ODI cricket

[Mibbes Aye]

It feels a bit early to start a Cricket World Cup thread but there’s no shortage of ODIs going on as teams prepare.

I caught the highlights of NZ vs Bangladesh and it was a comfortable if not unexpected win for the home side. Bangladesh are pretty decent but not in the same class and not unlike most sides, play better at home.

I had a quick look at the CWC odds and NZ are a tempting 10-1 given they are the pick of the outsiders and capable of beating anyone on their day. South Africa were an equally tempting 8-1 given they are expected to go through to the semi-finals and then it’s anyone’s game. A lot depends on how Australia fare and to what extent the returning batsmen feature and how they integrate with the team.

Anyway, enough CWC chat for now, looking forward to the Windies-England series, with the 50-over specialists arriving from England and the behemoth that is Chris Gayle returning for the Windies.

[Radar67]

I have tickets for SA v WI at Southampton, only ones I could get!

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Mibbes Aye]

I have tickets for SA v WI at Southampton, only ones I could get!

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

That should be a decent match. Lots of talent in both sides.

Got Sri Lanka v Windies and Sri Lanka v South Africa, both at Durham.

Managed to get Ashes tickets for Old Trafford and Edgbaston as well.

[Mibbes Aye]

NZ wrap up the series with another steamroller of an effort against Bangladesh. The Bangladeshis aren't a bad side but NZ on form are irresistible and I am sorely tempted to put some money on them as an outside bet for the CWC.

Downsides for the Kiwis were that they didn't get a chance to run out their middle order batsmen as Guptill mage them redundant with a fast-scoring century. There was also some comical fielding mishaps from the usually reliable Ross Taylor in the slips - he caught and then fumbled two easyish catches which should hae been dismissals.

Although this is purportedly a thread for the ODIs, it would be churlish not to mention the Durban Test between SAF and Sri Lanka.

Kingsmead isn't generally a high-scoring pitch and SAF had probably got par or thereabouts with their two innings. They would have been confident going into the fourth innings having set Sri Lanka 304 to win.

I caught some of the match live but only got today's play on highlights. It's no exaggeration to say it is one for the history books.

Sri Lanka didn't just chase down the 304 - a rare occurrence to get such a score batting fourth, let alone at Kingsmead, they also did the final stretch with nine wickets down, and in doing so, set a new record for the highest last-wicket stand not just in Test cricket but in first-class cricket. Sensational stuff and a delight to watch.

Kusal Perera saw it through with an unbeaten 153 and if he has a better innings in his career then he will be amazingly fortunate - most folk would happily settle for such an accomplishment, it's genuine career-best material. Plaudits too, to Vishwa Fernando, the fast bowler with a Test batting average of 2.75. He held down his end knocking six of 27 balls but keeping Sri Lanka in the game to allow Perera to knock the boundaries and sixes to seal victory.

Fantastic Test cricket and South Africa will be wondering quite how they lost this one.

[Mibbes Aye]

Nice wee article in the Guardian about the significance of the Sri Lankan win against South Africa

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/feb/19/sri-lanka-south-africa-kusal-perera

The Windies-England ODI series starts tomorrow.

For England it is fine-tuning ahead of the CWC, where they are ranked as favourites. Chris Woakes returns and I'm pleased with that, I like him as a cricketer. Bairstow will open the batting and it is a curiosity as to whether he will ever be asked to do the same in Test whites. Root should bat at three, which he should be doing in Test matches.

For the Windies, this will be the mighty Chris Gayle's last home ODI series. He will go out with a bang, I'm sure. Hetmyer is likely to bat at five and I'm looking forward to watching him, he is an explosive young talent. And Oshane Thomas should feature in the bowling unit. He is terrifically fast and was unlucky not to make the Test side for the St Lucia Test, compounded when Keemo Paul got injured while fielding.

[DaveF]

Got Sri Lanka v Windies and Sri Lanka v South Africa, both at Durham

I had a ticket for Sri Lanka v WI but then booked a summer holiday meaning I've had to give it away. Still, there will be another 4 Scots down there with you MA.

[Mibbes Aye]

I had a ticket for Sri Lanka v WI but then booked a summer holiday meaning I've had to give it away. Still, there will be another 4 Scots down there with you MA.

That's a shame they clashed, but understandably the holiday takes priority.

I think there might be quite a few cricket fans travelling from Scotland. Durham is pretty accessible in comparison to the other grounds and the two Sri Lankan games were categorised as relatively easy to get tickets for in the ballot. I get why that is, but SRL can be a hugely entertaining side on their day and will have taken heart from their historic Test series win in South Africa. The Windies are an exciting young side in all forms of the game and should provide some great play to watch.

[Mibbes Aye]

Third ODI between Windies and England was due today but called off because of rain.

England will be feeling slightly fortunate. Ben Stokes went over on his ankle in training yesterday and wouldn’t have featured today, but should be okay for Wednesday.

[JeMeSouviens]

Buttler 150 off 77 balls! :greengrin

England get 418 off their 50 overs. Stonking.

[Mibbes Aye]

England utterly dominant in their innings in the fourth ODI in Grenada. They posted 418 and in the process set a new world record for the most sixes in a 50-over innings. It’s a massive total and currently the Windies run rate is well below where they need it to be. Saying that, in Gayle, Bravo and Hetmyer they have some big hitters so it should be entertaining!

