England's Tour of Australia - Ashes, ODIs and T20s 13/14

(17-12-2013 20:04 )babelover48 Wrote:  Maybe Stokes can progress and develop in the mould of beefy or Fred which would be good news for the future. I would wonder if Andy Flower would consider his position as England coach and who would be favourite to take over if he did so?

Stokes has shown promise,but he is work in progress.At First Class level he has a modest batting average & this year has been the first time Durham have used his bowling a a regular basis.He may now have to learn his trade in the spotlight of Test Cricket which wont be easy.Also a great fielder.

As for Flower's successor,the inspirational Ashley Giles is already doing the coaching role in the ODI & T20 format which already makes him favourite.

And I think Giles would be great for England his knowledge would be invaluable given his past success as a test player

(17-12-2013 07:40 )Jack Bishop Wrote:  Let's hope they can dust themselves down from this disappointment and although it is too late for the Ashes salvage some pride in the next two matches.

Prior needs to go. His England career should end now. Will Broad be fit for the next test? If not, it'll be interesting to see who comes in.

(18-12-2013 17:28 )Glenn Miller Wrote:  

(17-12-2013 07:40 )Jack Bishop Wrote:  Let's hope they can dust themselves down from this disappointment and although it is too late for the Ashes salvage some pride in the next two matches.

Prior needs to go. His England career should end now. Will Broad be fit for the next test? If not, it'll be interesting to see who comes in.

I agree that Bairstow should be given the chance to show what he can do in next couple of games. However I do not necessarily see it should it be the end of Priors test career. He is not yet 32 and despite a very poor year has still got a test average of just over 40. Class is permanent, form is temporary and if he rediscovered that form he could not be playing for England for quite a few more years.

Bowling choices will be interesting especially if Broad is not fit.

That is assuming Prior is class.

(19-12-2013 01:24 )sweetsugar007 Wrote:  That is assuming Prior is class.

Well test match average of around 40 in test (just over) and first class (just under) is pretty good record although I would accept their are probably better keepers. Interesting to note of the pretenders to the crown Bairstow test ave. is 30 (first class is an impressive 43). Jos Buttler First Class ave. 32.

I would say Andy Flower would probably wait until the tour is over before he considers his future but I am sure he would have to explain what exactly happened on this tour and why it has gone so horribly wrong.
But it is amazing how Australia have picked themselves up after the tests last summer, dusted themselves off, and got a winning mentality in such a short space of time.
Whether England can do the same whether it be we either lose 3 - 0 or 5 - 0 remains to be seen. Even so I feel some of the players themselves need to explain why it has gone wrong this winter.
I certainly do think now we have to start putting together a strong top order and be able to bat right down to 7, 8 or 9 and the guys get the same mentality that the Aussies have shown this series back, and also cut out reckless shots.
I'm all for batsmen having a go and taking risks but on this tour it has happened far too often for my liking but they have to learn how to build an innings again and take fewer risks in future and also be patient.

Interesting that CA are allowing Warner,Smith & Bailey to play in the T20 Big Bash inbetween the 3rd & 4th Tests.Yes Australia are 3-0 up,but England would never consider doing this.Already it's paid off with Warner smashing a half century continuing his excellent form.

Although England's ODI & T20 players will play in some games.Luke Wright made 70 yesterday,Jos Butler 49.

England & Nottinghamshire off-spinner Graeme Swann has announced his immediate retirement from cricket.

Swann's decision has been a shock.
Concern had been growing during the series that Swann had not been getting the same spin on the ball as he had done in his prime due to an elbow injury which required surgery earlier this year.

He's made the decision now, after the Ashes series has been decided.