England currently have six players who all average above 40 with the bat in test cricket, whilst Morgan averages approx 35.
This is possibly the first time this has happened, certainly since I've been watching Cricket.
So, how good are they individually when compared to Gooch, Compton, Hammond etc and as a top seven are they as good as we have had?
Let's be honest, there are not too many great bowlers in the world at present and it seems the pitches are more batting friendly than even 20 years ago.
On the other hand, you can only beat/score runs what's in front of you.
Our Best batting Line Up
posted on 14/6/11
I'd rather see him at 7, dont really no why though, i guess i think there are holes in his technique around his off stump and he's a bit of a flat track player, wouldnt back him to dig in for an ugly 60 or 70 to rescue us if early wickets feel on a hard wicket
Having said that who hasnt got technical issues and Priors a good player with a good record who bats selflessly and without the chance to bat higher up the order we'll never know. I still see him as a 7 though and dont see him ever batting higher.
posted on 14/6/11
I would agree with seven, especially if he was coming in at 50-4.
He does though look like a top player when in full flow.
posted on 14/6/11
I still have question marks about Morgan at 6. Bell shows the ability to shore up a poor start from those above him or to press on when they do well.
Morgan may well be only capable of attack. Even his century against Pakistan was assisted by at least two dropped catches and soon ended when the second new ball appeared.
Runs against this SL attack seem easily come by.
posted on 14/6/11
Morgan's place is by no means safe.
Taylor seems to be the player who most are mentioning as a new number six if and when he fails.
I've never seen him bat but he gets good hype.
posted on 15/6/11
Taylor does get hyped up quite a lot. seems Bopara, at least in the media world, has gone down the order of pecking
posted on 15/6/11
Morgen for me, is a class act. His batting technique needs further refining, but he has the right temprament to be a high quality international player. and don't we all know its not just about technique alone?
posted on 17/6/11
I would say that another issue when making comparisons, certainly as a lineup anyway, is that in the late 70s and onwards - the selection policy added more pressure to batsmen - fear of the drop etc - I feel we are a lot more consistant these days
posted on 17/6/11
Good point Lydne.
Maybe Hick and Ramprakash would have succeeded in this batting friendly, better selection policy era.
posted on 17/6/11
Definately mate - if Ramps had the opportunities that Bell has been given - in the climate that the chances have been given in - he would of been a far more successful player ....... maybe!
posted on 19/6/11
its interesting comparing this line up to the 90s line ups. that one had the talent to be as good as this one, but clearly wasnt. i blame ray illingworth personally.
i have never had as much confidence in an england top 7 as i have in this one, in my nearly 25 years as a cricket fan.