England tour of India (5 Tests)

[Bevab]

I think England didn't give themselves a chance to bat throughout. With 1 full day remaining, the urge to go after the target at any cost really backfired upon them. While Bazball and Stokes have had success in the past in chasing totals by going helter skelter, they seem to be forgetting the main aim of Test cricket- that being to win sessions individually and stay in the game for longer.

Stokes' assertions that outside noise doesn't matter to the team -this too is worrisome, cause this is exactly what Shastri-Kohli believed in for India. It hasn't gotten India anywhere tbh. What I would have liked from England- was a concentrated effort in trying to nullify the conditions and then pile on the pressure on the last day. Hope they learn from this.

Bazball originally did have them blocking and grinding in tough conditions before being aggressive. Their bowling attack not being as good is also catching up to them.

As @Aislabie mentioned it’s time for Bairstow to be dropped. Lawrence can’t do any worse for one. Push Root back to six if he is to be the second spinner for the rest of the series as it’s a lot to ask of him when he’s in a rut himself with the bat.

 

[wasteyouryouth]

Bazball originally did have them blocking and grinding in tough conditions before being aggressive. Their bowling attack not being as good is also catching up to them.

As @Aislabie mentioned it’s time for Bairstow to be dropped. Lawrence can’t do any worse for one. Push Root back to six if he is to be the second spinner for the rest of the series as it’s a lot to ask of him when he’s in a rut himself with the bat.

I think the young spinners have done well. A more consistent bowler might have done better but it's not like India wouldn't go after them either. Leach missing is a big loss, just for his experience.

I'd consider bringing in Bashir for Rehan the next match. I'd rather have a proper off spinner instead of Joe Root. I don't think he's good enough to be used as an all rounder and I really don't think he should be moved down the order. He's Joe Root not Roston Chase (although their test bowling averages are almost identical).

A big issue was always going to be Stokes not bowling. In terms of balance we got away with it in the Ashes because Moeen came in. He could play as a second pacer meaning you could have more spin options but instead we have to play two bowlers.

I think they'll back Bairstow. Unless Brook was to rejoin the squad, they might change it up.

 

[Bigby Wolf]

 

[wasteyouryouth]

Looking at Bairstow's international career.

He's had two great years in test cricket:

2016: averaged 58.80, 3 centuries and 8 50s
2022: averaged 66.31, 6 (six) centuries and 1 50
2023: only other year he averaged 40+ (40.25) no 100s but 3 50s

So he's got 9 of 12 centuries in two years of an eleven year career (not counting 2014 where he played one match).

Also, he seems to dip in ODIs when he peaks in test cricket and vice versa.

Only Dennis Compton (15 inns), Michael Vaughan (26) and Joe Root (29) have scored six centuries in a calendar year for England. Only Compton did it in fewer innings than Bairstow's 19. Only five players have managed more than six, Bairstow one of just 13 to get six at least once.

Even when I've advocated dropping him I understood why England persisted from 2018-2021 because off is 2016, then his 2022 was possible. His average is about the same as Stokes but Stokes has been more consistent, averaging 40+ four times (plus 39.61 last year).

 

[Bevab]

Bihar is barely a decent side, Mukesh is the best domestic pacer we have but this game isn’t really a test of his standards.

At this point I would rather they test someone new and keep Mukesh for SENA tours.

 

[icyman]

I was about to mention and second @Bevab point. Bihar isn't a Tamil Nadu that one can go gaga over.

Also, can anyone let me know what has happened to the likes of Kartik Tyagi, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Kamlesh Nagarkoti ?

 

[Bevab]

I was about to mention and second @Bevab point. Bihar isn't a Tamil Nadu that one can go gaga over.

Also, can anyone let me know what has happened to the likes of Kartik Tyagi, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Kamlesh Nagarkoti ?

Nagarkoti is probably injured again, he last played a game in December. Tyagi played one game last month, I assume he’s also injured. Neither have great fitness records and have a total of six FC games between them.

As for Nagwaswalla… he’s slower than Mukesh Kumar and was drab for India A when he played. He’s got decent numbers again this season but I don’t see him being of much use against international batters.

 

[asprin]

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View attachment 290712

He will be given extended run. Otherwise, it would go against their own narrative. Kind of feel he and Root are due for a big score now. I can see it lurking around.

 

[icyman]

The mere fact that Stokes wants to bowl means they are under pressure. In Indian conditions, England should have had 2 pacers and a few spinners.

The lack of a mainstream spinner seems to be hurting them here. Root, while he might have done well, he's still a part timer. New England will want to believe otherwise, however it still doesn't take away the fact that he isn't the primero uno spinner they have.

Anderson and Wood,running in full steam can definitely rattle the Indians. SA have done this in the past and it has worked. Perhaps, time has come for England to take a step backwards and introspect.

 

[Bigby Wolf]

2-2 confirmed now with Super Lord Mukesh coming in.

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

2-2 confirmed now with Super Lord Mukesh coming in.

The mockery BCCI has in terms of availability. KL was good to go yesterday, today he is ruled out. What is Shami's status? Where did Unadkat go suddenly?

 

[Bigby Wolf]

With Bumrah out , Root can finally score some runs in the series now.

Big hundred incoming in the 4th test.

 

[asprin]

2-2 confirmed now with Super Lord Mukesh coming in.

There are rumuors that Akash Deep might make his debut instead of Mukesh. I wouldn't mind seeing that but if it's a spinner's paradise, it would be best to go with 3 spinners + 1 pace.

 

[icyman]

Where did Unadkat go suddenly?

Joining Shah as Deputy Under Secretary!

 

[WubbaLubbaDubDub]

I had a dream today and saw Rahane back in the lineup and smashed a 33 ball 100 and removed his jersey post 100 like dada and showed middle finger to BCCI.