Harmison back for 3rd Test

[Teaboy]

What a load of shit. Just as most people had predicted New Zealand were so bad they flattered us. A good team like SA is making us look total village.

Personally I've had enough it's time for a clear out. Why can't the management see that Collingwood can't hit the thing of the square at the moment?

 

[g force]

All the same if Robert Key is the answer, you're really asking the wrong question.

Same deal with Prior/Read whoever else is supposed to be a wicketkeeper. First rule is you need to be able to hold catches behind the stumps and Ambrose is better than most at that. He shouldn't be under pressure to bat because supposedly there's world class players in front of him.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

I'm worried for us if we don't improve on this by the next ashes series. We have no chance.

 

[Teaboy]

Same deal with Prior/Read whoever else is supposed to be a wicketkeeper. First rule is you need to be able to hold catches behind the stumps and Ambrose is better than most at that. He shouldn't be under pressure to bat because supposedly there's world class players in front of him.

Not sure I agree with you there. We could find keepers in village cricket who can hold the catches, in the modern game you need a keeper who will average 30. Which other international team in world cricket has a keeper who dosent contribute with the bat?

Personally I think Prior is the option he just needs a lot of assitance and training with his glovework. The problem with Prior is that he comes across as a bit of a cock.

I see Bopara as a natural replacement for Collingwood and they need to stick with him.

 

[Santino]

Not sure I agree with you there. We could find keepers in village cricket who can hold the catches, in the modern game you need a keeper who will average 30. Which other international team in world cricket has a keeper who dosent contribute with the bat?with him.

With a decent lower order, say Bopara, Flintoff and Broad at 6, 7 and 8, the keeper wouldn't need to do more than hold the bat straight.

Ambrose currently averages 28, so that should be sufficient, as long as he can consistently score some runs every match, and not be one of those batsmen who either gets out for 0 or makes a 50.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Its amazing how we still haven't replaced Stewart as keeper.

 

[Flashman]

Its amazing how we still haven't replaced Stewart as keeper.

Not really, he was a top quality batsman who happened to be not at all bad with the gloves, a massive rarity.

They all seem much-of-a-muchness the current crop, so pick one and stick with it I say. Foster looked good before he got injured, seems a lifetime ago now.

 

[Santino]

They all seem much-of-a-muchness the current crop

That's the problem, innit. No one stands out of the crowd.

 

[JTG]

Chris Read - averages over 50 the last couple of years and best keeper in the country.

 

[Teaboy]

That's the problem, innit. No one stands out of the crowd.

Well to be fair Prior does in terms of runs at County level, he's just a bit of prick though who kept on dropping the ball.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Chris Read - averages over 50 the last couple of years and best keeper in the country.

Face didn't fit, apparently. As if that fucking matters. Pick the best players. Bollocks to their clubbability.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Face didn't fit, apparently. As if that fucking matters. Pick the best players. Bollocks to their clubbability.

Well that tells us all we need to know about the selectors.

 

[Santino]

Face didn't fit, apparently. As if that fucking matters. Pick the best players. Bollocks to their clubbability.

The best team is not necessarily the 11 best players, though. (Not defending this particular decision, by the way.) In a game that is so dependent on psychology and confidence, a good team morale and trust between players is also important.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

The best team is not necessarily the 11 best players, though. (Not defending this particular decision, by the way.) In a game that is so dependent on psychology and confidence, a good team morale and trust between players is also important.

Well selecting Pattinson did a lot to help that i bet.

 

[Santino]

*omits to comment on current situation of match for fear of being blamed should a wicket fall*

 

[TrippyLondoner]

212-7 ambrose gone.Just as i was starting to feel a bit more secure about it all.

 

[Santino]

Arse.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

215-8 so much for sidebottom being able to stick around for a bit like the commentators said.

 

[Teaboy]

What a crock. The ball isnt even moving around.

 

[Santino]

Time for Jimmy Anderson to make his maiden half-century...

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Anderson should bat at 4 like last time.

 

[Santino]

Anderson should bat at 4 like last time.

He should open with Broad.

 

[Teaboy]

Let's see Fred play some shots. Somehow I don't think this is a 250 pitch.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Agreed, Teaboy. Needed 400 atleast, watch SA get 500+.

 

[niceonecyril]

Absolutely woeful performance from England. SA need to bat as badly in their first innings if we're to have any chance.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Not looking forward to watching this tmrw.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

A 6 for flintoff, watch SA hit like 4 of them in their innings.(and another 4!)

 

[Santino]

Anderson, Sidebottom and Flintoff bowling well as a unit can still rescue this.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Looks like a run out. Why do these fuckwit 3rd umpires take so long? Just noticed anderson once again didn't get out on 0.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Another fucking run out. 231 all out, this is the worst batting performance ive seen from england in a long time. The fucking worst.(atleast they had poor conditions to bad in in the last test, but this time theres no excuse)