Road to the 2015 Ashes in England

[Gob]

But Lyon hasn't done enough to keep his spot. He bowls darts and can't tie down an end, he has worse stats than others who've been dropped before him. He can't field well or bat. Granted those last things Ahmed isn't strong on either, but there are other options.

It ain't easy being lyon .

**** post.

 

[hendrix]

I'm sure multiple people will have already commented, but is Gary Ballance really going to be England's number 3?

 

[Riggins]

**** I hope so.

 

[Furball]

Is Bell really going to be our number 4?

Bloke is ****house.

 

[Spark]

Average below 44 now. Starting to veer from "solid" into "kinda mediocre" territory.

 

[harsh.ag]

One of Ballance and Bell will definitely be dropped before the fourth test. Possibly by the third itself.

 

[Tangles]

Haze and Harris could have Cook in that same group. Would be excellent.

 

[Bahnz]

I'm sure multiple people will have already commented, but is Gary Ballance really going to be England's number 3?

Nah they're bringing KP back.

 

[Flem274*]

You can't drop Ballance based on him hypothetically failing, but you can put him at #5 and bump Bell and Root up one.

I'd keep the same team. Apart from KP and James Taylor (from players I've seen) this is the best England have. Maybe Rashid has a case to be part of a five man attack.

 

[Pothas]

Ballance can look terrible for sure but there really is no case for dropping him, Taylor has not really pressed his case in the last couple of years. I don't know if we would even be able to pick him, or if he would accept, but if we do need someone mid series then Ed Joyce might well be the best option. Picking old guys has worked for Australia.

 

[GIMH]

Ballance can look terrible for sure but there really is no case for dropping him, Taylor has not really pressed his case in the last couple of years. I don't know if we would even be able to pick him, or if he would accept, but if we do need someone mid series then Ed Joyce might well be the best option. Picking old guys has worked for Australia.

He's not eligible anymore is he?

Edit - actually the eligibility rules only work one way round don't they? Farcical, but. Always thought it was a shame he never got a go in Tests back in the day tbh.

 

[Pothas]

No idea. I know he had to wait until he played for Ireland again. Maybe you are not allowed to swap back again?

 

[GIMH]

No I think you're right. Because when he first qualified (and Morgan) there was no waiting period

 

[Shady Slim]

Rogers
Warner
Smith
Clarke
Voges
Watson
Haddin
Harris
Johnson
Lyon
Hazlewood

Starc standby for the eventual breaking of Harris, but look at that deep batting order

 

[Flem274*]

Not a huge fan of Smith at #3. Just doesn't feel right even with his massively improved judgement.

Not that there is anyone better unfortunately. What is Vogels Bread like as a batsman? I'm fine with newbies at #3 if they're very experienced FC cricketers.

 

[Spark]

Voges is definitely a #4 at best.

 

[Prince EWS]

Yeah even in domestic cricket Voges bats 4. Has even spent a lot of time at 5 in the past. Pure middle order.

 

[Flem274*]

Bugger. I suppose there is always the sacrificial lamb in Twatto...but I'd rather have Mitch Marsh in my team.

 

[Tangles]

I think Smith has earned a shot at 3. There just needs to be some patience while he adapts. The only difficult thing will be in deciding how long to continue if it isn't working. Hard to say X tests. Just have to see if he is handling the moving ball and the different match situations. I think he's the best option if he can handle it.

 

[adub]

The Ashes: Sky Sports pundits rework 'We Didn't Start The Fire'... | Cricket News | Sky Sports

ok, I'm no Billy Joel fan, but I'm officially gagging for the 1st test now.