South Africa v England Test Series

England need a test match opener, not a one day one. A number three, and five, as well as a spinner to become number one in the world. At home we can beat anyone on seamer friendly wickets. Overseas with the lack of a top spinner we will struggle.

Team relies much too heavily on Cook, Root, Stokes, and the seamers. Need to have a look a Lees at Yorkshire. Might also be a future England captain.
 
Captainron said:
As a South African, I would like to congratulate England for their win in the series.

It has raised more questions than answers for both teams though.

England need an opening bat, a number 5 (or a new keeper and bat Bairstow at 5?) and another seamer. Compton batted with application and I think deserves another go at 3. Good thing for Anderson that the next 2 series are in England with the Dukes ball because he was garbage for all but 10 overs in the series and needs a boost. Stokes, Root and Broad are world class!

South Africa have been lucky enough to get Rabada and Bavuma but need a number 5. Still remains to be seen if Cook is the real deal as an opener. Steyn and Philander will be back in time for the next series in September so no need to panic on the quicks front as yet.

Well done England
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Bowling wise England are okay i think. Its a case of picking 4 out of Anderson, Broad, Ali, Wood and Finn, assuming all are fit of course! (I've deliberately not included Stokes as he's in the top 6)

The problems are in the batting order. Do they go for another new opener or shove Compton up to open with Cook? I would then move Taylor to 3, Root stays at 4, Stokes at 6 and Bairstow at 7. So England are then looking for someone to bat at 5. I'd give James Vince a go but i am biased!
 
Not convinced about Taylor against seamers and quicks, played well in the UAE, but looked a bit out of his depth in SA.

open spot, i would be interested if Joe Root would like to have another crack at that slot? he is an opener after all, he had a bit of a tough time in there before and i know they like him being able to shore up the middle order with a counter attack.

Not seen any CC for some time so i dont know if there are any other guys scoring a load of runs in Div 1 CC..
 
I would not move Joe Root anywhere. He is scoring bucket loads where he is so leave him alone. I hope Taylor comes back, I really like him but the last test was not good for him. Hopefully he will have a good start to the county season and he will score well in the early summer tests.

Hales is not the answer so there is certainly a space up for grabs as an opener. A great chance for someone who can start the season well.

I think Compton should get to start the summer series, he has earned that.

Moeen is still not the answer to me as the spinner. His runs are deflecting from his lack of control with the ball so if another spinner is out there, please raise your hand.
 
patricks148 said:
Not convinced about Taylor against seamers and quicks, played well in the UAE, but looked a bit out of his depth in SA.

open spot, i would be interested if Joe Root would like to have another crack at that slot? he is an opener after all, he had a bit of a tough time in there before and i know they like him being able to shore up the middle order with a counter attack.

Not seen any CC for some time so i dont know if there are any other guys scoring a load of runs in Div 1 CC..
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Lord Tyrion said:
I would not move Joe Root anywhere. He is scoring bucket loads where he is so leave him alone. I hope Taylor comes back, I really like him but the last test was not good for him. Hopefully he will have a good start to the county season and he will score well in the early summer tests.

Hales is not the answer so there is certainly a space up for grabs as an opener. A great chance for someone who can start the season well.

I think Compton should get to start the summer series, he has earned that.

Moeen is still not the answer to me as the spinner. His runs are deflecting from his lack of control with the ball so if another spinner is out there, please raise your hand.
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Agree about Root. He's the one player who shouldnt be moved. Taylor's had an ordinary series but he deserves to be given the summer to prove his worth. Since he's come back he's played two series away from home, neither of which are particularly easy. Compton as opener and Taylor at 3 seems the more sensible option.

I think you're right about Ali. He's looked less effective over the past 12 months than the 12 months before that. English cricket just doesnt produce decent spinners though.
 
Tongo - It makes you realise how good Graeme Swann was. Not only the wickets he took but the control he gave the team. He could seal up one end and put pressure on the batsmen that way as well.

Unfortunately too many wickets in England are seamer friendly and so that does not encourage spinners to be selected or used enough at county level.
 
England flying in the first ODI: 197/2 off of 26 overs. If they keep going at this rate then 400 is on the cards!

Buttler at the crease as well....
 
Tongo said:
England flying in the first ODI: 197/2 off of 26 overs. If they keep going at this rate then 400 is on the cards!

Buttler at the crease as well....
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looks very much like win toss win match here. Utter road currently but likely to slow down and deteriorate. england been impressive but games are getting duller and duller as the balance between bat and ball gets wider
 
fundy said:
looks very much like win toss win match here. Utter road currently but likely to slow down and deteriorate. england been impressive but games are getting duller and duller as the balance between bat and ball gets wider
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yes, once upon a time 300 would win you the game now, not even 400 is sure too
 
stunning innings from de Kock this, there again hes gonna need about 230 if Saffers going to win this

Jordan confirming hes the weak link at this level too, must be running out of chances soon
 
agree about Jordan but ,it seems all the other bowlers are on the sick table with various injuries .
Rashid is going to be a good player and will be a cert for our 20/twenty side,just look at his play in the BB in aus .
 
The poacher said:
agree about Jordan but ,it seems all the other bowlers are on the sick table with various injuries .
Rashid is going to be a good player and will be a cert for our 20/twenty side,just look at his play in the BB in aus .
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Don't think Jordan is up to it, regarding Rashid the Aussie BB and international T20 are two different beasts and so for the moment I'm still not convinced. Hopefully he'll play the other one dayers and improve
 
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