Derek Pringle examines the problems in the England top order which were only highlighted further by the dismal display against Ireland
If England’s selectors were hoping to learn something new from the inaugural Test against Ireland, or have their hunches confirmed for the 14-man squad against Australia, then they were probably disappointed despite Jack Leach coming within eight runs of making a hundred as nightwatchman. In fact, Leach was promptly dropped for his efforts, his batting prowess received with gratitude at the time but considered surplus to Ashes requirements, at least for now.
Although bolstered by the return of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler to the middle-order, England’s top three continues to pose the most concern for the team’s well-being at Test level, especially with a voracious Aussie pace attack pawing the turf. But if the Ireland Test was meant to clarify anything the fog of uncertainty remains over this area to the point where there is now talk of Joe Root batting at three, a position for which his distaste is well known.
Did we learn anything against Ireland? Well, Jason Roy made 72 off 78 balls, but that was in the second innings on a pitch burned into semi-submission by two days of roasting sun. Anyway, it was against Ireland. Not that I wish to diminish their fine performance in dismissing England for 85 on the first morning at Lord’s, but essentially this was a sub-85mph attack which, when shorn of any menace in the pitch, possessed about as much fear factor as Frank “Oooh Betty” Spencer.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 28, 2019-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 28, 2019-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.