England's Winter of Cricket 2020/21

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Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Wake up to hear Swann doing an Aussie impression. Can this be over in two days again?

Is that what it was? Couldn't fool me...

p.s. it was a 'nowhere in particular' accent.

Good at the cricket this Buttler lad

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Good at the cricket this Buttler lad

He can't bowl, though, so he can't hold a candle to Mark Ealham.

Soul Requiem wrote:Poor from Jordan again, aside from his fielding have never understood what he brings to the team.

Hes been Englands best death overs bowler since his recall. I was always a sceptic but he's earned a specific role if not a guaranteed place.

Think Buttlers also underlined why England picked him as an opener when they already had 3.

Duty281 wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Good at the cricket this Buttler lad

He can't bowl, though, so he can't hold a candle to Mark Ealham.

2 first class overs according to cricinfo

They've throttled back a bit since the power play (can afford to after the good start) but Fifty from 26 balls is still pretty handy

Rather lucky six for Malan means they are halfway to the target in just nine overs...

From the over when Buttler first took to Chalal , this has only been going one way.
The seamers have bowled quite well apart from one loose over from Thakur ; but Jos has absolutely slaughtered the spinners.

And just to add to Chalal's pain he's had him dropped off his last ball...some days are like that

25 needed off four...and Jos needs 19 of them for his hundred. Possible ?

England in cruise control ever since those tough few opening overs elapsed. Reckon Morgan will still want to win a game batting first to be truly happy with the outcome of this warm-up tour.

The starting XI seems pretty settled now - Roy; Buttler; Malan; Bairstow; Morgan; Stokes; S Curran/Moeen (depending on conditions, perhaps?); Archer; Jordan; Rashid; Wood.

The only serious question at the moment seems to relate to whether or not Malan should come in during the PowerPlay, instead of someone like Stokes or Morgan.

And, of course, things can still change. The likes of Billings, Livingstone, Banton, Hales still have a chance to press claims, as do Topley, T Curran, Parkinson and Mahmood.

Cruising in , yes. Seems to be win the toss , win the match. So yes Morgan probably would like to win one against the trend...will he be prepared to risk batting first if he wins the toss next match ?

Agree your XI looks settled , Duty. Though I am not sure I'd have Archer batting at eight ...

Eight wicket win , ten balls to spare.

A strong win for England though winning the toss clearly gives a big advantage.

Buttler batted really well. I'd definitely keep him opening. Just get him facing as many balls as possible.

I hope to see at least one of Moeen or Topley come in for the next game to see what they do in these conditions.

Well done, England.

No century for Buttler, but you can't have everything! Might actually put Wood at 8 given that brutal test innings he played against South Africa.

All 3 games have followed similar script & toss has decided who ends up on the winning side.
I am glad that Ind could stretch their total a bit more today batting first inspite of the same horrific start.

Why did they have to play Rahhul again and shoot themselves in the foot again in the opening overs?
Because I think the management had made this his last make or break chance......and he broke it....end of his T20 career sadly , I think.

I wish we bat first again and win a game batting first....that would be tremendous for team's confidence...in the end 3-2 or 2-3 or 1-4.....doesn't matter...these are dress rehearsals.
Ind should figure that it's better to be 36 for no loss in 6 overs instead of trying to do 60 and ending up 24-3

Chahal too isn't pulling his weight as a strike bowler...doesn't toss it up, doesn't spin and doesn't bowl a perceptible googlie....then what the frikk is he a specialist spinner for ? Adil is easily outbowling him and by some distance.
Much more is expected of Indian spinners

I don't understand why India moved Kishan down to 3 after his first game, exactly the type of opener they need alongside Rohit, who takes a little while to get going in a Malan-esque role. You don't need two of them in the powerplay, which makes Rahul redundant.
Washington is having a very good series with the ball mind, which is a great bonus for the balance of the side.

Im not sure Moeen really is a major option against Curran now. Hes been rubbish for a long time, and never a wicket taking threat in T20. He was given games last year and took 2/111 @8.53 which is poor for a part timer let alone a front 5 bowler, Currans averaging 29 with the ball at a slightly better economy. He did have a couple of good cameos with the bat, but not much more than Curran cant also deliver swinging for the fences and batting really isnt a problem for England.

If Mo was a core option he would've been given a game here, and if England were serious that they needed two front line spinners they'd have another in the squad. I think its quite evident they've decided they are better picking their best bowlers regardless of type, whilst also having same variation in a left armer and some outright pace. The IPL showed that under the current rules seamers can be very effective in India in this format.

