2009 Ashes

[Longy]

I have no idea why we seem so keen to score at 4,5 runs per over, if there was a situation and a position to grind out 500 in 2 days this was it. I am starting to come round to the idea that these players play far too much one day cricket and it has destroyed their ability to build a proper test match innings. Strauss is the only one to make a century this series and to be frankly honest the only one who hasn't seem to want to give his wicket away.

[AndrewT]

Yes - the big difference between the teams is that the Australians just don't give their wicket away.

Too many times our batsmen have got in, scored some runs, then spazzed out on some shot when a century was there to be taken.

[TightEnd]

Totally agree

The Aussies play more one day cricket than us

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

[KarmaDope]

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

So how would you make the county game "harder" to use a word? I agree that the difference between county level and Test level is far too big right now and this will only hurt the national side in years to come.

[Longy]

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

So how would you make the county game "harder" to use a word? I agree that the difference between county level and Test level is far too big right now and this will only hurt the national side in years to come.

In an ideal world would we get something that equates to Sheffield shield (is it still called that??) cricket, where there are small number of teams with mainly homegrown players playing tough hard quality cricket.

Of course this never going to happen because of the structure of the county game which is run and watched by people who are snobbish, self interested and not in touch with what is required. That has been the case for over a century and has to be part of the reason the Aussies have been dominant in the Ashes for eons.

[TightEnd]

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

So how would you make the county game "harder" to use a word? I agree that the difference between county level and Test level is far too big right now and this will only hurt the national side in years to come.

Big question

It will probably never happen, too many vested interests...but I am not sure our professional game should support 18 counties each with staffs of 20 plus

Six regions, 15 players each. One 4 day comp, one 20-20 comp and that is it..that The Australian model, works well...with a well developed structure beneath it in the states/counties

I think the comments of someone like Gillespie are quite telling, talking about county players finishing a 4 day in leeds at 6pm, starting a 1 day in Canturbury at 11am the next morning, then back to Bristol for a 4 day two days later.Slimline the whole thing IMO...as it is too many players coast through games


And cancel central contracts. Players need to play, not sit doing nothing between tests. Someone like Pietersen has played once for Hampshire in a four day game over three years. That's unfair to the county game, the county and its supporters

[AndrewT]

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

At Taunton today, Murray Goodwin has scored 344 at nearly a run a ball - who says county cricket is easy to bat in?

[TightEnd]

p.s Longy..snap!!

[TightEnd]

The answer lies in concentration levels and our less than teak tough temperaments, both of which are underdeveloped in our soft county game where too many average players appear the business, but in fact are far from it

At Taunton today, Murray Goodwin has scored 344 at nearly a run a ball - who says county cricket is easy to bat in?

Ramprakash, for one.

[TightEnd]

great fielding

North is spinning this sideways. 350 might be adequate..got to get there though

[Longy]

Sigh about the first person have felt sorry for today is Trott, was actually got out and played alright I thought. Worth a further look on todays evidence, i have to find something positive to say!

[Ironside]

i think england have been guilty of giving there wickets away today, but i wouldnt rule them out the match, if the aussie can swing on this pitch then england SHOULD rip into the aussies

[AndrewT]

Sigh about the first person have felt sorry for today is Trott, was actually got out and played alright I thought. Worth a further look on todays evidence, i have to find something positive to say!

Yes, he looked good. Showing signs of good old-fashioned English determination like Strauss and Pietersen - we need to find more of these Englishmen from somewhere.

[WarBwastard]

Sigh about the first person have felt sorry for today is Trott, was actually got out and played alright I thought. Worth a further look on todays evidence, i have to find something positive to say!

Yes, he looked good. Showing signs of good old-fashioned English determination like Strauss and Pietersen - we need to find more of these Englishmen from somewhere.

Tee hee

[Woodsey]

Sigh about the first person have felt sorry for today is Trott, was actually got out and played alright I thought. Worth a further look on todays evidence, i have to find something positive to say!

Yes, he looked good. Showing signs of good old-fashioned English determination like Strauss and Pietersen - we need to find more of these Englishmen from somewhere.

Tee hee

I reckon half of white saffies would be able to play for us, lets start scouring the country now IMO..........