| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 08:49 - Jan 8 with 1893 views | Swansea_Blue |
lol. No surprise they’re getting their arses handed to them by the Aussies. Very amateurish. |  |
|  |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 08:50 - Jan 8 with 1872 views | NthQldITFC |
Odd. He's normally pretty good at handling bouncers. |  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 08:52 - Jan 8 with 1858 views | bluelagos |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 08:50 - Jan 8 by NthQldITFC |
Odd. He's normally pretty good at handling bouncers. |
Just not Aussie ones. |  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 08:58 - Jan 8 with 1789 views | Reuser_is_God |
Half of that article is filled with repeated news from the Noosa trip about a month ago.
The BBC are obsessed with it, it feels like they’ve mentioned it in every article since. |  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:18 - Jan 8 with 1664 views | Fenland_Blue |
No accountability on or off the pitch, as big Ange said “it’s who we are mate” |  |
| Up and mainly down, following Town since 88 |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:22 - Jan 8 with 1639 views | _CliveBaker_ |
Aside from having flimsy openers and a dearth of top class bowlers, I find this England team so unlikeable in the main.
Shouldn't have retired Anderson, he would still be worth a place. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:32 - Jan 8 with 1559 views | Suffolktractor |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:22 - Jan 8 by _CliveBaker_ |
Aside from having flimsy openers and a dearth of top class bowlers, I find this England team so unlikeable in the main.
Shouldn't have retired Anderson, he would still be worth a place. |
Australia had Stark, Carey and Head that performed above expectations, we had no one.
Our unwillingness to really scrap (on the pitch) and dig in during those tight moments was a massive difference between us and them. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:55 - Jan 8 with 1452 views | _CliveBaker_ |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:32 - Jan 8 by Suffolktractor |
Australia had Stark, Carey and Head that performed above expectations, we had no one.
Our unwillingness to really scrap (on the pitch) and dig in during those tight moments was a massive difference between us and them. |
They definitely played closer to their potential than we did, but I just think we have too many weak links. None of our bowling attack are what I would call top class. Tongue did well but the extent to which Archer needs to manage his fitness renders him pretty ineffectual over 5 tests, Wood fair play for getting fit but he's done. We don't have a spinner. I think if we played 20 tests we would lose 16 and win 4, I'm not sure we've been especially unlucky although clearly there were big moments we didn't take.
As for openers Duckett has been crap. Crawley is Crawley, averaged 27 which doesn't get us very far. I dread to think how (even more) humiliating this would've been without Root who is 35 now. It's concerning. | | | |
Login to get fewer ads
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:05 - Jan 8 with 1399 views | lambo77 |
should have been dropped, obvs didn't take it that seriously. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:10 - Jan 8 with 1340 views | gsoly |
Completely agree. I think the focus on the culture of this group over the past couple of months has brought some incredible truths to light. Cricket must be the most amateurish elite sport in the world right now. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:21 - Jan 8 with 1261 views | bluefunk |
This comes right from the top, the standards set for what are supposed to be first class athletes are incredibly low, from fitness to simply looking after yourself. Cricket appears to be well behind other sports in its approach, and as far as the England set up goes, drinking and playing golf appear to be the preferred preparation for any player. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 with 1251 views | rkc123 |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:22 - Jan 8 by _CliveBaker_ |
Aside from having flimsy openers and a dearth of top class bowlers, I find this England team so unlikeable in the main.
Shouldn't have retired Anderson, he would still be worth a place. |
This is what I find watching them, even when winning a lot in the first two years of Bazball there was something dislikeable about the team as whole.
I think it is because test cricket is such a unique thing in the modern day, not wanting to get all Boycott about it, but it is supposed to be hard, there are ups and downs and I think anyone who loves test cricket wants to see all aspects of what makes it amazing to watch. This England team (even when going well) only let you enjoy a small amount of what makes test cricket, there is no fight when things are hard, they don't adapt to conditions and hang in when it is tough to then press on when things turn again in your favour. They deal with any adversity by going harder, and then come out with this attitude afterwards of 'this is how we play', like attacking is the brave and courageous approach, when in actual fact it is the opposite. [Post edited 8 Jan 10:25]
| | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 with 1261 views | bsw72 |
The warnings were there with the poor tour performances in India 23/24 and Pakistan 24/25. The away series win against New Zealand papered over the cracks, as did the home draw against India in the summer where again performances were inconsistent, as a team and individuals.