Cricinfos also carrying an article at the moment showing how offspinners have become a bit useless in the format recently. Its not just Mo who's suffered, although his bowling has never really been that effective in this format and his recent figures are far worse than normal for offspinners.

England just don't have a second spinner who deserves a spot, or a need to include one.

What places are most under threat in this England team? I assume Sam Curran, even though I'm a big fan. Cannot see how anyone gets into the batting unless Hales gets the reprieve and puts Roy's spot under pressure. Even then, I could see England wanting Roy further down.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:What places are most under threat in this England team? I assume Sam Curran, even though I'm a big fan. Cannot see how anyone gets into the batting unless Hales gets the reprieve and puts Roy's spot under pressure. Even then, I could see England wanting Roy further down.

Possibly Jordan’s spot? Although England seem to love him. Aside from that, think it is all pretty much nailed on. Could see Mo for Curran against left hander strong line ups or to strengthen the batting.

No-one really banging the door down for Jordan’s spot. Even if he has underwhelmed in T20Is and franchise cricket for a while. I like Mills, but he isn’t on the radar. Not a big Topley fan, and Olly mentioned Saqib - but England love experience at WCs so can’t see him.

Looking further on to the World Cup I wouldn't rule out a recall for Root. Particularly if Stokes continues to struggle down the order whereas his IPL record up the order is really strong.

Stokes up the order with Root taking that spot at 6 and bowling an over or two of spin perhaps. Root was excellent when England got to the final of the last T20 World Cup in India.

I've mentioned it before but Woakes is the other guy I could see getting a left field recall if Morgan has concerns over the bowling. He hasn't played a T20i since 2015 or a T20 since 2018 but is integral to the ODI side bowling economical overs and taking regular wickets. If Morgan is looking for a bowler he trusts to execute a plan and bowl in the powerplay then Woakes might just sneak an unexpected return.

Danny Briggs being added unexpectedly to the reserves shows that England are considering that second spinner option I think. Matt Parkinson has an outstanding record in T20s as well. If one of those guys has an excellent summer in white ball cricket they might sneak into the World Cup squad.

I feel like it’s mainly squad places up for grabs, and then the XI is just down to form.

A full IPL season to be played yet after these two games, first one for someone like Malan, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes for Punjab and how they use him. Moeen and Surran at the same franchise too, again be interesting to see how they’re used. All the usuals will get a go also...Roy not picking up a deal was a bit odd but he’s had a good series here so far.

Root at 6 would be a waste for me Carlos - it’s him or Malan at 3, Malan in possession. Neither are good enough hitters or fast enough to starters to come in at 6, for me

Only S Curran and Jordan currently don't have their spots nailed down, and either could make way for a second spinner if England desire one, but everyone else looks deservedly assured of their place despite the huge competition that exists.

I think it has been mentioned before, but England could send a 'B' side to the upcoming World Cup and expect a very decent showing from them - Banton, Hales, Livingstone, Vince, Root, Billings, T Curran, Gregory, Topley, Parkinson, Mahmood.

Maybe even a 'C' team, as well - Denly, Crawley, Duckett, Lawrence, Clarke, Jacks, Moeen, Dawson, Willey, Plunkett, Brown. That 'C' team wouldn't disgrace itself at a World Cup.

Amazing depth. It's like looking down the roster of the LA Dodgers.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Root at 6 would be a waste for me Carlos - it’s him or Malan at 3, Malan in possession. Neither are good enough hitters or fast enough to starters to come in at 6, for me

In the conditions we see for most one dayers I'd agree, Olly. In England and New Zealand for instance where we tend to play our white ball cricket on roads I'd want power at 6. In Indian conditions where batting can be a bit tougher and most sides will be playing 2 spinners I wouldn't mind Root lower down the order as much.

As seen this series several big hitters are struggling to get the quick starts we'd usually expect from them. I could see 170-180 scores being very competitive in this World Cup whereas with the sort of conditions we've often seen in home T20is that'd be higher.

My concerns about Stokes down the order factor into that though. He isn't best utilised there and I can't see Roy (or Hales) batting in the middle order if they did try Stokes higher up.

Malan has of course been brilliant for England in T20is but 22 games is still a fairly small sample size. With so much competition he could do with a score in the next two games as his innings in the first three have shown the obvious issue with 'start slow, then accelerate'. If he gets out before the accelerate part then he's used up a few overs without scoring much.

