England in India

[sohum]

Perhaps Giles can just frustrate batsmen out. It doesn't help that his captain doesn't have much confidence in his bowling ability.

 

[James219]

I agree it's a terrible modern stereotype that has crept into the game that says all bowlers have to be decent with the bat. You need specialists to attack and bowl out the opposition. Blackwell isn't a great spinner in any department, he may get it in the right areas occasionally but is quite defensive, meaning India will most likely pounce on him. Panesar seems to be the best option for England as he's a more attacking bowler and capable of taking wickets consistently. Plus Panesar is much younger, though that philosophy doesn't make much sense seeing that Udal will probably lead the attack
I wouldn't say it's exactly good news that Giles is doubtful but it opens a door for the younger players.

 

[andrew_nixon]

I agree it's a terrible modern stereotype that has crept into the game that says all bowlers have to be decent with the bat.

For England, batting is the first thing they look at when picking spinners.

 

[James219]

You're right it is and that's probably why they've had trouble maintaining quality spinners recently. Selectors should ask themselves, how is a competent bowler and reasonable lower order bat on their test debut going to be that effective in India against their experience?

 

[jkartik]

For England, batting is the first thing they look at when picking spinners.

which is stupidity ??

 

[Stephen Bailey]

which is stupidity ??

Yes. Blackwell averages as near as makes no difference 40 with the bat in first class cricket, but over 40 with the ball. Last season, 46 with the bat and 52 with the ball. Yes, Blackwell was good in the ODI series but ODI cricket is completely different to test cricket, even more so against India in India with their known ability to play spin.

 

[cc2003btw]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/4652346.stm

Thank feck for that, was about time too. But who's going with him...

 

[BigCrickNan]

Brilliant! This is so great, best English spinner for a few years hopefully ! .

 

[aussie1st]

Well he can't be any worse than Udal and Giles or Blackwell for that matter. Best English spinner since that last good spinner of yours....

 

[James219]

Brilliant news. But why pick Udal, might as well bring back Salisbury!

 

[cc2003btw]

Well, there's going to be another spinner as well, out of Blackwell and Loudon, in addition to Udal and monty. But it is possible they'll draw from a wider range, Ian Salisbury is possible, but Min Patel is more likely.

In terms of fitting giles, Blackwell is more likely, but Fletcher is a huge fan of Loudon, and he has the talent of learning new things, and has the doosra, which could be vital. I don't know that Panesar does, although his background and upbringing may mean he does.

 

[Sureshot]

Well he can't be any worse than Udal and Giles or Blackwell for that matter. Best English spinner since that last good spinner of yours....

Tuffers.

 

[James219]

I wasn't really suggesting Salisbury but he's always there for extreme measures. Loudon seems to be the best option as the third spinner. Tufnell wasn't all that different than Giles was he? And a question, is there an outstanding reason for producing so many offspinners and so few wristspinners in England?

 

[aussie1st]

And a question, is there an outstanding reason for producing so many offspinners and so few wristspinners in England?

Green tops ready made for swing bowlers. NZ is exactly the same, they don't have any leggies but a number of offies. Aus on the other hand have only one pitch that isn't the best for spin in the WACA. That said WA have produced a number of chainmen bowlers so it can't be that bad for spin.

 

[andrew_nixon]

Tufnell wasn't all that different than Giles was he?

Tufnell was 10 times the bowler Giles is. One of the few English spinners of recent years actually capable of ripping through a batting order.