Tom Westley - Performance Watch

[Markhor]

Throw enough mud against the wall and hope something sticks seems to be England's selection motto, especially with the opening and #3 positions. However Tom Westley could be the answer to their #3 problems.

He looks to have a solid technique, strong on the legside and has scored a fifty against a strong SAF attack in overcast conditions. Having his Essex teammate Alastair Cook also in the top-order will have helped him settle in.

Boycott noted on commentary that he needs use his left shoulder more and has too much bottom hand. He has been compared to John Crawley. Worth giving a run given the lack of options England have.

 

[shaz619]

Westley is not mud though, among right handers he has been the most prolific in the county championship which is why he got the nod; support from Cook must have helped him as well.

Very sound technically and certainly a better option then Ballance; think he's in for the long haul.

 

[Markhor]

Missed a straight ball playing across the line today.

England still have a problem with positions 2, 3 and 5.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Stoneman got a great ball today, highly unfortunate to get that before you're set. Literally unplayable. I think from what I've seen over the years at Durham and now at Surrey that he has the mental strength to make it at the highest level. Westley and Malan on the other hand have so far seemed out of their depth.

 

[James]

Stoneman might do well, but Westley and Malan are both in the last chance saloon now, although Westley may return in future.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I don't understand why England didn't persist with Jennings. Should have given him another series because he's a darn good cricketer.

 

[Markhor]

A serious technical flaw is being exposed in the last few innings - his head position is going too far to the off-side, losing his balance and is getting out LBW.

Every bowler will bring him across and target his pads.

Root brings down the bat straight and makes good use of his top hand, but Westley's grip is more bottom hand. Don't think he'll make the Ashes at this rate.

 

[Abdullah719]

Poor shot today, not a great start to his career so far.

 

[KhalidRafi]

I don't understand why England didn't persist with Jennings. Should have given him another series because he's a darn good cricketer.

Probably because he edged the ball more times than he middled it in the series against South Africa and averaged 15 in the series

 

[Markhor]

What was he thinking flashing at that delivery way outside off ?

His head has gone. Yet another England batsman with a good county record who's come in, been exposed for one technical flaw or another, and looks like he'll be dropped.