He has been one of the most consistant batsmen in the side, he's an excellent fielder and can bowl a bit, I really dont know why the Sky Sports commentators keep banging on about him having to prove he deserves to be in the side. What more do they want from him?

Like I said he's an outsider, he doesn't fully fit in. Shah should be in the side instead.

I think because some numb nutted people think hair colour is a criteria for team selection.

Is that a dig at me! Nice touch!

quote:

Originally posted by daydreamings:
Like I said he's an outsider, he doesn't fully fit in. Shah should be in the side instead.

Yes, but Shah should be in at Cook's expense not Colly's.

I thought Cook was supposed to be a FEC?

I like thw way that Colly can "dig deep" when needed - similar to how Thorpe used to.

Also, i think the criticism of him as someone who will never be a fluent strokemaker is a bit harsh. He's played some fantastic shots this innings.

quote:

Originally posted by tailender:
I thought Cook was supposed to be a FEC?

FEC?

quote:

Originally posted by daydreamings:
Is that a dig at me! Nice touch!

Meh, twas ok. I can do better. I have too much apathy at the minute.

Chanders,

Future England Captain

quote:

Shah should be in the side instead.

You lundern boys should stop touting another useless batsman. You did that with that fella Ramps - another Middx international failure.

Shah has shown nothing that merits inclusion in the English team ahead of Colly, Bell and dare I say even Key.

Shah - also has an attitude problem - he doesn't understand the concept of playing for the team. Hence his irregular performances for Middx and when given the opportunity England - oh did I mention he can't field for sh!t.

Seems a bit strange to be championing a bloke who's played 1 Test, against a bloke who's 179*.

quote:

Originally posted by Ngam:
Chanders,

Future England Captain

Okaaaayyyyyyyy!!!

I think we're starting to get the balance right between flashy shot players (KP is great but you wouldn't have 4 or 5 like him in the same side!) and grafters (who in most cases can still score quickly when the situation demands it, as they have shown today).

Even the Ashes-winning side had something of an over-aggressive batting line-up, and while our bowlers won us that series it won't always be the case, especially with key men injured, so we need a batting line-up capable of making 500+ on a regular basis. That means centuries, 150s, double centuries etc. not people who look good then get out for 30 or 40.

I reckon if Shah was given a run in the side I tend to think he'd get villified as much as poor Ian Bell in time. Like to see him get that chance though.

I kinda felt the same way as the Sky commnetary team myself. But his batting is improving all the time, his new high score now surpasses Strauss, Cook, Pietersen and Bell's best efforts. Even if he never bowls another ball in test cricket his batting and fielding are enough to hold down his place.

The weak link in the batting is Jones, if he gets out 15-20 odd in this innings he should definitely be dropped!

I reckon Giles will get a go on on our tracks, especialy the Gabba. Not too slow and not too quick. He could be the same thorn in our sides as Gillespie will be for England. Lower order stickers I call them. Very valuable players.

quote:

Originally posted by Ngam:
I think because some numb nutted people think hair colour is a criteria for team selection.

Yup, poor fella is rather short of it.