Well Buttler caught two fantastic catches and the ships (and Broad) dropped a heap of catchable ones between them.
Must have been quite gloomy by then and fair play to the umpires for leaving them out. Not quite sure why Pakistan had to come out to be sent back but hey hopefully there will be enough play to get a win.
I would just like to put on record how delighted I am that Jos Buttler seems to have found his way in test cricket with bat and ball. Long may it continue.
As you all know I've been banging the Foakes drum fairly loudly for the last couple of years. This does not mean that I wanted Buttler to fail. Absolutely not. I've always felt that if Buttler could do it then England and test cricket would be the better for it. Everyone loved the idea of Buttler coming in at 6 or 7 counter attacking and being a game changer. It's the absolute dream in test cricket. However I was starting to feel like it would remain just that, a dream. I simply felt that his form for such a long period, the way he was playing coupled with his below average first class record were enough to suggest he'd had enough chances and that he want going to translate obvious talent into the longer format. I felt that Foakes' keeping being significantly better and that with Stokes in the side our keeper would be batting 7 then Foakes deserved a run at it. I do wonder what would have happened if the winter subcontinent tours had gone ahead as they are the obvious strength of Foakes' batting and keeping.
The Jos has looked a different player with the bat in the first test and then this match and he kept well too today. I hope it continues and he averages mid 40s from now on and his keeping continues to improve and that he goes on to be a key player and a key part of us beating the Aussies down under.
I also hope that his limited overs form wont be affected. We saw with Bairstow that whilst he is capable of averaging 50 in both long and short formats the cmtechnical changes he had to make to his technique to be successful in one day cricket massively hindered him in red ball cricket. With the T20 world cup next year we cannot afford for Jos to have the same issues.
It is interesting that his record at 6 is significantly better than his record at 7
I do feel these debates over keepers will be much clearer in the future with fielding metrics a key part of the game it'll be the difference between a keepers batting and keeping average that matters. We definitely underestimate the value of a specialist keeper in modern cricket. Especially if they're batting 7.
Buttler has had a very good match, but deserved the criticism he got for his keeping in the 1st Test as it was shocking. Glad to see it's improved in this match. He's batted very maturely too
Annoyed with Ed Smith though, releasing Foakes and Curran to play for Surrey against Kent. Traitor
Buttler has had a very good match, but deserved the criticism he got for his keeping in the 1st Test as it was shocking. Glad to see it's improved in this match. He's batted very maturely too
Annoyed with Ed Smith though, releasing Foakes and Curran to play for Surrey against Kent. Traitor
We still have more players away with England across both squads than you. Stop moaning
Cricket does have a significant issue with the lack of cricket played in state schools, my impression is that fast bowlers are more likely to be state school educated?
Anderson, Woakes, Wood, Stokes, Flintoff, Harmison, Hoggard, Finn, Plunkett were all state school educated for example
I think that's fair comment. The likes of Crawley, Sibley, Roy, Burns and Pope will have reaped the benefits of batting on decent tracks far more than bowlers would.
However, this was the 2020 World Cup England U19 squad:
Kasey Aldridge (Somerset) - Millfield (Private) George Balderson (Lancashire) - Cheadle Hulme (State) Ben Charlesworth (Gloucestershire) - St Edward's (Private) Tom Clark (Sussex) - Ardingly College (Private) Jordan Cox (Kent) - Felsted (Private) Scott Currie (Hampshire) - Unknown (State) Blake Cullen (Middlesex) - Hampton (Private) Harry Duke (Yorkshire) - Queen Elizabeth G S Wakefield (Private) Joey Evison (Nottinghamshire) - Stamford (Private) Lewis Goldsworthy (Somerset - Millfield (Private) Jack Haynes (Worcestershire) - Malvern College (Private) George Hill (Yorkshire) - Sedbergh (Private) Dan Mousley (Warwickshire) - Bablake (Private) Hamidullah Qadri (Kent) - Chellaston College (State) Sam Young (Somerset) - Millfield (Private)
So, 12 of a squad of 15 were privately educated - or 80%. And only one, it would appear, from an ethnic background who happens to be state educated.
Even if we ignore how many state schools now play cricket, what percentage of young cricketers that do play club cricket go to private schools? Certainly not 80%. In fact it is probably more in line with the national average of privately educated pupils which is actually 7% - or the equivalent of just one of the 15 man England squad referred to above.
And what percentage of young cricketers come from an ethnic background? Far higher than the one player represented in this squad.
Cricket does have a significant issue with the lack of cricket played in state schools, my impression is that fast bowlers are more likely to be state school educated?
Anderson, Woakes, Wood, Stokes, Flintoff, Harmison, Hoggard, Finn, Plunkett were all state school educated for example
I think that's fair comment. The likes of Crawley, Sibley, Roy, Burns and Pope will have reaped the benefits of batting on decent tracks far more than bowlers would.
