England's Winter of Cricket 2020/21

First winter tour for England confirmed today: three T20s and three ODIs in South Africa from the 27th November-9th December.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/54537709

A possible limited-overs tour of Pakistan, which would be England's first trip to that country since 2005, as well as visits to Sri Lanka and India may also go ahead in early 2021.

Seems likely they'll be touring India, but in the UAE, from what I have seen

South African domestic season just got started so they will have no excuses for rustiness when England turn up. Should be a competitive series and of some value in terms of preparation for a T20 world cup at some point in the future. Do feel its a bit of a case of shoehorning more in just to make sure they do get some international cricket (at good times for domestic TV) inked in the calendar and keeping the bank manager happy though. If the full Asian tours do go ahead (and I cant see why they wont) thats a lot to fit in, and remembering back to last spring the players didn't seem over enthusiastic about the aborted  Sri Lanka tour and pretty glad to get the excuse to avoid it. The offer from Pakistan means they will have cricket if they want it, but how that could be fitted around India and Sri Lanka I'm not sure.

Lots of talk about managing the bubble and the impact of it on players well being through that winter period, and the need for rotation. No comment on it coming from those who chose to got to the IPL for a big pay day. It should mean plenty of continued opportunities for players, especially in white ball after 4 years of the 50 over squad being pretty much a closed shop.

Bantons stock is continuing to drop a bit, after a couple of poor scores he got benched early in the IPL. Stokes back playing has had mixed results as an opening bat, couple of big scores but not made a massive contribution with the ball. Main thing is he's back playing. Archers been the pick of the England players out there taking a lot of wickets incredibly cheaply bowling at the top order.

Banton just isn't very good, beyond his much vaulted strike rate he offers little return in the runs column.

Squads announced for SA.

Reece Topley in and Banton relegated to a reserve.

Archer, Curran and Stokes all rested for the ODIs, really shows how worried they are about the winter schedule and impact of bubbling. Surprisingly Buttler doesnt get that rest despite being a 3 format starter and playing in the IPL and England having two other keepers who could start games. Can only assume he'll get a break later on.

Still no other spin options in the squads, England are still tied to Moeen. Lets hope he can finally come good again. Livingstones in the ODI squad but not being in the T20 one suggests he's a bit peripheral in thinking and pairing him with Rashid wouldn't give the same variation Mo does.  

Stone actually fit at this point.

England men’s IT20 squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), Mark Wood (Durham).

England men’s ODI squad

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Tom Curran (Surrey), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Reserves across both formats:

Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Tom Helm (Middlesex)

Root is in the ODI squad.

alfie wrote:Root is in the ODI squad.

Ooops so he is ! Corrected

As well as Root being in the ODI squad despite one report , it particularly caught my eye that Reece Topley is in both squads. I was pretty doubtful when Surrey signed the injury plagued seamer but tbf he bowled increasingly well in this season's Blast tournament, always I think in the opening and death overs.

He only played t20s for Surrey, never a Bob Willis match. Whether he would be chosen for an ODI or even be able to stand up to it on this forthcoming South African tour remains to be seen but I feel he could do a job in the IT20s.

Definitely feels like they have switched the way they introduce players - before the last ODI world cup, players/reserves would get a go in T20s and they were concentrating on the ODI squad being the main players...definitely switched that to the T20 squad where the main guys are, with reserves getting a go in ODIs (see Livingstone in these squads as an example).

Won't it be good to have some cricket again

Yeah they talked openly about that Olly as the focus from last winter has been on building to two T20 world cups (albeit one delayed!)

With no domestic 50 over cricket being played too the performances in the Blast seem to have taken on increasing importance to get those initial opportunities too.

Hard for me to see where Topley really fits into the plans mind. Curran is first choice if they feel the need to have a left armer in and helps cover the batting depth, ideally they will want two genuine quicks (Wood, Archer ) then Jordan and Tom Curran have been pretty successful as specialist finishers in recent times. With Stokes back only 3 of those can really get in the side (unless they go one spinner) so it does feel very much like a "making up the numbers " pick for the t20s.

As you say much more likely to get a game in the 50 overs side with a couple of guys rested.

I guess another way to look at his selection is who has he kept out? Stone couldve been included as a spare express option. Mahmoods missed out altogether, but hasnt done that much with the opportunities he had in the summer. Helm and Ball dont offer anything special either. Willey flirteed with the edges of another chance of being Englands token left armer last summer but it does seem that Curran put paid to his resurrection. Mills is the only other name I can think of who maybe did enough to get another look, but does seem England have issues with his professionalism.

