Yeah true, I just figure he gave his best ever year when playing unshackled. Though he did keep for an innings against NZ (I think)Don't know why he would?
Before this year he had a better record when playing as a keeper. He might go back to old Bairstow anyway but I don't think it would have anything to do with him keeping or not.
Only 2 Bens allowed at a time in the XI?I wouldn't be surprised if Stokes thought, "**** it, I'll just open."
Yeah this could be the way to go, especially if he’s gonna slog lower down the order anyways.I wouldn't be surprised if Stokes thought, "**** it, I'll just open."
Agree it's not something that can or needs to be sorted now but I'm firmly in the camp that Foakes needs to stay. YJB walks back in if fit and Pope and Brook are locks too.I reckon Bairstow back in as keeper and Foakes missing out is most likely, harsh though that definitely would be on Foakes.
But it's not a call that can be made now anyway. It was a really nasty injury Bairstow suffered. Sadly no guarantees he'll return back at the same level he was playing at in the summer.
Leach. Possibly averages 90 batting in the top 3. At least, that's what he did in the one innings I can remember.Open with Anderson IMO
Looking at it like that, Stokes is the stand-out candidate as we have far more to lose from the others in the top 6 by promoting them up the order.Agree it's not something that can or needs to be sorted now but I'm firmly in the camp that Foakes needs to stay. YJB walks back in if fit and Pope and Brook are locks too.
Our real issues in the line up is the openers so fix that and play our best 11. Nothing about this Eng side is orthodox so having anyone of Bairstow, root, Stokes or Pope open I can get on board with......way more than Foakes sitting out and Zac Crawley playing
His stats as captain are good though, 39 and 31.Bizarre how Stokes has become Mike Brearley within a year. Hardly bowls bat's like an idiot but is a genius captain.
Close to De Grandhommesque - Ben's clearly lifted his game.His stats as captain are good though, 39 and 31.
Averaged 18 after the India test. He's finished.Drop Root and play both