However, this was the 2020 World Cup England U19 squad:
Kasey Aldridge (Somerset) - Millfield (Private) George Balderson (Lancashire) - Cheadle Hulme (State) Ben Charlesworth (Gloucestershire) - St Edward's (Private) Tom Clark (Sussex) - Ardingly College (Private) Jordan Cox (Kent) - Felsted (Private) Scott Currie (Hampshire) - Unknown (State) Blake Cullen (Middlesex) - Hampton (Private) Harry Duke (Yorkshire) - Queen Elizabeth G S Wakefield (Private) Joey Evison (Nottinghamshire) - Stamford (Private) Lewis Goldsworthy (Somerset - Millfield (Private) Jack Haynes (Worcestershire) - Malvern College (Private) George Hill (Yorkshire) - Sedbergh (Private) Dan Mousley (Warwickshire) - Bablake (Private) Hamidullah Qadri (Kent) - Chellaston College (State) Sam Young (Somerset) - Millfield (Private)
So, 12 of a squad of 15 were privately educated - or 80%. And only one, it would appear, from an ethnic background who happens to be state educated.
Even if we ignore how many state schools now play cricket, what percentage of young cricketers that do play club cricket go to private schools? Certainly not 80%. In fact it is probably more in line with the national average of privately educated pupils which is actually 7% - or the equivalent of just one of the 15 man England squad referred to above.
And what percentage of young cricketers come from an ethnic background? Far higher than the one player represented in this squad.
Starting at 11am tomorrow, (although I think more likely to be the afternoon).
The weather tomorrow morning is poor so no point starting early
Yes, I've just seen the forecast & I think the incoming weather system is ahead of schedule. Might get some play tomorrow afternoon & the same Tuesday.....although depending if they can get the outfield dry Tuesday might be starting around tea time.
Cricket does have a significant issue with the lack of cricket played in state schools, my impression is that fast bowlers are more likely to be state school educated?
Anderson, Woakes, Wood, Stokes, Flintoff, Harmison, Hoggard, Finn, Plunkett were all state school educated for example
I think that's fair comment. The likes of Crawley, Sibley, Roy, Burns and Pope will have reaped the benefits of batting on decent tracks far more than bowlers would.
However, this was the 2020 World Cup England U19 squad:
Kasey Aldridge (Somerset) - Millfield (Private) George Balderson (Lancashire) - Cheadle Hulme (State) Ben Charlesworth (Gloucestershire) - St Edward's (Private) Tom Clark (Sussex) - Ardingly College (Private) Jordan Cox (Kent) - Felsted (Private) Scott Currie (Hampshire) - Unknown (State) Blake Cullen (Middlesex) - Hampton (Private) Harry Duke (Yorkshire) - Queen Elizabeth G S Wakefield (Private) Joey Evison (Nottinghamshire) - Stamford (Private) Lewis Goldsworthy (Somerset - Millfield (Private) Jack Haynes (Worcestershire) - Malvern College (Private) George Hill (Yorkshire) - Sedbergh (Private) Dan Mousley (Warwickshire) - Bablake (Private) Hamidullah Qadri (Kent) - Chellaston College (State) Sam Young (Somerset) - Millfield (Private)
So, 12 of a squad of 15 were privately educated - or 80%. And only one, it would appear, from an ethnic background who happens to be state educated.
Even if we ignore how many state schools now play cricket, what percentage of young cricketers that do play club cricket go to private schools? Certainly not 80%. In fact it is probably more in line with the national average of privately educated pupils which is actually 7% - or the equivalent of just one of the 15 man England squad referred to above.
And what percentage of young cricketers come from an ethnic background? Far higher than the one player represented in this squad.
How many of them were on Sports scholarships ?
I suspect a lot of them were on scholarships but it is the system that has been created whereby this is the pool that selectors are now fishing in that is wrong.
In the old days selectors would look at clubs for recommendations and would view up and coming talent there. What has changed is that selectors are now touring the private school games on Saturdays and mid week. Those schools want to attract the so called "best" so will offer scholarships to talented players simply because it adds value to the school to have players that play county cricket. These boys aren't even allowed to play for their clubs when they have matches for the school such is the importance of such matches.
These boys can avail themselves of not just the best facilities but also have available to them a head of cricket who, in most cases, is a former pro. That coach has a vested interest to produce star cricketers because it adds value to both him as a coach and the school and he will, by virtue of his status, also have the ear and trust of the county and area selectors.
So how does a talented lad from east London say get to use such facilities and 1-2-1 coaching? He can't because he isn't "in the system", his parents probably can't afford £30-£40 per hour coaching and the chances of him actually being spotted or having the right background to be considered for a scholarship (and his parents be able to afford all the "extras" that come with going to a private school) are minimal.
