| Cricket 17:41 - Jul 7 with 1206 views | ColDale |
I know this is completely wrong, but I'm getting a touch bored by England's dominance at cricket. Now we've reached the stage that even beating the Aussies is expected, there seems to be no edge or competitive nature and as such, all the fun has gone from it. Of course, I don't want a return to the days where rain was our best chance, but there's not even any pantomime villains in the Aussie side to hate. |  | | |  |
| Cricket on 17:47 - Jul 7 with 1193 views | SuddenLad |
Enjoy it whilst it lasts. It won't be forever. |  |
| “It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled†|
| |
| Cricket on 17:47 - Jul 7 with 1181 views | Daley_Lama |
We lost to Pakistan, drew with sri lanka and have S Africa at home followed by India away coming up.
Dont mistake a 'weakened by IPL' windies and an 'after 15 years of dominance' fledgling Aussie team as England dominating world cricket.
Windies were the entree, Aus are the starter and S africa are the roast beef with all the trimmings of this years home series, should be a cracker. |  |
| |
| Cricket on 17:49 - Jul 7 with 1178 views | Daley_Lama |
Ps
If you want hate figures, Graham Smith and Dale Steyn fit the role perfectly. Tahir the spinner annoys me too personally. | |
| |
| Cricket on 18:29 - Jul 7 with 1142 views | rafc1977 |
Surely Mitchell Johnson is the villain of the Aussie side? I really do hope he's fit on Tues (caus I'm going) South Africa and India will be our true tests of where we are this year, everybody else at the minute is cannon fodder and I'm loving it! |  | | |
| Cricket on 19:38 - Jul 7 with 1107 views | Daley_Lama |
He's that bad is mitchell that he doesn't even make it as a pantomine villain for me, truth be told he gets sympathy for being so pooh.
Col is spot on for me, bring back red neck haydn, bum face ponting and arogant dismissive glenda mcgrath | |
| |
| Cricket on 20:19 - Jul 7 with 1080 views | roccydaleian |
| Cricket on 17:47 - Jul 7 by SuddenLad |
Enjoy it whilst it lasts. It won't be forever. |
Correct. I'm loving it. Fook the Aussies.  |  | | |
| Cricket on 21:09 - Jul 7 with 1051 views | TalkingSutty |
| Cricket on 20:19 - Jul 7 by roccydaleian |
Correct. I'm loving it. Fook the Aussies. |
I think overall, player for player, we are the best team in the world at the moment. We should embrace that because a lot of us cricket fans have been following the team for decades and have endured year upon year of dross and defeat after defeat.
I look at it in the same way as i look back on the last 4 or 5 seasons as being a Dale fan, its a fantastic time to be a supporter and we should enjoy it whilst it lasts. It isnt just about the current starting eleven at the moment though, English cricket is so strong they could probably pick another eleven who would also compete aginst the best teams in the world.
The infastructure within English cricket is right at the moment and i think it stems from when we had that epic series against the Aussies several years ago (and copying what made them successful). Having said all that, until we start winning on the sub continent i wouldnt compare the current team against the great West Indian and Australian sides.
When they prove themselves in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan (given the chance), then we can call ouselves the true world number ones. We are a very good side at the moment though !!
The above comments relate to Test match cricket, which is the ultimate format of the game when all said and done. One day cricket is invariably won on the toss of a coin, today being a perfect example. [Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]
|  | | |
| Cricket on 21:20 - Jul 7 with 1038 views | isitme |
Where we have a big advantage over all other teams is in our seam bowling depth. Tremlett, Finn and Onions (our second choice attack) form a better attack than all but South Africa's first choice line up. If we get an injury we are not that badly affected. Having Swann, who is the best spinner currently in world cricket is also a bonus as not only does he take wickets, especially in the first over of his spell but he usually ties down an end on flat pitches.
I do think that in the next couple of years a few batsmen will have to step up. Our top 6 for the South Africa series will be as follows:
1. Cook
2. Strauss
3. Trott
4. Pieterson
5. Bell
6. Bopara
Strauss is in his mid thirties and how long Pieterson will keep playing test cricket is anyone's guess. I think Taylor and Bairstow are probably the next cabs off the rank with Stokes a possibility, he also can bowl a few overs at a reasonable pace. Morgan may get another chance, but he is probably best suited to limited overs cricket. The lack of young openers (Hales at this moment in time is 20/20 only) is a worry but perhaps Bell could open when Strauss retires? |  | | |
Login to get fewer ads
| Cricket on 21:37 - Jul 7 with 1027 views | TalkingSutty |
| Cricket on 21:20 - Jul 7 by isitme |
Where we have a big advantage over all other teams is in our seam bowling depth. Tremlett, Finn and Onions (our second choice attack) form a better attack than all but South Africa's first choice line up. If we get an injury we are not that badly affected. Having Swann, who is the best spinner currently in world cricket is also a bonus as not only does he take wickets, especially in the first over of his spell but he usually ties down an end on flat pitches.