So as a big performer in the Blast its not a controversial pick to me, but I still don't see him easily forcing a way into a first choice side.

Far more concerned about Englands spin options. Parkinson perhaps a touch hard done by, and if Rashids shoulder plays up I guess Malan will have to err shoulder some bowling responsibility.

Bruce French retires from his role as England's wicketkeeping coach after 11 years in the role.

He was always very well regarded as a coach. In Prior, Bairstow and Buttler he has taken several talented batsman with rudimentary glovework and overseen big improvements. Prior in particular turned into a vital cog in the England side that rose to top of the Test rankings. Buttler of course is integral to the white ball side that won the CWC. He also coached Sarah Taylor who is one of the best keepers up to the stumps I've seen.

James Foster takes over for the South Africa tour.

I wouldn't be surprised if former favourite of several 606ers Michael Bates gets the role long term. He's worked as a wicketkeeping coach around county cricket and with England since finishing playing. He is very well considered as a young coach.

Sanity has returned to the scheduling and England tour to Pakistan pushed back to next winter.

Gooseberry wrote:Sanity has returned to the scheduling and England tour to Pakistan pushed back to next winter.

I really liked that the ECB were trying to show good faith to the PCB for their efforts in getting the games on over the summer but as you say it makes a lot more sense to push that potential tour back with everything going on.

Looks like a short T20 tour pre-T20 world cup in 2021, with a full tour in 2022

king_carlos wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:Sanity has returned to the scheduling and England tour to Pakistan pushed back to next winter.

I really liked that the ECB were trying to show good faith to the PCB for their efforts in getting the games on over the summer but as you say it makes a lot more sense to push that potential tour back with everything going on.

Does seem like a real token gesture though, announced as just 2 T20s!

I suspect a fair bit has been driven by the players. Cant imagine they were too comfortable with going there at all, and certainly the impact on them this season with the bubbling and amount of travel they are already committed to having massive impacts of their personal lives and general well being.

Whilst its a worthy notion to "return the favour" and a bit of a sticking point politically that England still refused to go to Pakistan when others have started to travel there the players opinions and impact on them really do need to be taken account of.

So yeah all in a sensible balance. Short low risk visit, see how it goes and assess how viable a proper multi format tour is in the future.

Probably should start the dedicated summer thread but the provisional home schedule has been announced too, 5 test series against India (will their batsmen turn up this time?) and visits from Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

I'm assuming Sri Lanka will be two tests and some white ball and Pakistan just white ball tri series with India to get the big tv cash and crowds.

Has the potential to be a big summer of competitive cricket, and just what the ECB and visitors need to start paying off their overfdrafts. Just need to get the global situation in a state where its viable and safe.

While it may feel a bit like tokenism, I can kind of see the advantage to England doing a very short tour to Pakistan next year prior to a more extensive tour the year after - it will allow almost a trial run of the security work that will need to be done in the build up, but in a more restricted situation. I assume the two T20s will be hosted by the same venue, so any biosecure (if still needed) and security bubbles will only need to cover one hotel and the ground plus travel routes.

For anyone bored on a Saturday morning, England’s inter squad friendly being live-streamed on the ECB website - you just need to sign up for a free account to watch. Root going along nicely so far

Just seen the scorecard ...in a bizarre twist of fate England top order bats seem to be struggling, with the exception of Root.

Statement from Tom Curran taking 4 wickets @ 4 an over and hitting 31 with the bat.

Would be interested to see Archer, Wood, Woakes and then Stone in the Plunkett middle overs role in the ODIs. Pure pace.

T20 warm up today - all a bit contrived score wise at the end, but ultimate Olly Stone and Tom Curran with bursts of wickets with the ball, and Sam Curran with 45 off 19 (not out) with the bat.

Sam Curran is really making a dart for that late order hitter who can bowl spot at 7, after his cracking IPL too

The 2021 T20 World Cup being in India will presumably help Surran with his performances in the IPL.

His bowling can be very effective in the right conditions, judging by his IPL performances India suits him.

Yeah Sams really making an impact as a bat in white ball stuff. Potential sub for Stokes even if he cant demand a place in first XI, but Morgans tended to want a left armer if possible.

Stone the best bowling figures on the day, more runs for Root.

Options just keep getting better and better for England really!

Moeen though .... no wickets for 55 off 6 overs across the two games. At some point they need to think again about second spinner, seems unthinkable theyd go into a cup in India with only one in the squad whos worth a place.

Gooseberry wrote:Yeah Sams really making an impact as a bat in white ball stuff. Potential sub for Stokes even if he cant demand a place in first XI, but Morgans tended to want a left armer if possible.