[JeMeSouviens]

Chris Gayle! Out for 162. Windies well on track but have to finish without him.

[JeMeSouviens]

Windies just fall short. What a night of sport!

[Mibbes Aye]

Windies just fall short. What a night of sport!

They gave it a bloody good go!

I watched the match and had the Hibs game streamed on the radio.

Chris Gayle was monumental, 162 from 97 balls and even after he was dismissed, Braithwaite and Nurse put on a fine stand to edge Windies close to what would have been the most remarkable of victories.

England captain Morgan is rightly getting plaudits for bringing Rashid back into bowl at the end, despite him having been smashed around in his previous spells. The wrist spinner conjured up three wickets from four balls and Windies succumbed, 389 all out.

Solid reminder that England are a commanding force in ODI cricket and unlike their Test colleagues, this tour is looking like great preparation for the summer.

For the Windies, they have a massive hole to fill when Gayle retires after the CWC. I would have hoped for a little more from Shai Hope in both formats but he is young and he undoubtedly has talent.

[Mibbes Aye]

Final ODI in St Lucia today. I only caught bits of it in between the Spurs-Arsenal game and then our match starting, but what I did see was sensational stuff!

The Windies smashed England to level the series, bowling them out for 113 and then exceeding that with 227 balls to spare.

Chief architect of England's batting demise was Oshane Thomas who nabbed 5-21, mostly catches as a result of him getting real height from the bounce on the pitch. At 22, he has potentially many, many years ahead of him and I'm looking forward to seeing him at the CWC. Unsung hero for the Windies will be Carlos Braithwaite, with two wickets for 17 runs from eight overs and they were big wickets - Stokes and Hales.

So, with England posting a dismal total, the stage was set for Chris Gayle's last ever ODI on Caribbean soil and the Universe Boss didn't disappoint.

He smashed an explosive 77 from 27 balls to wrap things up in quick time.

His final over, which I was able to catch read 6-6-4-4-6-W

It was fabulous to watch and I hope, as I imagine most cricket fans will too, that he gets the chance to light things up at the CWC at least once. Long odds on the Windies for the tournament and it probably is just beyond them at this stage but I might be tempted by a flutter that owes more to heart than head.

As for England, no saving graces today, bar possibly Wood continuing to pick up wickets, albeit only two for a very expensive 55 runs from six overs. Nevertheless, this is an England team who have a very clear style of play. They go for all-out attack and they have the players to ensure that means it usually works for them, hence being the top-ranked side in the world. When it doesn't click however, as was the case today, they can find themselves on the end of some absolute shellackings.

[Mibbes Aye]

Away from the Caribbean, South Africa comfortably beat the Sri Lankans by eight wickets. This series should give them the space to experiment a little, in advance of the CWC but in this game it was the tried and tested Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock who rattled off the runs.

There was a welcome return for the ferociously fast Lungi Ngidi, in his first ODI since his injury a few months back and he picked up three wickets. Perhaps the better bowling was on the part of Imran Tahir, with 3-26 and I don't think he gave away a single boundary in his ten overs. Tahir doesn't have age on his side, he will be forty in a couple of weeks, but he has managed to successfully remodel his game to make him a dampener in the middle overs, really constraining the opposition batsmen.

Meanwhile in Hyderabad, India won the first ODI of their series against Australia, ultimately with reasonable comfort despite a blip that saw them at 99-4. This series sees two of the group of CWC favourites going head-to-head though the side that the Aussies put out will surely not be their first-pick side when they fetch up in England. Warner and Smith will be back (slight doubt with Smith as he is carrying an elbow injury and they will want him fit for the Ashes) and the bowling may change as well, though I expect Cummins and Coulter-Nile to retain their places, both can offer quick-fire runs in addition to fiesty, even fiery bowling.

I didn't catch any of the ODI live but I think I've found an Indian radio website which does live coverage, so will try that out for the second match. Doesn't look like any of the Indian channels on Sky show it. If anyone knows any different please post here :greengrin

[Mibbes Aye]

I managed to catch Australia's reply to India's innings in the second ODI through the wonder of internet radio. I streamed it from Macquarie Sports Radio - sportsradio.com.au - who were streaming an Indian (English-speaking) radio commentary from the stadium.

For those interested in domestic and touring Australian cricket I reckon this station may provide consistent coverage (ABC, the Australian version of BBC offers a lot of coverage but it is often restricted to Australia, so you would have to find a proxy, unless BBC Radio 5 Live Extra are covering it, which is rare).

There was probably a TV feed if I had searched hard enough but cricket is perhaps that only sport which almost works better on radio than on screen, so I was happy enough with the rather excitable commentary team in Nagpur.

India were bowled out for 250, an achievable target, with the legend that is Pat Cummins taking 4-29. It included Sharma at the end of a maiden over to start the bowling, plus snagging Virat Kohli who had been motoring along.

The Australian innings was cracking entertainment. Steady, if somewhat slow start, then they lost wickets and became a bit becalmed before turning the engine back on and getting to the stage where it looked inevitable that they would bat their way to victory. Cue an Indian resurgence, and the last five wickets falling for 24 and India win by eight runs with three balls left.

Great closing play that swung back and forth over a few critical overs. Australia will wonder how they conspired to throw this away. India will be satisfied that they saw this one out and strangled the Aussies in the closing overs - they're not afraid to take the game to the end stage and rely on their bowlers to come good.