There is a lad, for example, who I know from playing against my son at county age group level. He came from a London borough who would pay someone to take him to games around the country because his parents couldn't, This was thanks to a benefactor who funded the whole charitable nature of "sport for all" in the borough. I believe that the money has now run out so the chances of anyone else benefiting in this way have all but gone. And that boy has never had or will ever get the same level of coaching that his counterparts at private schools do.
Now compare this boy's situation to the lad who goes to a private school. In a lot of cases the parents can afford to send their child to that school anyway. Zak Crawley was, undoubtedly, on a scholarship but he didn't need to rely on that. It wasn't the school that paid for his winter trips in the last few years to India and Perth. It was his parents. I also believe that ZaK lives in a flat paid for by his parents on or near the county ground in Canterbury so he can easily avail himself of the indoor facilities (Blackpool will no doubt confirm or deny this). Zak is fortunate but has still had to have the talent and fortitude to take advantage of his situation so I am not trying to undermine this in the way that Will Hutton did in his tweet.
But let's not kid ourselves that it is a level playing field because it simply isn't. Well not unless you happen to play at Tonbridge that is because you will not find a bump in any shape or form there!
14 white lads from a squad of 15 England U19s of which 12 are privately educated, scholarship or otherwise, doesn't lie. The fact though that state educated Hamidullah Qadri made the squad is, perhaps, the real achievement.
This was hilarious. According to Rob Key, Shane Warne got completely distracted talking to the producers on how to get Nasser back - not sure if he has yet!
Big thing about cricket to become popular at state schools is cricket needs to be on free view telly. Normal kids from working families aren’t gonna be interested in playing a sport that they see as a niche, kids don’t want to be seen as out of the ordinary, especially kids who are poor. If only last years World Cup was on bbc, I think it would’ve done a huge amount of good for cricket in this country.
Play started again at 3.45pm. 52 overs left to be bowled today. No way is that happening. Probably play to 6.30 at best then off for bad light. Rain tomorrow morning so they might get another 50 odd overs in tomorrow.
No wickets down & this is heading for a draw. Now just remind ourselves what the weather was like last Thursday....🌡🌞
Big thing about cricket to become popular at state schools is cricket needs to be on free view telly. Normal kids from working families aren’t gonna be interested in playing a sport that they see as a niche, kids don’t want to be seen as out of the ordinary, especially kids who are poor. If only last years World Cup was on bbc, I think it would’ve done a huge amount of good for cricket in this country.
Was there a big spike in Popularity in state schools after the Channel Four aired Ashes series of 2005 ?
Big thing about cricket to become popular at state schools is cricket needs to be on free view telly. Normal kids from working families aren’t gonna be interested in playing a sport that they see as a niche, kids don’t want to be seen as out of the ordinary, especially kids who are poor. If only last years World Cup was on bbc, I think it would’ve done a huge amount of good for cricket in this country.
Was there a big spike in Popularity in state schools after the Channel Four aired Ashes series of 2005 ?
As some one who was still at school in 2005 - absolutely yes.
I so hope Jimmy gets a chance for that 600th wicket this afternoon.
The next two test series are India away (touch and go if that goes on) and then India here next summer. At 38, this could conceivably be Anderson's last test match.
I so hope Jimmy gets a chance for that 600th wicket this afternoon.
The next two test series are India away (touch and go if that goes on) and then India here next summer. At 38, this could conceivably be Anderson's last test match.
jimmy says he wants to be at the next ashes series
Comments
As you all know I've been banging the Foakes drum fairly loudly for the last couple of years. This does not mean that I wanted Buttler to fail. Absolutely not. I've always felt that if Buttler could do it then England and test cricket would be the better for it. Everyone loved the idea of Buttler coming in at 6 or 7 counter attacking and being a game changer. It's the absolute dream in test cricket. However I was starting to feel like it would remain just that, a dream. I simply felt that his form for such a long period, the way he was playing coupled with his below average first class record were enough to suggest he'd had enough chances and that he want going to translate obvious talent into the longer format. I felt that Foakes' keeping being significantly better and that with Stokes in the side our keeper would be batting 7 then Foakes deserved a run at it. I do wonder what would have happened if the winter subcontinent tours had gone ahead as they are the obvious strength of Foakes' batting and keeping.
The Jos has looked a different player with the bat in the first test and then this match and he kept well too today. I hope it continues and he averages mid 40s from now on and his keeping continues to improve and that he goes on to be a key player and a key part of us beating the Aussies down under.
I also hope that his limited overs form wont be affected. We saw with Bairstow that whilst he is capable of averaging 50 in both long and short formats the cmtechnical changes he had to make to his technique to be successful in one day cricket massively hindered him in red ball cricket. With the T20 world cup next year we cannot afford for Jos to have the same issues.