Stone the best bowling figures on the day, more runs for Root.

Options just keep getting better and better for England really!

Moeen though .... no wickets for 55 off 6 overs across the two games. At some point they need to think again about second spinner, seems unthinkable theyd go into a cup in India with only one in the squad whos worth a place.

Agree on the last line Goose - that is really the only spot in the squad where England don't have a solid in form option. Have to admit I am surprised that Parkinson isn't out there with them this time...we are totally reliant on Rashid maintaining fitness at the moment

Talk of Morgan batting at 5 or 6 as his death overs SR over the past couple of years has been absurd

Gooseberry wrote:Talk of Morgan batting at 5 or 6 as his death overs SR over the past couple of years has been absurd

Something I've suggested a few times as a counterpoint to Buttler opening. Morgan's ability to go from ball one lately has been insane. It's quite some side they've got in white ball cricket.

1.Buttler (wk) (vc)
2.Roy
3.Bairstow
4.Malan
5.Stokes
6.Morgan (c)
7.Surran/Moeen
8.Woakes
9.Turran
10.Rashid
11.Archer/Wood

Banton pressuring the top 3. Root is a good backup to Malan. Billings as a third choice keeper and lower order hitter. I still think Livingstone is also an interesting option at 7 with his batting and leggies. The batting power and depth is absurd.

The second spinner berth is the glaring issue. I'm surprised Parkinson hasn't had a go.

Come the World Cup in India I think they will want Archer and Wood in the side together but could see them being rotated more until then.

I think Livingstone can bowl offies too? He certainly always used to. Which England might find more interesting as that naturally compliments Rashid spinning it the opposite way (although with the googly he can do both, obviously).

https://www.cricviz.com/the-moeen-ali-problem

Interesting article - as they say, whether Moeen or Curran plays probably depends on whether they are thinking about the World Cup or this series. As they will need two spinners in the WC, but not in this series.

Then the other thing is what they value more... The one over the no 7 bowls an innings or the five balls he faces on average. If it is the former then it favours Scurran, if it is the latter the it favours Moeen.

Banged on about it a few times, but Parkinson is the worst fielder I have ever seen live. His arm couldn't reach the wicketkeeper on the full at New Road. And he can't really hold a bat either... Both of which will count against him. Pretty harsh not to have him out there as a precaution if Rashid's shoulder starts twitching though.

Woakes isn't actually in the T20 squad either - which makes sense I suppose. So Jordan comes in for him in Carlos's team. Although Topley will get a chance at some point as they will be keen for a left armer to have as an option.

I hadn't noticed that Woakes wasn't in the T20 squad to be honest. Makes sense though as you say given he's important in three formats these days. Jordan hasn't let England down in the shortest form.

I got the feeling from commentators, pundits, etc that the general view of Parkinson's fielding was that it had improved a bit. Obviously not Collingwood but no longer Monty type scenario. I haven't seen him fielding live for a couple of years though when he was admittedly poor.

Looking at spinners for red ball cricket Amar Virdi is in a similar bracket. Really talented finger spinner who uses flight well and turns the ball but is pretty poor in the field by modern standards and can't hold a bat.

Fielding can improve out of sight with good application and coaching though.

I think that top 6 is the right one Carlos, albeit I’d expect Malan at 3 to break up the right and left hand partnerships a bit. They might even make that quite fluid and play match ups a bit with them too.

And like you say, come the real thing I’d expect both Archer and Wood in the starting XI but rotating here definitely makes sense to keep them both fit as possible. The depth is a nonsense, and saw Atherton saying on sky today how it just means nobody can rest on their laurels, because if you’re someone like Roy you have Banton breathing down your neck, or Malan has Root etc etc

Looking forward to seeing them in action - even if it is a pretty short tour with no tests

First of three T20s today. England have won six and drawn one of their last seven T20 series. South Africa haven't won a T20 series since March 2019. England have had warm-ups going into this fixture - South Africa haven't. England also have the stronger side on paper and the best T20 batting line-up in the world. Plenty to be confident about!

England have won the toss and will field first. Newlands looks gorgeous at the moment.

Roy, Buttler, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Morgan, S Curran, T Curran, Jordan, Archer, Rashid the XI.

Duty281 wrote:First of three T20s today. England have won six and drawn one of their last seven T20 series. South Africa haven't won a T20 series since March 2019. England have had warm-ups going into this fixture - South Africa haven't. England also have the stronger side on paper and the best T20 batting line-up in the world. Plenty to be confident about!

