Masters of the middle overs

[Richard]

That Rajesh guy is a legend.

Damn straight. Some fascinating stuff, he unearths.

And he has the best first name in history! Shared only by Sreesanth.

 

[Barney Rubble]

In my experience Pietersen doesn't let 20-4 stop him playing shots.

Recently it seems to have done. IIRC most of his recent 50s have come off 70-80 balls rather than 40-50 like in the past. I think he realises he can't trust the rest of our batting order.

 

[Ash_A55]

Should be batting him somewhere other than four, then. Doesn't get to bat in the PowerPlays and doesn't get to bat in the late overs. Worst place for him.

I personally think KP should open with Cook. But then again who am I to tell an Ashes winning coach who to put where. My reasoning behind it is, Cook could bat through and KP should, if he applys himself, have plenty of time at the crease. Without feeling the need to make up for the lack of runs the openers got.

 

[Prince EWS]

I personally think KP should open with Cook. But then again who am I to tell an Ashes winning coach who to put where. My reasoning behind it is, Cook could bat through and KP should, if he applys himself, have plenty of time at the crease. Without feeling the need to make up for the lack of runs the openers got.

Playing ODIs now could severely mess with Cook's progress as a test batsman though, really. He's quite obviously not ready to play ODIs, judging by his List A performances.

 

[Ash_A55]

Playing ODIs now could severely mess with Cook's progress as a test batsman though, really. He's quite obviously not ready to play ODIs, judging by his List A performances.

Thats a fair point, i would rather him become a good test batsman, than a mediocre ODI test and ODI player

 

[Richard]

Playing ODIs now could severely mess with Cook's progress as a test batsman though, really. He's quite obviously not ready to play ODIs, judging by his List A performances.

And depressingly, despite the clear evidence of the Panesar case, I can just see him in there very soon...

 

[Richard]

Recently it seems to have done. IIRC most of his recent 50s have come off 70-80 balls rather than 40-50 like in the past. I think he realises he can't trust the rest of our batting order.

Not sure, but it certainly weren't that way against Lanka in the last game. Maybe he might have slowed down a bit if wickets were falling around him but I've never seen him fail to give off the aura of playing shots when he first comes in.

 

[Blaze]

the paranoia from NZ fans towards Scaly Piscine is getting ridiculous.

He is right. The best time to judge something like this would be at the end of the super 8's when everyone has played each other.

 

[alternative]

Clarke imo is simply the best.

 

[Smudge]

Clarke imo is simply the best.

Better than all the rest?

 

[Perm]

I personally think KP should open with Cook. But then again who am I to tell an Ashes winning coach who to put where. My reasoning behind it is, Cook could bat through and KP should, if he applys himself, have plenty of time at the crease. Without feeling the need to make up for the lack of runs the openers got.

I would not have KP anywhere near the opening slot, he may be doomed to a life of poor ODI performances if that happens.

 

[Richard]

Ditto.

So far as England are concerned, openers are openers in ODIs, and converting middle-order batsmen just doesn't work.

 

[Craig]

Clarke imo is simply the best.

Better than all the rest?

Hahaha

That was gold

 

[Richard]

Clarke imo is simply the best.

Better than all the rest?

Better than anyone.

Well, anyone I ever met, at least.