Some of our batsmen simply aren't good enough. A few are but the likes of Stokes, Buttler and even Root have too much a T20 mentality. Shots that they get away with in T20 they can't in Test cricket. The bowling is more consistent and there are far more attacking fields.
Also, the selection of Buttler is a fucking insult upon the Lions squad, upon those who've begun the season well and upon Test cricket. The biggest nonsense selection in a while.
Also, the selection of Buttler is a fucking insult upon the Lions squad, upon those who've begun the season well and upon Test cricket. The biggest nonsense selection in a while.
Showed that all but one of Pakistan's wickets taken were pitched up. All of our balls are short, apart from one from Board that got a wicket. Same old.
In my way home - stupid decision to bat - ball zinging around all over - that said, yet again batsmen playing at balls / playing shots that don't belong in the first morning / early part of your innings in a test match - worst of all Root who should know better - he had no need to go after that ball - who knows where this match will end up, however it will be lucky to get to Sunday !!!
I got to work this morning and said to my mate I hope we win the toss this morning as it's perfect bowling conditions. Next thing I heard was we won the toss and chose to bat. Madness.
Some of our batsmen simply aren't good enough. A few are but the likes of Stokes, Buttler and even Root have too much a T20 mentality. Shots that they get away with in T20 they can't in Test cricket. The bowling is more consistent and there are far more attacking fields.
That's what I was trying to say but sadly not quite so succinctly.
Anyone been to Lords yet this year? What is the draught bitter? Is it still Marstons? I hope so. I know the ECB have done a deal with Green King and that is the beer at The Oval now, hopefully the MCC make their own decisions and have kept Marstons.
Still Marstons.
I was there myself as I had said, but thanks anyway. It was very good ale by the way. Also had some craft beers on and some Breakesperes at the Tavern Bar. Also that funny little patisserie behind the Edrich/Mound is now a Gin Palace! Lords looking very trendy.
I love watching The Verdict straight afterwards. Bob Willis saying that the Lions aren't good enough to step up & Angus Fraser (part of the selection committee) trying to justify why Stoneman is still in the side - (blaming the weather wiping out one county mstch & then poor early season pitches)
Yet again England pay the price for poor preparation and a sloppy mental attitude.
No coincidence that the Pakistani's have hit the ground running, they have played a couple of first class matches as well as the test in Ireland, where they had a decent match.
Contrast that to our approach, of half the side being shipped in from the IPL, and in the case of Stoneman, having virtually no form at all.
Just like the away NZ series, we come in thinking that we can only half prepare, and will get away with it!
Yet again England pay the price for poor preparation and a sloppy mental attitude.
No coincidence that the Pakistani's have hit the ground running, they have played a couple of first class matches as well as the test in Ireland, where they had a decent match.
Contrast that to our approach, of half the side being shipped in from the IPL, and in the case of Stoneman, having virtually no form at all.
Just like the away NZ series, we come in thinking that we can only half prepare, and will get away with it!
Yes, that Ireland test was a great warm up for the Pakistan players, perhaps we should regularly play them in May before the home Tests start?
Comments
Next thing I heard was we won the toss and chose to bat.
Madness.
Pleased for Cook but we still have a massive opening partnership issue
Looks like some silly shots but why didn’t we have a crack at their fairly fragile batting
Assume overcast May conditions I’m sure Pakistan would have loved to bat in that..
No coincidence that the Pakistani's have hit the ground running, they have played a couple of first class matches as well as the test in Ireland, where they had a decent match.
Contrast that to our approach, of half the side being shipped in from the IPL, and in the case of Stoneman, having virtually no form at all.
Just like the away NZ series, we come in thinking that we can only half prepare, and will get away with it!
We have now dropped five.