2009 Ashes Series - England vs. Australia **Spoilers**

Nice to see the other guys get some runs. Makes the top order look even more stupid. Strauss and Cook are grand but I never want to see Bell and Bop in an England test side again. Bell, with all his apparent talent, just cannot hack the pressure. Bop is just useless. Colly is a fighter so i'd stick with him but when it is moving about and he needs to stick around he is quite vunerable. Not sure what bowling or batting options I'd change for the next test but id love to see a massive shakeup. its simply a must win.
 
I see Matty Hayden wants England to make no changes but thats obvious why! I don't see the problem with shuffling a team around to get the most in form players in to give the best chance of victory. I think opting for Trott this match could have been a good option.
 
Great to see England fighting hard to keep those last five wickets alive. It goes to show that with a bit more discipline, they really can match - and beat - the Aussies. :)

The final test is by no means a foregone conclusion. It's all up for grabs.
 
I think we must drop Bopara and Bell, not only are they out of form but they aren't mentally strong enough to be useful at the Oval. There isn't exactly a wealth of players waiting in the wings to replace them but Trott and Robert Key must be the most likely candidates.

And hopefully Flintoff will be fit enough to replace Harmison.

Bringing back Ramprakash would be a desperate decision and I don't think he would be up to the task at all. With respect to him I daresay he agrees with me.
 
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Matt Hayden says the current lineup is fully capable of winning the last test, and should not be changed.

Anyone else agree with that?

*edit*

Apparently you don't, DD... :p
 
He also acknowledged that he tends towards loyalty to players rather than picking them on form.

For me it isn't just that Bell and Bopara keep failing, they just never look like they're going to hang around for long, their heads aren't in the right place. They are mentally weak and you can't rely on them to be tough fighters when the chips are down, which are the sort of characters you need to win the Ashes.
 
Bell and Bopara don't get in line with the ball on a regular basis.

It's as if they are waiting for the one aimed at their body, and they are worried about getting hit.
 
They're fully capable of winning the last test I just think they went into this test with the wrong mindset, as if they could pick up a draw without having to work for it, the first day cost us the test.
 
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mmj_uk said:
They're fully capable of winning the last test I just think they went into this test with the wrong mindset, as if they could pick up a draw without having to lift a finger, the first day cost us the test.
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I think losing a test by 80 and an innings is more then just going into a test match with the wrong mindset mate. England got annihilated and basically over in 2 days.

As people have been saying the middle order Bell, Bopara, Collingwood have not been good enough, Bopara has been crap in every test match so far. Also Flintoff missing is a big miss, its not just his ability he is also an intimadating figure out there.
 
Its been a pretty even series so far, put Flintoff in place of Harmisom get rid of Bopara and England are in with a chance.
 
There is talk of bringing Panesar back as the Oval could take spin later on in the match, is that a good idea? I have my doubts. He was crap at Cardiff.

As for Collingwood, he failed here but he is better than Bell and Bopara put together and I would certainly keep him for the Oval.
 
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uk_unbeliever said:
I agree that Collingwood isn't the first place to start looking for a change
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Oh no i completely agree i was just pointing out apart from Collingwoods superb performance at Cardiff he hasn't batted well since. However he has that ashes experience and is a level above Bopara, thats also why i think we should keep Ian Bell in as well as he has the experience which i think its vital, also remember he has only been brought in the last 2 tests.
England cannot make hole sale changes it would be crazy, bring in Key to replace Bopara at no 3 and hopefully a fit flintoff to replace harmy would be all they need.

Another positive is there is now a 10 day gap until the final test, it gives players like Anderson time to get recover, get fit again because he looked injured in this test and if Anderson is fit we are in big trouble.
 
It would appear that if a batsman is going to be brought in, it will be Trott. Got to be worth the gamble though as Bopara has been woeful batting and has been pretty poor in the field too.

I'd like to see Key given a try as well for Bell but it would be too much to ask from the England selectors.
 
I think Trott in for Bopara, guess we have to stick with Bell, maybe even promote him to 3 and cross every finger.

Hope to God Flintoff is fit to come in for Harmison, Anderson is fit for the next match etc

Strauss
Cook
Bell
Trott
Collingwood
Prior
Flintoff
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Onions
 
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