Cook v Strauss

 In light of Alastair Cook's recent debut against India, I'd like to say a big well done and that his form thus far vaguely resembles that of a certain Mr. Strauss. A fantastic left-handed opener in his first year, going on to big things. I know it's too early to say anything yet, but I think he could be breathing down some players necks for a starting place every match in no time.

 Hopefully. England look to be a great side for the next few years with these young players coming through the ranks.

so what is the point of this thread? Who is better, Cook or Strauss (answer - Strauss for now), or is it Strauss is pretty good and so is Cook too????

i think if cook keeps scoring like this, then there is no way they can drop struass, or tresco, so it will have to be cook and tres, then strauss at 3, i think u need to get rid if vaughan, he's past his sell by date, and his body is giving up in him!

what makes you think cook is gonna keep scoring tons every game if he does he will have a higher average then bradman so are you saying cook is going to be better then bradman

Give the guy a chance. 7 days ago he was in Antigua.

We have enough guys who score quickly enough (Freddie, Tres, KP, Geraint Jones) to allow those who don't score at a million runs a session as you seem to want all the time, to play their natural game.

you think?

Crownmethod, I think you've been playing too much stickcricket, my friend. That's the only reason I can think you are expecting batsmen to hit every ball for 6 and score at 3000 runs an hour.

Neither Trescothick or Strauss can be dropped. At the moment it seems as though no matter how poorly Vaughn plays he will keep his place because he has been in the team so long now and is a great captain. But, since he has taken control his average has gone from about 45 to about 30. An average of 30 is just not good enough for a number 3 batsmen. About cook, I think his style would compliment Trescothick's nicely as Tres scores quickly and Cook plays the patient innings. I can imagine an England batting colapse but Cook will be there keeping things together. Bell seems to crumble under pressure at the moment, he needs more experience. At present top 7 batting order would be Trescothick, Cook, Strauss, Vaughn, Pieterson, Flintoff, Jones.

i dnt think it is a gd idea to drop vaughan, gd point bout his knee yes perhaps, but he is a great captain, all of the players agree, and he has a great sense of authority and in truth is a great batsmen but just needs to work hard on his form.

for me it would go

tres,cook, strauss,vaughan,pieterson,fred,g.jones,hoggard,s.jones,harmi son,panesar

but the thing is england have a few gd player up their sleeves at the moment, such as collingewoode,bell,matt prior, blackwell, plunkett, anderson, ali, solanki(odi player) etc, we got some good players up our sleeves, shame that thorpe retired kinda annoyed bout that, but he had a gd innings lol.

Originally posted by -JP- Crownmethod, I think you've been playing too much stickcricket, my friend. That's the only reason I can think you are expecting batsmen to hit every ball for 6 and score at 3000 runs an hour.

I dont play to much stickcricket. Your just jealous because im so good(I apologise for being so arrogant) I can help you become better player at stickcricket if you want to.

Edited by crownmethod

 Personally I would go with Trescothick, Strauss, Vaughan, Cook, Pieterson, Flintoff, Read, Hoggard, S. Jones, Harmison, Panesar. What a team eh?

Originally posted by minimurali Personally I would go with Trescothick, Strauss, Vaughan, Cook, Pieterson, Flintoff, Read, Hoggard, S. Jones, Harmison, Panesar. What a team eh?

That looks topheavy in openers mate. Alistair Cook is an old fashioned opener , straight , cautious and reliable - that's not what's required by your number 4.

Ian Bell failed in the 1st test in India , but he was our best bat in Pakistan - short memories huh.

Bell will be back , he's a tremendous prospect , just as Cook is too.

Whilst Vaughan and Trescothick sit at home , Cook and Bell can feel secure in the knowledge that they'll get a decent run in this series.

The same goes for Collingwood too - and no-one deserves his chance more than this lad - he's been so professional and has just bided his time without complaint - a lesson for all there methinks.

No doubt that Cook will play on Thursday. The Indians and Chappell in particular will have studied the footage from the 1st Test.

He'll be looking for chinks in the armour of both Cook and Collingwood and we'll find out soon enough if he's succeeded.

I've always said that it's best to judge a newcomer to test cricket in his 2nd year. If he continues to score runs or take wickets then you can be pretty sure he's the real deal.

Bell is pretty orthodox in his strokeplay. He's neither a grafter or a thrasher , his scoring tempo is ideal for test matches.

At the moment he seems to have trouble with the turning ball - not a good sign in India.

I expect him to turn that around and make runs very soon.