Easy 10
Brain dead MUG SHEEP
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I rather liked that
I rather liked that
What are the chances of changes before the next test? If so what are the options? Could phone CPS and ask for an update on Stokes or the selectors could bite the bullet and just include him.
The grass roots cricket in state schools has been supported by "Chance to Shine" - I coached on this programme for 6 years - it's target was to get schools feeding local clubs, an introduction to the next level. It was also curriculum based [the PE lesson] so specifically designed to attract females. The women's game, esp at International level, is now very strong - e.g. we are the ODI world champions.
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It sounds great in theory but, in practice, the schools aren't interested. My club tried to get involved but only got responses from two local schools and they petered out for lack of interest. The trouble is that schools have enough to do with planning lessons, filling in paperwork and, increasingly, parental duties - to try to fit in sport as well is a massive headache.
There's a similar problem with rugby. The authorities recognise that the sport is dominated by privately-educated kids and is really trying to engage other pupils but, it's a similar story to cricket - a lack of interest from schools.
It doesn't help that cricket is not on terrestrial TV - although after the horror show of the last few weeks, perhaps that's just as well.
What a pathetic interview given by Root on the ITV news. What planet is he on?
I suspect this is more to do with the faster scoring rates at Test level now. An innings of 400 can be completed before lunch on the second day now. I seem to remember us achieving it in one day during the 2005 series.
I agree. He seems to be deluded that we've competed and just missed out on some key moments. I'm really worried about him as captain, because if he cannot see this as a hiding, then not sure how he is going to take the side forward.
Cricket is a bit different to rugby though (other than the obvious). Like football, rugby doesn't need a lot of equipment. Few cones, a ball and some grass, and you can play a rugby game, set up training etc. etc.
Cricket is expensive for schools, especially for secondary where they're playing hard ball. They need a wicket, stumps, bats, balls, pads, gloves etc. etc. all for a sport they can pretty much only put on outside for the summer term at most, or sports hall net sessions if they have them. Football and rugby also keeps annoying kids involved and participating. A load of kids waiting to bat, or getting bored fielding because the ball hasn't come to them for 20mins isn't necessarily what a PE teacher wants when trying to engage an entire class.
Where private schools exceed state schools isn't in curriculum PE, it is after school where those that love cricket will have a coach there everyday.
That's very true and something that needs to be addreEssed. But the issue we had was with primary schools so just stumps, soft balls and bats were needed. If we can't get them interested at 8 or 9, we'll have no chance at 11 or 12.[/QUOTE
IMHO it goes back to the views of the ILEA and similar do gooders who stopped competitive sport in school in the 70s or 80s because it wasnt fair on those that were not good enough for the team
There are only two things we need to improve -
Batting
and
Bowling.
Quote from him "it is not as if we have been outplayed" He is one that has not reached his normal standard. If we could have swapped him for Smith we would have retained The Ashes.
Nah we wouldn’t....still wouldn’t be able to bowl them out twice.
But we may have got 5 draws and retained The Ashes we needed a Geoff Boycott or Chris Tavare to bat for 2 days even with out making a big score. Mind you a Cook of 8 years ago would have helped with what we had.
IMHO it goes back to the views of the ILEA and similar do gooders who stopped competitive sport in school in the 70s or 80s because it wasnt fair on those that were not good enough for the team
But we may have got 5 draws and retained The Ashes we needed a Geoff Boycott or Chris Tavare to bat for 2 days even with out making a big score. Mind you a Cook of 8 years ago would have helped with what we had.
What's done is done, but I honestly believe a 26 year old Stokes in his absolute physical prime might have given the Aussies a torrid time on these pacy wickets. He is fast, aggressive and gets reverse swing, and his fielding is electric.
A novel viewpoint. The ILEA and the GLC are to blame.