I can’t see how that will ever happen. It’s a bidding process and the BBC can’t compete.
It’s up to the cricket board to set the criteria - it doesn’t have to be simply the highest bid.
But, it will be, won’t it.
££££££
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Yes, it’s a tragedy. I don’t think the inter island cricket politics has helped them either. I wonder whether a galvanising personality like Lloyd will appear, make the best of what they have and breathe a bit of life into them. I think though that they are probably a busted flush and I’m glad I got to see them in their pomp.
Cook has announced he’s retiring after this series.
Thought so
I’m sure he’ll get a fantastic send off which he richly deserves. His amazing records will last for a very long time. I doubt that 158 consecutive appearances will ever be beaten. Remarkable.
- Most Test runs for England - 12,254
- Most Test centuries for England - 32
- Most 150+ scores by England player - 11
- Most Test appearances for England - 160
- Most consecutive Test appearances by any player - 158
- Most Tests as England captain - 59
A great player. At his best he was up there with the finest openers in the game.
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Cook retiring possibly gives Jennings a stay of execution as I don’t see the selectors wanting to change the partnership until he’s gone. Although it will almost certainly be his last chance to get the really big score he needs to remain in contention for the winter tours.
Maybe we need to look at picking 3 ‘openers’ with Root at 4. If they do that I think @Wayward’s choice of Rory Burns will get his chance and if Jennings fails again I would add Stoneman to the squad. He’s getting scores in County Cricket and probably deserves another shot at test cricket. My choice for 3 would be Ian Bell. At least we would have an experienced test player in the top 3.
I think you are right Paul, I had hoped that Cook would carry on and Jennings would be dropped for Burns. Maybe Jennings kept his place in the last game because Cook had already made it known that he would retire a while back and it wasn’t made public until now. Giving Bell a go at three would be a good idea I think, Australia have had good success recently with veterans…
I’ll miss Cook, he has been a superb player for England. Tough as old boots but never looked like he broke sweat. Almost a throwback to another era. He has been an absolute rock and four times Ashes winner says it all.
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Left field choice could be Hales at 3. Ok, he’s a white ball specialist, but he might just be able to do a job there.
Seems rather twattish! I get what his thoughts are but would one test make that much difference ?
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Cook should be given his final farewell to the supporters, he deserves that.
I’m sure he will play.
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Yeah, I think Bumble has lost the plot here. Cricket is statistics obsessed and statistically he is the best batsman England has ever produced. Seems a bit churlish to not want him to go out on his terms.
Cook deserves a great send off. All of the openers have struggled in this series.
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The series is won.
Cook has given great service to England. He deserves his day in the sun.
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Indeed. How good would a farewell century be 
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Best English batsman? His test average was only 44.88 well below Sutcliffe, Hobbs, Hammond, Hutton, Barrington and Compton etc.
Comparing players from completely different generations is utterly pointless.
Fangio/Senna
Laver/Federer
Cook is our all time top run scorer in tests. The end.
Well yes but there is far more Tests today and against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The End.