NZ tour

[Oldhasbeen]

Jordon Cox as keeper for all 3 NZ Tests? An insult to Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson, IMHO, and a high-risk one at that.

[Cartero]

It's consistent with the Key regime's contemptuous attitude towards county cricket-picking very inexperienced bowlers on promise alone (Bashir, Rehan Ahmed, Hull), playing players out of position (Lawrence opening, Smith-whose drop of Saud today may have cost England the series-as keeper, Pope overplaced at three), and forcing the Championship into the late winter and early autumn so spinners  get insufficient bowling time. But hey, they know best, and who are we old f**ts to argue?

[bwildered]

 Would be interesting where Cox bats in the lineup, a straight swop for Smith ?
 Number three position is a problem for England with Pope not scoring runs, but like most, harder to get out the side than stay in it, especially if your vice captain. 
Interesting series, especially has NZ confidence must be high has a kite, after the fantastic result with their first series win in India.
 

[dazedpenguin]

Would be interesting where Cox bats in the lineup, a straight swop for Smith ?
 Number three position is a problem for England with Pope not scoring runs, but like most, harder to get out the side than stay in it, especially if your vice captain. 
Interesting series, especially has NZ confidence must be high has a kite, after the fantastic result with their first series win in India.

If Cox keeps wicket in Smith's absence then I think he'll bat 7 and Pope will stay in the team at 3. But Pope may benefit from time out of the team, so perhaps Ollie Robinson to keep wicket and bat 7 and Cox at 3? It's a big call for Cox to keep wicket.

[Andy]

Beware Santer!  Given what has happened on the sun continent expect raging Bunsens in Kiwiland.

[bwildered]

 Thought Santner gave up red ball cricket or am I completely incorrect ?

However a great result for the Kiwis, is it the end of an era for India cricket, last lost a home series to A Cook England in 2012.

[Andy]

Thought Santner gave up red ball cricket or am I completely incorrect ?

However a great result for the Kiwis, is it the end of an era for India cricket, last lost a home series to A Cook England in 2012.

Obviously incorrect. He rolled over the almighty Indians in their backyard.  A few too many egos in the current Indian team?

[bwildered]

 Incredible whitewash for the NZ in India, who now have a test series in Australia where they have do well recently, so let?s see how the Indians perform.
 Well the spinners put back in the closet for NZ tour, and Cox struggling to find some form, interesting times, not just for England .
 

[bwildered]

Ollie Robinson called for the tour of NZ.
Not a strange decision, has he is a very competent keeper and bat, but why did it take so long  after Cox?s injury. Will miss the first test, with Pope now got the gloves.

[Slogger]

Maybe Robinson wasn't first choice and others weren't able for contractual reasons to travel or turned them down? Foakes, for example may have lost interest and Salt (who would be a typical McCullum pick) is playing in the T10 tournament.

[dazedpenguin]

I read that the problem was that Robinson needed to renew his passport!

[Oldhasbeen]

I read that the problem was that Robinson needed to renew his passport!

Cr*p organisation.  Must do better!!!

[Oldhasbeen]

Bethel at three, Stokes at 7??

[nat]

Bethel at three, Stokes at 7??

Stokes not the player he was. No. 7 is about right for him...if he should be in the team at all.

[Oldhasbeen]

Bethel at three, Stokes at 7??

Stokes not the player he was. No. 7 is about right for him...if he should be in the team at all.

I agree that old Ben hasn't done much for a while - but I'd still rather see him at 3 and Bethel at 7. Bethel at 3 has shades of Dan opening.