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Hobbs and Rhodes to open the batting, Foster and Barnes the bowling - no problem. England's Glory.
110-or-so years on, as said, Stokes the absolute key. With him 1-1 or 2-2, without him 0-3 or worse. A drawn series would still be a fabulous result imho.
Don't remember Hick or Ramprakash ever getting a Test double century (267) or 189 against the Aussies in an Ashes test.
Every England team has to have a boo boy and Crawley is this one even though he is one half of one of the best opening partnerships in our history. If you boys think Burns or Sibley running out of the way of Starc, when they realise it isn't a county seamer dobbling one down to them at the Oval when they are 500 runs ahead is a better bet, be my guest. Been there, got the t-shirt and it wasn't a pretty sight.
My one concern is that Crawley is proven to be brilliant against high pace and I fancy Boland will cause him more problems than Cummins would have done.
I do think we have a sniff if Stokesy stays fit and at least two of the pacers play 4/5 tests. However, it is still a very big ask.
I dont think anyone on here is currently advocating for Burns or Sibley.
My own personal choice would have been for Haseeb Hameed to go as back up / cover for Crawley and definitely to give Crawley the first two tests and see how he goes. And Hameed has shown, he is a scorer of big scores.
The comparison with Crawley with Hick and / or Ramprakesh thought was fair though.
All have undoubtedly qualities, but their quality in comparison to their overall general performances is limited. Crawley has a test batting average of 30.89 from 52 tests, Hick's is 31.32 from 65 tests, and Ramprakash's average is 27.32 from 52 tests. Just making the point, that their class would deem an average around the mid 40s, but as with the other two, Crawleys overall performances have been hampered by losses of concentration and poor shot selection after batting himself in.
Pope is the only other batsmen currently in jeopardy over losing his place, for me. I think also, likewise, he will be given the first two tests, all being well, and if its not happening for him, I expect Bethell to be given his place as a replacement.
However, given Jacks is in the squad if Pope fails, I personally would have Smith at number three and I think he can cope with a higher profile batting position along side performing with the gloves. Jacks could fill in at six or seven, also, if this scenario happens.
Don't remember Hick or Ramprakash ever getting a Test double century (267) or 189 against the Aussies in an Ashes test.
Every England team has to have a boo boy and Crawley is this one even though he is one half of one of the best opening partnerships in our history. If you boys think Burns or Sibley running out of the way of Starc, when they realise it isn't a county seamer dobbling one down to them at the Oval when they are 500 runs ahead is a better bet, be my guest. Been there, got the t-shirt and it wasn't a pretty sight.
My one concern is that Crawley is proven to be brilliant against high pace and I fancy Boland will cause him more problems than Cummins would have done.
I do think we have a sniff if Stokesy stays fit and at least two of the pacers play 4/5 tests. However, it is still a very big ask.
I think you may have SDS aka Surrey Derangement Sydrome
Nobody has really mentioned the dire state of the Aussie batting. Apart from Smith (who is clearly declining) and Head, they are in crisis as shown by the three tests against the Windies and the World Championship defeat by South Africa. They even tried Green as No 3, with limited success. This is a real chance for England.
I dont think anyone on here is currently advocating for Burns or Sibley.
My own personal choice would have been for Haseeb Hameed to go as back up / cover for Crawley and definitely to give Crawley the first two tests and see how he goes. And Hameed has shown, he is a scorer of big scores.
The comparison with Crawley with Hick and / or Ramprakesh thought was fair though.
All have undoubtedly qualities, but their quality in comparison to their overall general performances is limited. Crawley has a test batting average of 30.89 from 52 tests, Hick's is 31.32 from 65 tests, and Ramprakash's average is 27.32 from 52 tests. Just making the point, that their class would deem an average around the mid 40s, but as with the other two, Crawleys overall performances have been hampered by losses of concentration and poor shot selection after batting himself in.
