Athanaze: should his place be safe for England?

As we are approaching the final two rounds of the FC season, I think that we need to reflect on our test team Nos 3-5. Of the first 6 batsmen, including JDS, there have been 3 centuries after 5 rounds of matches and one has only one half century and the other, none at all. On the other hand, we have Sinclair and Greaves both showing good form but commentators saying that both are fighting for the same spot. I disagree. If a man who was in the squad is making runs, he has to be there, not as an alternative to a man who is also making runs, but to a man who is not making runs. It does not matter if you bat at 6 or 7, if you are making runs and the Nos 3 and 4 are not, you should be in their place. After all, you are all facing the same bowlers here and will be facing the same bowlers there.

In reply to PalsofMine

In the squad - yes.

In the XI - not sure.

If Holder is recalled then that gives you possibly 6. JDS, 7. Sinclair, 8. Holder.

Who is really knocking on the door for a middle-order spot, Wickham? Ambris? King?

For what it's worth McKenzie hasn't passed 50 in any innings yet either.

can we stop this nonsensical shortermism for 1 damn second please???????????


yall destroy a whole generation of spinners, for example, this way

players need time to develop and in the wi they take longer

yall are part of the problem

In reply to WICFan

Why should they recall Holder? Isn't he focusing on t20 cricket?

Ambris can't bat... Kevlon Anderson, Wickham and King are good options.

In reply to PalsofMine

Yes

Kevin Wickham already has three first class centuries to his name and an average of over 42 in the format. He has just recently turned 21 years of age. If you are good enough, you are certainly old enough. Just as an example, Kyle Mayers, who is a much more experienced cricketer and aged 31, has four first class centuries and an average below 30 in the format. Raymon Reifer, now approaching his 33rd birthday, was given a chance to bat at No.3 in the test team. He has a solitary first class century and an average in the format of 26.

Wickham must be given the chance, he has earned it. Mikyle Louis should come in for consideration for a place in the tour party too and I am giving a run to Kevin Sinclair in the middle order. McKenzie and Athanaze are concerns due to form. Chanderpaul, in his last innings, thankfully got himself a big score...he was long overdue. Holder needs to earn it and I am really hoping that if he does get his chance, it is based on his batting as much as his bowling which I fear in England, will not be such a threat unless the July pitches offer steep bounce.

Doesn't matter who we pick we would lose badly,swing,pace and spin will destroy us,this tour will be different from Australia.Josh da Silva and Kevin Sinclair will be our best batsmen in England

In reply to anthonyp

Holder is currently playing county cricket for Worcs.

In reply to granite

That is why I am pleased to see that the tests do not start until mid-July. Usually by then, a lot of the green tops have hardened up and overhead conditions are generally MUCH better for the batsmen. Certainly will not be conditions like those in play now, for the opening round of County Championships games. Roach, Seales and Holder are over there...probably shivering back in the hotel tonight!

In reply to doosra

Agree with you 100%,and leave John Wick where he is the kid needs to.mature, Anderson is the one to move up. He seems more mature and ready for the next level.

In reply to WICFan

So? He refused selection for the OZ tour... told the selectors he is focusing on t20 cricket.... De only reason he is playing county cricket is because none of the IPL team want him.

Greaves did enough to retain his spot... Let Holder continue to concentrate on his t20 career.

In reply to anthonyp

So what. The guy is currently playing fc cricket.

He's played two games for Barbados and is available for 5 county games.

In reply to PalsofMine

Should anyone else other than Shamar Joseph who basically won the match for WI and Kirk McKenzie who carried the batting attack against the strong Australian bowlers, place be safe?

In reply to 4REALQUICKS

I didn't know that,it now gives us a little more feelings of not getting rolled over,I still fear their spinners,specially that 6foot 5 inch left arm spinner,Bashir I think.

In reply to granite

Right hand offbreak

He will be picked.
Not saying anything yet?
He failed miserably against world class fast bowling under.

Didn’t do well in fc games.

So I’m waiting to see.

Athanaze most likely will be in the squad, but playing in the Test matches his selection might be iffy. He has two regional games to change that doubt. Hopefully the Selectors could get King to go on the tour.

In reply to granite

Those 2 related to you by marriage.

In reply to dayne

What has King done to merit selection?

This thread shows how fans think, only 6-12 months ago, Athanaze was the saviour, but now some want to kick him to the curve.
The rebuilding continues, by adding a few layers, not benching or dropping anyone that played in the last test.

In reply to PalsofMine

Like a lot of good young talented players in the Caribbean, Athanaze needs lots and lots of first class cricket under his belt.

It's sad that a lot of these young players have are forced to find their game in Test cricket against the likes of Starc, Cummins, Hazelwood and Lyon.

In reply to Slipfeeler

If I recall correctly McKenzie scored 1 fifty in the last 15 plus innings.

Selection should be based on competition. Right now we do not have superstar players that demand a play because of a body of professional work. Those who are putting their hands up with constant performances should be given the opportunity. So you fail in Australia but come home and continue to fail against bowlers not of Aussie standards. Why would you now be given a play over those scoring consistently.

We have to let competition dictate selection. If you want to retain you play, like in the past, dominate regionally. With this your selection would have been earned not given because of your name.

Tire of the failed "name brand" policy

In reply to SnoopDog

This was the norm for the last 3 generations of our young cricketers going up against international teams when they were not ready.

In reply to PalsofMine
Come on let the season play out. Athanaze will ton up hopefully not vs Leewards however he should still be on that plane.