I do think that in the next couple of years a few batsmen will have to step up. Our top 6 for the South Africa series will be as follows:
1. Cook
2. Strauss
3. Trott
4. Pieterson
5. Bell
6. Bopara
Strauss is in his mid thirties and how long Pieterson will keep playing test cricket is anyone's guess. I think Taylor and Bairstow are probably the next cabs off the rank with Stokes a possibility, he also can bowl a few overs at a reasonable pace. Morgan may get another chance, but he is probably best suited to limited overs cricket. The lack of young openers (Hales at this moment in time is 20/20 only) is a worry but perhaps Bell could open when Strauss retires? |
Personally, i would never pick Pieterson for a England team again. He thinks he can pick and choose which format he wants to play for the national team and thats a disgrace, his priority is the IPL obviously.
Bell isnt tight enough to open the batting against a new ball in my opinion and doesnt have the mental toughness for the job. I would also take issue against Bopara being in the team. You need tough characters with mental application, Graham Thorpe and Trott like personalities. Like you stated our seam bowlers are top quality. | | | |
| Cricket on 21:55 - Jul 7 with 1010 views | isitme |
Who would you have in a 6? Bopara has played well recently although limited over cricket is a different game to test matches. I think he was due to play against the West Indies before he got injured.
| | | |
| Cricket on 23:46 - Jul 7 with 964 views | ChaffRAFC |
The worry about who is coming through the ranks to follow on from this golden generation is mainly because it's difficult to keep track of who's impressing.
It used to be the case that England cricketers were picked based on their first class form but this is not the case anymore and a lot of players will be picked based on their development at International Youth level. First class cricket isn't in the spotlight as much these days I don't think.
The likes of Alex Hales, Sam Northeast, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor, Matty Coles, Simon Kerrigan, Stuart Meaker, Joey Root and Ben Stokes etc should progress to the top of the game. The setup that the Lions squad have looks to be fantastic and should be the perfect platform to develop their game sufficiently to be able to be called on when the time calls.
That said, for now, we won't see many changes just yet. This England side is magnificent in all forms of the game. Youngsters don't realise how big a contrast this is to the mid-nineties when we were relying on the likes of Mark Butcher, Graeme Hick and Graham Thorpe etc. Back then, an England batter who averaged above 35 with the bat at test level was a good standard. That wouldn't get near the team now, our bowlers are averaging 35 with the bat!
Long may it continue and I for one can't wait for the South Africa series. |  |
| If I hadn't seen such riches, I could live with being poor |
| |
| Cricket on 00:58 - Jul 8 with 950 views | TVOS1907 |
| Cricket on 20:19 - Jul 7 by roccydaleian |
Correct. I'm loving it. Fook the Aussies. |
Blimey.
Up to three years ago you thought 'Aussies' was something to do with Black Sabbath. |  |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
| |
| Cricket on 06:58 - Jul 8 with 938 views | TalkingSutty |
| Cricket on 23:46 - Jul 7 by ChaffRAFC |
The worry about who is coming through the ranks to follow on from this golden generation is mainly because it's difficult to keep track of who's impressing.
It used to be the case that England cricketers were picked based on their first class form but this is not the case anymore and a lot of players will be picked based on their development at International Youth level. First class cricket isn't in the spotlight as much these days I don't think.
The likes of Alex Hales, Sam Northeast, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor, Matty Coles, Simon Kerrigan, Stuart Meaker, Joey Root and Ben Stokes etc should progress to the top of the game. The setup that the Lions squad have looks to be fantastic and should be the perfect platform to develop their game sufficiently to be able to be called on when the time calls.
That said, for now, we won't see many changes just yet. This England side is magnificent in all forms of the game. Youngsters don't realise how big a contrast this is to the mid-nineties when we were relying on the likes of Mark Butcher, Graeme Hick and Graham Thorpe etc. Back then, an England batter who averaged above 35 with the bat at test level was a good standard. That wouldn't get near the team now, our bowlers are averaging 35 with the bat!
