4th Test: England v Australia at Leeds

[aussie1st]

Just having a left armer is always good, The calls for never again for Harmy was right, apart from his spell to Katich he has been deadset average.

Should have a 400 lead by the end of the day probably more once we get past 300.

 

[OffCutters]

Clarke is looking very solid here, looks like a century for him if he continues like this.

 

[Skater]

And speaking of stupid selections, can someone explain to me in what universe it makes sense to leave Sidebottom on the sidelines while Stuart Broad is still playing? I reckon Darren Pattinson would be doing a better job.

He would, because Pattinson bowled well last year.

 

[angryangy]

Keep in mind that North started the day on 7 from 42, so that's 33 from 56 today. A relaxed pace, but it's clear runs are coming.

 

[aussie1st]

I'll say it again: i think North is suspect against Swann. Can't think of many decent spinners in the domestic circuit so its understandable. He'll be a problem in India or against New Zealand (well Vettori). Needs to work on the sweep maybe.

He uses his feet so no need for the sweep shot.

 

[King Pietersen]

Broad is ████. It is his fault. 40 average...when's England going to finally drop him. Worst bowler in international cricket atm.

Not going to give him credit for bowling well in this game?

He's not the worst bowler in International cricket either. 8th worst in Test cricket according to the stats in the last 3 years (Harmison, Fernando, Powell, Mortaza, Bravo, Collymore and Hossain have worse figures, Kaneria, RP Singh, Hoggard, Flintoff and Panesar only have slightly better figures as well), and he's a very fine ODi bowler, and one of the best in the world (#1 wicket taker in the last 2 years in OD cricket).

He should have been dropped for this game, as he's not good enough to be playing Test cricket atm, but you've got to give him credit for bowling well in this game. Certainly been the pick of England's bowlers, although that's not saying a great deal.

 

[karnog]

He uses his feet so no need for the sweep shot.

I was thinking Harbhajan Singh or Mendis or even Murali if he's in team in the sub-continent.

 

[iridescentt]

Thanks for playing Broad. Cheers.

 

[aussie1st]

I was thinking Harbhajan Singh or Mendis or even Murali if he's in team in the sub-continent.

He should get some tips from Clarke, hes played 2 of the 3 well. Mendis will probably trouble all our batters.

 

[iridescentt]

Thanks for playing Broad. Cheers.

... and Bopara.

 

[Howsie]

Not going to give him credit for bowling well in this game?

He's not the worst bowler in International cricket either. 8th worst in Test cricket according to the stats in the last 3 years (Harmison, Fernando, Powell, Mortaza, Bravo, Collymore and Hossain have worse figures, Kaneria, RP Singh, Hoggard, Flintoff and Panesar only have slightly better figures as well), and he's a very fine ODi bowler, and one of the best in the world (#1 wicket taker in the last 2 years in OD cricket).

He should have been dropped for this game, as he's not good enough to be playing Test cricket atm, but you've got to give him credit for bowling well in this game. Certainly been the pick of England's bowlers, although that's not saying a great deal.

And only Powell, Mortaza and Hossain are regulars in their country's XI.

You can't count Bravo as he's actually a proper all-rounder.

 

[angryangy]

He should get some tips from Clarke, hes played 2 of the 3 well. Mendis will probably trouble all our batters.

The question is whether Mendis will even be in the team. If another team has a series like Pakistan have had, he might be squeezed out.

 

[irottev]

LOL at Bumble and the Kangaroo.

 

[iridescentt]

Haha @ Warney.

"... he throws ..." @ Swann

 

[King Pietersen]

I set the stats-guru to bowlers who have taken over 20 wickets and bowl at position 1 to 4 in the last 3 years. Harmison has played pretty regularly in the England side since over that period of time, only having a few spells of time out of the side before coming back in. So that's 4, and Fernando would have been more regular in the Sri Lankan side if he was fit. He's played 8 Tests, and taken 16 wickets at 49, that's much worse than Broad. Bravo has also been one of West Indies 4 frontline seamers in the last few years, so I don't see why he shouldn't count.

Not sure why I'm defending Broad really, as I don't think he should be in the side. But just making the point that he is far from the worst bowler in International cricket, especially given his record in ODi's.

50 for North. More runs when the bowlers have bowled awfully. Still waiting to see him score runs against good bowling....