The Ashes. 1st Test

When In Rome

Disagree. 19 wickets vs Australia at 67 runs apiece. Leach should have played. Moeen is dreadfully short of confidence right now too.

faiz0

He may be, but since his recall he’s taken 45(?) wickets in 10 games, including match winning performances. Deserved another chance on that basis - didn’t take it so now it’s time for Leach.

He’s not the only one who should go though.

When In Rome

Quite.

gavinl1967

Agreed.  However, in 2005 the Aussies had the likes of Ponting, Clarke, Gilchrist, Hayden, Gillespie, Lee and Warne in their squad, so again, far better players than they currently have available - Smith aside.

I'm keeping the faith at present, I just hope its not all over by the time I take my seat at Old Trafford for the start of the 4th Test

richp007

Well we haven't got Jimmy A. at all for the 2nd test now. I hope he gets back for the 3rd, as I have a feeling we're gonna need him.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

England's attack recently has only looked balanced when Wood has played.
Anderson, Woakes and Broad bowl similar pace and rely on movement (either in the air or off the pitch) - we need a "Hollywood" option of either extreme pace or a mystery spinner: Archer can offer the former.  I would have brought Rashid in but he's injured as well.  Leach seems average to me But the Aussies always seem to struggle against left arm spinners.

Batting is a mess: there aren't any players scoring heavily in county cricket so who do you bring in?
Sibley? Northeast? Both not played at test level.
Or experienced options such as Ballance (yet again)? Bopara? Morgan? Lyth?

I would give Malan another go, always felt he was harshly treated.

The batting cupboard is bare.

gavinl1967

Moeen dropped and Leach and Archer added for the second test.

faiz0

Think his England career is over now. For a guy who ‘learned on the job’ he’s had a very good return (180 wickets?). Watching him bat these days is painful though.

clydebest

Yes devoid of confidence .. having said that the same could be said of the top to middle order in the 2nd innings .. Voakes looked the most comfortable making his runs.

gavinl1967

I was watching the Somerset vs Kent Vitality Blast this morning, and the young Somerset opener Tom Banton looks like a real talent and future England opener.  He's also being mentored by Marcus Trescothick, which is no bad thing.