vs Kolpacshire

[Andy]

Perhaps the thinking is that Westley will 'do a Chopra/Wheater/Topley' and move where the money (supposedly) is unless he gets a raise? ECCC are notoriously bad payers unless someone is captain.

[Reddevil]

Who on earth would be interested in him at the moment? He would struggle to get into a Minor County X1.

They say form is temporary and class permanent. Beginning to look more and more that these yardsticks should be reversed in Westley’s case.

It really is a shame as he has shown much talent in the past, and we know he can do so much better.

Is it simply a massive loss of confidence, in which case a spell in the Second X1 scoring runs against inferior bowling attacks, might be therapeutic, or is his technique seriously at fault.

Being unable to see him live, and relying only on press reports, it is difficult to pinpoint accurately his troubles.

I thought coaches were supposed to iron out faulty technique and instil confidence where applicable.

Cue mr McGrath.

What do other Forum members think is the best way forward for him?

[JasonP]

Who on earth would be interested in him at the moment? He would struggle to get into a Minor County X1.

They say form is temporary and class permanent. Beginning to look more and more that these yardsticks should be reversed in Westley’s case.

It really is a shame as he has shown much talent in the past, and we know he can do so much better.

Is it simply a massive loss of confidence, in which case a spell in the Second X1 scoring runs against inferior bowling attacks, might be therapeutic, or is his technique seriously at fault.

Being unable to see him live, and relying only on press reports, it is difficult to pinpoint accurately his troubles.

I thought coaches were supposed to iron out faulty technique and instil confidence where applicable.

Cue mr McGrath.

What do other Forum members think is the best way forward for him?

I think a lot of it may have come from his technique being analysed a lot on the TV when he got into the test side and perhaps not sure how he has to play now.  A couple of other recent players, Stoneman and Hameed, have had similar problems scoring runs.  Westley has a very good record against touring teams so lets hope he can find some form in the India match.  He did pretty well in the 50 over cricket so I can see why he was retained in the t20 team.  As for the CC the problem is we don't have too many alternatives.  He's a better player than Chopra is, a guy who's never done anything for Essex in red ball cricket.

[Andy]

There's an established tradition of young bats coming through with a good full season or two followed by a sharp decline as their frailties are analysed and shared by opposition teams.  GG went through this cycle more than once - both after breaking into the England team originally then once AB worked him out whilst the latter was our overseas. 

Key point is that GG got through these after a few weeks/months. But, then again, they played more cricket and (frankly) those with successful careers worked a lot harder at their game.

[Oldhasbeen]

What do other Forum members think is the best way forward for him?

A couple of games in the stiffs to regain confidence might help, and/or dropping him down the order a few places. Number 3 is no place to bat when you're out of touch, especially when openers are failing frequently.
 

[Valentines Park]

I always felt we would finish no higher than 7th this year

7th is aspirational.

[Valentines Park]

I'd further venture that Westley would represent the worst captain since Irani.

Ronnie was a better captain than Fozzy.

[Andy]

I'd further venture that Westley would represent the worst captain since Irani.

Ronnie was a better captain than Fozzy.

Ronnie at least made his (incorrect) decisions quicker than Fossie.  It was a travesty that we had two international Captains in the team whilst Big Ron manhandled the attack. Go for the best skipper irrespective of nationality.

[Valentines Park]

Ronnie at least made his (incorrect) decisions quicker than Fossie. 

Foster used to infuriate me with his tinkering in the field.

Especially in one day games that were all but lost.