4th Test

[phild]

Its Smith again who as done the real damage. He as again batted us out of the game. Its incredible that we cant get this bloke out when it matters

[Dubbag]

Yeah...seems like it...think he was dropped early on again......was reading the report and I actually forgot you have to win to have any chance of getting the Ashes back.....Draws in cricket are like the away goals rule in football...

[Dubbag]

On a side note...I see the fantastic leg spinner Abdul Qadir dies aged 63 of a heart attack..
This guy had great test figures for a leg spinner...

[Leicesterbaggie]

The difference between the two sides has been Smith's batting. Take his scores out of the equation and their totals would be very mediocre. In fairness, I believe that they have bowled better than us but not to make the difference that Smith's batting has.

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

I think Root’s time as Captain is over after this series and Ed Smith and James Taylor need scrutiny as selectors.

I understand ‘horses for courses’ but Eoin Morgan as skipper maybe ?[/QUOTE]
The selectors do indeed need scrutiny. Their solution to 4 of the batsmen averaging less than 30 (2 of them around 10!)

Keep the same top 6 but change 3 of the bowlers.

[Leicesterbaggie]

You're correct 923, it doesn't really make sense does it, to keep the same batters and change the bowling when bowling isn't the real issue but batting is. It does look like muddled thinking.

[mickd1961]

Bairstow isn’t worth his place.

His batting is s h I t e and he’s not even the best wicket keeper.

Foakes should’ve replaced him or Buttler ages ago.

[Yarmbaggie]

Let’s just save the follow on and then enjoy the rain over the rest of the weekend.

[Dubbag]

I thought this thread would die.......

'Really proud of today'

England Joe Root on Sky Sports: "As last week, we always believe and we fight right to the end. Another great Test match, but it's bitterly disappointing.

"From today's point of view, I am really proud. You learn a lot about your team. Everyone stood up and played bravely.

"We have seen some wonderful Test cricket and I expect the same at The Oval. We want to level the series. We have to pick ourselves up and turn up at The Oval.

"Every batter, bar Steve Smith, has been under pressure. It's been one of those summers where batting has been hard.

"Steve Smith has been hard work to get out. Ultimately, he was the difference this Test match.

[mickd1961]

I thought this thread would die.......

'Really proud of today'

England Joe Root on Sky Sports: "As last week, we always believe and we fight right to the end. Another great Test match, but it's bitterly disappointing.

"From today's point of view, I am really proud. You learn a lot about your team. Everyone stood up and played bravely.

"We have seen some wonderful Test cricket and I expect the same at The Oval. We want to level the series. We have to pick ourselves up and turn up at The Oval.

"Every batter, bar Steve Smith, has been under pressure. It's been one of those summers where batting has been hard.

"Steve Smith has been hard work to get out. Ultimately, he was the difference this Test match.

Root needs to resign or be sacked.

Smith is no Bradman but Root’s appalling captaincy has contributed to Smith possibly beating Bradman’s run haul in an Ashes series.

Too many poor tactical decisions and too many underperforming players being indulged.

Those not good enough,

Denly

Roy

Bairstow

Buttler

Overton a poor choice with Curran the stand out replacement.

Foakes should’ve played the whole series as should Curran in my opinion.

Moeen has really let the side down,he offered fantastic balance but was weak in the head this series.

I hope we see wholesale changes for the final test but we won’t.

For me only Stokes and Broad and Archer have played to their potential with Burns and Leach maybe worth sticking with.

ALL the “entitled” lot like Root,Bairstow and Buttler will be given a free pass by the head selector Ed Smith....,just you watch!!