England have won the toss and will field first. Newlands looks gorgeous at the moment.

Roy, Buttler, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Morgan, S Curran, T Curran, Jordan, Archer, Rashid the XI.

All this means only one possible outcome - England batting collapse and easy SA win

Like that England line up generally - loads of fire power and enough bowling strength. Ideally would like a better second spin option than Malan, but for a match in SA that's really tinkering at the margins

That is a potentially brutal top six if they come off, not sure how about the depth in batting beyond that however. All can hold a bat but can't say any of them should be batting as high as seven.

No Mo is a thing but absolutely correct on form an conditions. England taking a fair tap (well Turran) so far mind

Good to see Sam Curran continuing where he left off in the IPL, be a real bonus if he can make that 7 spot his own with his lower order hitting and ability to open the bowling.

Anyone read if Stokes is able to bowl? I’m assuming not, didn’t do much if any in the IPL, and hasn’t here obviously.

179/6. Good two last balls from T Curran. Some solid contributions from the South African batting order, though no one played a 'brutal' T20 innings.

Think that's a little better than par, wicket's a bit slow, but you'd back England's formidable top six to do the necessary.

Roy-out-in-first-over-shocker. Like Bairstow being bowled in a test, or Denly making 27.

England getting in a real mess here...RRR up to nearly 10 with 2 down already

Duty281 wrote:Roy-out-in-first-over-shocker. Like Bairstow being bowled in a test, or Denly making 27.

Buttler (or whoever) should just take strike. Roy is comically bad vs spin early on! And teams seem a lot more reticent to bowl spin after the first over in the PP, which they shouldn’t be, but does seem to be a mental block for teams.

Gooseberry wrote:England getting in a real mess here...RRR up to nearly 10 with 2 down already

This is the problem with Malan. He’s taken up three overs of the PP to strike at a run a ball. If he goes on to score 70 off 45 like he was been doing regularly in his career so far then it works. But that consistency of conversion seems kind of unsustainable.

dummy_half wrote:

Duty281 wrote:First of three T20s today. England have won six and drawn one of their last seven T20 series. South Africa haven't won a T20 series since March 2019. England have had warm-ups going into this fixture - South Africa haven't. England also have the stronger side on paper and the best T20 batting line-up in the world. Plenty to be confident about!

England have won the toss and will field first. Newlands looks gorgeous at the moment.

Roy, Buttler, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Morgan, S Curran, T Curran, Jordan, Archer, Rashid the XI.

All this means only one possible outcome - England batting collapse and easy SA win

50 partnership between Bairstow and Stokes to revive England - the Yorkshireman injecting the tempo.

Morgan still to come, and Ngidi and Rabada only have four of the nine overs left, so you'd make England narrow favourites from here.

Losing Stokes curbed the momentum.

51 needed off 4 overs. Steep ask, but Bairstow's set and Morgan's ready.

13 off one delivery (five wides, a six, two wides), as Hendricks completely loses his radar and, probably, the match with it.

Now another four for Bairstow. Quality.

28 off the over. Crumbs.

And England get over the line.

Match-winning innings from Bairstow, stylishly finished off with a maximum. Odds-on that at least one of England's top six will savage the opposition's bowling, and so it was today.

3 needed off 5. Brilliant knock this from JB. Pitch isn’t that simple and he has absolutely smashed it. He might not like it, but think he is set at four! The way he took down Shamsi in the 9th over was the turning point. Would have been very easy to pat him about for 6 and ‘rebuild’.

Finished with a 4 and then 6. Superb!

Duty281 wrote:And England get over the line.

Match-winning innings from Bairstow, stylishly finished off with a maximum. Odds-on that at least one of England's top six will savage the opposition's bowling, and so it was today.

Yep, that’s pretty much as poorly as England’s top 3 are going to play (combined 26-3 off 28 balls), and they’ve still got home with four balls to spare chasing 180 on a slow pitch. The top 6 is a nonsense

Looks like Sam Curran has replaced Banton as the greatest living cricketer.

Roys form since last winter still a worry. England really looked to have made a meal of that, and the theory about using Morgan as a finisher didnt pan out. But England are just stacked with class, and maybe a bit of SA getting caught out with junk players and lack of experience.

The confidence this teams batting carries to get itself out of any situation just keeps building. Not as comfortable as it shouldve been on paper but another W.

England as far out as 9/2 to win the T20 World Cup, which is hosted in India next October.

Seems fantastic odds to me.

England unchanged and bowling first again.

Win today, win the series.

Really is a pleasure to watch Rashid bowl