Oh as for Simmons, that gets complicated. If purely batting wise, I rate Simmons above both Pollard and Smith. And I doubt if Pollard's bowling is going to be of THAT much of a good addition. So I'm leaning towards Simmons.
[quote author=Kyle link=topic=89568.msg563064#msg563064 date=1399774437]
Oh as for Simmons, that gets complicated. If purely batting wise, I rate Simmons above both Pollard and Smith. And I doubt if Pollard's bowling is going to be of THAT much of a good addition. So I'm leaning towards Simmons.
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If we are looking for an all-rounder here,my choice would be smith.Simmons isn't the best when compared with.Pollard is looking a pale shadow of himself.It seems he needs to re-invent a different strategy altogether.Smith is consistent and can hit it hard,given the form he is in.I might be wrong..but yeah perceptions differ.
[quote author=bala24 link=topic=89568.msg563076#msg563076 date=1399800644]
If we are looking for an all-rounder here,my choice would be smith.Simmons isn't the best when compared with.Pollard is looking a pale shadow of himself.It seems he needs to re-invent a different strategy altogether.Smith is consistent and can hit it hard,given the form he is in.I might be wrong..but yeah perceptions differ.
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Smith's FC status is poo. Look it up. Pollard has a much better case there. Again, depends on if you think you could use IPL slog stats for getting people in TESTS. I don't think so, personally. Hell, as Smith himself proved in World T20, IPL performance is useless even when it comes to international T20s, it's not a good gage.
[quote author=Mail link=topic=89568.msg565425#msg565425 date=1401148523]
I would have Simmons instead of Samuels in the Test team.
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I would agree, but there's still room for him without kicking out Samuels right? What about Powell?
Either way don't care for Samuels I guess, his home record is pretty abysmal to boot.
Powell is young and has showed some prospects so it is reasonable to give him another chance but beyond this series I think he should be rested if he fails.
Samuels averages 36 after 51 tests and his last two series were awful and approaching 33-34 he needs to go.
He is far too inconsistent and I would opt for Simmons, who will also give you 15 overs of seam per innings, or Kirk Edwards.
Samuels just does not seem to be a team man to me but that could be a misleading impression.
Time to have a few youngsters under Shiv's umbrella and mentorship before he departs.
I would also hope the WICB have already said to him, immediately you retire, we want you to be batting coach and mentor for at least 3 series. Continuity and a no brainier really.
Mailstah
I'm certainly calling for Simmon's inclusions, that's for sure. The question is who has to walk out for him to play.
36 after 51 tests is not THAT bad. And also consider the fact that he can bring spin to the table as well, which in WI conditions IMO, are useful than medium pace. I'm just trying to play the devil's advocate here.
Meanwhile he just outbowled Benn in the practice match, 4/25 (although admittedly against Barbados XI)