It's a broken system from top to bottom. Most premier divisions within Counties have removed the draw and play win/lose cricket, so there is no emphasis on being able to defend for long periods. Its also removed the necessity for a captain to think or use skill and cunning. A lad from my club has been given a red ball contract by Northants, but they treat him like a leper, all because he can't score runs quickly. He is an old school tough cookie, the sort they should be building a 4 day team around, but for 2/3rds of the county season he is asked to carry drinks and train on his own or with the U18s.
As for the national side what a farce, the ECB is the 2nd wealthiest cricket board, yet ended up with the cheap option as coach. Silverwood is so far out of his depth it's embarrassing, he even tried to argue that selection has been spot on. The sooner he is gone and a strong voice comes in and says what is needed the better, maybe the ECB doesn't want to hear that, but it's the story that needs telling.
I actually think this Aussie side is very ordinary, but we've been so poor, we have made them look like world beaters.
As for the national side what a farce, the ECB is the 2nd wealthiest cricket board, yet ended up with the cheap option as coach. Silverwood is so far out of his depth it's embarrassing, he even tried to argue that selection has been spot on. The sooner he is gone and a strong voice comes in and says what is needed the better, maybe the ECB doesn't want to hear that, but it's the story that needs telling.
I actually think this Aussie side is very ordinary, but we've been so poor, we have made them look like world beaters.