Robert Key to replace Butcher?

[tooextracool]

to be honest, i had the question mark on him even right after the 221 was scored, i think you will see that clearly in the eng-wi thread. but there were plenty of other people who felt that he was already the perfect batsman with the perfect technique.

 

[marc71178]

The fact he got out to two soft dismissals has left that question mark with me.

Every batsman gets out softly on occasion though.

 

[tooextracool]

agreed but for key to retain his place in the side he needed to impress in massive proportions.he hasnt done that.

 

[Tom Halsey]

further proof of how much of the cricket you actually watch. if you had indeed watched that innings you would have seen clearly that key was poking at absolutely everything that collins bowled that went away from him. it came as no surprise when he finally got a knick on one.

I never said it was brilliant, it was okay. Yes, he was pokey outside off, but he did play some good shots too.

 

[Timewell]

The question marks will always be there...I think now he is in the side, a winning side, we may as well leave him in until the end of the series. Can't change a winning side and all that...

 

[steds]

agreed but for key to retain his place in the side he needed to impress in massive proportions.he hasnt done that.

Do you not call 221 in a test innings massive...and he's only had one test after that, cut him some slack. Did Butcher not have tests when he made two low scores or got out softly?

 

[marc71178]

The point is, he was in many ways fortunate to make that Lords score, and since then has had 3 soft dismissals, whereas with Butcher we know pretty much what we're going to be getting.

It is a tough call, but that is what the selectors are paid for!

 

[Macka]

Personally I think he will be a one hit wonder. Butcher is a far better player, and more consistant. I don't buy the excuse 'that he was batting at #5 against the Aussies, when is is an opener', top order batsman should be able to bat anywhere.

I don't think his mental ability is that great like everyone was saying after the Aussie series, he got out to poor bowlers like Martyn and Waugh. He looks to be a little suspect outside off stump at times, and I thought Styris wasn't good looking...

 

[Craig]

Every batsman gets out softly on occasion though.

Thing is Key tends to make a habit of it.

 

[tooextracool]

Do you not call 221 in a test innings massive...and he's only had one test after that, cut him some slack. Did Butcher not have tests when he made two low scores or got out softly?

err no.....if key was going to replace a proven test batsman he needed to impress in more than just 1 innings out of 4 and in the conditions in which he batted on its not exactly brilliant either. 3 failures out of 4 doesnt make you undroppable and im sure there are plenty of question marks already about whether he is good enough to play for england.....

 

[tooextracool]

I never said it was brilliant, it was okay. Yes, he was pokey outside off, but he did play some good shots too.

the 2 inngs on the whole were scratchy and he looked susceptible....thats the last thing you want to do when you need to replace a proven test batsman.....

 

[Tom Halsey]

True, but even though he was lucky and all, I'd still find it hard to drop someone who's just made 221.

That said, I agree that Butcher should return now, as he is a far more proven batsman.

 

[superkingdave]

Butcher slashes at too much outside the off stump for my liking, as does Key but Key has the time to change Butcher IMO doesn't, he'll go after the Ashes. Key has a chance but my top six post ashes would be

Tresco/Key
Strauss
Bell
Vaughan
Peitersen
Flintoff

 

[marc71178]

????? Thorpe ???????

 

[tooextracool]

err post ashes......

 

[marc71178]

Still not sure he'd be gone by then.

 

[Richard]

Anyone willing to scrap either Butcher or Thorpe after The Ashes needs their heads examining.
There is no sign that either of them are coming to the end of their Test-careers.
WRT Key, I think what's happened is the best thing that could have happened - one massive score, but not totally convincing at any time - Butcher should return, and hasn't lost his place without deserving to - but Key is by no means out of the picture the way he almost certainly would have been had Gayle taken that catch.

 

[Richard]

I don't buy the excuse 'that he was batting at #5 against the Aussies, when is is an opener', top order batsman should be able to bat anywhere.

Not true.
There are very few openers who have made a success of batting in the middle.

 

[tooextracool]

Anyone willing to scrap either Butcher or Thorpe after The Ashes needs their heads examining.
There is no sign that either of them are coming to the end of their Test-careers.

i think most people believe that thorpe will retire after the ashes....nobody in their right mind would drop thorpe.
as far as butcher is concerned, the only way i would consider dropping him is if pieterson happens to live up to his reputation and if butcher continues to drop catches and not convert 50s to 100s

 

[Tom Halsey]

I'm not sure Thorpe will retire after the Ashes - although I can see the points why he possibly could.