Comments on: Oh look, a Chris Woakes. Forgot we had one. What shall we do with it?

By: Bobby Smith

Bobby Smith — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 18:22:32 +0000

In reply to Ged Ladd. Well said. It is because Woakes is such a nice guy that people fail to appreciate his skills. What other country would demean a new ball strike bowler who can move it like Hadlee and bat like a millionaire when needed. He should be the first name on the team sheet in all three formats, his figures demand it.

By: Bobby Smith

Bobby Smith — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 18:20:29 +0000

Absolute nonsense about Chris Woakes. He has a better Test home average than either Broad or Anderson, and all without receiving the new ball. He takes way more wickets than either Archer or Wood and he contributes hugely with the bat – witness his 84* not out against Pakistan last summer. The problem is how the media portray him. Sam Curran is always mentioned as a ‘game changer’ or someone who ‘makes things happen’. Woakes, whenever a commentator can be bothered to talk about him goes ‘under the radar’. At long last today, Michael Atherton mused that he cannot ever remember Woakes having a bad game for England and that he is a ‘professional and efficient’ cricketer. He is way more than that. The stats show him to be the best seamer in ODI cricket since 2017 (he has the best strike rate, economy and average in that time). He has now equalled the number of 4-fers with Anderson (13) albeit in about 70 fewer ODI games. He was quicker to reach 1000 Test runs and 100 Test wickets than either of Flintoff and Stokes, with only two players (for England) achieving it in less matches. I could go on; he has the best home average of ANY English bowler at home since Fred Trueman. And yet still the media under-sell his skills. Why? If he ever got the new ball in Tests his away average would decrease rapidly, as he gets almost as many away ODI wickets as at home, due to his proficiency with the new ball. I find it staggering that only people from outside of our shores see his merits. He deserves more respect.

By: King Cricket

King Cricket — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:54:23 +0000

In reply to A P Webster. Freestanding, but basically the same thing.

By: Ged Ladd

Ged Ladd — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:14:22 +0000

In reply to A P Webster. Do they make similar adult-sized bouncers for the over 55s? Asking for a couple of friends.

By: A P Webster

A P Webster — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:23:10 +0000

By the way, if the baby bouncer is one of those door-frame ones, sad day to be giving it away, arguably the highlight of pre-toddlerdom is the look on kids’ faces when they have a go on one of those.

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:39:28 +0000

In reply to Ged. Crying out for a Ceci photoshop special. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in bridesmaid’s dresses

By: A P Webster

A P Webster — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:36:41 +0000

In reply to Ged.

I just hope they don’t somehow lose 8 wickets when scores are level…. oh no, they’ve won it, well done.

Jamieson staking a claim for LMCoG?

By: Ged

Ged — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:24:01 +0000

In reply to sam.

New Zealand got a few lucky breaks to qualify for this final, but they really do look a very good test side right now.

Worthy winners of this match/championship, are New Zealand, having so often been tournament bridesmaids before.

I’m really pleased for them.

By: sam

sam — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:05:29 +0000

More six-day Tests please.

By: Balladeer

Balladeer — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:46:30 +0000

In reply to sam. TGNW!