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Still think they are banking on Bethell's raw talent rather than developing him properly over the last 2 years

Genuinely don't get how they can't keep the fast bowlers fit with all the sports science and practioneers in and around the squad (and the counties). They haven't bowled that many overs in this series either

Home pitch (despite the fact he'd played next to no red ball cricket on it in the previous 18 months)

Not a lot to work with there. Ownership sold top players. But still don't think he's much of a manager.

you mean a quick who can control line & length and has bowled pretty well with a Kookaburra over the summer.

Pleased they've won a Test but also irked that already Stokes & co see it as some sort of vindication & counter to the criticism they've been getting. Bowlers finally turned up - something they've rarely done under Bazball. Actually annoying because it shows how fragile this Aussie batting...

Honestly think it's more of a "fuck you" approach/attitude to fans, pundits & press. "don't care what you think"etc.

Maybe there is a cricket board dumber than ECB. Cricket Australia recently announced big losses yet "allow" a pitch like this where they'll likely lose 2 to 3 days of 90k plus crowds. Still would have batted Stokes at 3 and tried to protect Bethell a little.

That's the point. Everything was supposed to be geared towards this. As dismal as some of the batting has been it's also the inability of bowlers to develop/hone some basic skills that Everyman and his dog know are essential for Australian conditions. You have to wonder if they knew going in...

Not a lot the ECB can do now. Counties won't allow any meaningful restructuring of domestic red ball - which doesn't produce the level of competitive cricket required to produce Test players. Too many average players picking up a wage. They've sold their soul (control) to these new Hundred...

They've all defended the tour preparation on the run up into the 1st Test. They had a mickey mouse game on a soft, flat wicket against the Lions - an exercise in futility on two counts there. None of the Test players should have been on the white ball tour of NZ. That time should have been added...

Always ifs and buts. Frustrating - if brook holds that catch and snicko operator does his job properly this game would be won by now.

Take that point. 10 men, hopeless ref and a strong Southampton squad. That's a sign of character.

Don't mind Bell batting coach. Look at the last 2 - Ramps and Trescothick. First had an iffy temperament, 2nd didn't have the best technique himself.

Still think a point here would be a big result. But i reckon we'll score again so 3 could be on the cards

jobs for the boys

When Key appointed Brook white ball captain he said it was because he had "an excellent cricketing brain" - waiting to see evidence of that.

Watched it back this morning. Paul's lucky he didn't get seriously hurt. No wonder most places wouldn't license this type of fight. Both made a serious amount of money and Joshua's set up a massive payday vs Fury next year (which will still be 2 heavyweights way past their best). Paul's just...

IF they bring in Bethell then i'd move Stokes to 3. Might take the pressure of Root as well.

also how to bowl. Line & length. There's no magic formula for playing on Australian wickets - do the basics properly and capitalise on mistakes.