Ben Stokes has confirmed Rehan Ahmed will make his Test match debut tomorrow and become the youngest test player in England history. He’s looked good from what I’ve seen in the Championship. Interesting stat that James Anderson made his FC debut before Ahmed was born.

Great to see England willing to blood the young lad, and this illustrates the fearless approach we now have under Stokes and McCullum, you wouldn't have imagined the England of 12-18 months ago would have made such a bold call.

Hope he can bag a few wickets on his test debut.

I think its a great idea, hope the lad does well. The great thing about the current setup is that there is no fear or repercussions from just trying your best.

Jumps ahead of Lancs Parkinson but England really do need a spinner

Looking forward to watching him tomorrow morning (if bowling first)

CleggHall wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:00 pm

Jumps ahead of Lancs Parkinson but England really do need a spinner

Yep Swann has never really been replaced has he, mind you when did England last boast a world class spinner prior to Swann, probably going back to the time of Underwood.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:48 pm

Yep Swann has never really been replaced has he, mind you when did England last boast a world class spinner prior to Swann, probably going back to the time of Underwood.

What’s been the main reason Rashid never did it at test level?

I’d put him in the ‘world class’ category when it comes to the white ball stuff.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:51 pm

What’s been the main reason Rashid never did it at test level?

I’d put him in the ‘world class’ category when it comes to the white ball stuff.

White ball absolutely he's vital to England's recent success, but test cricket is totally different for spinners.

No specific reason comes to mind but a number that might have played a part in him not establishing himself in the test fold are injuries, mental health issues and simply England not putting enough runs on the board to allow our bowlers to exert pressure on opposition batsmen.

It doesn't help that naturally England will prepare home pitches which suit seam and swing rather than spin.

Rashid’s test record is poor, expensive and not a wicket taker. Was handled poorly in his early career by both Yorkshire and England, particularly Gale the Yorks captain. As a result opted for white ball only in which he has excelled. A pity, could have been a test cricketer too IMO.

A good up and coming spinner

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New book, hitting against the spin, explains.
Best book about stats, techniques and analysis in cricket

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:48 pm

Yep Swann has never really been replaced has he, mind you when did England last boast a world class spinner prior to Swann, probably going back to the time of Underwood.

Robert croft, of course. Ian Salisbury. Think I've missed somebody else. Mr. Underwood is a vague acquaintance, so vague that although I know that I know him, I don't know which of a fairly large group he actually is.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 4:51 pm

What’s been the main reason Rashid never did it at test level?

I’d put him in the ‘world class’ category when it comes to the white ball stuff.

The art of leg spin is the hardest craft in cricket to perform and can be quite expensive if the bowler isn't right on it.
Far easier to bowl line and length as a finger spinner or slow left armer.

Knew nothing about him so had a look about. Tipped from a young age, father a former pro, but has only bowled 73 first class overs. With the series won it’s a free hit to have a look at him. Good luck to the young man.

.

timshorts wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:11 pm

Robert croft, of course. Ian Salisbury. Think I've missed somebody else. Mr. Underwood is a vague acquaintance, so vague that although I know that I know him, I don't know which of a fairly large group he actually is.

Deadly was off spin

Shane Warne managed it! Mind over matter!

Well done young man.

Nice touch by the England team to include his dad in the team huddle pre game.