[hibee62]

Cricket Scotland have just announced a T20 European franchise league with the Netherlands and Ireland, 2 city franchises from each country. Runs from end of August to end September this year. Hopefully one team will be based at the Grange.

[Mibbes Aye]

Cricket Scotland have just announced a T20 European franchise league with the Netherlands and Ireland, 2 city franchises from each country. Runs from end of August to end September this year. Hopefully one team will be based at the Grange.

The franchises are Edinburgh and Glasgow so I think the Grange is pretty likely.

Ireland are going with Belfast and Dublin and the Dutch are likely to go with Amstelveen and either Rotterdam or The Hague.

[Mibbes Aye]

Managed to catch India’s response to Australia in the third ODI in Ranchi, thanks to the wonder of an iPad streaming Australian radio streaming Indian radio. I think ESPN Cricinfo might be streaming TV coverage however -I will check that out for the next game.

Fairly comfortable victory for Australia, who ran up 313-5. This was largely based on an opening stand of 193 between Finch and Khawaja and then a quick fire 47 from 31 balls by Glenn Maxwell.

This also saw Khawaja get his maiden century after a couple of dozen ODIs which is worth recognising. I’m not a fan of his, but he deserves praise for the achievement.

India succumbed to 281 all out but never really looked competitive, despite Kohli showing up with 123 from 95 deliveries. This was pretty much down to the Australian bowling unit.

Adam Zampa was expensive but claimed crucial wickets - Kohli, Dhoni and Jadhav.

Paddy Cummins was reliable yet again taking 3-37 at a shade under four and a half an over.

The best return probably sits with Jhye Richardson who also took 3-37 but with a much better economy rate. He had 39 dot balls from the 54 he bowled,, which really is what it’s all about in ODIs.

I also saw that Australia named their squad for the next ODI series in the UAE against Pakistan. No places for Smith, Warner and Starc, due to recovery from various injuries. Hopefully they heal up, given we have a few big months ahead. I can see the temptation for the selectors to save them for the Ashes and give them some time playing Sheffield Shield cricket, especially as I believe Cricket Australia will be using the Duke ball to get players used to it. I hope they are able to manage both however, as they are genuine world-class talents.

I believe they will be encouraged to play in the forthcoming IPL which will at least give them some match time in the short version of the game.

[hibee62]

The franchises are Edinburgh and Glasgow so I think the Grange is pretty likely.

Ireland are going with Belfast and Dublin and the Dutch are likely to go with Amstelveen and either Rotterdam or The Hague.

Excellent, I hadn’t seen the franchise announcements yet. Don’t mind where the franchise is based as long as it’s Edinburgh and games are at a decent time. Although floodlights could be an issue, at that time of year they’ll have to be started by 4pm to get an evening game in without them.

[Mibbes Aye]

Excellent, I hadn’t seen the franchise announcements yet. Don’t mind where the franchise is based as long as it’s Edinburgh and games are at a decent time. Although floodlights could be an issue, at that time of year they’ll have to be started by 4pm to get an evening game in without them.

Good point. I’m not sure what capacity there is for mobile floodlights but I don’t think the Grange or Carlton have fixed ones, neither do West of Scotland or Clydesdale for that matter. Genuinely can’t remember as it has always been day games I’ve been to.

The Irish and Dutch fixtures are tempting for a jaunt but I’ve got tickets for the entirety of the Ashes Test at Old Trafford so I’m probably not going to manage to cram in another cricket tour that month. Maybe next year :greengrin

I will keep an eye out for the fixture announcements and post on here. It’s a great day out.

[Calvin]

Cricket Scotland have just announced a T20 European franchise league with the Netherlands and Ireland, 2 city franchises from each country. Runs from end of August to end September this year. Hopefully one team will be based at the Grange.

This is great news.

When I was watching the Big Bash in January one of the Aussie commentators was saying that he though The Grange was the best small cricket ground in the world!

[hibee62]

This is great news.

When I was watching the Big Bash in January one of the Aussie commentators was saying that he though The Grange was the best small cricket ground in the world!

I think that’s quite a popular opinion, certainly during the years that they played the English counties. It’s got a good batting rep recently too so should lend itself to t20 franchise play well.

[hibee62]

Good point. I’m not sure what capacity there is for mobile floodlights but I don’t think the Grange or Carlton have fixed ones, neither do West of Scotland or Clydesdale for that matter. Genuinely can’t remember as it has always been day games I’ve been to.

The Irish and Dutch fixtures are tempting for a jaunt but I’ve got tickets for the entirety of the Ashes Test at Old Trafford so I’m probably not going to manage to cram in another cricket tour that month. Maybe next year :greengrin

I will keep an eye out for the fixture announcements and post on here. It’s a great day out.

I’ve got day 3 of the oval test, knowing my luck that will be the weekend of all the Edinburgh home games...

Hoping to get to all the Odis in Edinburgh this summer too, certainly the Sri Lanka games.

[Mibbes Aye]

I’ve got day 3 of the oval test, knowing my luck that will be the weekend of all the Edinburgh home games...

Hoping to get to all the Odis in Edinburgh this summer too, certainly the Sri Lanka games.

Good stuff, the Oval usually offers something for seamers and a bit for spinners, which means day three could be where the decisive action takes place.

Hope it's a good day for you.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

What an abject display of batting by The Windies last night.

