2nd test- bowl attacks

[Spark]

From memory, Starc has had problems adjusting to the slope at Lord's in the past. I think it will just depend on the deck and the conditions. If there's going to be a lot of cloud about then Neser may well get a run. He's a better bat than Starc and the best swing bowler we have in the squad with JRich injured (again). If it's dry and abrasive, then Starc may play. If the deck has juice in it then Big S3xy will probably keep his spot. This all assumes Haze has pulled up ok and there only needs to be one change contemplated to the attack.

I remember he had problems with the slope in 13 in particular but you'd sure hope he's adjusted by now, he's played enough games there.

 

[CartyDurham]

Not sure that's true that Boult is anything like Starc. Boult has much better command over his general line and length, and has a more consistent and reliable in-swinger to RHers + the ability to go across them with the three-quarter seam. That's how Trent picked apart Crawley. Starc was dropped because the lack of control and ability to swing it recently.

Left arm over is the comparison I’m making. Starc and Boult are left arm over

I admit not to have starc for a while

 

[G. S. Kohli]

I assume there will be some changes
The batting will stay the same

ENG

Anderson- he has to go- Mark wood replaces him. Anderson's career is almost over at 40 years old- it was a pathetic test.
Robinson- stays
Broad- of course he stays
Rehan Ahmed replaces Moeen Ali who is injured

Aus

This was a poor bowling performance and they should have lost the test
Boland bowls way too short in ENG conditions. Starc will play at Lords. Neser comes into contention for Hazlewood who might be sore.

The inclusion of Neser and starc strengthen the batting.

Hazlewood / Neser (depending on Haze fitness)
Starc
Cummins
Lyon

Eng playing xl already announced
Same as 1st test

 

[G. S. Kohli]

Most likely Smithy & Labu spank English attack in both innings

 

[halba]

Eng playing xl already announced
Same as 1st test

i just checked google and the playing XI for the 2nd test hasnt been announced- the 2nd test is 7 days after the first test and will only be announced just prior after assessing the pitch

 

[Ashes81]

The big issue for Moeen is not so much will he be fit to start the match but will he fit to finish it.

You'd expect his finger to heal before the 2nd test, but if he's required to bowl 50 overs in the match, will his finger not simply blister again.

Apart from Bairstow's dropped catches, the main reason that we lost the test was on day 5 we were down to 3 fit bowlers. A fully fit Moeen and Stokes and we win that match.

For Mo to play, he's got to be fit to finish the test, not start it.

 

[SteveNZ]

Apart from Bairstow's dropped catches, the main reason that we lost the test was on day 5 we were down to 3 fit bowlers. A fully fit Moeen and Stokes and we win that match.

All those factors are on England and could be considered selection flaws. They felt justified in leaving Foakes out based on run output, but Bairstow was woeful with the gloves and cost as much. Moeen hadn't played long forms in 2 years and unsurprisingly struggled for consistency + his finger didn't stand up. And Stokes hasn't been properly fit to bowl for a while.

 

[Ashes81]

All those factors are on England and could be considered selection flaws. They felt justified in leaving Foakes out based on run output, but Bairstow was woeful with the gloves and cost as much. Moeen hadn't played long forms in 2 years and unsurprisingly struggled for consistency + his finger didn't stand up. And Stokes hasn't been properly fit to bowl for a while.

I wouldn't disagree with any of that.

I'd have played both Foakes and Bairstow and dropped Crawley, although in fairness he did OK.

As for Mo, it's a damning indictment of our spinning options that we had to even consider him. It surely though couldn't have come as a surprise that having to bowl so many overs may cause him finger problems.

And by all accounts Will Jacks is next in line - great one day batsmen, not even an average county spin bowler.

 

[SteveNZ]

I wouldn't disagree with any of that.

I'd have played both Foakes and Bairstow and dropped Crawley, although in fairness he did OK.

As for Mo, it's a damning indictment of our spinning options that we had to even consider him. It surely though couldn't have come as a surprise that having to bowl so many overs may cause him finger problems.

And by all accounts Will Jacks is next in line - great one day batsmen, not even an average county spin bowler.

In that situation, who opens? Pope?

The Moeen Ali selection, again similar to how I felt about the declaration, it was based around intent rather than anything of substance. Someone said in a thread something like 5 teams in history have declared on day one and none have won...there's a first time for anything as they say, but it felt like leaving cards on the table. And Moeen, again felt like a Baz-driven 'I like the cut of his jib' selection despite almost two years between Test appearances, and underwhelming past performance at that. I know England aren't flush with options but it just felt a bit Hail Mary.

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

Can you put plasters on your finger or is that against the rules

 

[Daemon]

Can you put plasters on your finger or is that against the rules

Nah you can’t

 

[Anthony Clayden]

If you can plaster your fingers, spinners would cover there hands with bandaids.
Might as well let them wear gloves...

 

[Ashes81]

In that situation, who opens? Pope?

The Moeen Ali selection, again similar to how I felt about the declaration, it was based around intent rather than anything of substance. Someone said in a thread something like 5 teams in history have declared on day one and none have won...there's a first time for anything as they say, but it felt like leaving cards on the table. And Moeen, again felt like a Baz-driven 'I like the cut of his jib' selection despite almost two years between Test appearances, and underwhelming past performance at that. I know England aren't flush with options but it just felt a bit Hail Mary.

It would have had to be Pope who opened. Not ideal but the least bad option.

As for Mo - considering he'd not played red ball cricket for so long, he bowled OK but having to bowl so many overs was a big ask of him.

I'd have gone for Liam Dawson. He's not the best spinner in the world but he's a regular county operator who bats well.

As you say, Mo fits the profile of what Stokes and McCullum want from a player but it's a long time since Mo was that player.