Long may it continue and I for one can't wait for the South Africa series. |
Good post young Chaffy. | | | |
| Cricket on 07:19 - Jul 8 with 934 views | rafc1977 |
| Cricket on 21:55 - Jul 7 by isitme |
Who would you have in a 6? Bopara has played well recently although limited over cricket is a different game to test matches. I think he was due to play against the West Indies before he got injured.
|
If were talking test cricket I think broad could move down the order and do a job. Reminds me of big Fred, devasting with ball and doesn't let you down with the bat. | | | |
| Cricket on 10:16 - Jul 8 with 895 views | D_Alien |
| Cricket on 07:19 - Jul 8 by rafc1977 |
If were talking test cricket I think broad could move down the order and do a job. Reminds me of big Fred, devasting with ball and doesn't let you down with the bat. |
Presume you mean Broad could move up the order?
The one position that remains unclear in the current Test team is no. 6
Eoin Morgan doesn't quite cut it at test level, neither for me does Ravi Bopara. The thing is, Broad is a huge success coming in at 8 or 9, but the expectation levels of a no. 6 are so much higher that for me it would be too much of a risk, trying to change Broad into a front-line batsman.
The current incumbent, Johnny Bairstow, is a talent for the future but putting him up against the South African quicks could put him out of the reckoning for some time - he just doesn't look ready for that kind of pressure just yet.
Paul Collingwood filled the no. 6 spot to perfection. He could hold an end up, or play his shots. His fielding and part time bowling were added bonuses, and it's almost as if every no. 6 is expected to contribute something more to the team, to add balance. (A fully-fit Freddie in that role would make the current side virtually unbeatable, at home at least!)
Ian Bell found his feet at no. 6 before gaining the confidence to move up to his natural place in the order. Unless a new Freddie or Botham emerges, what the selectors need to do is identify the best batsman coming through the ranks and start them in this position, which should then enable them to progress to fill the higher positions once the likes of Pietersen and Bell are ready to call it a day. If no-one is yet ready, I'd move Prior up to six and add another bowler to the already outstanding attack; probably Finn, or a specialist spinner if conditions are right. [Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]
|  |
| |
| Cricket on 10:17 - Jul 8 with 893 views | Bobbyjoe |
Never mind, Col, South Africa A v South Africa B should be a bit more competitive. |  | | |
| Cricket on 22:32 - Jul 10 with 699 views | TVOS1907 |
4-0 | |
| When I was your age, I used to enjoy the odd game of tennis. Or was it golf? |
| |
| Cricket on 12:14 - Jul 11 with 615 views | D_Alien |
| Cricket on 22:32 - Jul 10 by TVOS1907 |
4-0 |
Good to see Tredwell hold an end down, and assist with a brilliant run-out.
He's exactly the sort of player we used to pluck from the county circuit only for them to be hammered all over the park by the Aussies.
Not been to Old Trafford since the new stands were built, and the wicket turned head-on to the pavilion.
tbh the ground looks a bit of a mess on tv, the wicket & square especially [Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]
| |
| |
| Cricket on 18:18 - Jul 11 with 550 views | Thacks_Rabbits |
| Cricket on 23:46 - Jul 7 by ChaffRAFC |
The worry about who is coming through the ranks to follow on from this golden generation is mainly because it's difficult to keep track of who's impressing.
It used to be the case that England cricketers were picked based on their first class form but this is not the case anymore and a lot of players will be picked based on their development at International Youth level. First class cricket isn't in the spotlight as much these days I don't think.
The likes of Alex Hales, Sam Northeast, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor, Matty Coles, Simon Kerrigan, Stuart Meaker, Joey Root and Ben Stokes etc should progress to the top of the game. The setup that the Lions squad have looks to be fantastic and should be the perfect platform to develop their game sufficiently to be able to be called on when the time calls.
That said, for now, we won't see many changes just yet. This England side is magnificent in all forms of the game. Youngsters don't realise how big a contrast this is to the mid-nineties when we were relying on the likes of Mark Butcher, Graeme Hick and Graham Thorpe etc. Back then, an England batter who averaged above 35 with the bat at test level was a good standard. That wouldn't get near the team now, our bowlers are averaging 35 with the bat!
Long may it continue and I for one can't wait for the South Africa series. |
Pitches tend to be a lot better these days though Chaff - but agree with all other sentiments |  |
| |
| Cricket on 19:42 - Jul 11 with 517 views | CastlefieldDale |
| Cricket on 12:14 - Jul 11 by D_Alien |
Good to see Tredwell hold an end down, and assist with a brilliant run-out.
He's exactly the sort of player we used to pluck from the county circuit only for them to be hammered all over the park by the Aussies.
Not been to Old Trafford since the new stands were built, and the wicket turned head-on to the pavilion.
tbh the ground looks a bit of a mess on tv, the wicket & square especially [Post edited 1 Jan 1970 1:00]
|
Got to say I was impressed with ot last night. Should look very impressive when its finished for the ashes. England have totally outclassed the aussies in this series good to see for once! | | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