[Mibbes Aye]

Didn't manage to catch any of the fourth ODI in India yesterday but Australia posted the fifth-highest run chase in history to win the match, knocking up 359-6. It was Australia's biggest ever run-chase and the biggest by an away side in India

That's got to be a confidence-booster in advance of the World Cup.

India's 358-9 was a decent knock and none of the Australian bowling figures were overly great, though the irrepressible Pat Cummins took 5-70 at seven an over and Jhye Richardson managed 3-85 but at a very expensive nine and a half runs an over.

Adam Zampa was maybe the tightest - one wicket for 57 overs but he was averaging a healthy 5.7 an over, which was below India's run rate of 7.16

Batting-wise, Peter Handscomb made what I think was his maiden ODI century and Usman Khawaja was unlucky not to add his second, falling at 91.

The star of the show was Ashton Turner though who hit a walloping 84 from 43 balls. He's a good young talent who can bowl a bit of spin as well, though he wasn't used in this match.

Looking at the longer version of the game, James Pattinson is due to return from injury in the Sheffield Shield for Victoria against NSW tomorrow. This is a big chance for him to stake a claim for an Ashes place. Assuming Mitchell Starc regains fitness, the first three Australian quick bowlers pick themselves. Pattinson would be good back-up but also offers the Aussies the chance to go with a pace quartet should they choose. They could still pick Lyon as their spinner and have Smith as back-up or potentially Marsh and given that Starc, Cummins and Lyon are handy with the bat then they wouldn't necessarily be sacrificing too much in terms of the batting order. If Pattinson doesn't prove himself I think Richardson might be taken as the fourth pace bowler.

[Mibbes Aye]

And so, Australia manage to win the fifth ODI and take the series after being 0-2 down.

Khawaja has had a great series and now causes questions for the selectors with the CWC forthcoming. The Aussies want to bring Warner and Smith back in. My best guess is that Khawaja moves to three, with Finch and Warner opening. Smith at four then probably Maxwell and Stoinis, meaning Ashton Turner loses out, but it's all up for grabs and Khawaja could still drop out despite his heroics in India. Alternatively, Smith's elbow doesn't heal up and he is dropped to protect him for the Ashes.

Australia's victory was built on Khawaja's century and a steady half-ton from Handscomb, topped up by quickfire runs from Cummins and Richardson at the end. It was ensured by a bowling attack that was consistent and tight - Cummins, Richardson, Lyon and Zampa can all be very happy with their returns, Cummins and Lyon in particular restricting the Indian run rate. Stoinis was expensive for his four overs but snagged crucial wickets - Kohli and Yadav.

I didn't catch the SAF-SRL game but may see the highlights. Looks like the South Africans were comfortable to go 4-0 up in Port Elizabeth.

In terms of the CWC, England are probably still favourites but Australia might just be building the momentum to edge ahead of India as second-placed, especially given they have world-class players to return.

More worrying for India, South Africa are looking good as well.

I fancy SAF, India, Australia and England for the semis. I think the Windies if they click have the potential to change that and the same applies to NZ but it really depends on them clicking in the key games.

England probably still favourites, but if Australia avoid them in the semis then they could be winners.

[Mibbes Aye]

South Africa wrap up a 5-0 series win over Sri Lanka via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Good, confidence-boosting victory ahead of the CWC, albeit the opposition here can blow hot or cold and mostly blew cold. Plus points for SAF were that the wickets were pretty evenly shared amongst the bowlers.

Away from ODIs, the Pakistani Super League final is tomorrow, at 2pm GMT. I can't recall which channel but it is in the 'International' section if you are a Sky subscriber. There are some very good players featuring in this T20 and I expect it to be an entertaining game.

Peshawar are strong in the pace department and Quetta are strong with spinners. Both have batsmen who can turn it on and win a match. Kamran Akmali is as explosive as they come for Peshawar while Shane Watson is equally capable of scoring big and fast for Quetta. In terms of international representation it is positive that non-Pakistani cricketers are playing back in Pakistan. Dwayne Bravo should feature for Quetta while his fellow Windie Darren Sammy should play for Peshawar.

It also looks like Peshawar are having to make a decision about whether they pick Chris Jordan or Liam Dawson, with it likely that only one will get the nod. Jordan is in with a shout for England's CWC team and squad so it will be interesting to see how that pans out.

On the Test front, Afghanistan are looking at a historic first ever Test match victory. They bowled Ireland out for 172 then posted 314 in their first innings. With Ireland back into bat, they had them at 22 for one at the end of Day Two, leaving Ireland 120 behind with nine wickets remaining and Afghanistan still with an innings to bat. Crucially for the Afghans, their wickets were spread amongst the bowlers - they aren't reliant on one person and what they can conjure from the pitch.

[Bangkok Hibby]

Did some guy get 6 sixes today? Dont know much about cricket but isnt that a very long standing record?

[JeMeSouviens]

Did some guy get 6 sixes today? Dont know much about cricket but isnt that a very long standing record?

It’s been done a few times going back to Sir Gary Sobers in black and white. I think in an English county match.

Just found the one today. It was a young english player called Will Jacks in a 10 over match in Dubai between 2 english counties. He hit 100 in 25 balls! Incredible stuff.