Pope is the only other batsmen currently in jeopardy over losing his place, for me. I think also, likewise, he will be given the first two tests, all being well, and if its not happening for him, I expect Bethell to be given his place as a replacement.
However, given Jacks is in the squad if Pope fails, I personally would have Smith at number three and I think he can cope with a higher profile batting position along side performing with the gloves. Jacks could fill in at six or seven, also, if this scenario happens.
[Post edited 10 Oct 14:16]
I agree with all of that except for Hameed. Like a deer in the headlights out here last time.
I think you may have SDS aka Surrey Derangement Sydrome
What the Surrey Derangement Syndrome that believes Foakes is the Best Keeper in The World (no, and his batting isn't good enough either) Burns was a good Test opener (he wasn't) and that Sibley should be recalled because he grinds out hundreds on flat tracks whilst playing for the Surrey Globetrotters against 75mph county XIs?
No, no I don't have that. Probably.
To prove it, I think the Oval Invincibles' Sam Curran should always be in the Test Squad.
As for Haseeb Hameed, he's improved a lot so not a bad shout, he should be the next cab off the rank. The joy for all you Crawley haters is you can't lose now - he either helps us to win the Ashes or gets Bolanded and dropped forever.
I think Bazball theory sometimes goes too far, but having endured 50 odd years of our top order prodding and poking about whilst a Warner, Sehwag or whoever smashes us to all parts the Crawley / Duckett opening partnership has surely overall been a success even if this tour is the end of Crawley.
One thing is that as sure as Archer / Wood breaking down in Oz - Oval Invincibles / Slurrey will get a minor injury in the top order in a year's time and sign Crawley. Then it will be all "ooh hasn't he improved" "needs another England chance".
So I refute your suggestion that I am a Slurrey hater.
I'm still annoyed they took Jacks over Ahmed. Appreciate it is unlikely either would/will play but after averaging 50 in the county season I would love to see Ahmed back in the fold. Bowling needs a bit of work still, and leggies rarely favoured in our test sides.
I am hoping he is a big feature of the next cycle post this winter.
I'm still annoyed they took Jacks over Ahmed. Appreciate it is unlikely either would/will play but after averaging 50 in the county season I would love to see Ahmed back in the fold. Bowling needs a bit of work still, and leggies rarely favoured in our test sides.
I am hoping he is a big feature of the next cycle post this winter.
Agreed, was disappointed whilst at the same time highly unlikely he would have had much of an impact there. Mind you, zero chance Jacks will have an impact either.
I think they are actually protecting Ahmed, let's reintroduce him at home in an easier series rather than potentially get pulverised in a Test over there.
I've always thought he's a really good cricketer. His brother may be even better....
The Aussies have very selective memory. Johnson had that one great home series and that's all you'll hear them talk about with him. They overlook the fact that outside that series he was a laughing stock. Jimmy Anderson has double Johnson's test wickets but they'll still try to argue Johnson was better 😂.
His golden duck in 2011 in Sydney was hilarious. Walks out to the bowling is shite song (with choreographed crowd moves), gets out, walks off to the bowling is shite song 😄. I think its still on YouTube.
I don't think any jazz should be played with the batting line-up in an away Ashes test, certainly not unforced. That includes keeping Pope in place too, let him carry that pressure rather than Bethell, who looked overwhelmed by it against India when thrown in undercooked. His time will come, possibly even this tour at some point. Messing around with batting line-ups in previous Ashes backfires reliably.
The top six is set and rehearsed. Keep it steady, they all know their roles. The bowling order is going to be changing quite a bit throughout as it is. Bethell covers Pope's form and Stokes' fitness so I am sure if either falters he is in there (Carse can also step in for Stokes, though obvs not remotely as capably).
Thought this a really interesting interview with Crawley this morning in The Times. His comments about McCullum being happier with him when he's scored 20 but put pressure on the bowlers rather a higher, more laboured score a good insight into the mindset. Let's see if it works. Crawley obviously wants to be more popular!
