I just don't think Marsh deserves to be dropped. Green's development won't stall that much from missing another game, he'll still have gained lots of experience from this tour. From an English perspective, I'd be delighted if Marsh was dropped for Green. Sometimes a player fits into a series, especially The Ashes, and you get an unlikely hero.
As Spark was pretty clearly saying, the "mediocre return" you speak of is somewhat of an overstatement on your behalf
Not talking up anyone, especially Marsh (could have made a good no. 8 if his bowling was better) but credit where it's due, Marsh's ton is one of the better counter attacking innings I have seen for quite a while and Green has done nothing that would be remotely comparative. My criticisms come from being underwhelmed for years and I can't help think of how many players have been discarded after very frugal opportunities.
"After a decade" is the key though. After two and a half years Stokes had done... honestly very little. There was that innings in Perth, a wallop against SA and that was about it, the bloke was averaging either side of 30 with the bat. England were simply patient with him, backed in his obvious talent, and have reaped the rewards since then. No player, but especially no allrounder, comes into Test cricket the finished product; patience is a virtue at times. Marsh deserves to play the next game and on that basis Green has a tough time getting squeezed back into the side but long-term Green is simply a much better cricketer; MMarsh really was picked on potential alone whereas Green had actually performed at the lower levels. If there was some other batsman aged 25yo or under battering the door down in the Shield then absolutely get him in instead but there just isn't. Selection is ultimately about choosing between what's on offer and if our answers are "Harris or Renshaw" then we've probably asked the wrong question.
I just wish he’d make his mind up once and for all if he actually wants to play for England. Are we supposed to be grateful after he’s been out of the team for a while, that he wants to come back?
He seemed perfectly content not playing but was asked by the captain and coach to reconsider due to an injury, so yeah probably. Or at the very least, they should be grateful.
Sorry, missed the bit where he was asked to return.My post was based on something I read that gave the impression he was picking and choosing. Apologies!
I'm grateful. He's doing a job with the ball with Leach out and that was a very handy 50 today. He can retire after the series if he wants, I'm not the least bit bothered.
Aha fair enough!
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