[Mibbes Aye]

I've neglected this thread as I've been on holiday and stuff but we are getting ever closer to the Cricket World Cup and squads are being announced. I have been watching rather a lot of IPL though and while Test cricket will always be my first love, I'm enjoying the 120-ball game. What I particularly like is the way in which it brings players from different nations into the same teams, a bit like English county cricket in the 1970s and 1980s.

Australia have named their squad and no surprise that Smith and Warner return. Peter Handscomb is unlucky to make way and I would have been tempted to keep him ahead of Shaun Marsh.

Disappointingly, Josh Hazlewood didn't make the cut either. His bowling is perfectly suited to English climes but he is on a long road back from injury and the five quicks that Australia have named are all there on merit. Assuming Smith and Warner settle back in then Australia look very strong - a potential XI of Finch, Warner, Smith, Maxwell, Stoinis, Carey, Cummins, Starc, Richardson, Coulter-Nile and Lyon.

Likely they will go with a sixth batsman on most grounds, Khawaja or Marsh, but their bowlers can bat a bit so they can afford to be attacking. On some pitches they may want to play Zampa alongside Lyon and drop to three seamers, on other pitches it will be four quicks and Behrendorff will be in with a shout, probably at the expense of Coulter-Nile.

India named their squad too. Rishabh Pant very unlucky to miss out but he is young and his time will come. Karthik is far more experienced and has better ODI figures. India also seem to have settled their No.4 selection dilemma and given the nod to Vijay Shankar.

Very interestingly, the Indians are only going with three out-and-out pace bowlers, albeit three of the best pace bowlers in the world. They do have numerous all-rounders however and could conceivably field a side with seven players capable of throwing the ball.

[Mibbes Aye]

The Windies are due to name their CWC squad tomorrow and delightfully, there are a number of question marks!

I think Andre Russell does enough, fitness permitting. His bowling is adequate and his strike rate as a batsman makes him an obvious pick. Sunil Narine is another maybe. Great spinner who has had to overcome all sorts of problems because of his bowling action.

The Windies have a lot of young talent and a couple of senior pros who can guide them well. Plus Chris Gayle in his last big tournament.

There are a couple of choices to be made but for me there is a real sense that they can bring a big-hitting, big-bowling side to England.

They will need to over-perform to beat the favourites but it isn't inconceivable.

As a Hibs fan, there is always an element of romanticism and the thought of Chris Gayle swashbuckling the Windies to triumph is attractive.

Pragmatically, I can't see beyond a SAF-India-England-Australia quartet for the semis, but you never know.

[Mibbes Aye]

Russell is in and it's good to see Shannon Gabriel listed, he is a classically big, aggressive Windies bowler whose physique lulls you into forgetting he has a lot of guile and intelligence. I think he will enjoy the English wickets.

Narine misses out, which I'm disappointed about, but he isn't fully fit. Fabian Allen gets the nod ahead of Devendra Bishoo for spin. I've never been too confident about Bishoo. I don't know Allen really at all but he has reasonable T20 figures. Again he is young, will be barely 24 when the tournament starts.

As stated before, this is a Windies squad who are raw, young but full of talent. Shimron Netmyer and Oshane Thomas are my ones to watch - an explosive batsman and a fiercesome bowler. Those two and Shai Hope, who will bat and keep wicket. Hope is potentially the fulcrum for the Windies over the next ten years.

[Mibbes Aye]

Interesting times for England ahead of their warm-up games for the CWC.

Sam Billings is out injured. Alex Hales surely will not be selected having failed a test for recreational drugs.

They were only ever back-ups. A lot depends on whether Jason Roy stays match-fit. Nevertheless the winners here are James Vince and Joe Denly, neither are convincing ODI players IMO but both will be seeking to burnish their credentials for the Ashes, even if it is a different format.

Denly especially - feels like there is a bit of serendipity here, he has posted some decent innings at bat and can bowl a bit of spin if needed.

England are maybe guilty at Test level of enjoying their wealth of all-rounder talent. Stokes and Moeen with bat and ball, Bairstow and Butler with the bat and gloves. Their real issue for a long time now has been the first three. Since Root is clearly not moving from four then maybe they need to go all in and commit to Denly at three.

I think I posted in the past that they needed to give Jennings a run and stick with him. They haven’t done that and it feels like we are back to the bad old days of English cricket where you play a few games and then drop out.

Hopefully Denly or Vince make a fist of it in the CWC and stake a claim for the Ashes.

[Mibbes Aye]

Ireland v England ODI on just now, was rain delayed. Shaping up nicely. Ireland batted first and posted 198. Ireland now have England at 66-4 with some fine bowling and some exceptional catching. Still a lot of batting depth for England though.

[Mibbes Aye]

Should have added that this is nowhere near a full strength England team, though those who aren’t automatic picks are essentially playing to get into the CWC squad.

[Mibbes Aye]

And Denly falls, 66-5!!

[JeMeSouviens]

Should have added that this is nowhere near a full strength England team, though those who aren’t automatic picks are essentially playing to get into the CWC squad.

Are you watching it? How did Archer get on?

[Mibbes Aye]

Are you watching it? How did Archer get on?

A wee bit expensive but that’s understandable on debut.
His wicket was a beaut, a snorker of a yorker to rip out off stump and dismiss the dangerous-looking Adair.

He looks fast, very fast and that’s on a pitch which isn’t suited. Will look forward to seeing him at the Oval, Perth or Bridgetown at this rate.