What the Surrey Derangement Syndrome that believes Foakes is the Best Keeper in The World (no, and his batting isn't good enough either) Burns was a good Test opener (he wasn't) and that Sibley should be recalled because he grinds out hundreds on flat tracks whilst playing for the Surrey Globetrotters against 75mph county XIs?
No, no I don't have that. Probably.
To prove it, I think the Oval Invincibles' Sam Curran should always be in the Test Squad.
As for Haseeb Hameed, he's improved a lot so not a bad shout, he should be the next cab off the rank. The joy for all you Crawley haters is you can't lose now - he either helps us to win the Ashes or gets Bolanded and dropped forever.
I think Bazball theory sometimes goes too far, but having endured 50 odd years of our top order prodding and poking about whilst a Warner, Sehwag or whoever smashes us to all parts the Crawley / Duckett opening partnership has surely overall been a success even if this tour is the end of Crawley.
One thing is that as sure as Archer / Wood breaking down in Oz - Oval Invincibles / Slurrey will get a minor injury in the top order in a year's time and sign Crawley. Then it will be all "ooh hasn't he improved" "needs another England chance".
So I refute your suggestion that I am a Slurrey hater.
Regards
Adam Hollioake's Barmy Army
It certainly wasn’t Foakes’s batting that cost us the series in New Zealand in 2023.He was normally the one that came in and settled the batting line up down a bit.
Anyone who’ll be here for the Brisbane test is welcome to DM me for local advice on hotels, sights to see etc while you’re here. If you just fancy a beer with an Aussie R, we can do that too 😎🍺
What the Surrey Derangement Syndrome that believes Foakes is the Best Keeper in The World (no, and his batting isn't good enough either) Burns was a good Test opener (he wasn't) and that Sibley should be recalled because he grinds out hundreds on flat tracks whilst playing for the Surrey Globetrotters against 75mph county XIs?
No, no I don't have that. Probably.
To prove it, I think the Oval Invincibles' Sam Curran should always be in the Test Squad.
As for Haseeb Hameed, he's improved a lot so not a bad shout, he should be the next cab off the rank. The joy for all you Crawley haters is you can't lose now - he either helps us to win the Ashes or gets Bolanded and dropped forever.
I think Bazball theory sometimes goes too far, but having endured 50 odd years of our top order prodding and poking about whilst a Warner, Sehwag or whoever smashes us to all parts the Crawley / Duckett opening partnership has surely overall been a success even if this tour is the end of Crawley.
One thing is that as sure as Archer / Wood breaking down in Oz - Oval Invincibles / Slurrey will get a minor injury in the top order in a year's time and sign Crawley. Then it will be all "ooh hasn't he improved" "needs another England chance".
So I refute your suggestion that I am a Slurrey hater.
Regards
Adam Hollioake's Barmy Army
Not sure where you are getting your info from re people on here havjng Surrey bias.
No one hates Crawley. He is a quality player however lapses of concentration when in are his bug bear. Currently though no one is batting down the door for selection.
Burns and Sibley have not been good enough at England level so arent in contention and although Foakes possibly could do a job, Smith with his potential is the keyholder currently with keeping et al.
i am a Surrey fan since the 70s but alrhough Surrey win mostly now, it gives me no great pleasure. In fact though for the last county game, they had many key players out due to international comittments, their so called dominance of quality players, perversely worked against them.
Bringing in Dan Lawrence, Adam Zampa for a few games and others who have done well elsewhere does go against the old school way things have been done in county cricket. Have said to my fellow Surrey mate, they reek of Man City itis or the way Mourinho came in at Abramovic Utd.
i knew a guy who followed Man City before the milllions. He takes no pride in their bought success and likewise knew two men who stopped going to those Chelsea fellows when the billionaires arrived.
Sadly its the way of professional sport of today. Money is everything.
But you are kind of insinuating all Surrey fans think all their players should be in the England line up.
it should always be on merit and form. i must be one of those weird Surrey fans because i think Pope is in the last chance saloon currently...
