It's The Ashes (again)

[Cheshire East Baggie]

Right call for me

Robinson's speeds have been down all series, he's definitely not 100% despite what he's saying now

Jimmy all day for me

Cuzer

On the basis of form shouldn't be anywhere in a 13.
Home ground and sentiment rules however. Tongue must feel hugely disappointed.

Absolutely. Jimmy's had an awful series so far. And why not at his age, after an early season injury? He might just turn it on one last time, but it's more likely he'll be a spectator in the second innings. Funny how he's so iconic that no-one in the media said he was "dropped" after his no-show at Lords, just "rested".

Anderson and Bairstow could very well be the difference between a series win and a series loss. I'm sure I've said that before.

[AnelkasBeard]

To be fair, I don't think the selection is going to matter much.

You guys seen the forecast?

[rsbaggy2]

To be fair, I don't think the selection is going to matter much.

You guys seen the forecast?

Bazball only requires 14 hours of play!

[Borin' Baggie]

To be fair, I don't think the selection is going to matter much.

You guys seen the forecast?

Bazball only requires 14 hours of play!

That is a genuine, undeniable benefit of Bazball.

It turns what would be certain draws because of the weather into potential results. Though Old Trafford is a different prospect to every other ground in the world on that point.

[Tom Joad]

I think many are being a tad harsh. Anderson didnt take any wickets but was still only going for a couple an over, it's hardly like he cost us dearly. I have no problem with his selection and I'd also add, I don't think it was ever planned for him to play in all 5 tests, some back to back. It's harsh on Tongue but if he's good enough, he'll get another chance.

[CaptainFantastico]

To be fair, I don't think the selection is going to matter much.

You guys seen the forecast?

Only Saturday looks like a total write off

[SuperBob2002]

I think many are being a tad harsh. Anderson didnt take any wickets but was still only going for a couple an over, it's hardly like he cost us dearly. I have no problem with his selection and I'd also add, I don't think it was ever planned for him to play in all 5 tests, some back to back. It's harsh on Tongue but if he's good enough, he'll get another chance.

Well reasoned post.

[Cuzer]

I think many are being a tad harsh. Anderson didnt take any wickets but was still only going for a couple an over, it's hardly like he cost us dearly. I have no problem with his selection and I'd also add, I don't think it was ever planned for him to play in all 5 tests, some back to back. It's harsh on Tongue but if he's good enough, he'll get another chance.

Spot on, he's not bowled badly, he's beat the bat on numerous occasions but both pitches were extremely flat with little help for the bowlers, hence all this banging it in short tactics to frankly bore batsmen out

If it's overcast and does a bit he's still be best at his art

Very surprised so many seem to be putting a line through him, short memories

Cuzer

[SuperBob2002]

I think many are being a tad harsh. Anderson didnt take any wickets but was still only going for a couple an over, it's hardly like he cost us dearly. I have no problem with his selection and I'd also add, I don't think it was ever planned for him to play in all 5 tests, some back to back. It's harsh on Tongue but if he's good enough, he'll get another chance.

Spot on, he's not bowled badly, he's beat the bat on numerous occasions but both pitches were extremely flat with little help for the bowlers, hence all this banging it in short tactics to frankly bore batsmen out

If it's overcast and does a bit he's still be best at his art

Very surprised so many seem to be putting a line through him, short memories

Cuzer

He is 40 so he doesn't have much longer left in his career. It shouldn't be surprising people are writing him off? Whether that's right or not is another question, but you shouldn't act so surprised that people are questioning his selection given his age and recent performances.

[Cuzer]

Bob, recent performances, this makes me smile, he's played 2 tests FFS

On pitches which have been brutal to bowers in baking hot conditions mainly

688 test wickets at 26

I'd say he's worth another go wouldn't you?

Cuzer