Seriously, Roach has a better defensive game than the top order. He's on 31 runs now off of 81 balls. The man can't bowl at all, nowadays, but bats better than most of the others.
Trini, I know you have joked on a number of occasions about flipping the batting lineup, but you may well be onto something. The top order have looked nothing like specialist batsman. I fear I may have put the kibosh on Kraigg Brathwaite, too. I was expecting big things from him this year, and yet his average for the year has dipped to 20.17 in 9 matches played.
I was really surprised that Holder didn't call for a review. He and Bravo were the last two recognised batsman. If there was any doubt in his mind, he needed to use the review then. There really isn't much value in holding onto a review for the tail. Bravo didn't do him any favours though - their conversation was brief and he sent Holder on his way. Perhaps Jason can seek out Shane Watson while he is over there and have a few words with him about the review systemย ::LOL::
Quote:Trini, I know you have joked on a number of occasions about flipping the batting lineup, but you may well be onto something.
No, I wasn't joking. When I played cricket, we flipped the line-up all the time. Give the bowlers license to open-and-block and so stress the opposition's opening bowlers.
Quote:I fear I may have put the kibosh on Kraigg Brathwaite, too. I was expecting big things from him this year, and yet his average for the year has dipped to 20.17 in 9 matches played.
Kraigg "Paint" Brathwaite is one of the few reasons I still watch WI play. He posts big scores domestically and you can see he has a hunger for big runs at the international level. He also seems like a hardworking, thoughtful dude. I sympathise with him having to open, arguably the hardest job in cricket.
I also think there's simply too much pressure on Paint with Gayle and Chanders gone. All Paint's good knocks have had him playing second fiddle to experienced batsmen whom the opposition focus on. Now Paint is super defense, super insecure, always on the backfoot and nervous as hell. And as he can't get far forward, all the opposition has to do is keep attacking the stumps till he gets LBW. Paint needs to bat with someone who is aggressive and so opens up the field.
As I write this, Chandrika has gone for duck. What is this, 4 international ducks now? I'd be surprised if he ever gets selected again.