Bit of a stretch with what you are insinuating to all Surrey fans.
But yes Surrey do win most things these days. Bad luck mr green eyed monster. Yes and we all think Surrey starting eleven should be the test side. Hadnt thought of that one......
That's my mate Southgate filming that. I was just to the right. I did the full tour (as I'm also doing this time). What a tour it was. One of the best I've been on. Only about 6 weeks to go now. Fly out early Nov. Come on England
Genuinely a bit sad if Pat Cummins is out. A class act with the ball, very decent with the bat and one of the more likeable Aussie cricket captains IMO.
On The Other Hand, it's usually us who lose our key fast bowlers so maybe it's about time.
If Stokes, Archer and Woods are all fit to bowl in every game (they won't be) England are just an entirely different bowling attack - not just better, but completely different type.
F##k him chose not to recall Bairstow but instead thought ill cheat my way to an Ashes series win and enjoyed Sandpaper gate which no doubt had happened and as senior pace bowler must have seen the condition of the ball
That's my mate Southgate filming that. I was just to the right. I did the full tour (as I'm also doing this time). What a tour it was. One of the best I've been on. Only about 6 weeks to go now. Fly out early Nov. Come on England
Reckon i was about 20 seats or so to the right of that and a few rows down. Lush.
F##k him chose not to recall Bairstow but instead thought ill cheat my way to an Ashes series win and enjoyed Sandpaper gate which no doubt had happened and as senior pace bowler must have seen the condition of the ball
The Aussie claim that the bowlers, and indeed the rest of the team, didn't know what was going on is one of the biggest lies of all time.
F##k him chose not to recall Bairstow but instead thought ill cheat my way to an Ashes series win and enjoyed Sandpaper gate which no doubt had happened and as senior pace bowler must have seen the condition of the ball
Well a draw, but helped them retain, not as much as two days of rain in Manchester and a daft declaration from Stokes in the first test did though.
Re the Bairstow incident, they still mock it but I remember how terribly upset they got about Stuart Broad not walking that time. They were fuming and started a 'Stuart Broad is a sh*t bloke' facebook page. Broad himself told a good story of being here and being asked for directions by a guy wearing a 'Stuart Broad is a sh*t bloke' t shirt (the fact such an item existed is quite sad) and the guy had no idea who he was...
Nobody has really mentioned the dire state of the Aussie batting. Apart from Smith (who is clearly declining) and Head, they are in crisis as shown by the three tests against the Windies and the World Championship defeat by South Africa. They even tried Green as No 3, with limited success. This is a real chance for England.
[Post edited 10 Oct 18:39]
Agree with this & if Windies had couple of blokes who could bat that series could have been interesting. Matches (& series?) likely decided on 1 or 2 partnerships that take control. Really looking forward to to this as only getting one test series in NZ v Windies. For some reason playing 20:20 & One Dayers v England on your way to Aussie - is pretty damp spring so far & hope can get some games in but far prefer a test or 2.
A tough ask as usual - even tougher with the stupid schedules and total lack of prep the players have.
Even without Cummins their bowling attack will come in hot, hopefully ours too but the pacemen will have to be managed well and not overworked.
Maybe we have the edge in the batting; at least the openers, and Root. But I'm concerned about Pope and Brook. And we need to subdue Smith, Head and Carey.
Yup; agree. Preparation consists of a little game with the ‘A’ team - not a single state match, which is baffling - they of course say we play too much cricket, well here's a case where we don’t play enough imo. As they know full well, the conditions are so different in Australia: the sun/heat, the bounce/pitches, the crowd, the Aussie players, you’ve got to get used to all that. As for the bowling, if it goes horribly wrong, say Wood or Archer breaks down in the first game, or Stokes can’t bowl a full complement, we are suddenly chasing the game before we’ve started. It just feels we're relying on a lot of 'fingers crossed' here.
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