I’m a bit away from the noisy stand but the fancy dress so far has been good. Fox being chased by guys in hunting dress (morally objectionable I know) and a bunch of guys dressed as cardinals blessing the stand.
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I’m a bit away from the noisy stand but the fancy dress so far has been good. Fox being chased by guys in hunting dress (morally objectionable I know) and a bunch of guys dressed as cardinals blessing the stand.
How do u get Steve Smith out? England really missing Anderson
What do Australia need to look like winning it? Could a lead of 170-200 be enough?
The beauty of cricket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
All things being equal, it’s a rough pitch and the spinner Nathan Lyon will find joy from it.
But it is an English pitch and they have a whole load of batsmen who can score big and fast runs.
Australia are in a decent position. They can put on a big score and take the game away from England. Yet they could be skittled and lose it easily/
If Australia can fashion a stand tomorrow I think they may have it, which would be a massive psychological advantage; given Edgbaston is seen as holy ground in the Ashes
None of my previous post answered your question :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
I reckon a 200 lead would be ample, the pitch is very inviting to the bowlers.
Anything less, I’m not so sure.
Chasing anything over 150 will be dicey, I can see both sides have numerous batting collapses this series and England might just provide one tomorrow/Monday.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
The match hinges on the opening half hour tomorrow, IMHO. If Australia can see out any moisture in the pitch and a bit of shine off the ball then they can maybe bat until tea with a healthy lead. Batting last on this wicket and you would struggle to make 200 (as you rightly state).Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
Good match...and the bookies price En-gur-land at 8/13, which is a price I might lay...especially with a bowler crocked.
Match analysis for what it’s worth, I soaked up hospitality today so this is through a hops and grapes soaked lens :greengrin
First big news is we got a seat upgrade! It is too convoluted to go into why but we got shifted to within a block of the players, superb seats, it was absolutely brilliant!!! Edgbaston staff were absolutely lovely and couldn’t be more helpful.
My daughter is exploring music just now, she is ten. She went to see the Queen film and now adores ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. I have to listen to it in the car on repeat whenever we drive. Thursday was very much that song, “Thunderbolt and lightning, very, very frightening”, pure drama throughout from the English bowling onslaught to Steve Smith making his stand.
Friday was more classically Test cricket and today was nothing if not the epitome of what the game should be like. No fireworks from batsmen or bowlers, just patient, nagging bowling, trying to unsettle the batsmen and produce a wicket.
The morning session was a thing of beauty, I really mean that. It was a thing of beauty. Cummins and Siddle bowling line and length in overcast conditions, just waiting for the ball to move half an inch or the batsman to play a quarter of a second too late. Gorgeous, lovely, patient, pretty much unrewarded cricket. Nathan Lyon ended up reaping most of the rewards and he will undoubtedly do so in the fourth innings but he gained a lot from the tireless work of the seamers at the other end.
I thought England did well though. The stand between Woakes and Broad was particularly handsome and had a big impact on today’s play. Jofra will get a chance in the next match because Jimmy Anderson can’t bowl, I suspect, but otherwise he would remain on the touchlines in favour of Woakes.
As the game stands, England have probably the slight advantage but it is Australia’s match to lose, given the fourth innings will likely be a skittle run.
Talking earlier to some Australians in my section and I think we agreed that any result rather than a loss would be a happy result in Birmingham.
It is not going to last to a draw and it feels likely that England will win, but a solid bat tomorrow from Smith and/or one of the lower order and suddenly the pressure is on England.
Great Test match with all the old cliches - the first hour tomorrow will be revealing :greengrin
Listened to TMS early evening and this is exactly what they said, Get Smith in the first hour and England should get there, another massive innings from him and Aussies should be one up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
I know loads of folk who say cricket is "boring, especially that 5 day rubbish". This match won't even change their minds, lost causes.
But MA = TMS as far as .net is concerned, even after hospitality 👍
It’s going to be a critical morning session, Test cricket at its best.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Just leaving Birmingham and the weather is muggier than a muggy mugger, good conditions for examining bowling.
What's the general consensus among cricket fans on here about England? Do you 'support' them as your 'home' team? A former work colleague of mine was a passionate cricket fan and very much supported the England team because he said there's no real rivalry with Scotland due to the fact Scotland play at a less elevated level. He also pointed out that Scots can and quite often have played for the England team down the years.