I am not too bothered about Malan. True he hasn't gone on to a real score yet in this series ; but he has done an effective job in both chases. In game one , he only needed to play steadily after the Roy early onslaught to complete the chase - and he actually scored at a better rate than Jos in this one. The most recent match , he did the sensible thing , knocking the ball around for singles , letting the destructive Buttler have strike to blast it everywhere. Both times , he has basically done what was needed to ensure a win (though of course the wins were hardly in doubt anyway given the low targets and fast starts)
Even the lost second game : if he didn't charge up or go on , well neither did anyone else...
I do think it is him or Root for number three. Can't see pushing Stokes up as a useful idea...even if he hasn't done much at six (doesn't often get a chance!) I am not sure who would replace him there ...Billings ?

Agree with Olly the team is fairly "fixed" for now. Squad places the issue. But a lot can change in a year...

alfie wrote:

Agree with Olly the team is fairly "fixed" for now. Squad places the issue. But a lot can change in a year...

100% agree and especially the last bit.

Injuries (including mental wellbeing which is such a known issue nowadays) can impact anyone. Form and some luck can also play a part, probably even more for the bowlers.

By way of example only, Wood seems nailed on atm and that's understandable following extremely fine showings in his last two games (the two that incidentally we've won). However, he needs his body to hold up which is always something of a question. Furthermore, it needs to be recognised that at his pace a return of 3/30 could instead on another day be 0 or 1/42 which might have some all too ready to doubt his place.

This is why I love cricket and especially English cricket fans the most. We are such an odd bunch. Only in this country would there even be a debate over the merits of the number one ranked T20i batsman!

Malan will be just fine. Morgan clearly likes and trusts him and he absolutely deserves to stay in the team. You could maybe make an argument for him and Bairstow swapping places but I wouldn't want him any later than 4. If they really want Stokes up the order he would need to come in at 3 or 4 with Malan and then move Bairstow and Morgan down a slot but then the argument is that you're limiting the amount of balls those two big hitters face.

Such an embarrassment of riches. I think leave Stokes where he is. He is the sort of character that thrives on the bigger stage. A T20 WC in India with people questioning his contribution? That is tailor made for him to light the tournament up with some last 5 over pyrotechnics.

There's been people queuing up waiting for malans bubble to burst to tears him down. The 50 average was clearly a bit inflated, but the reality is he forced his way into the core team and is well established as a force at this level. 3 quiet innings don't change that. Even a sustained run of poor form can be ridden out as Jason Roy has shown.

Root could still win a place back in the squad but it does feel like the selectors would rather keep hom focused on the longer formats as part of his management whilst he isn't part of the core 11.


On brings as a reserve spinner....if they wanted to play 2 he would be in the playing squad. They have to have a reserve along incase rashid needed to isolate or got injured. That he isn't in the actual squad shows they have no intention of playing him unless they had to.

Worries about the lower order batting.... england do look to have a soft underbelly but its worth noting that Archer has never had to bat in all the t20is he's played, England very rarely get more than 6 down in this format. That's the value guys like Malan bring to the side. Their top 5 is adaptable enough to cope with early wickets going down, so they just don't need a root at 6 and can carry curran swinging for the fences approach at 7. There's been one occasion in the past year or so where the lower middle order was called on and found wanting (and that was a real experimental makeshift side), they can't pick a side around that rare eventuality. I'm happier that they are focused on picking their 5 best bowlers in the format.

I'm not waiting to tear Malan down Goose just pointing out it's still a small sample size and all those matches prior to this series have been played in different conditions (England, NZ, SA and Australia) to what the World Cup in India will be. His average against spin is in the thirties and against pace around 170. It's possible to rate a player but still point out potential issues with their game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FA5zGVhPCU&ab_channel=JarrodKimber

That's a really good video from Jarrod Kimber looking at Malan's rise to being T20i number 1 ranked batsman.

It's brilliant for England that Malan will be in the IPL this year so he gets a prolonged look at similar conditions to the World Cup.

Gooseberry wrote:There's been people queuing up waiting for malans bubble to burst to tears him down.

Has there?

Mind the windows Tino. wrote:This is why I love cricket and especially English cricket fans the most. We are such an odd bunch. Only in this country would there even be a debate over the merits of the number one ranked T20i batsman!

Malan will be just fine. Morgan clearly likes and trusts him and he absolutely deserves to stay in the team. You could maybe make an argument for him and Bairstow swapping places but I wouldn't want him any later than 4. If they really want Stokes up the order he would need to come in at 3 or 4 with Malan and then move Bairstow and Morgan down a slot but then the argument is that you're limiting the amount of balls those two big hitters face.

