England vs West Indies - test series thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

So England have announced that the squad for this series will be announced today....will try to update as soon as it comes out!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Worth noting we tour New Zealand after Australia - at that time of year, likely will be offering good swinging conditions for Jimmy against a not great batting lineup...

[king_carlos]

The issue for any player but a seamer especially at Anderson's age is that you're only one injury from calling it a day. So often with that many miles on the clock a player will get one injury that takes away a bit more pace and after a brief attempt to return will call it a day.

Hopefully Jimmy is fortunate enough and managed well enough to avoid that.

Oz this winter will arguably be his biggest challenge yet. That bit less pace will be felt even more on Aussie wickets, bowling with the duke ball. If the Australian batsman can get after Moeen early then it could become a very long and hard tour for the England seamers. Depth to the seamers will be vital.

Variation in the seamers will be needed too. TRJ adds height but there may well be questions of what he'll do with less seam movement given he isn't the quickest. Woakes and Wood have an extra yard of pace but both are returning from injury. 2 tests from Wood in the series may well be good going for rotation given his ankle.

Could a late summer push from Plunkett or even Finn get them a outside bet on a late squad spot as variation?

[alfie]

Probably going to be enough pace bowlers in the squad already though ... I'd expect Plunkett and/or Finn to be out there with the Lions .

I think TRJ could do quite well. Not sure pace is everything - surprising the batsman with bounce can be just as effective. Of course it has to be well directed.

[LivinginItaly]

As I mentioned before I think TRJ could have a similar impact to tremlett, who if I remember well was never considered a fast bowler but rather one who used his height to exact steepling bounce at quick enough speed. Don't think TRJ is any slower than tremlett was.

[Gooseberry]

TRJ isnt 6 foot 7 though. And Tremlett was only a squad player in the ashes tours he went on, rather than a core bowler. It would be a big surprise if TRJ didnt tour, but I dont expect him to be first name on the teamsheet if everyones fit.

[alfie]

Well I don't disagree TRJ won't be an automatic selection , Goose : but I suspect he will get a match or two.
As to Tremlett he was actually very important in the Tests he played in Melbourne and Sydney 2010 : his early wickets combined with Anderson and Bresnan in shooting Australia out for 98 in the morning that effectively decided the series.
Not saying TRJ will do likewise either But I don't think we should worry over the fact that he doesn't hit 90 mph.

You don't actually have to be express to take wickets in Australia. Ask McGrath...

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