By Three Lions
November 28 2020

South Africa 179/6 England 183/5 from 19.2 overs England win by 5 wickets

Jonny Bairstow steered England to victory with a magnificent 86 not out from 48 balls. He was supported by Ben Stokes who scored 37 from 27.

Bairstow was moved down to number 4 in the batting order as England continued with Buttler at the top.

This was a good victory for England and an excellent knock by Bairstow but I still think there are more questions than answers about England’s batting line-up.

England would argue that Bairstow batting at 4 was the right call given that he led England to victory. I won’t claim to have decided where Bairstow’s best position in the order is but with the failure of the openers in this one it could be argued that Bairstow would have still produced such a performance if he had opened and we would have still had Buttler to come in down the order.

I like Buttler as the finisher so I personally would move him down to 5 and try Stokes as the opener given Bairstow’s success at 4. Stokes has been opening successfully in the IPL in the same team as Buttler with Buttler coming in down the order.

More worrying than the batting order however is the form of Jason Roy. He was out of nick in the summer and continued that here. I am slightly worried that it is more than just temporary form thing and a more deep rooted problem that stems from his unsuccessful stint in test cricket.

If he or any of the other guys do lose form on a more extended period then England have the luxury of being able to bring Joe Root back in to fold.

That however could cause yet more questions. For instance if it was Roy to make way then who opens in his place? Does Root have to bat three or could he bat somewhere else?

England certainly have the batsmen to fire them to a world T20 victory but if they don’t get the batting order right then they could cause themselves problems. Luckily Bairstow stood up to be counted yesterday as he often does but you feel that one of the top three needs a big score in most games if you are to win.

Sam Curran’s selection looks a good one. Not only did he star with the ball but he came in at 7 and hit a 6 to relieve the pressure slightly. You feel had it been his brother or Jordan next in that it would have been all on Bairstow and England may not have made it over the line.

Bairstow Stars in England Victory

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 28/11/2020 17:31

England Cricket
28/11/2020 17:31

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net