[hibee62]

Scotland’s first ODI of the year due to start at the Grange this morning against Afghanistan, although the weather isn’t looking friendly. I think I read something about the Afghans missing some of their top guys, possibly still at the IPL.

[Mibbes Aye]

Scotland’s first ODI of the year due to start at the Grange this morning against Afghanistan, although the weather isn’t looking friendly. I think I read something about the Afghans missing some of their top guys, possibly still at the IPL.

Scotland rained off before it started. England v Pakistan was moving along, Pakistan maybe par after 16 overs which isn’t necessarily good enough against an England side with explosive batting.

Play stopped just now because of a sudden hailstorm but it looks like it will pass relatively quickly.

Young Jofra Archer with a decent start on 1-6 from four overs.

[hibee62]

Scotland rained off before it started. England v Pakistan was moving along, Pakistan maybe par after 16 overs which isn’t necessarily good enough against an England side with explosive batting.

Play stopped just now because of a sudden hailstorm but it looks like it will pass relatively quickly.

Young Jofra Archer with a decent start on 1-6 from four overs.

Weather looking a bit better on Friday as long as the ground dries quickly enough once this band of rain stops.

[hibee62]

Scotland v Afghanistan looks like going ahead on time today at the grange. I believe they’re still short of their 2 best due to the IPL so I’m hoping for a Scotland win today. They beat a full strength afghan side convincingly a year ago in the World Cup qualifier.

[hibee62]

Scotland made 325/7 but that feels 10-15 runs short. The pitch is good but the boundaries are out a bit compared to last year. Another century for Calum Macleod in there.

[Mibbes Aye]

Scotland made 325/7 but that feels 10-15 runs short. The pitch is good but the boundaries are out a bit compared to last year. Another century for Calum Macleod in there.

Well played Macleod.

I’m at home watching a bit of Middlesex-Lancs in the One-Day Cup.

Lancs pretty much on for the win. Particularly impressive has been Saqib Mahmood, a 22-year old fast bowler who I hadn’t heard of before. Tons of pace and gets good movement, even though he is adapting to the Nursery End at Lords.

He doesn’t have many games under his belt but his figures are good. If he can maintain his form then he will be knocking on the door of the Test side at some point soon, which is timely given the age of Anderson and Broad.

[hibee62]

Well played Macleod.

I’m at home watching a bit of Middlesex-Lancs in the One-Day Cup.

Lancs pretty much on for the win. Particularly impressive has been Saqib Mahmood, a 22-year old fast bowler who I hadn’t heard of before. Tons of pace and gets good movement, even though he is adapting to the Nursery End at Lords.

He doesn’t have many games under his belt but his figures are good. If he can maintain his form then he will be knocking on the door of the Test side at some point soon, which is timely given the age of Anderson and Broad.

The game has just been called with Afghanistan 2 ahead on DL, a shame as it was shaping up for a close finish. They were 259/3 off 44.5.

Rahmat shah made a century so I guess he’ll be man of the match. Scotland didn’t really bowl well enough to win though.

[Mibbes Aye]

The game has just been called with Afghanistan 2 ahead on DL, a shame as it was shaping up for a close finish. They were 259/3 off 44.5.

Rahmat shah made a century so I guess he’ll be man of the match. Scotland didn’t really bowl well enough to win though.

That’s a shame it didn’t get to a proper conclusion. I’ve not seen much of Afghanistan but when I have they have looked tidy and like you said, they have a few guys good enough to be in the IPL.

Middlesex making a decent fiat of things now, chasing Lancs 304. They are 144-5 after 29 overs but there has been a very good stand for this wicket between Harris and Simpson who have put on around 120 to salvage things from a disastrous start.

Lance can and will bring back Jimmy Anderson and Saqib Mahmood to the attack, which might prove the death knell for the home side.

Oh, and Keaton Jennings notched a 96 for Lancs. There is a bit of a cricketer in there, not sure if it is at Test or limited overs but hopefully England allow him to develop.

[hibee62]

That’s a shame it didn’t get to a proper conclusion. I’ve not seen much of Afghanistan but when I have they have looked tidy and like you said, they have a few guys good enough to be in the IPL.

Middlesex making a decent fiat of things now, chasing Lancs 304. They are 144-5 after 29 overs but there has been a very good stand for this wicket between Harris and Simpson who have put on around 120 to salvage things from a disastrous start.

Lance can and will bring back Jimmy Anderson and Saqib Mahmood to the attack, which might prove the death knell for the home side.

Oh, and Keaton Jennings notched a 96 for Lancs. There is a bit of a cricketer in there, not sure if it is at Test or limited overs but hopefully England allow him to develop.

I think there will come a point with the England openers where they really need to pick 2 and stick with them. Trust their own coaches to help them develop for a year or two. This chopping and changing is helping nobody.

I see Somerset have hammered Worcestershire in the other playoff. They have josh Davey playing for them. Unfortunately I don’t think there’s any current Scotland players left in the RL cup.

[Mibbes Aye]

I think there will come a point with the England openers where they really need to pick 2 and stick with them. Trust their own coaches to help them develop for a year or two. This chopping and changing is helping nobody.

I see Somerset have hammered Worcestershire in the other playoff. They have josh Davey playing for them. Unfortunately I don’t think there’s any current Scotland players left in the RL cup.

Think you are absolutely right about the selectors, this has been an issue for England for many years but very pronounced in recent years in terms of the top three.

