[quote author=Mail link=topic=104381.msg695758#msg695758 date=1464744609]
What would be your 11 for Lords without second guessing the selectors?
[/quote]
It would appear that the selectors will choose the same starting XI at Lords. However, if I were selecting the side, my XI for Lords would be:
I have long been a big proponent of giving players at least two series to prove themselves. After two good Tests in South Africa, Compton has come unglued. Even if he scores a big ton in a rather meaningless rubber match against a below-par Sri Lankan attack, I think his chance has come and gone. One fifty in 11 innings isn't good enough.
The upcoming tours of Bangladesh and India also play a part in my decision. It is going to be hard to balance the side if Compton bats at 3, not to mention the fact that he has never been a particular good player of right handed spin either.ย
Along with making a decision on who bats at 3, there has been a lot of chat over the last few days as to whether Moeen can be a front-line spinner and whether Bairstow can continue to make two or three mistakes per game. Both are legitimate questions.
[quote author=dillinger10 link=topic=104381.msg695812#msg695812 date=1464790126]
It would appear that the selectors will choose the same starting XI at Lords. However, if I were selecting the side, my XI for Lords would be:
Agreed on Plunkett. He has been rather harshly treated. I have lost count the number of times he has been dragged in and out of the squad across all three formats of the game over the last two years. In saying that, he has had a tough start to the year with the ball for Yorkshire in the County Championship. Still, I'd have him in my limited over sides without question.
I am not sold on Woakes, but I do think he is deserving of playing back-to-back Tests. He bowled beautifully in the first innings at Durham, pitching it up nice and full with plenty of pace, and did so early in the second innings, but then, whether by design or fault, his bowling became shorter and shorter as the game progressed and he wasn't nearly as effective.