also had other blokes who were at least in shouting distance of them.
Root though, especially in this XI shorn of Stokes, is so far ahead of the rest it's almost embarrassing.
Apart from maybe some Chanderpaul led WIndian sides, hard to think one full stop, let alone England.Can't truthfully recall an English batting line up where the difference between our best batsman and anyone else is so marked.
I've seen line ups where our top chap was undeniable (Gower in the 80s, Thorpe in the 90s and early 00s, Pietersen in the later 00s) but we also had other blokes who were at least in shouting distance of them.
Root though, especially in this XI shorn of Stokes, is so far ahead of the rest it's almost embarrassing.