19th Match - England v West Indies

[91Jmay]

I think this attack can cause some damage against most of the teams from the sub-continent but I don't feel it will get us a semi-final spot, especially with the rain spreading some points around. Even against Australia, they blew away the top order and then the lack of variety and a couple of dropped catches meant they recovered. The batting is lacking a little bit of game-time for the likes of Pooran and Hetmeyer to help them make smart decision at key moments and the bowling lacks a decent spinner to help with those key breakthroughs when the tall bowlers aren't getting it done or are tiring.

It feels like we're close to being a formidable ODI side but aren't there in time for this competition. Whereas England have held this side together for a long time and it feels like they have both the decision making and the variety to win this.

Losing that Aus game was absolutely criminal. So many big moments thrown away.

 

[Beamer]

Bravo is pretty sub ideal but he'd contribute more than all these sloggers IMO. Put him at four and give the side a bit of backbone.

Not picking Ambris was a massive clanger tbh. He's got everything in his game to be an excellent ODI batsman and has made a super start to his limited overs international career.

 

[MW1304]

Such a dumb shot, literally no need to do anything like that. Bairstow gets himself out when set as much as any batsmen going around in this format, throws away so many big scores.

His conversion rate is fine tbh. More of a problem for him in Tests.

 

[Howe_zat]

Woakes promotion!

 

[Beamer]

This format is punishing for the lesser teams. Very hard to sustain excellence over nine games of 50 over cricket if you're a slap-dash, YOLO type of team.

Yeah you need some substance to get through the tough moments and allow the big hitters to do maximum damage. We're definitely one short in that regard.

 

[91Jmay]

His conversion rate is fine tbh. More of a problem for him in Tests.

Yeah that's probably true.

Great start from Chrissy boy. I might have given Stokes some time in the middle though, did well in the first game but hasn't scored a load of runs recently.

 

[BSM]

Can't wait for Woakes to get a decent 50 here and become our test no.3

 

[BSM]

I think this attack can cause some damage against most of the teams from the sub-continent but I don't feel it will get us a semi-final spot, especially with the rain spreading some points around. Even against Australia, they blew away the top order and then the lack of variety and a couple of dropped catches meant they recovered. The batting is lacking a little bit of game-time for the likes of Pooran and Hetmeyer to help them make smart decision at key moments and the bowling lacks a decent spinner to help with those key breakthroughs when the tall bowlers aren't getting it done or are tiring.

It feels like we're close to being a formidable ODI side but aren't there in time for this competition. Whereas England have held this side together for a long time and it feels like they have both the decision making and the variety to win this.

Yeah I also think the Windies batting lineup is also at roughly the same (or similar) stage as England in late 2015/2016. The pieces there to develop into a great outfit but not yet experienced/developed enough and hence prone to many poor days. Unfortunately whereas we've had roughly a whole 4 years cycle to prepare, I think Windies development has been too quick to make them a stable unit at this tournament

 

[mr_mister]

Should Alzarri Joseph have made the cut over one of Thomas/Cottrell? Seems like a NCN/Richardson over Hazelwood scenario. Choose the apparent ODI 'specialists' at the expense of the superior bowler who could probably have adapted his game easy enough

 

[Howe_zat]

Enjoying Alastair Cook on TMS today. He keeps talking about Test matches. It's cute.

 

[BSM]

Should Alzarri Joseph have made the cut over one of Thomas/Cottrell? Seems like a NCN/Richardson over Hazelwood scenario. Choose the apparent ODI 'specialists' at the expense of the superior bowler who could probably have adapted his game easy enough

Think he picked up a pretty bad injury in the IPL didn't he? Cottrell and Thomas have put in decent performances in ODIs before this tournament as well

 

[DravidFan]

Is Roach injured? Why isn't he in the squad?

 

[Pratters]

Any score card provides info on wides? Of each player...

 

[MW1304]

Stop taking on the short ball Chris, no need. You're here to steady things.

 

[Beamer]

Yeah I also think the Windies batting lineup is also at roughly the same (or similar) stage as England in late 2015/2016. The pieces there to develop into a great outfit but not yet experienced/developed enough and hence prone to many poor days. Unfortunately whereas we've had roughly a whole 4 years cycle to prepare, I think Windies development has been too quick to make them a stable unit at this tournament

Yep agreed. Much of that is self-inflicted IMHO as our previous selectors went through a phase of real selection blunders and wasted valuable development time. We've also been needlessly holding Pooran back, he could be further on in his development. There is also the Rakheem Cornwall conundrum. It feels like we might sort this out but not in this tournament. Our only way into the semis is another God like run of form for Gayle or Hope, but I find it unlikely.

Should Alzarri Joseph have made the cut over one of Thomas/Cottrell? Seems like a NCN/Richardson over Hazelwood scenario. Choose the apparent ODI 'specialists' at the expense of the superior bowler who could probably have adapted his game easy enough

He would have been selected I think, but he got seriously injured in the IPL.

 

[Beamer]

Is Roach injured? Why isn't he in the squad?

He is, he played the last match. He should have played here in hindsight to provide that test match new ball length. Oh well.

 

[Cabinet96]

Didn't realise Brathwaite was nearly 31. Assumed he was young given Ian Bishop was telling us to remember the name after the 2016 World T20 final.

 

[MW1304]

Gayle throwing grenades.

 

[Beamer]

Didn't realise Brathwaite was nearly 31. Assumed he was young given Ian Bishop was telling us to remember the name after the 2016 World T20 final.

He really is not worthy of a place in the side. Selecting him ahead of Keemo Paul is crazy on every level.

 

[Beamer]

Gayle throwing grenades.

In all seriousness this pitch has taken a bit of spin. Root caused trouble earlier and Gayle really doesn't look too bad.

Disappointed with the body language in this innings though. They gave up after around 15 overs I think. It's easy to be fired up when things are going your way, but it feels like they've thrown the towel in.