: Wed Jul 22, 2009 1:59 pm  

tiger2000 wrote:

That is a massive blow for England....

Is it?

He's been a passenger in the field and scored 153 runs in four innings this series so far.

His achilles injury definitely hampered his running between the wickets at a time when England were looking to press the accelerator at Lords.

I don't get this idea among England fans that without Pietersen the batting line up will somehow be unable to score runs.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:03 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Is it?

He's been a passenger in the field and scored 153 runs in four innings this series so far.

His achilles injury definitely hampered his running between the wickets at a time when England were looking to press the accelerator at Lords.

I don't get this idea among England fans that without Pietersen the batting line up will somehow be unable to score runs.

Normally I would say it's a devastating blow but like I posted first thing this morning the injury has really affected him and he is not anywhere near his best. So with that in mind he won't be as big a miss, still he has more ability than any of our other batsmen so his loss is still a big one.

Plus it means Bell coming and with him and Bopara at 3 & 4 it makes us look very vulnerable.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:16 pm  

Good riddance.

We can't afford to be carrying passengers in an important series and Pietersen has been just that.

Not sure why people are too bothered about Bell coming in, Bopara has been w*nk at best so far, so a shuffle down the order won't do him any harm.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 2:18 pm  

Bell's record against the Aussies doesn't inspire, in tandem with a struggling Bopara it weakens us quite a bit, can't we ask Marcus Trescothick very very nicely if he'd like to play?

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:04 pm  

Nemanja wrote:

Good riddance.

We can't afford to be carrying passengers in an important series and Pietersen has been just that.

Not sure why people are too bothered about Bell coming in, Bopara has been w*nk at best so far, so a shuffle down the order won't do him any harm.

Because he is w*nk.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:22 pm  

This is Bell's chance to show he can cope against the Aussies, without Warne/McGrath there's not much to fear anymore so I think he will do well. Reckon I'll pick him for my fantasy team next test match.

Bell @ 3
Bopara down to 4

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:54 pm  

You lose a wicket now, you're three down in no time, that's the fear. I'd consider batting Colly at four, split up Bell & Bopara and have somebody in beween who can bat long, gives himself time to get in etc.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:57 pm  

Joe Denly of Kent maybe, I know it's 99.9% Bell's spot, god help us, but this lad looks the real deal. Currently about 5th best county batsman, though the arguement this is not the test for debuts will probably scupper his chances.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 3:59 pm  

I think Bell may go okay.

: Wed Jul 22, 2009 4:14 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Is it?

He's been a passenger in the field and scored 153 runs in four innings this series so far.

His achilles injury definitely hampered his running between the wickets at a time when England were looking to press the accelerator at Lords.

I don't get this idea among England fans that without Pietersen the batting line up will somehow be unable to score runs.

Because I wouldn't put any money on Ian Bell to come into the side and average 38, like KP has on one leg.