Originally Posted by Worksop Palace (Post 16139207)

That’s a little harsh on Stokes…..

Originally Posted by spike (Post 16139244)

To illustrate this to the Aus contingent, this is more ignorant than it would be to call Steve Smith "the Irishman", with a side order of "all brown people look the same".

Originally Posted by bunghole (Post 16138802)

Credit to the Pakistani lad though, done a sterling job for the soap dodgers while all around him failed.

Originally Posted by crystaljim (Post 16139206)

This.

Unbelievable to leave both Broad & Jimmy out. How can you tactically defend that team.

Perhaps us announcing the team so early was a tactical manoeuvre after all.

You certainly copied it, when you were better off playing to your strengths, rather than imitating our 11.

Originally Posted by desperado (Post 16139280)

Rory Burns has proven time and again he doesn't have the technique to be a Test match batsman (or batter as we are supposed to call them now) and is horrible to watch twitching and waving his bat about

I was hoping to see little of him in this series so getting out first ball at least he's off to a good start

There are few options for England selectors given the obsession with Mickey Mouse cricket

Originally Posted by Timbo (Post 16139376)

I think they persist with Burns because he is perceived as a potential future England captain

Originally Posted by PauLo (Post 16139323)

Mods gonna do anything about this blatant racism?

Originally Posted by Timbo (Post 16139376)

I think they persist with Burns because he is perceived as a potential future England captain

Originally Posted by Timbo (Post 16139376)

I think they persist with Burns because he is perceived as a potential future England captain

Originally Posted by Olympian2 (Post 16139383)

And because he's got a Test average of 32 (3 x100, 11 x 50) although it's slightly higher against Australia. And, arguably, because there aren't any better candidates as opener.

Originally Posted by Timbo (Post 16139507)

Worrying if there are no alternative opening batsmen, but in terms of Rory he does get out early, often. Whilst 32 is hardly a good test average anyway, as an opener he is supposed to be able to hang around for a while, take the shine off the ball and reduce the pressure on the middle order.

Originally Posted by Olympian2 (Post 16139518)

It's all very good slating Burns but who would you have open instead?

Originally Posted by Worksop Palace (Post 16139579)

Me mam

Originally Posted by Fatboy (Post 16139157)

Have they been told they are not playing 20/20 anymore?

Originally Posted by crystaljim (Post 16139303)

It swung in late and he still couldn't reach it! :D

Harmison aside, most opening balls of a Test Match/Series are fairly innocuous looseners outside off.

Starc did let rip, which surprised Burns no end, and lead to a procession of dominoes!

Now its our turn.

Originally Posted by Wolfnipplechips (Post 16139259)

The Burns wicket was a real horror.

Clip it off the legs for four and we’re playing a different game.

Originally Posted by RazorsEdge (Post 16139719)

I used to umpire Burns and Roy when they were kids and were brilliant players and Burns was really good playing off his leg etc and I can only say it was almost an unplayable ball, and would back him to come back stronger in the next innings (I know misplaced loyalty here from me )