He seemed to have improved on that in the last couple of seasons. But ever since the double century in the UAE (and particularly through the World Cup) he seems to have gone completely into slogging mode. Basically, taking the "express yourself" thingy too seriously. That second innings in Leeds showed he is still capable of a judicious innings when he puts his mind to it, but his urge to make a statement every time he goes out to bat is spoiling things.
Yes, this is exactly how I see it. During the course of 2014, the "aggression" was mainly in the form of positive declarations (Bridgetown, Dubai and against the Lankans at Wellington) and some good field placings. In fact, during Pakistan's back-to-back series against Australia and NZ, it was widely noted that the kiwis benefited from not emulating Australia's force-the-pace approach.
Did think of this, and might be worth considering for the return series if the opening puzzle is not solved (and yeah another McCullum vs Starc showdown, well it won't be boring).
Deserves to? What did he do to be so deserving? He averaged 13 over the test tour just gone.
To think of it another way, Starc, Hazlewood and co would be delighted to see Guptill in the lineup if he does hold on to his spot for the return series. Though this has never been the way McHesson have approached things in dealing with players, there will be a lot of pressure on them for a better result when that series comes around.
Brownlie is a better long-form player who's had very few chances compared with others. In what respect Guptill a better 5 day bat than he?
No McCullum rating? How about a 2 : poor use of the review system, frenetic field changes on Day 1 at Gabba added to a nightmarish day, naive and inept tactics, poor selections - 2 spinners on a greentop that lasted 3 days (Smith took one look at the amount of grass and sent O'keefe home), a pig-headed need to keep playing Mark Craig and keep bowling him at absolutely the wrong times - including at the injured Starc and on the last day when runs were as valuable as gold,
Brownlie is a better FC batsman than Guptill, but I still don't back him at all as an opener.
What makes you think Guptill is a test opener? I don't back Guptill as a test opener, and I also don't back him as a middle order test batsman, as he did nothing there also.
I mean really? Guptill did pretty well in England in my eyes, two innings he ground out against the swinging ball and two he nicked out. I mean sure he doesn't have the tightest defensive technique in the world and plays with hard hands but no one is trying to say he will be a good Test batsman.
He nicked off yes. For nought, twice. In no way did he do any sort of job in seeing of the new ball. Just flippantly saying someone nicked off is no excuse. Don't play that line. He pushes out at the ball. Openers need to know where their off stump is and only play what they need to. And have the defensive technique to do the job. If he has the defensive technique to do the job, where is the evidence. Too many very low scores.