Personally I recall developing a passion for the game as a kid when I used to watch the England team including the likes of Tony Greig and Alan Knott (who I recall being a bit of a hero figure for some reason) and I have vivid memories of the terrifying West Indies pace bowlers of that era when the Windies were a fantastic team. Viv Richards was also a big favourite of mine.
I kind of went off the England team as the 'barmy army' type crowd started to make their presence felt more but I still think it's a great game. In fact I'd go so far as to say that if you were compelled to spend the rest of your life watching one particular sport cricket would probably be a better choice than football. I've spent a couple of days at the Grange watching Scotland matches and it's a very pleasant way to pass a day. Similar I'd say in some ways to watching a baseball game in the US.
I got into cricket from travelling in Australia and failing in love with it over there. Depending on the time of year and which part of the country you are in you have rugby union, rugby league, Aussie rules football, soccer, depending on what you prefer, but in the summer it is all about cricket. What struck me was the way the press covered it, very much the same way football was covered in Scotland or the U.K. Ansolutely no sense of it being a posh or elitist sport, this was everybody’s sport.Quote:
Originally Posted by G B Young
So, I will always have an affection for Australia, but if England can do well enough to win the series then I will welcome and applaud it. Cricket is so sophisticated, it isn’t just about teams, it is about individuals and personal battles and I would find it impossible not to want Joe Root to do well at three, or Jos Buttler to provide fireworks or Chris Woakes to take wickets in front of his home crowd.
It is actually a welcome relief from football for me. Yes, there is some emotional involvement in the game but I’m not tied in to some binary conclusion like in football where I am up or down depending on what happens to Hibs.
Huge day today in Birmingham. If Australia get a result here then I think they will take the Ashes on English soil for the first time in a long time.
I always support England at cricket as long as they’re not playing Scotland. It’s different to other sports as we’re not really rivals. It would nice to think that one day Scotland would become a test side, but I’d still want England to do well. I think the fact that cricket commentators are the best and most impartial of any sport makes it easy to just sit and appreciate the days play.Quote:
Originally Posted by G B Young
That's where I am with it, to be honest I don't get involved in Test Matches that don't involve England. I can happily sit through a t20/one day match between two "neutral" nations though.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
If Moeen Ali doesn’t get his act together very soon this will be his last game in this series. Denly looks more of a threat so far.
The quality of commentary on cricket is exceptional, whether BBC, ABC, Sky, BT or Channel 5, and Channel 4 before that.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
When you compare it to football it practically makes you weep.
I really feel for Moeen but he is in a bad place at the moment form-wise.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
Rashid offers something slightly different and can also bat a bit.
I have changed my mind a couple of times about this but I originally thought they would have been better with a fourth seamer for this match and Stokes as option five. Root and Denly can throw a bit of spin.
Obviously Anderson’s injury changed the dynamic and in fairness to Root, he is juggling the shift to three, and captaining in the field. Bowling a lot more overs is maybe a bit of an ask.
What does Mo Ali bring to this team? His batting is terrible and his “off spin” isn’t much better. This England team are crying out for someone like Graham Swann.
I think you’re right about the fourth seamer. The lack of a genuine top class spinner means that picking one is a bit of a waste, especially if they’re not getting runs either. Denly has looked good so far and he might be the way to go. I’m sure Archer will come in for the next test and possibly Plunket if Anderson doesn’t make it. I’m not convinced by Rashid in red ball cricket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
It’s a shame he’s struggling so badly just now as he’s very good when he’s on form with the bat and the ball. He’s really low on confidence at the moment and he doesn’t come across as someone who has a lot of belief in himself.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiberniankb
Fair comment on Rashid in the longer game, the jury is still out.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
A few years ago I was watching England v Bangladesh early morning. My English cousin was staying with us and assumed I would be supporting Bangladesh; when I said I was neutral he asked why because "you always want England to lose at football". I replied that the difference was the media, the cricket commentators are fair and honest and not OTT and biased.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
There must be a decent off spinner kicking about in the county championship somewhere?Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
I would challenge anyone to listen to TMS or ABC, even if they didn’t like cricket and not come away thinking “That’s how sport should be covered”. I know cricket lends itself to commentary in a different way than more dynamic sports like football, but still!Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Richie Benaud is a sad loss to cricket coverage but time moves on and the likes of Michael Atherton in particular has been an acute gain in the commentary box. Quietly knowledgeable and insightful.
