England v South Africa Test Series

[number11]

To be fair to Monty, he had Smith out twice in the 2nd innings at Edgbaston (caught off the glove, and LBW), but neither were given. If they had been, I'd have fancied him to finish off the tail without too much bother, and he'd have ended up with 15/16 wickets and a match-winning performance.

Though it was partly his fault those wickets were not given with his misconstrued appealing....

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

Funnily enough I was having the same debate about Monty with my father in law when we were at The Oval on day 1. I feel that he doesn't do as much as he could, and that he could do with some coaching to produce more variety to his bowling. I also think there is an arguement for not picking him full stop on some pitches and turning to KP for a bit of part time spin bowling. He won't do that now he's captain though.

 

[Stats]

Just thinking what other spinners have we got on the county circuit in preference to Monty?

Ones that spring to mind are Swann (Notts), Batty (Worcs), Darylmple (Glam).

All of those above would fall into the all rounder catagory. I dont think any of them are better bowling wise but all bat and field better than Monty. Will the selectors in the future opt for one of these esp if we start going with a 5 man bowling attack?

 

[number11]

Funnily enough I was having the same debate about Monty with my father in law when we were at The Oval on day 1. I feel that he doesn't do as much as he could, and that he could do with some coaching to produce more variety to his bowling. I also think there is an arguement for not picking him full stop on some pitches and turning to KP for a bit of part time spin bowling. He won't do that now he's captain though.

I would guess if we are now looking at a 5 man attack then a spinner is always useful for a bit of variety, but agree that on a pitch that wont offer him much, then there can be an argument to either bring in an extra batsmen (perhaps someone like Samit Patel who can bowl some spin, or Ravi who can bowl some medium pacers) and rely on the 4 man pace attack. Alternatively if we had a better version of Graeme Swann you could replace Monty with someone who will offer a bit more to other areas if the wicket is not offering assistance.

Generally though, Im pretty happy with how our 5 man attack may shape up in a years time - Anderson, Harmy (or Sidebottom or Jones), Flintoff, Broad and Monty. From the ashes attack that would be Anderson replacing Hoggard, Broad and Monty replacing Giles and Jones (respectively as I see Broad in the support bowling role with lower order runs that Giles offered, Panesar offering something a bit different).

Would then still be the batting that is a concern. Cook is not at Trescothick's level yet (hopefully in a year he will be) Strauss 08 is much worse than Strauss 05, Bell has still yet to kick on, Pieterson has grown in class, but Collingwood is no Vaughan. So 3 worse, one better. Important then how Flintoff and Prior compare to Flintoff 05 and Jones. THankfully the Ozzies are worse, and I think they will lose one of the series against South Africa before the play us.

 

[BILLERICAY BLUE]

Though it was partly his fault those wickets were not given with his misconstrued appealing....

Doesn't get away from the fact that he got him out twice......