There is a fine balance between allowing a team to play without fear and allowing a team to play without any consequence - there has to be controls and consequences relating to form and frankly stupidity, both on and off the field.
I really liked the approach when McCullum came in - but I get the impression that if his methods get questioned, he seems to dig his heels in - which is now clearly impacting results.
The concept of playing an entertaining game is of course welcomed but that does not mean all out attack all the time. As a huge fan of test cricket, I like the strategy and thoughtful approach of seeing off a dangerous bowler on an unpredictable wicket, eeking out 1 run per over in difficult conditions with a view to reaping the rewards later once the conditions change, the ball gets older or the fielding team tires.
As for Stokes, his captaincy has been poor, lack of imagination with field placings and bowling attacks/combinations. He is without doubt one of the cricketers of his generation but he is in danger of undermining his legacy unless his captaincy improves.
This Australian team was the weakest we have faced for probably 30+ years, and we failed to capitalize on this with poor management, selections, leadership and choices on the pitch. We weren't helped with injuries, but neither were the Aussies, but they out-thought us on and off the pitch.
This Ashes tour has really irritated me . . . |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:32 - Jan 8 with 1185 views | rkc123 |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 by bsw72 |
The warnings were there with the poor tour performances in India 23/24 and Pakistan 24/25. The away series win against New Zealand papered over the cracks, as did the home draw against India in the summer where again performances were inconsistent, as a team and individuals.
There is a fine balance between allowing a team to play without fear and allowing a team to play without any consequence - there has to be controls and consequences relating to form and frankly stupidity, both on and off the field.
I really liked the approach when McCullum came in - but I get the impression that if his methods get questioned, he seems to dig his heels in - which is now clearly impacting results.
The concept of playing an entertaining game is of course welcomed but that does not mean all out attack all the time. As a huge fan of test cricket, I like the strategy and thoughtful approach of seeing off a dangerous bowler on an unpredictable wicket, eeking out 1 run per over in difficult conditions with a view to reaping the rewards later once the conditions change, the ball gets older or the fielding team tires.
As for Stokes, his captaincy has been poor, lack of imagination with field placings and bowling attacks/combinations. He is without doubt one of the cricketers of his generation but he is in danger of undermining his legacy unless his captaincy improves.
This Australian team was the weakest we have faced for probably 30+ years, and we failed to capitalize on this with poor management, selections, leadership and choices on the pitch. We weren't helped with injuries, but neither were the Aussies, but they out-thought us on and off the pitch.
This Ashes tour has really irritated me . . . |
The weird thing is Stokes has undoubtably been an excellent captain in terms of the tactical side of things up to now, he is universally praised for his decision making and fields by ex pros, a lot of which don't like the whole Bazball thing as a whole.
I think he perhaps took for granted how essential bowlers like Anderson, Broad, and to a lesser extent Woakes and Leach were to his captaincy. Not only were they skilful bowlers, but they could bowl to a plan, they didn't let their line and length slip and allow the batter to smash a boundary an over through a vacant spot in the field. This not only takes away the scoring pressure, but it enables the batter to not have to think about how to work around the field that has been set as they know they can just wait for the bad ball. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:36 - Jan 8 with 1152 views | Cafe_Newman |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 by bsw72 |
The warnings were there with the poor tour performances in India 23/24 and Pakistan 24/25. The away series win against New Zealand papered over the cracks, as did the home draw against India in the summer where again performances were inconsistent, as a team and individuals.
There is a fine balance between allowing a team to play without fear and allowing a team to play without any consequence - there has to be controls and consequences relating to form and frankly stupidity, both on and off the field.
I really liked the approach when McCullum came in - but I get the impression that if his methods get questioned, he seems to dig his heels in - which is now clearly impacting results.