With the Ashes we get the added benefit of Jim Maxwell, Glenn McGrath and Michael Slater. They obviously want Australia to do well but like you say it is fair, honest and unbiased.
I will give credit to Tuffers as well, he has been a great addition to the TMS team and does the down-to-earth stuff very well while providing good insights from a bowling perspective.
He is definitely low on confidence just now but when he is in form he adds a lot to the team. I’m actually not a huge fan but can see why England pick him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiberniankb
As for who is kicking around in the Championship, I think England have far more options with seamers than spinners, as selection discussions probably show.
Jack Leach was quite good during the winter tour, I don’t know if he’s fit or not though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiberniankb
It makes it much easier to sit and watch the game and enjoy it. I like how the sky coverage always has ex players from whoever England are playing as part of the team. That would never happen in football.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Good point. I agree with what everyone's saying about the balanced media coverage. Even in the World Cup final, when you could probably have forgiven the commentary teams for going mental at England's win, they remained very respectful of both sides - and rightly so.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
What is also worth pointing out though, I feel, is that it's not just the English commentators who are utterly partisan when covering the England football team. The Scottish 'commentators' are as bad. Fans with microphones basically. The difference is that because England regularly qualify for major tournaments the coverage is more in your face whereas because Scotland haven't done so for so many years it's not something we're subjected to very often.
I often think that many football commentary teams bring so little insight to a match and offer nothing that you can't see for yourself that I would prefer to watch games without commentary. Cricket, on the other hand, is very much enhanced by expert commentary - so much so that it can even be pleasurable to listen to on the radio!!
Same on the radio. You are watching or listening and suddenly Waqir Younis, or Michael Holding or Russel Arnold pops up and it is a pleasure to hear an experienced Test player who has knowledge of their own team and is articulate and able to speak to camera or microphone.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
I wholly expect the Australian legislature to introduce a law that all children born within the realm of the Australian state, male, female or transgender, be named Steve Smith.
Anyhting less would be a failure of civic duty.
Would it be in England's interests to keep Australia batting as long as possible now? With a chance of rain tomorrow is trying to bat for the least amount of time and playing for the draw the right tactic from this position?
The problem we have in this country that other countries don’t have is we have to listen to our main rivals commentary and pre and post match analysis. That wouldn’t happen in other countries, I’ve always thought a Scottish based show in major championships would reduce the hostility a fair bit.Quote:
Originally Posted by G B Young
Michael Holding is my favourite. You mentioned Richie Benaud earlier and he was undoubtedly the best there’s been.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
Australia will most likely bat for another hour and bowl at England's openers for an hour tonight. If they can take a couple of wickets then they will have to bat out 90 overs tomorrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
Agreed, they’ll definitely want to have a go at England tonight. A bit of pace to begin with then Lyons will be brought on to take advantage of those rough patches.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sergey
Australia are scoring at will now.
Australia will want to up the score rate and give their bowlers time. Winning at Edgbaston is a huge psychological advantage for them. This is England’s bastion.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pretty Boy
But you make a good point and yes, England might have thought that way. Australia will be live to it and they face the difficult decision about making a declaration which allows them enough time to take ten wickets and gives them enough space to defend their lead.
I think Australia have probably done enough now.
But like you say, the weather can intervene. For me, Australia have the moral victory in this game, and have faced England down at Edgbaston. Regardless of the final result it is no longer the fortress it was and that is not good news for England.
Ali with one of the worst deliveries in ashes history. I really feel for him now, he seems like such a decent man.
The only one I would ditch is Boycott. Deliberately aggressive and argumentative. He talked about Trueman and Statham at one point - ye gads they were great 50 years ago. Then he beat that by mentioning Herbert Sutclffe!Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
He's to modern cricket commentary as Peter Allis is to golf 😱
Only one result happening now unless the weather takes a turn for the worst. England need to find a way to get Steve Smith out or they will lose the series
:agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Boycott is awful but has gigs with Sky and BBC! How does that work?!
Cricket has changed so much in the last five years, let alone the last ten.
:agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
And Warner will find runs. So will Bancroft and Wade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
I actually don't mind, Boycott as I think he's fairly harmless (his ex-wife may argue that fact) and he knows the game as well as anyone.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
TMS - where does one start as it's an Institution? I listened for most of the day and there was an absolute belter of a comment with Tufnell when a pigeon in his garden had died. It had been an ongoing story for a few days and it was simply classic radio that Marconi would have been proud of. Blowers - CMJ - Agnew now at the helm with great contributors, especially the guy who struts out the stats (whose name has escaped me).
