The Ashes: Third Test

Greg Hook

It was nothing short of a miracle that we won that test, the team most definitely needs changing.

faiz0

Agree with most of that except for Woakes - Archer doesnt appear to be a test match no.8

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

I don't think he is either, but I can't see any other way of accommodating Anderson, who will surely play for the last time at Old Trafford.

Its 'old school' then: 5 batters, plus all-rounder and keeper to score runs, four bowlers plus all-rounder to take wickets.  We made mistakes for years picking players who could 'bat a bit and bowl decently' or vice versa - e.g. would Woakes play if he couldn't bat at all, same with Sam Curran - not sure he is test quality as either batter or bowler?

faiz0

I don’t think Roy will be jettisoned - if he doesn’t open they’ll try him in the middle order instead. I’m not convinced he’s test quality at all, whatever position he plays.

Lee

What this series is showing is that both teams have a very average batting line up with a couple of good players each and both teams have an exceptional bowling attack.

I'd keep Roy in but move him down the order and have Denly open. But who to have batting at 4 is a tricky one because it'd still be odds on 4 would be in at not a lot for 2. I guess Bairstow would be the best option. Stokes at 5. Roy at six.

It's a toss of a coin for me whether to keep Buttler or try Pope at 7. For good balance I would bring Curran in for Woakes which is a move I think should've happened before now. Obviously Anderson for Woakes if fit but it does make the lower order look scarily weak.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

His technical failings are amplified because his head is all over the place; I actually think he'd benefit from being taken out of the firing line.

Bairstow at 4 after keeping for potentially 90 overs plus would be tough both physically and mentally.  I don't understand playing Buttler as a specialist batsman at 7, I'd prefer Bairstow at 7.  Boycott nailed it on Sunday morning - Root and Denly set a platform for the middle order to win the game; you expect to lose 1 wicket to the new ball but need to get to 80  before the second wicket falls - 20/30 for 2 doesn't win you many matches.

Lee

When a group of us were discussing the team for the third test we were unanimous that if Buttler doesn't keep wicket and bat at 7 then he should be replaced with Foakes and Bairstow should play as a number 4. But Bairstow wants to keep wicket! It's a shame Foakes has been overlooked because he certainly looked the part when he played.

There is a case either way for Roy but I think if they leave him opening it could destroy his career. Move him down the order and he might flourish if we have a good score on the board. Drop him could finish him or it could benefit him.

Certainly would't want to be a selector.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Good shout on Foakes; we have loads of available middle order players but very few top order players.

faiz0

It was clear from the WC final (swinging conditions, high quality opening bowlers) that Roy was nowhere near being a test match opener. He was all at sea and could have been out a number of times before he was put out of his misery. I’m not convinced that he could even do a job lower down the order to be honest.