another cricket question

[bednobs]

ok, so i'm enjoying the cricket, but basically know nothing about it.
On the second day england put james anderton in as "night watchman". Is this because the big batters are more likely to be out at the endo of the day's play? From what i can gather JA isn't the greatest batter so why did england put him in then? Also, does the next day have to start with the same 2 batters or can they shove JA back in at number nine (or whatever) and just take the next one?
Thankies

[Sqad]

bednobs....a nightwatchman(usually a bowler) goes in at the end of the day so as to avoid a recognised batsman losing his wicket (doesnt always work, but usually)

Yes....next day, the overnight batsmen resume.

[bednobs]

but why is it more likely the good batsmen will lose their wicket at the end of the day? Plus if you put in a crappy batter, how come they don't just lose theor wicket?

[Sqad]

Right......a recognised batsman needs time to "play himself in" and is most vulnerable during his first few overs bowled to him. Hence a recognized batsman might well get out during this time, especially if the light is bad.

This could also happen to a night watchman..........it is a gamble.

[bednobs]

thanks - makes no sense but i guess that's just cricket!

[bednobs]

oh, oh another q - do they have a "backup" nightwatchman in case the first one gets out, or if for example JA got out first ball, would they just then go for the next number 5 (or whatever)?
Also, don't you have to say what order the team is going in at the begining, or can you just chop and change as you go along?

[bibblebub]

and the nightwatchman carries on at the start of the next day's play, he is not just there temporarily

[Sqad]

bednobs ....if the night watchman gets out....then another "rubbish batsman " goes in.

No, once your team is announced, you can send them in to bat in which ever order you choice.

[McMouse]

sqad is absolutely correct. In recent years all our batsmen were rubbish so a night watchman was a mere formality. Current test is good sport.....got in the doo doo with Mrs McM when I watched it is bed last night.