The Ashes

[AnelkasBeard]

Find it hard to disagree with much of that AB.

I do think in trying to create the ultimate environment for mates, no pressure etc they've removed the one thing that drives truly elite performance.

I think Key needs to go as cult leader full culpability lies with him. Anyone defending him, I suggest reading the first few chapters of Jimmy Anderson's autobiography to see how they dealt with that situation. Very telling.

We need a new coach - I'd be looking to someone like Langer, Ponting, Kirsten or maybe even a Jonathan Trott. Ponting if he wanted the job would be my pick though.

Who are the replacements for Crawley and Pope, I agree I don't think Bethel has played enough FC cricket yet. I'd like to see Tom Haines from Sussex get a go, there is also Emilio Gay (Northants) and Josh Bohannon (Lancs) who has a good record in the top order. Jamie Smith has enough credit in the bank for me, I think he's clearly talented but has gone the same was as Brook. I agree on Dawson, if we're not going back to Jack Leach too.

I think the rest of this series could be a real mess, we've no other options to open and it's Bethel who will replace Pope, unless they pluck someone from the Lions side. Although that seems unlikely given the pummeling they've just had from the Aus Prime Ministers XI.

Agreed - the original ethos of "we want them to play attacking shots without fear of being dropped instantly" was a good one. It allows them to bat more freely. But they've taken it way way too far. There has to be a line where the player needs to be told they need to start performing better or risk losing their spot.

Agree with all your shouts for the potential replacements. We just have to make sure we give them a good go, not just 1 or 2 Tests as had happened in the past.

Trott is a good shout for the coach. Likewise I'd love it to be Punter, but I just don't see him wanting the full time position.

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Another mentality change that has to happen - stop treating the Ashes like it's the be all and end all, to the detriment of every other series.

Play every series with the focus on THAT series. Pick the most in-form players at that time. The by-product will be more wins, players used to playing to win and focusing on the task at hand, and therefore a more competent and battle hardened team. If they always have the excuse of "well it isn't the Ashes, so it doesn't mean as much", when it comes to the Ashes, they just won't have the mental practice to deal with the cauldron the Ashes creates, especially in Aus.