Behind the Timbers
In the build up to the World Cup and the Ashes there has been uncertainty surrounding the selection of wicket-keepers. It is important to acknowledge the fortune England have with all three possibilities Buttler, Bairstow and Foakes more than capable with the bat. But this trend of wicket-keeper batsman wasn't always the case. Sides used to opt for a more specialist 'keeper who would bat at 8 or 9. Great players like Bob Taylor and Alan Knott played for England during 70s and 80s who were excellent glovemen whilst Alec Stewart was possibly the first class batsman with the gloves.
We have Adam Gilchrist and the advent of One Day cricket to blame for the paradigm shift in a wicket-keeper's place in the team. His aggressive and powerful style turned the wicket-keeper from a fielding specialist to an integral batsman through big powerplay hitting in limited overs and counter attacking from 7 in Test Matches.
England will definitely pick Buttler such is his talent and proven adaptability in the recent series with India and Sri Lanka. Bairstow's wicket-keeping is arguably the worst but he offers a proven Test record and destructive batting which aligns itself with England's new philosophy. Foakes is the best wicket-keeper of the three but maybe not as prolific with the bat. However, his recent form for Surrey and England in the white-ball game show he is a more than capable bat and he has spoken about filling a space in England's top order.
England will probably leave out Foakes as he hasn't the experience of the other two but he will be a superb replacement in case of an injury but this problems are good ones and symptomatic of England's development in this area.
We have Adam Gilchrist and the advent of One Day cricket to blame for the paradigm shift in a wicket-keeper's place in the team. His aggressive and powerful style turned the wicket-keeper from a fielding specialist to an integral batsman through big powerplay hitting in limited overs and counter attacking from 7 in Test Matches.
England will definitely pick Buttler such is his talent and proven adaptability in the recent series with India and Sri Lanka. Bairstow's wicket-keeping is arguably the worst but he offers a proven Test record and destructive batting which aligns itself with England's new philosophy. Foakes is the best wicket-keeper of the three but maybe not as prolific with the bat. However, his recent form for Surrey and England in the white-ball game show he is a more than capable bat and he has spoken about filling a space in England's top order.
England will probably leave out Foakes as he hasn't the experience of the other two but he will be a superb replacement in case of an injury but this problems are good ones and symptomatic of England's development in this area.
Comments
Post a Comment