The Cricket.

[mickd1961]

Quite right Bomber. Brook is not an opening batsman so cannot replace Crawley without a reshuffle in the top order which would be nonsensical. Having watched Crawley for a few years at Kent, I have always thought that he is better suited to the one day game where he can score quick runs at the top of the order. He hasn't got the technique to grind out an innings as so many of the top openers have done over the years.

A fairly irrelevant argument about Brook not being an opener, neither is Crawley!

The game is about sound technique for starters of which Harry Brook does possess.

I’d rather have my best 6 batsmen in the team and worry about batting order afterwards.

The established openers we’ve been using for the past few years have constantly left us 10-2 and 20-3, by definition batsmen 4, 5 and 6 have regularly been facing an almost new ball anyway, it therefore makes no difference if they come in 4 or 5 overs earlier by starting at 1 or 2 in the line up.

Too many old thought processes still being applied, cricket has changed massively.

As for Ben Compton.

He’s 28 years old and failed at Notts between 2019 and 2021.

He’s only played 16 first class matches by the age of 28!

I don’t know enough about him to make a proper judgment but although he’s had a great season so far the “sample size” from him is maybe too small.

I’d just pick younger talent now but on the basis they have an “all round” game and not be just a predominantly onside or offside player.

I’d like to see Vince given another chance even though he’s 31 as I think he’s a superb batsman to watch but ideally I’d go for Brook and see if his talent can cope with opening.