It is interesting that his record at 6 is significantly better than his record at 7
I do feel these debates over keepers will be much clearer in the future with fielding metrics a key part of the game it'll be the difference between a keepers batting and keeping average that matters. We definitely underestimate the value of a specialist keeper in modern cricket. Especially if they're batting 7.
Annoyed with Ed Smith though, releasing Foakes and Curran to play for Surrey against Kent. Traitor
However, this was the 2020 World Cup England U19 squad:
Kasey Aldridge (Somerset) - Millfield (Private)
George Balderson (Lancashire) - Cheadle Hulme (State)
Ben Charlesworth (Gloucestershire) - St Edward's (Private)
Tom Clark (Sussex) - Ardingly College (Private)
Jordan Cox (Kent) - Felsted (Private)
Scott Currie (Hampshire) - Unknown (State)
Blake Cullen (Middlesex) - Hampton (Private)
Harry Duke (Yorkshire) - Queen Elizabeth G S Wakefield (Private)
Joey Evison (Nottinghamshire) - Stamford (Private)
Lewis Goldsworthy (Somerset - Millfield (Private)
Jack Haynes (Worcestershire) - Malvern College (Private)
George Hill (Yorkshire) - Sedbergh (Private)
Dan Mousley (Warwickshire) - Bablake (Private)
Hamidullah Qadri (Kent) - Chellaston College (State)
Sam Young (Somerset) - Millfield (Private)
So, 12 of a squad of 15 were privately educated - or 80%. And only one, it would appear, from an ethnic background who happens to be state educated.
Even if we ignore how many state schools now play cricket, what percentage of young cricketers that do play club cricket go to private schools? Certainly not 80%. In fact it is probably more in line with the national average of privately educated pupils which is actually 7% - or the equivalent of just one of the 15 man England squad referred to above.
And what percentage of young cricketers come from an ethnic background? Far higher than the one player represented in this squad.
Think another drew is on the cards.
In the old days selectors would look at clubs for recommendations and would view up and coming talent there. What has changed is that selectors are now touring the private school games on Saturdays and mid week. Those schools want to attract the so called "best" so will offer scholarships to talented players simply because it adds value to the school to have players that play county cricket. These boys aren't even allowed to play for their clubs when they have matches for the school such is the importance of such matches.
These boys can avail themselves of not just the best facilities but also have available to them a head of cricket who, in most cases, is a former pro. That coach has a vested interest to produce star cricketers because it adds value to both him as a coach and the school and he will, by virtue of his status, also have the ear and trust of the county and area selectors.
So how does a talented lad from east London say get to use such facilities and 1-2-1 coaching? He can't because he isn't "in the system", his parents probably can't afford £30-£40 per hour coaching and the chances of him actually being spotted or having the right background to be considered for a scholarship (and his parents be able to afford all the "extras" that come with going to a private school) are minimal.
There is a lad, for example, who I know from playing against my son at county age group level. He came from a London borough who would pay someone to take him to games around the country because his parents couldn't, This was thanks to a benefactor who funded the whole charitable nature of "sport for all" in the borough. I believe that the money has now run out so the chances of anyone else benefiting in this way have all but gone. And that boy has never had or will ever get the same level of coaching that his counterparts at private schools do.
Now compare this boy's situation to the lad who goes to a private school. In a lot of cases the parents can afford to send their child to that school anyway. Zak Crawley was, undoubtedly, on a scholarship but he didn't need to rely on that. It wasn't the school that paid for his winter trips in the last few years to India and Perth. It was his parents. I also believe that ZaK lives in a flat paid for by his parents on or near the county ground in Canterbury so he can easily avail himself of the indoor facilities (Blackpool will no doubt confirm or deny this). Zak is fortunate but has still had to have the talent and fortitude to take advantage of his situation so I am not trying to undermine this in the way that Will Hutton did in his tweet.
But let's not kid ourselves that it is a level playing field because it simply isn't. Well not unless you happen to play at Tonbridge that is because you will not find a bump in any shape or form there!
14 white lads from a squad of 15 England U19s of which 12 are privately educated, scholarship or otherwise, doesn't lie. The fact though that state educated Hamidullah Qadri made the squad is, perhaps, the real achievement.
What matters is whether young players are prevented from developing as cricketers by not having access to the opportunities and facilities they need.
Comin over ere, taking our hard working spinner's places....
Pakistan 25-0 off 8.1.
Anderson and Broad bowling.
No wickets down & this is heading for a draw. Now just remind ourselves what the weather was like last Thursday....🌡🌞
49-1
The next two test series are India away (touch and go if that goes on) and then India here next summer. At 38, this could conceivably be Anderson's last test match.