The concept of playing an entertaining game is of course welcomed but that does not mean all out attack all the time. As a huge fan of test cricket, I like the strategy and thoughtful approach of seeing off a dangerous bowler on an unpredictable wicket, eeking out 1 run per over in difficult conditions with a view to reaping the rewards later once the conditions change, the ball gets older or the fielding team tires.
As for Stokes, his captaincy has been poor, lack of imagination with field placings and bowling attacks/combinations. He is without doubt one of the cricketers of his generation but he is in danger of undermining his legacy unless his captaincy improves.
This Australian team was the weakest we have faced for probably 30+ years, and we failed to capitalize on this with poor management, selections, leadership and choices on the pitch. We weren't helped with injuries, but neither were the Aussies, but they out-thought us on and off the pitch.
This Ashes tour has really irritated me . . . |
Spot on. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:41 - Jan 8 with 1121 views | Mookamoo |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 by bsw72 |
The warnings were there with the poor tour performances in India 23/24 and Pakistan 24/25. The away series win against New Zealand papered over the cracks, as did the home draw against India in the summer where again performances were inconsistent, as a team and individuals.
There is a fine balance between allowing a team to play without fear and allowing a team to play without any consequence - there has to be controls and consequences relating to form and frankly stupidity, both on and off the field.
I really liked the approach when McCullum came in - but I get the impression that if his methods get questioned, he seems to dig his heels in - which is now clearly impacting results.
The concept of playing an entertaining game is of course welcomed but that does not mean all out attack all the time. As a huge fan of test cricket, I like the strategy and thoughtful approach of seeing off a dangerous bowler on an unpredictable wicket, eeking out 1 run per over in difficult conditions with a view to reaping the rewards later once the conditions change, the ball gets older or the fielding team tires.
As for Stokes, his captaincy has been poor, lack of imagination with field placings and bowling attacks/combinations. He is without doubt one of the cricketers of his generation but he is in danger of undermining his legacy unless his captaincy improves.
This Australian team was the weakest we have faced for probably 30+ years, and we failed to capitalize on this with poor management, selections, leadership and choices on the pitch. We weren't helped with injuries, but neither were the Aussies, but they out-thought us on and off the pitch.
This Ashes tour has really irritated me . . . |
McCullum and Key have to go.
The talent is there. The ethos isn't. |  | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:45 - Jan 8 with 1096 views | Cafe_Newman |
"I know we've lost the series, but we're still living our dream."
Apologies for posting this quote twice this morning, but this thread is a more apt place for it.
If this is the opinion of our country's vice captain, then he's clearly more interested in being a professional lad than a professional sportsman.
I'm not generally a fan of punishment in behaviour modification, but I'd be tempted to drop Harry Brook from the England test side for 2026. He seriously needs to grow up. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 11:37 - Jan 8 with 932 views | SWLondonBlue93 |
I know the culture in cricket is a bit different to other sports, but imagine if the England football team lost the first two games in the group stage of the World Cup and then went on a bender? People would lose their minds, and not without reason. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 11:48 - Jan 8 with 895 views | giant_stow |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 09:22 - Jan 8 by _CliveBaker_ |
Aside from having flimsy openers and a dearth of top class bowlers, I find this England team so unlikeable in the main.
Shouldn't have retired Anderson, he would still be worth a place. |
know what you mean - they reek of misplaced arrogance. |  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 12:37 - Jan 8 with 780 views | SE1blue |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 11:48 - Jan 8 by giant_stow |
know what you mean - they reek of misplaced arrogance. |
They remind of the England football team pre-Southgate. [Post edited 8 Jan 12:37]
|  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 12:42 - Jan 8 with 752 views | bsw72 |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 11:37 - Jan 8 by SWLondonBlue93 |
I know the culture in cricket is a bit different to other sports, but imagine if the England football team lost the first two games in the group stage of the World Cup and then went on a bender? People would lose their minds, and not without reason. |
You could argue the same about Rugby but that was when it was an amateur sport. I used to work with Jim Staples who was a fixed income trader at the time who also played for Ireland in the 1991 and 1995 world cups.