These long broadcasts with very little action to actually commentate on is a real skill. Cycling is another sport where not a lot can happen and they have to 'space fill' in the broadcast. Carlton Kirby on Eurosport is another who can waffle on about the most bizarre range of topics that has absolutely nothing to do with sport. Fantastic to listen to and someone who would be an addition to the TMS team...unfortunately cycling is his sport (he also does some winter sports when the cycling season is closed).
Tomorrow - I'm ambivalent as I laid England last night when they were odds-on and they can't now win so I'm quids in. 560 balls to face is a huge ask and I've got a feeling that Australia can take the 10 wickets. I'm at an antique auction tomorrow afternoon and will miss it but will check my phone for updates and catch the highlights in the evening.
Yeah but James Anderson got injured after 4 overs that helps a lotQuote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
It certainly did, those four overs were superbly tight bowling.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiberniankb
I guess an Australian would challenge whether England would have won the Ashes in 2005 had Glenn McGrath not got injured warming up!
Yeah I know what your saying but McGrath got injured before the game England have effectively being playing with 10 men.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
Great start for the Aussies. 19/1.
This will be a good test for Root. Let's see if he can carry England "Smith" style.
Boycott's like some mad old uncle that the rest of the TMS family (mostly) gently rip the pish out of. Graeme Swann does a brilliant impersonation and Aggers can be hilarious with him. There was a sequence the other day where they were discussing a 327 ball century Boycott had made against Leicestershire that was priceless. :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by Sergey
I was going to make the same point.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiberniankb
Roy out trying to charge Lyon. Dear oh dear. I think it's fair to say the experiment of Roy as test opener hasn't gone too well so far. Will he learn from it?
Uh oh, Denly out as well now. I think this will be over before tea ...
That'll be a "no" then. Root out. 85/4. 3 for Lyon who is doing everything Moeen didn't.Quote:
Originally Posted by BigKev
It’s going to be a long couple of sessions for England to bat through now. 85/4 at lunch.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens
Don't think they'll bother heating up the sausage rolls now. 97/6Quote:
Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens
Edit 97/7
Make that 97/7. The fat lady is clearing her throat.Quote:
Originally Posted by ACLeith
Woakes going down fighting. They might make the drinks break! :greengrin
All over.
Aussies take a 1-0 lead from "Fortress" Edgbaston.
No idea how to dig in and defend. This one day slogging has been the ruin of the proper game.
Wasn’t far off here!Quote:
Originally Posted by Higgo
100%. Too many in this England side who can’t seem to shift from ODI mode to tests.Quote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
What a match and what a rollercoaster given Australia were 122-8 on day one!!!
Settle into your seats folks, this will be a long post but there are many talking points from this match.
It is hard not to prioritise the umpiring. DRS so often highlights umpires getting split-second decisions exactly right but this match has been a stinker for decisions getting overturned. My understanding is there are only half a dozen or so umpires who can manage the Ashes due to the neutrality rule. Perhaps need more umpires or suspend neutrality - cricket is cricket and I would trust an umpire to make an objective decision.
In terms of today, Australia were absolutely clinical. Lyon hit 350 wickets and had his best-ecver figures against England. I saw him being interviewed before play and he was incredibly relaxed, really looking forward to the day.
He was of course superbly supported by the seamers. Siddle and Pattinson did very well but Pat Cummins was the star. If you follow the cricket threads on here you are probably bored silly of me talking up Paddy Cummins but I think he is exceptional. 4-32 today and reaching a hundred Test wickets at a frankly silly average of around 21. And he can bat.
For those who who like the psychodrama of Test cricket there was maybe nothing better than the gradual tightening of the field as England lost wickets. Once it got into the bottom order it was getting silly, the batsman was absolutely surrounded by close fielders and it was no wonder that Lyon was squeezing out wickets almost on demand. When you are facing that sort of pressure, then a rotating attack of three top-classs seamers from the other end, where do you go?
Emgland undoubtedly were weakened by losing Anderson’s bowling and it is curious that he batted, risking adding more injury to his calf. There is a gap between now and Lord’s though and at Anderson’s stage, Ashes matches are running out so I can understand the desire to play.
