From Newsgroup: uk.sport.cricket
In message <
ObYlwODw6fuoFwaD@jhall_nospamxx.co.uk>, John Hall <
john_nospam@jhall.co.uk> writes
A much better performance from England this time, but the lack of a
proper fifth bowler in the end proved too great a handicap, Bethell and >Jacks going for a combined 112 in their ten overs. What makes selection >difficult is that had either been left out in favour of say Jamie
Overton, England would be denied a lot of firepower with the bat.
Though Overton is capable of big hitting, it's hard to see him making a >major contribution against this South African attack.
Further thoughts:
I now see why everyone in the media seems to be raving about Bethell -
his batting anyway! Incidentally I was very impressed by how Maharaj
came back after being taken for 20 in an over by Bethell, treatment he's
not used to. When he came back on after Bethell had been dismissed, he
was just as good as he had been before the onslaught.. He only went for
39 in his other 9 overs.
Talking about parsimonious and threatening spinners, Adil Rashid was
excellent again. I know he hasn't played any red ball cricket for five
years, but I wonder if Baz and Ben have thought of trying to persuade
him to go on the Ashes tour?
After Duckett's fine Test series, he is now woefully out of touch. I
would drop him for the final ODI and move Jacks up to open with Smith.
That would free up a space at number 7, enabling them to include a
"proper" fifth bowler who can bat a bit in Jamie Overton. I don't think England will do that, though, as they always show a lot of loyalty
towards the man in possession, indeed perhaps too much at times.
--
John Hall
"I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly,
will hardly mind anything else."
Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-84)
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