Much has been made about the ability of tail enders to score runs which is now essential to Test Cricket and how, unless a nightwatchman is used (why?), England's tail starts at 8.Much less has been made of the fact that without Broad and Anderson in the team there are 4-5 who are not the speadiest about the field (although great triers).
How do you hide as many fielders as that in a side ?
I hope you're right that England's tail starts at 8 - I've got a feeling that over time we'll come to think of it starting at 7 unless Flintoff comes back as Ambrose isn't going to average 35plus - I hope I'm wrong. We need Flintoff at 7 and one of the many keepers at 8.
ReplyDeleteWho do you feel we need to hide? Vaughan himself, Harmison, Panesar and Hoggard? 3 out of 11 isn't bad as they go fine leg, mid on and mid off, it's the 4th that creates a bit of an issue. When Broad comes in for Harmison the batting will be stronger and the fielding slightly better.