You're right, it's too soon to rule England out altogether. It wouldn't be the first time the England side has been written off and then come back to surprise everybody - Commonwealth Bank series, anybody???
As for why Vaughan's there, he is a very astute captain in the field, which he proved in the CB series as well. But it's debatable whether he can hold his place in the side purely on the basis of that. The question really is who would you have as captain if Vaughan wasn't in the side? Flintoff has already been tried and found wanting... And I can't really see any obvious alternatives.
I love this optimism from England.. I share the blood but I think theys got as much chance of making the semis as Southampton do of making back to the premiership...
Maybe it could happen if they beat Australia and the Bangers beat South Africa and just to make sure of a chance Sri Lanka should stay true to form beat WI.
Could the Aussies throw the game to help England in? Lets see it they name their best squad..
Originally posted by lordhighguswow...yes you did..
The Aussies have the English to contend with tonight!
Go the Aussies!!
Did i hear vicious rumours that the Bangladeshi's whacked the South Africans?
this from nzcity.co.nz
8 April 2007
Bangladesh is proving to be more than a fluke at the Cricket World Cup. After knocking India out of the tournament, the side has thrown the Super Eights race wide open with a 67 run win over South Africa in Guyana.
South African captain Graeme Smith says the Bangladesh side deserved plenty of credit for taking the opportunities that came its way. Smith says if his players can not get the basics right then they will be punished.
Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka all have six points on the Super Eights ladder, but Sri Lanka has played one extra game. South Africa has just four points, with England, West Indies and Bangladesh on two each.
Originally posted by Tirau DanWell done to the Bangladeshi's!
wow...yes you did..
this from nzcity.co.nz
8 April 2007
Bangladesh is proving to be more than a fluke at the Cricket World Cup. After knocking India out of the tournament, the side has thrown the Super Eights race wide open with a 67 run win over South Africa in Guyana.
South African captain Graeme Smith says the Bangladesh side deserved plenty of cr ...[text shortened]... a game. South Africa has just four points, with England, West Indies and Bangladesh on two each.
That has made the comp interesting.
Originally posted by briey1I can't answer why.. bring back Beefy Botham or even me that fella extra got more in this match than Vaughan has in the series.
I repeat, why is Vaughan there? Another embarrasing innings.
Snippets from Http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/08/sports/CB-SPT-CRK-Australia-England.php
Vaughan was first to go, chopping on while on five as he tried to put the ball through gully.
Strauss, batting at No. 3, was deceived by a slower delivery to go for seven.
Captain Vaughan, who won the toss and elected to bat, has now scored a total 12 runs in his past four innings.
England 247, Aus won by 7 Wickets..
England
Bell c Hussey b McGrath 77(90)
Vaughan b Tait 5(8)
Strauss b Tait 7(10)
Pietersen c Clarke b Bracken 104(122)
Collingwood c Sub b Tait 2(5)
Flintoff st Gilchrist b Hogg 4(19)
Bopara c Hussey b Bracken 21(36)
Nixon c Hodge b McGrath 8(6)
Mahmood c Hodge b Bracken 0(2)
Panesar not out 1(2)
Anderson lbw McGrath 0(1)
Extras 18
England 247
Australia
Gilchrist c Collingwood b Flintoff 27(37)
Hayden b Collingwood 41(50)
Ponting Runout 86(106)
Clarke not out 55(63)
Symonds not out 28(28)
Originally posted by briey1England's World Cup Starts here.
I repeat, why is Vaughan there? Another embarrasing innings.
We've lost to the best three teams in the competition. If we win our last three I reckon we will qualify.
Then the semi's you are in form, and two matches from glory.
EDIT: now I've pulled my head out of the clouds, I go back to my original thoughts: we are not good enough
Originally posted by invigorateYay Invig for Capt player - coach.
England's World Cup Starts here.
We've lost to the best three teams in the competition. If we win our last three I reckon we will qualify.
Then the semi's you are in form, and two matches from glory.
EDIT: now I've pulled my head out of the clouds, I go back to my original thoughts: we are not good enough
Originally posted by briey1I reckon he's only there as everyone else is rubbish captain......never understood how his one day cricket performances wre so bad compared to tests!!
I repeat, why is Vaughan there? Another embarrasing innings.
Anyhoo, I still reckon he should play - useful extra bowler and captain, but I'd bat him right down the order....
Open up with Freddie, as he is batting like a fool, may as well see what happens when the powerplays are on - and he won't face people like Hogg!!
My England 11 for next game~;
Bell
Flintoff
Strauss
Pieterssen
Collingwood
Bopara
Vaughen
Nixon
Panesar
Broad
Anderson
Originally posted by CityblueBeefy Botham does aspire to return to first class cricket, hopefully to play with his son Liam..
I reckon he's only there as everyone else is rubbish captain......never understood how his one day cricket performances wre so bad compared to tests!!
Anyhoo, I still reckon he should play - useful extra bowler and captain, but I'd bat him right down the order....
Open up with Freddie, as he is batting like a fool, may as well see what happens when th ...[text shortened]...
Flintoff
Strauss
Pieterssen
Collingwood
Bopara
Vaughen
Nixon
Panesar
Broad
Anderson
Bit from his Bio says:
"Even after a career such as Ian's, he does have one or two ambitions left - to one day play first class cricket alongside his Son Liam, to be good enough to play golf on the Masters Circuit"
Quick send him out there.. When's the next next flight?????
I am serious..
Strauss should have been made captain for both the Test and one day side. Vaughan is no Brearley, who really did bring value-added as captain. Vaughan is a fine player but he needs match practice before being thrown into the white heat of a World Cup. Flintoff opening is not a bad idea; it can be no worse than being 20-3 at the end of the 12th over, or some such scenario!