8th Match - Afghanistan v England

[Johan]

On one hand it's great to see BazBall failing, on the other hand it's all the more infuriating that it seems to be at its most effective when whomping and boshing hapless NZ sides in tests.

Test Bazball exists to hammer in spineless sides, like New Zealand and South Africa

 

[Silver Silva]

Bowling lost it for England not Bazball batting

Most of their attack is unsuited to the conditions in Pakistan

Some of their bats do have question marks around them..

Phil Salt averages 22 against Champions Trophy teams , and his overall average of 32 is a downgrade from a Bairstow/Roy/Malan

Jamie Smith has barely played any List A cricket. He averages 19 in 9 odi matches for England and was asked to bat at No.3

Harry Brook hasn't quite cracked ODI cricket like he has done in Tests, only averaging 34 ..
That's not the worst considering his high SR but he's a specialist bat and compromises England's ability to field 6 good bowling options forcing England to turn to Root.

 

[reyrey]

Where is Sam Hain?

 

[Third_Man]

Rugby and cricket have become largely private school only sports. Quite simply, not enough kids are playing them (just 6% at these schools).

Whether the ECB’s 100 windfall will be invested wisely seems doubtful.

They have about £48m (10% of the sale of their 49%stakes) to allocate to grassroots cricket. Will most go towards DEI initiatives?

 

[Third_Man]

Not convinced about Brook as captain. Duckett is the second best bat in this side, but whether he has the maturity or game smarts, I'm not sure. I'm all for a curve ball captain from outside the current side.

Vince?

 

[Third_Man]

Tbf, in the case of Olympic sports this is a pretty common occurrence because of the influx of govt funding in the lead up to a home Games, which is then turned off afterwards.

If funding was turned off, it created a plateau in GB medal haul nothing else. OK half the number of golds London to Paris but identical number of medals:

	G	S	B	Total
Paris	14​	22​	29​	65​
Tokyo	22​	20​	22​	64​
Rio	27​	23​	17​	67​
London	29​	17​	19​	65​

 

[Third_Man]

I still don't really understand how Buttler has struggled so much. He seemed ideal on paper. Quite a smart bloke, I think, well respected in the side and around the world, shown a steely streak on occasions. Not a clue who comes next really.

Was quoted before CT that they knew it was a different longer format. But did that message just not get through in the cosy, ultra-supportive Bazball atmosphere?

 

[kevinw]

Vince?

He's nearly 34 and a gun for hire now.

 

[kevinw]

Where is Sam Hain?

It's embarrassing that he's only played twice for England. He should have been in the ODI for some time now and arguably should have played tests as well.