Such an embarrassment of riches. I think leave Stokes where he is. He is the sort of character that thrives on the bigger stage. A T20 WC in India with people questioning his contribution? That is tailor made for him to light the tournament up with some last 5 over pyrotechnics.

I think there's a legitimate argument that if England lose a wicket in the first four overs then Stokes should come out at 3 instead of Malan. Stokes is the better PowerPlay batsman over Malan, but it looks doubtful as to whether England will experiment in this way before the World Cup.

England win the toss and have won the series as a result will bowl first. Unchanged so no Moeen or anyone else we might like to see get some game-time.

India are not playing the excellently named Ishan Kishan today, despite his great performance in the second game, and Chahal is also out, with S Yadav and R Chahar coming in.

So tough on Ishan Kishan. He was marvelous in that 2nd game and should have been kept at the top. I just think Rohit is the better bet at 3 and Ishan better opening.

Rahul is in woeful form but his white ball record is outstanding so I can understand the perseverance there but not dropping Ishan.

As always in this series it should be a good toss to win.

Interested to see who England open the bowling with. I have a feeling that Surran will get a couple of overs a the top today.

Dilly takes the first over and his first ball goes for 6. Some intent there!

They are back on the same wicket as the first match of this series.

Not sure I'd continue with Rashid opening the bowling - just save his four overs for outside the PowerPlay, and let the seamers do the work in the opening six.

Wood generating serious pace and accuracy, again, in his opening over. Just hope he keeps this form going until the World Cup.

What a shot that is first up from Suryakumar!

Archer and Wood have been very good since that first over went for a few.

Kishan has a groin injury, apparently. Sure KP_F can confirm from the Indian media?

Yadav with quite the shot off his first ball in international cricket!

batting first and power play not bungled up is half the battle won for India

I saw Ind will have more parctise series vs NZ and SA before the world cup...so they are a bit more relaxed trying out the best combo.

Good to aso see Chahl dumped & leggie Chahar in....he can bat a bit too

Is it just me or does Jason Roy look like he's been on that Bryson deChambeau diet and workouts?

That's a good PowerPlay for India, 45/1. Good platform for the likes of Iyer, Kohli and Pant.

Wow, a superb inside-out shot for six from Yadav. Rashid under pressure.

their stubborness with Rahul is not working though
India is full of batting stars and Rahul is keeping many of them out

An atrocious innings from Rahul comes to an end...probably a good thing for India

That was a very bad wicket for England to take!

And that was a very good one to take. Rashid completely outclassing Kohli.

that was good captaincy and good bowling
Kohli is susceptible to not picking googlies early on

That's an excellent bit of bowling by Dilly after an expensive first couple of overs.

This looks a decent batting track to me eyes.

I think India have done the right thing with Pant coming in above Shreyas Iyer again.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Kishan has a groin injury, apparently. Sure KP_F can confirm from the Indian media?

Yadav with quite the shot off his first ball in international cricket!

Had to be injured , didn't he ? Surely wouldn't have left him out otherwise. Seems not to have hurt them anyway as S Yadav is flying...

I see India made a pretty rapid start. But since I've started watching two wickets have been rather thrown away and they are needing another big effort in the late overs if they're to set a stiff target. Pretty good comeback from Rashid ...a wicket maiden after being smashed for 26 off two.

That's the fourth T20i in a row an England bowler has taken a wicket maiden!

And of course praising Rashid has caused him to leak 13 off his last over

Fine fifty for Yadav ...putting them back on track for 170 plus , perhaps. Maybe more , with Pant getting going quickly. Game changes rapidly in this format !

India needs 200 to bat this English side out

Bit odd to keep Sam Curran back to bowl his first over now ...the 13th ? Tough time to introduce him , I'd think...but he seems to have taken a wicket : or has Malan grounded that ?
Difficult one for the TV umpire...

Crucial catch to end a powerful innings from Yadav. A world-class grab.

We, of course, have to wait for the Indian third umpire to find any excuse he can to overturn it. He's desperate for other angles, any angles, to overrule it. Nope he can't find any, it's out.

Soft signals for deep catches is a bit silly - that looked pretty not out to me

Hmm. Soft signal rules...

Did rather appear to have slipped out although he may just have kept a finger under it. England can't complain about the third umpire this time !

The wicket they needed ...end of a very good knock from Yadav.

Poor poor end to the over from Curran there, Iyer off and running. India on for a good total