However when it went professional it was transformed and we see the levels of fitness and commitment of the players today.
Cricket though is already a professional sport yet some of these England players seem to be behaving like they are amateurs, and demonstrate little care or commitment.
The more I think about how the England team has performed, the angrier it is making me today. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 13:23 - Jan 8 with 646 views | stonojnr |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:32 - Jan 8 by rkc123 |
The weird thing is Stokes has undoubtably been an excellent captain in terms of the tactical side of things up to now, he is universally praised for his decision making and fields by ex pros, a lot of which don't like the whole Bazball thing as a whole.
I think he perhaps took for granted how essential bowlers like Anderson, Broad, and to a lesser extent Woakes and Leach were to his captaincy. Not only were they skilful bowlers, but they could bowl to a plan, they didn't let their line and length slip and allow the batter to smash a boundary an over through a vacant spot in the field. This not only takes away the scoring pressure, but it enables the batter to not have to think about how to work around the field that has been set as they know they can just wait for the bad ball. |
Well one of the things about being a captain is if your bowlers arent upto it, you are literally setting their fields for them and telling them how to bowl. Its why he got animated with Archer at Adelaide, and that does take your capacity to think about your game away from you and the whole team captaining.
But he has been criticised this tour for field placings. Aggers pointed out he had Carse i think stuck out in the deep in the sunshine whilst also bowling the bulk of the overs. Whilst Duckett stood the opposite side in the shade and in Aggers words had done nothing all game. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 13:27 - Jan 8 with 632 views | stonojnr |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:41 - Jan 8 by Mookamoo |
McCullum and Key have to go.
The talent is there. The ethos isn't. |
Especially as Key specifically said after Noosa, there had been no prior problems on tours
So he either lied or wasn't aware of the fact one of the players had been given a final warning and fined 30k. Neither of which is a good look.
But I said after the Noosa stuff, it was clear that was indicative of the teams attitudes overall, it wasn't in isolation or a one off, and there was likely other stuff that hadnt yet come to light but the press pack were sitting on to keep their ECB handlers happy. | | | |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 15:11 - Jan 8 with 462 views | N2_Blue |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 10:24 - Jan 8 by rkc123 |
This is what I find watching them, even when winning a lot in the first two years of Bazball there was something dislikeable about the team as whole.
I think it is because test cricket is such a unique thing in the modern day, not wanting to get all Boycott about it, but it is supposed to be hard, there are ups and downs and I think anyone who loves test cricket wants to see all aspects of what makes it amazing to watch. This England team (even when going well) only let you enjoy a small amount of what makes test cricket, there is no fight when things are hard, they don't adapt to conditions and hang in when it is tough to then press on when things turn again in your favour. They deal with any adversity by going harder, and then come out with this attitude afterwards of 'this is how we play', like attacking is the brave and courageous approach, when in actual fact it is the opposite. [Post edited 8 Jan 10:25]
|
very good post which i agree with wholeheartedly.
This whole England team no longer understand Test cricket. Even Root has been sucked in to the whole Bazball approach at times.
I don; emjoy watching this team at all. Tryingt o smash themselves out of trouble or attack irrespective of the merits of the bowling has actually only worked against inferior opposition. They haven't really been successful in any way against a top side or a side that have been favourites. |  |
| |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 19:00 - Jan 8 with 284 views | bournemouthblue |
| They are so far behind proffessional sportsmen on 13:27 - Jan 8 by stonojnr |
Especially as Key specifically said after Noosa, there had been no prior problems on tours
So he either lied or wasn't aware of the fact one of the players had been given a final warning and fined 30k. Neither of which is a good look.
But I said after the Noosa stuff, it was clear that was indicative of the teams attitudes overall, it wasn't in isolation or a one off, and there was likely other stuff that hadnt yet come to light but the press pack were sitting on to keep their ECB handlers happy. |
We won the test after Noosa Trip did we not or was that prior to Adelaide?
I'm more bothered that we booked Noosa before looking to book the WACA for a warm up game |  |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
