test cricket summer 2012

[Randall]

they like the african for the one day game, usually open with him. prior could do the same job.

[M H]

No need for either to open with Cook and Bell mate

[Randall]

they have used him in that role for a bit of long handle. if thats not the case and he is batting at 6 may as well play prior.

[M H]

My thoughts entirely mate. Prior's keeping has improved immensely over the last couple of years, he's a real all rounder now

[Randall]

just looked at the stats, the boks average in odi's is 6 higher than priors so the difference is negligable.

if kiewswetter gets in he can change a game, 6 scores over 50 in 33 knocks suggests he doesnt do it very often.

[Randall]

england 0-1 after 2 balls

[Randall]

83-3 but no fears as bopara is in

[Randall]

what a shit effort by bopara, ffs.

[Randall]

total collapse by england, again.

thats the last chance bopara deserves, horrible shot to get out.

[M H]

Could be the end of Strauss

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/19407237

[Randall]

or the end/return of pieterson?

as a batter strauss could be coming into the best years of his career, as a captain, id rather see somebody else.

[Randall]

seems strauss was in meetings all day at lords yesterday.

if he does step aside i dont think it damages the side other than finding a new opener.

yes, england have been successful under strauss, and are a very good team, but and there is a but, his reign has coincided with without question the worst west indian team in living memory and the worst aussie team in 30 years, we are still no better on the subcontinent and have been well beaten by the boks this summer.

[M H]

Strauss as a captain is far too negative for my liking and the natural replacement would be Cook. He could still have a lot to offer as an opener though

[Randall]

strauss is still only 35, can go either way, gooch had the best years of his career between 36-40+, others have simply faded away.

i dont see strauss in the gooch mould.

[Randall]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/19408183

press conference will be here.

[Randall]

strauss has retired from all cricket.

[Randall]

cook has taken over as test captain.

[M H]

No surprise with Cook but I am surprised that Strauss has retired. Maybe a contract with Sky?

[Randall]

do sky need anymore experts?

he isnt batting well enough and clearly doesnt want to put the effort in to improve it at his age.

[Randall]

media only want to talk about kp.