RugbyRebels

fivepointer wrote:I've said before that Foakes should be recalled. If Buttler was averaging 45+ it would be different. Since the start of 2019 he averages 24.46 in 17 tests. He has not completed a stumping in test cricket.

I'll ask again though, what is Foakes form like? I'm not sure he's played much; mind, I didn't think he should have been dropped anyway.

Banquo wrote:

Big D wrote:

Banquo wrote: But by placing keeping duties on Pope you almost certainly make his batting worse and ship chances too. Unfortunately given shaky openers and no settled 3, you can lengthen the batting without making it strong. I do take your essential point, that you need a genuine all rounder somewhere to have a properly balanced team if you have 5 bowlers. I guess Woakes and Bess are kind of half an all rounder each

Yeah as I said, I would pick Foakes. Starting next match.

Edit: Admittedly I was musing based on reports that Pope is a decent keeper.

what is Foakes form like? He didn't play for Surrey t'other day?

Just read up on Buttler's keeping, as I've thought until yesterday that he was pretty under-rated as a keeper. He's had a bad couple of days, but he hadn't missed much for a long while (er...other than Blackwood )- he's clearly feeling the pressure I guess, but that's no excuse, performing under pressure is the job.

Foakes is in the bubble I think. But I don't think Buttlers form makes it that big an issue that Foakes hasn't played a lot. Hopefully Buttler is 200* by the close and this discussion gets put on hold.

Buttler is awful against spin:


You can't be costing* that many runs and not scoring that many and be kept on.

*Not sure how they work it out.

Big D wrote:

Banquo wrote:

Big D wrote:
Yeah as I said, I would pick Foakes. Starting next match.

Edit: Admittedly I was musing based on reports that Pope is a decent keeper.

what is Foakes form like? He didn't play for Surrey t'other day?

Just read up on Buttler's keeping, as I've thought until yesterday that he was pretty under-rated as a keeper. He's had a bad couple of days, but he hadn't missed much for a long while (er...other than Blackwood )- he's clearly feeling the pressure I guess, but that's no excuse, performing under pressure is the job.

Foakes is in the bubble I think. But I don't think Buttlers form makes it that big an issue that Foakes hasn't played a lot. Hopefully Buttler is 200* by the close and this discussion gets put on hold.

Buttler is awful against spin:


You can't be costing* that many runs and not scoring that many and be kept on.

*Not sure how they work it out.

Fair on his (Buttler's)keeping v spin- its a consequence of playing very little red ball cricket outside tests I'd think. Foakes batting was terrible last season, which probably hasn't helped his cause. But there was a reason back in the day for specialist keepers.

putting the dog into dogged this morning, but just staying in seems a huge struggle.

Fairs fair. Buttler is digging in here. Hopefully doesn't throw it away and can get his rewards later in the day.

Sigh. Good ball gets Ricky Pontiff.

they are some bowling attack, have to say.

Buttler does a lot of good in the morning session but ultimately it is another failure.

Big D wrote:Buttler does a lot of good in the morning session but ultimately it is another failure.

yep. Pretty soft tbh. Hard to see us getting out of this, save the last 4 sticking a hundred on and Pakistan collapsing. All the Pakistan bowlers are looking dangerous and will be even more of a handful in a day or so.

pray for rain people

4 th innings will be .....challenging

Problem is if they throw caution to the wind, there isn't any at the moment.
If Brocher can get us to 250-ish with a thrash, there might still be a game.

Batting has been dire all innings bar Pope and a bit from Buttler, but grim since lunch. Its diffcult but not a minefield.

At least the last wicket tried, and good for Broad again. Bowlers have to properly concentrate and put Pakistan under some pressure, its not an easy wicket.

Stokes spotted bowling in the nets.

weird start but a wicket anyway!

Root off damaged hand

Anderson bowling well, poor from Stokes. Is he better in the gully? I think so.

Anderson looks like he's lost his rag. Root has the field wrong and the slips too close together. So obvious, so frustrating.

well this is going well. Neither containing nor taking wickets. Also slightly worried to hear Archer say this isn't a pitch to bowl fast on....wtf

Really lazy and sloppy. Root needs to give em a rocket, Jofra looks like he is going through the motions. Now Bess is on- big moment for him- and he's done well, spooked Abid into a sweep; credit to Root there. Now they need to get some intensity and wobble the Pakistanis.

Banquo wrote:well this is going well. Neither containing nor taking wickets. Also slightly worried to hear Archer say this isn't a pitch to bowl fast on....wtf

Really lazy and sloppy. Root needs to give em a rocket, Jofra looks like he is going through the motions. Now Bess is on- big moment for him- and he's done well, spooked Abid into a sweep; credit to Root there. Now they need to get some intensity and wobble the Pakistanis.

Archer, or specifically the way he is being handled is a conundrum.

He probably needs the new ball but is bowling 2nd change. He often gets flogged for long spells making it impossible to consistenly ramp up the speed even if he could be arsed.

Silverwood and Root (and JA) need to decide what they want him to be and let him get on with it. If that ends up being white ball cricket only then fine.

True, though it's unusual to become a fully-fledged test paceman overnight; bit of a dilemma atm as he is probably worthy of a luxury tag.
The yeomen have done a bit thankfully, but already 230-odd will be a stiff ask on this track and the Pak. bowling.

Sums up Roots captaincy and Jofras current approach. Very poor.

I would so drop him right now. And I don’t mean for one test, I would not pick him this summer until he can show he has the mental application to succeed.

And also that England know what they bloody want from him.

And now, bouncer at the guy with a test 100, full deliveries at the genuine tail enders. Wtf