I sort of like Jennings, not totally convinced but hard to think of competitors. I think England need to take a punt and stick with him and Hameed. And tell Root he has to bat at three. That gives them the space to blood new talent safely at six, in amongst the riches of their middle order.

[lord bunberry]

Think you are absolutely right about the selectors, this has been an issue for England for many years but very pronounced in recent years in terms of the top three.

I sort of like Jennings, not totally convinced but hard to think of competitors. I think England need to take a punt and stick with him and Hameed. And tell Root he has to bat at three. That gives them the space to blood new talent safely at six, in amongst the riches of their middle order.
The lack of competition for opening batsman is the main problem. I’ve been following cricket for a few years now and England have always had a problem with opening batsmen. Even when Cook was in his prime they struggled to pair someone up with him. Like you I also quite like Jennings and I think he’s worth persisting with, but he needs to start making runs in England as most of his best scores have come on tour.

[Mibbes Aye]

The lack of competition for opening batsman is the main problem. I’ve been following cricket for a few years now and England have always had a problem with opening batsmen. Even when Cook was in his prime they struggled to pair someone up with him. Like you I also quite like Jennings and I think he’s worth persisting with, but he needs to start making runs in England as most of his best scores have come on tour.

As you say, it is solving one, two and three for England IMO. They can’t settle on opening bat and like you say, they never solved it when Cook was around. I can’t remember the number of people they tried but it was at least a dozen, I’m sure.

Essentially they haven’t established a strong three. If there was a good enough player to sit at three he would challenge Root being captain. Root needs to bat at three and take responsibility.

Jennings and Hameed to open, then Root and scope to blood youngsters at six knowing you have Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler and Moheed to pile on runs

[lord bunberry]

As you say, it is solving one, two and three for England IMO. They can’t settle on opening bat and like you say, they never solved it when Cook was around. I can’t remember the number of people they tried but it was at least a dozen, I’m sure.

Essentially they haven’t established a strong three. If there was a good enough player to sit at three he would challenge Root being captain. Root needs to bat at three and take responsibility.

Jennings and Hameed to open, then Root and scope to blood youngsters at six knowing you have Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler and Moheed to pile on runs
There’s an argument to be had that Root should open the batting. I didn’t particularly subscribe to that train of thought when Root was scoring runs, but the runs seem to drying up a bit and the opening batsman problem continues. Joe Clarke and Ben Duckett are the possibilities, but time is running out to try them out.

[Mibbes Aye]

There’s an argument to be had that Root should open the batting. I didn’t particularly subscribe to that train of thought when Root was scoring runs, but the runs seem to drying up a bit and the opening batsman problem continues. Joe Clarke and Ben Duckett are the possibilities, but time is running out to try them out.

Oooh, fancy! :greengrin

Root opening would be intriguing. I would probably shy from that but I definitely think he should own the problem at three. Given the depth England have in batting they could stick Bairstow up top, as they do in the short games.

I like Joe Clarke and I think I’ve called for him to be given a chance before on one of the cricket threads. Between him, Jennings and Hameed there is an opening pair for sure.

[Mibbes Aye]

Has Clarke actually opened before though? I thought he was middle order, can keep wicket.

England could do with a batsman who can keep in a pinch, bit short on options there :greengrin

[Mibbes Aye]

Bit of a delay for rain but England are powering on against Pakistan in the ODI. I don’t think they are going full pelt, they definitely can be more aggressive, but they are clocking up the runs.

This is a strong ODI team and on home soil they have every right to fancy themselves for the CWC. I still fancy a stupid flutter on the Windies as a big outsider and maybe a bet on Australia, now that Smith and Warner are back and in decent form.

Which ultimately means India will win :greengrin

[Mibbes Aye]

Morgan and Buttler piling on the runs.

This is what makes England so strong. The middle order can just accelerate things and shift the score positively within a few overs.

Very, very good ODI side.

[Mibbes Aye]

Massive innings from Buttler, how good is he?

[JeMeSouviens]

Massive innings from Buttler, how good is he?

Amazing innings.

I think England should just chuck Jason Roy in as test opener. It wouldn’t be boring. :greengrin

[lord bunberry]

Amazing innings.

I think England should just chuck Jason Roy in as test opener. It wouldn’t be boring. :greengrin

Him and Bairstow slogging away would certainly be interesting, but the purists would be absolutely up in arms. I kind of agree as test cricket should always be about the five day battle between batsman and bowler.

[Mibbes Aye]

Hampshire have just eased past Lancashire to join Somerset in the final of the Royal London One-Day cup. It's been a bitty game, and Hampshire were cruising at one point but left the door open a little for Lancs to come back into it.

Saqib Mahmood looked good for Lancs again while James Vince had a confident knock with the bat for Hampshire - timely, as I don't think England have named a CWC replacement yet for Alex Hales (unless I missed it).

The other thing of note is that Jimmy Anderson had to leave the field after the batsman struck him on the side of the knee, returning Anderson's delivery. It looked a very sore one, though Anderson was able to walk off unaided. Not good timing, given the Ashes are forthcoming and England would probably be wise to wrap him in cotton wool (and then bubble wrap and then maybe a suit of armour).

[Mibbes Aye]

England are a third of the way through their overs, chasing down the Pakistani total.

Pakistan notched up 358, which is a healthy enough total but Bairstow and Roy are having a fair whack at the ball and making big inroads, actual run rate just over nine when they need 6.24.

