Ashes 4th Test

[Deleted member 15344]

I agree re: Buttler. He's so talented, just needs to find his way and his method. My advice would be to play his natural game. He doesn't have the defensive technique to become a blocker, so giving it a whack would be the best way for him I feel. As for Bairstow, his keeping is probably on a par with Buttler's when he first came into the side. Buttler has become a better glovesman, but there's no much seperating them, and would probably do Bairstow some good to just focus on his batting TBH. Buttler definitely one that needs to improve if we're going to be successful across the world though, has clear technical issues with the bat that need addressing if he's going to succeed in England, NZ, South Africa and Australia in seaming/swinging conditions.

Buttler has all the shots and can defend if needed but at the moment the game situation he has come into bat has dictated the way he plays. Either they need quick runs or the game is virtually lost and he needs to try a rear guard.

Buttler is a fair streets ahead of Bairstow behind the stumps - both have a bit of an issue standing up to the spinners but so did Prior and that can be worked on but Buttler is far more agile, reactive and quicker of his foot when diving for catches.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I always feel Stokes gets unfairly judged for the same reason. If he doesnt perform with both bat and ball it seems that people are questioning his place. Which seems harsh.

I call it the Botham Syndrome

 

[TheDiablo]

Buttler still long term solution imo. However, I would now use the opportunity at the Oval to give Rashid a chance. I'm still adamant that we need a front line spinner in the long term. Next test a good chance to give one a go - receptive wicket and relatively little pressure. He will almost certainly be needed in UAE over the winter, so try and give him some confidence in and around the Test team first.

Bairstow could stake the gloves, Stokes and Ali at 6 and 7 with Rashid at 8.

It would also allow Buttler to go to Lancs and play a handful of One Day games to get in nick ahead of the Oz ODI series, where he will undoubtedly be required to perform - at the moment his confidence is shot with the bat and that could transfer to the ODI series if he doesnt have the chance to get in nick first.

 

[Tongo]

Stokes has proven himself this year, but was dismal last year. Couldn't buy a run, and wasn't penetrative enough with the ball. He's improved though, and I'm pleased for him.



43 runs in 12 innings, 6 ducks, avg 3.6. Think it was fair enough to write him off last year.

But that brutal 164 in the Royal London semi-final demonstrated that the ability was there.

 

[TheDiablo]

Oh, and Hales is and never will be a red ball specialist and should be nowhere near Test side.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Stokes has proven himself this year, but was dismal last year. Couldn't buy a run, and wasn't penetrative enough with the ball. He's improved though, and I'm pleased for him.



43 runs in 12 innings, 6 ducks, avg 3.6. Think it was fair enough to write him off last year.

Like i said - English Syndrome to write obviously talented players off - Many top quality players have had dips in form.

Think it was One Day final where he smashed the ball to all areas showed his ability and return to form

 

[Dan2501]

But that brutal 164 in the Royal London semi-final demonstrated that the ability was there.

True, was an awesome innings, but last year his scores in all forms of international cricket were:

47, 32, 21, 0, 15, 70, 0, 5, 5, 4, 0, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0, 23, 2, 33*, 16, 6

Wasn't good enough, and fans were rightly wary of his re-selection. Thankfully for Stokes, he's proven the doubters wrong, and I will admit proven me wrong, and I'm pleased for him. He's exactly the sort of player we needed. He has always had immense talent, but last year he looked completely out of his depth, particularly during that run in the middle where he made 6 ducks. Looked horrendous with bat in hand.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Great win and great series (Lords excepted). Wonder if that was a knee jerk reaction from Clarke or if he really thinks his time in international cricket is over

 

[Tongo]

This is plain embarrassing:

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/33861376

Can the Australians not admit that they were outplayed by a better team? Whingeing.........?!?!