@Charlie_UTS_@lilbrownykid@NoContextCounty I mentioned above, ECB are doing it to increase viewership. They don't care about India, just the money. Heat in England or India doesn't matter, only money does. That's why they allowed sale of counties and Hundred franchises.
@Charlie_UTS_@lilbrownykid@NoContextCounty You may not but ECB does care. It's all about the money with boards. The viewership is where the money is. This might earn a few more bucks for ECB, since India is their most lucrative opponents. Mind you, they'll earn less from Ashes less than India Tests in 2025.
@rmshnatarajan@nimishdubey It doesn't favour England though. This pitch was no all fast bowlers, which on paper makes makes New Zealand stronger. Also, Test pitches and conditions in NZ are closer to England than anyone else.
@Metric_Mauler@VikramK47847143@Backhand_Slice_ Kohli, Ashwin, Jadeja, Rohit all played vs NZ. They were the backbone in years prior. They were in decline & barring one all have retired. They have been replaced, now their replacement will need some time. I can't stress enough on Ashwin's importance. His absence will be felt.
@Metric_Mauler@VikramK47847143@Backhand_Slice_ It's actually delayed transition. Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin retired in next series after NZ whitewash. We don't have a fixed No. 3 or 6. Jadeja is on the wane, Washi isn't anywhere close to Ashwin and we just brought Suthar in. These players need time, like players before them did.
@Babuatwitts@Cric_Beyond_Ent I'm not saying he fudged his age. Was just talking about bone test not being as definitive it's made to believe. Also, I think his age is a non-issue.
@Metric_Mauler@VikramK47847143@Backhand_Slice_ No, it's not. The selectors job isn't to just pick the team from a Ranji stat sheet. Many of them have played for India, they know what works in international cricket. They make educated decisions, based on temperament, technique and the eye test.
@Metric_Mauler@VikramK47847143@Backhand_Slice_ Jurel was picked off the back of few innings, clearly selectors see something in him. Whether that works or not is entirely different thing. Just like Pant or Jaiswal were picked ahead of some other FC performers. It will always happen.
@Metric_Mauler@VikramK47847143@Backhand_Slice_ It's obvious. His game against high quality pace isn't good enough. It's a belief many have held. Moreover, he failed against New Zealand in the last 2 home Tests after that 150. It's clear they believe Jurel is a better overall action, his technique looks better as well.
@dweplea You think walking down to him is the best option. Going across just doesn't right him. Conway and Williamson both were done doing that. I think Mitchell is walking down as well.
@dweplea The second point I agree with but I feel NZ pacers got more help off the surface. I might be wrong though. The field setting has been great from Stokes.