[Mibbes Aye]

England wrap it up with five overs and a ball to spare.

Impressive stuff, given they were chasing a decent target, albeit on a batting pitch.

Not long now until the CWC and I am very much looking forward to it. I may start a fresh thread in a week or two and anyone interested can start chipping in with their predictions.

I’m wavering at the moment, as the format is going to reward consistency until the knock-out at the very end.

For me that probably predicates against the credible outsiders like NZ and certainly the Windies, but nothing is certain and either side, and probably NZ more so, could make the final four.

Should be a great tournament to watch and with the Ashes to follow it is quite the summer for cricket on these shores.

[LALthehibeeGAL]

Sorry for the slight hi-jack - anyone know if tomorrow's ODI at the grange is likely to go ahead with the forecast of light rain. We were going to go such a pity the weather isn't going to be as it has been the last few days!!

Cheers
Lal :wink:

[hibee62]

Sorry for the slight hi-jack - anyone know if tomorrow's ODI at the grange is likely to go ahead with the forecast of light rain. We were going to go such a pity the weather isn't going to be as it has been the last few days!!

Cheers
Lal :wink:

The grange drainage is much better these days but unfortunately it’s impossible to be sure what to do with a forecast like we have for tomorrow. Looks like one of those days where just as soon as they get out it will start raining again. Or we’ll gwt the 10 overs required to mean no refunds and not a lot more.

Just to check, you have tickets already as I believe tomorrow’s game is sold out?

[LALthehibeeGAL]

The grange drainage is much better these days but unfortunately it’s impossible to be sure what to do with a forecast like we have for tomorrow. Looks like one of those days where just as soon as they get out it will start raining again. Or we’ll gwt the 10 overs required to mean no refunds and not a lot more.

Just to check, you have tickets already as I believe tomorrow’s game is sold out?

Ow naw I was going to get them last night as they were still available but my computer was playing up so was about to try just now!!! Do you know if there are any walk ups! I read somewhere there sometimes is?

[hibee62]

Ow naw I was going to get them last night as they were still available but my computer was playing up so was about to try just now!!! Do you know if there are any walk ups! I read somewhere there sometimes is?

There’s usually only walk ups when it’s not sold out I think. Just had a look again unfortunately they said sold out this afternoon. Maybe worth keeping an eye on their Twitter just in case.

[LALthehibeeGAL]

There’s usually only walk ups when it’s not sold out I think. Just had a look again unfortunately they said sold out this afternoon. Maybe worth keeping an eye on their Twitter just in case.

OK thanks I am keeping an eye on the Twitter !! I even swapped my shifts!! my own fault was really looking forward to it cos missed out on Scotland v England last year!!! what to do now!!!

[hibee62]

OK thanks I am keeping an eye on the Twitter !! I even swapped my shifts!! my own fault was really looking forward to it cos missed out on Scotland v England last year!!! what to do now!!!

There’s a game on Tuesday against Sri Lanka too which i don’t think is sold out yet, obviously more of an issue with work for people though.

[LALthehibeeGAL]

There’s a game on Tuesday against Sri Lanka too which i don’t think is sold out yet, obviously more of an issue with work for people though.

yeah I know thanks but we can't make it due to work commitments and I don't think there is an England game due to World Cup!!!

oh well it's not to be!!

[hibee62]

Scotland game today v Sri Lanka is confirmed to be a delayed start while they wait for the outfield to dry. I fear every time we get close to a start there will be another shower to delay things so would put any chance of play at 50/50.

[hibee62]

Scotland game today v Sri Lanka is confirmed to be a delayed start while they wait for the outfield to dry. I fear every time we get close to a start there will be another shower to delay things so would put any chance of play at 50/50.

The match was abandoned after a 3.30 inspection. Was only drizzling but the damage had been done. 2nd ODI of the series is Tuesday.

[lord bunberry]

Set fair for Tuesday. I’m going any other cricket fans on here fancy meeting up?

[Mibbes Aye]

Set fair for Tuesday. I’m going any other cricket fans on here fancy meeting up?

I’m out the country otherwise would be up for it. Hope you have a great day and maybe catch you at the cricket another time :aok:

[hibee62]

Dry at the grange so far, Scotland have won the toss and will bowl first. Possibility of rain this afternoon so they’re hoping hoping to be in the right side of the DLS for once.

[hibee62]

Scotland are 132/3 after27 overs chasing 323. Rain coming down with Scotland about 30 runs behind the DLS. Looks unlikely they’ll be getting back out.

[hibee62]

Restart imminent... Scotland require 103 off 7 overs.

[G B Young]

Restart imminent... Scotland require 103 off 7 overs.

50 now required off the last three overs I see...

[hibee62]

50 now required off the last three overs I see...

Apologies, got to the pub at the end and forgot to do an update. Munsey whacked the first ball after the restart for 6 and he and Leask gave it a good go for a couple of overs but inevitably fell pushing for more. A comical runout finished it in the final over with Scotland 35 short.

Munsey was out for 61 off 42 balls. Dropped catches were probably the killer for Scotland, 3 going down during the first 100 Sri Lanka runs.

[lord bunberry]

I thought we had them when those 3/wickets fell quite quickly, but Sri Lanka had that extra gear in the last 10 overs. It was a pity about the rain, but it was a decent game.