Stokes and McCullum have said his leg's going to be alright. No idea what they base that on though and it does seem like pie in the sky.I have a feeling Stokes won't be doing any bowling...he was uncomfortable even batting so what would the bowling look like if this was the case?
Four fast bowlers and leave out Leach, Root as the spinner?
I dont think it's potentially unwise......I think it's dead set stupid and nonsensical.Back to this old chestnut.
Seems to be a bit of talk starting that the intention is to drop Foakes.
I think that would be massively harsh, and potentially quite unwise.
He's demonstrated excellence with the gloves and his final knock in NZ was superb. Could not have realistically done any more to keep his place.
Hope so as well. Last time Bairstow played for Yorkshire was in 2020 and he batted at number three. Can't see any difference between opening the batting and coming in so early. If he wants to get fit quickly he shouldn't be keeping wicket for Yorks as well.I dont think it's potentially unwise......I think it's dead set stupid and nonsensical.
Just hoping it's unfounded media crap tbh. Foakes is about my 3rd name going on the team sheet right now and dropping him whilst keeping Crawley would be up there with the biggest selection blunders ever imo.
And does well opening the batting with the white ball too 58.20Yeah I think it would be mad to have Bairstow keep when he'd just found his happy place as a batsman alone. If they don't want to change the middle order, drop Crawley and have Bairstow be the cannon fodder up front while the ball is moving. As an Australia supporter I'd be well and truly in favour of that rather than have him in the middle order where he's done well against us in the past.
His average at 3 is much higher than that though. He was poor in NZ but his output has been much better in this new era.It's worth pointing out that Pope is still only averaging 32 and quite often appears to be like a duracell bunny on red bull at the crease. He doesn't seem to have improved at all under McCullum/Stokes. Perhaps the change that makes the least impact is just swapping him for Bairstow at 3. I really don't think we want to make any changes to what we have at 4-7 which looks so strong.
*ten tests of slogging on pancakes against medium pacers.this new era.*
Would be a terrible idea to open with Root when he’s rock solid at fourPersonally I think any of Pope, Root, Stokes or Bairstow are all possible shouts to have a crack at opening. I'd probably favour Pope as Ashes81 has mentioned purely cos he's generally in early anyway. But I dont have particularly strong views on who it should be.......just so long as its Bairstow in and Crawley out and they leave Foakes right where he is.
Agreed, I'm thinking Australia aren't considering sticking Smith there to replace Warner!!Would be a terrible idea to open with Root when he’s rock solid at four
Haha indeed notAgreed, I'm thinking Australia aren't considering sticking Smith there to replace Warner!!
Idiot*ten tests of slogging on pancakes against medium pacers.