England players and selection discussion thread

[Blenkinsop]

I still don't really understand why the ECB managed Anderson out of international cricket in order to pick another ageing trundler in his place. Surely it's not just because Woakes can hold a bat?

 

[BoyBrumby]

Yeah, it's a noodle scratcher.

It's not even like the selectors can argue "Well, Jimmeh isn't suited to Australian conditions. We're building for The Ashes. & twirling. Always twirling." because Woakes is far worse away from the green, green grass of home.

Reckon it's purely a birth certificate thing, ignoring the fact that Anderson is clearly a freak of nature.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Aus Test wickets the past few seasons have been a lot more bowling friendly than the previous two decades, so don't think they need to look to pure pace for our attack this time.

 

[Starfighter]

Aus Test wickets the past few seasons have been a lot more bowling friendly than the previous two decades, so don't think they need to look to pure pace for our attack this time.

Two of Woakes' three tests in 21/22 were on grassy pitches and he still averaged 55.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I'd be amazed if the new ball pair for the 1st ashes test isn't Woakes and Atkinson. In fact I'll name the side now

Crawley
Duckett
Pope
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith
Woakes
Atkinson
Carse
Bashir

Anything other than that side will mean injuries or a change of heart by the management.

 

[morgieb]

I'd be amazed if the new ball pair for the 1st ashes test isn't Woakes and Atkinson. In fact I'll name the side now

Crawley
Duckett
Pope
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith
Woakes
Atkinson
Carse
Bashir

Anything other than that side will mean injuries or a change of heart by the management.

If fit surely they'd consider at least one of Archer and Wood?

 

[BoyBrumby]

Reckon Wood plays if fit, tbh. Jofra too, but the idea of him being fit for tests is almost chuckle worthy in and of itself nowadays.

EDIT: Or what morgs just said.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

If fit surely they'd consider at least one of Archer and Wood?

Oh look there's a flying pig

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Two of Woakes' three tests in 21/22 were on grassy pitches and he still averaged 55.

Yeah that was due to Big Oil conspiracy though iirc

 

[kevinw]

Oh look there's a flying pig

He forgot Olly Stone as well.

 

[BoyBrumby]

He forgot Olly Stone as well.

You're just being silly now.

 

[wpdavid]

Yeah, it's a noodle scratcher.
It's not even like the selectors can argue "Well, Jimmeh isn't suited to Australian conditions. We're building for The Ashes. & twirling. Always twirling." because Woakes is far worse away from the green, green grass of home.
Reckon it's purely a birth certificate thing, ignoring the fact that Anderson is clearly a freak of nature.

I know Jimmy's enforced retirement has been mentioned from time to time previously, but I would only add that , given the age of Woakes and Wood as well,the selectors didn't want to face replacing all 3 at the same time in a year or so, so they started with the oldest, who was also the one who had the mediocerest Ashes series in 2023. And having the space to take a decent look at both of Atkinson and Carse hasn't been the worst call.