4th Test

[TipperaryBaggie]

None of the batsmen have shown any consistency with the bat like Steve Smith has shown. Even Ben Stokes has blown hot and cold with the bat. Some wonderful single innings knocks but too many low scores as well.

Maybe it is time to give youth a chance especially Foakes behind the stumps. I like Zak Crawley as well especially as we lack a consistent opener.

[mickd1961]

None of the batsmen have shown any consistency with the bat like Steve Smith has shown. Even Ben Stokes has blown hot and cold with the bat. Some wonderful single innings knocks but too many low scores as well.

Maybe it is time to give youth a chance especially Foakes behind the stumps. I like Zak Crawley as well especially as we lack a consistent opener.

Tom Banton as Somerset is the nearest young player I’ve seen to compare with Kevin Pietersen.

I would be putting him in straight away.

[Albionmad]

Root has to be replaced as captain. His choice of bowlers, instructions to them and field placings were amateurish at times. We've played 4 tests and he's let the Aussies get away time and again. I don't think awarding Stokes the captaincy will work either. Echoes of Botham.

A captain has to remain detached from any preoccupations. Root is or was England's best batsman. It's difficult to concentrate on both. Botham was England's best bowler and amongst the best batsmen. When awarded the captaincy, his own game fell apart. Brearley was an average batsman but one of the best captain's of all time. Illingworth was from the same mold. England need a captain who is capable of playing a captain's innings every now and again but whose mind is free to think tactics.

Don't ask me who though. I'll defer to the well remunerated selectors to figure that one out. Maybe we should start by sacking them

[9goals2hattricks3pen]

Before the 1st test England Lions played the Aussie A which included a number of their Test team. This quality of opposiition a much better guide as to who might be best suited to Test cricket than County cricket imo.

Curran made 50 and 56 not out and took 6 wicketrs in the first innings
Sibley got 74 and 30
Leach took 5 wickets in the 2nd innings

Sorry Mick but Foakes got 8 and 7

The first 2 haven't had a game and Leach only got selected because Moeen failed so miserably and predictably with both bat and ball. I just can't get my head around Endland's team selections.

[mickd1961]

Before the 1st test England Lions played the Aussie A which included a number of their Test team. This quality of opposiition a much better guide as to who might be best suited to Test cricket than County cricket imo.

Curran made 50 and 56 not out and took 6 wicketrs in the first innings
Sibley got 74 and 30
Leach took 5 wickets in the 2nd innings

Sorry Mick but Foakes got 8 and 7

The first 2 haven't had a game and Leach only got selected because Moeen failed so miserably and predictably with both bat and ball. I just can't get my head around Endland's team selections.

Regarding Foakes,

Alec Stewart says he’s the best keeper in the country and his test record shows he can bat so he deserves a chance......how can he be worse than Bairstow?

I like Leach’s spirit but as a spinner he doesn’t convince me yet,oh how we miss Graham Swann.

[mickd1961]

Root has to be replaced as captain. His choice of bowlers, instructions to them and field placings were amateurish at times. We've played 4 tests and he's let the Aussies get away time and again. I don't think awarding Stokes the captaincy will work either. Echoes of Botham.

A captain has to remain detached from any preoccupations. Root is or was England's best batsman. It's difficult to concentrate on both. Botham was England's best bowler and amongst the best batsmen. When awarded the captaincy, his own game fell apart. Brearley was an average batsman but one of the best captain's of all time. Illingworth was from the same mold. England need a captain who is capable of playing a captain's innings every now and again but whose mind is free to think tactics.

Don't ask me who though. I'll defer to the well remunerated selectors to figure that one out. Maybe we should start by sacking them

I’d be tempted to put Morgan in charge even though his batting average in tests isn’t great.

He’s still only 32 so two or three years of him with a younger player learning the ropes under him might be an idea.

[Albionmad]

I’d be tempted to put Morgan in charge even though his batting average in tests isn’t great.

He’s still only 32 so two or three years of him with a younger player learning the ropes under him might be an idea.

If Morgan wants it offer it to him. Good call Mick. Not a great test player but capable of the occasional great innings