Yeah as little as a few days ago I said I was fine with the balance of the team (if not the personnel) but hard to disagree now. Ballance to 5 and some new guy at 3 or opening. Undeniable that our best result have come when Moeen has been down at 8, even if him being there is always going to seem strange.Great performance SA, fully deserved. We were pathetic, but no real surprise given the team picked. Frail and weak in same spots as they have been for years.
Wood/Dawson/Ballance should be on borrowed time although given they have been picked i'd probably give Ballance/Wood another Test. Dawson should be gone straight away, Ali is more than fine - pick another batsmen.
Yeah there's something about him that just doesn't look quite up to it against quality pace bowling. Imagine taking him to Brisbane with that defence, eek.Jennings probably should and will get a run but he looks seriously awful.
It kind of reminds me of the sort of selections we were making a few years back. Picking Cowan etc off one good Shield season. Might be fine for a bit, but long term they find their level again.Also one of those players that basically has had one great season in his life.
We hear a lot about people doing really well in county cricket and then struggling in international cricket but most of them have actually had fairly modest career records, Ballance is the obvious exception.
Not disputing that, but it's the total lack of fight that stands out here.
Yeah, I actually don't envy the selectors. Especially given the lack of CC games currently.England's batting lineup almost makes Australia look solid
Almost
Jennings and Ballance probably should go as neither look up to it but I also think that there's a case for standing firm and giving them the series
Whatever way they go, Root should bat 3
India have by far the best record there.
I doubt that England can afford another bits and pieces all rounder which is all Buttler would be at this levelYeah, I actually don't envy the selectors. Especially given the lack of CC games currently.
I would fudge things slightly and heave Dawson for a proper batsman. Five bowlers plus Root and (at a pinch) Jennings should be plenty.
Trouble is who to bring in? Westley, Stoneman and Denly have all been in the runs this year, but all have (I think and CBA to check) FC averages south of 40.
Jos, maybe? Unquestionably has the talent.
Hales? We did that already.Maybe the selectors should pick on temperament as they can't use form, so cheerio to Ballance, Jennings, Wood and Dawson and hello to Hameed, Hales and the brothers Curran