Looking at the match overall, Australia first, it is impossible not to comment on Steve Smith and his sheer triumph of will. First Test back, hostile crowd, who knows what mental and emotional pressure, not captain anymore, playing at England’s favourite Ashes home ground.
First innings, coming in with your team in desperate straits. Big century. Second innings, needing to set an insurmountable target. Big century. Psychologically he has damaged England, because Warner, who failed in this Test, is too good not to come good, same with Bancroft.
Matthew Wade did ever so well in the second innings but unfairly overshadowed by Smith. After his failure in the first, he needed a score in the second and made a fine century. He has justified his place, especially given he was being criticised by ex-selectors like Mark Waugh. Travis Head Similarly had a good knock for his half-century, I like him a lot. He is that kind of Aussie middle-order batsman who can put on a big score and then bowl a bit. I think he bats higher up in the shorter game.
Decent test match and my overiding feeling is that Australia are a test match team mostly. England are mostly one day players playing in a test side. Aus to win the series at least 3-0.
Part two :greengrin
What questions are there for Australia? Khawaja did just enough again but it is inescapable that to play in his position you have to inspire a lot more confidence. Otherwise I think they are set, other than they have the brutal problem of remembering they have Mitchell Starc on the bench. I struggle to see how you drop Siddle, and that’s not because of his batting extravaganza but on his line and length tightness. Pattinson might drop out at Lord’s but that feels very unfair, he did well in Birmingham.
Before the start of this Test I questioned whether both teams should go with four proper seamers and a spinner. If Warner and Bancroft bat like they should then I would be tempted to attack, drop Khawaja and move everyone else up one, giving the room to allow all four seamers. Risky but rewarding.
As for England, I bet they wish they had gone with four seamers! Stokes is mercurial, on his day he is as good as anyone in the attack, but if he is not on fire then he is a very expensive change bowler. It is hard not to feel sorry for Moeen, he is so short on confidence and it is so visible. I think Root and Denly bowled so many overs that it just reinforces the lack of confidence in him. I also think he has had a harsh time as this sort of hybrid player England seem to want - he has batted everywhere from 1-9 I think.
Cant see how Root doesn’t stay at three now, England don’t have an alternative and he did okay. Rory Burns I remain to be convinced about but a decent century certainly buys him time :greengrin. Jason Roy looks like a man on a night out socially, holding his partner’s coat while they are in the bathroom -he wants to be at four, England want him to be at four, cricket fans want him to be at four. The sooner they get him at four the more comfortable we will all feel. If nothing else because his dismissal in the second innings was massively, massively uncomfortable and awkward - nobody will mention it out of politeness but we all saw it happen and it wasn’t pleasant!
Cant see Anderson bowling at Lord’s So one of Stone, Archer or Wood, unless England go for the humane approach of resting Moeen, playing a fourth seamer and asking Root and Denly to pick it up. That might be unlikely as Root has mentioned that playing at three adds more psychological pressure. Given he is captaining in the field as well then bowling more overs might be a big ask? If Moeen is retained then my money would be on Archer to replace Anderson.
One name that will be straight in is Chris Woakes. He had a great game on home soil and has an outstanding record at Lord’s.
On a final note, sad but sort of nice that Dale Steyn announced his retirement from Test cricket. I say sort of nice because it gives a chance to acknowledge it. He will still play ODIs and T20.
Anyway, 439 Test wickets. Anybody who has seen him on form will recognise how he could blow opposition apart. A joy to watch and he joins the ranks of those fast bowlers who have made Test cricket such a joy to watch.
Moeen definitely needs rested. Maybe Leach might come back as spinner/opener. :greengrin
Anderson out of 2nd test. Not good news at all
Jofra Archer took 6 wickets and scored a century for Sussex 2nd XI. Ok, the level's not great but he seems to be fit. I think Mark Wood is ruled out.Quote:
Originally Posted by weecounty hibby
Archer for Anderson, Leach (or another spinner I don't know about) for Moeen, I would think.
I think you are right about Archer getting the nod, the 2nd XI game was all about getting overs on the board. He only bowled 12 overs though, he will be looking at 40-50 in the next Test all things being equal and that could ask questions of his fitness. I don’t think he has bowled outwith the short game for nearly a year other than this 2nd XI game, so the stresses and strains of bowling again and again in two innings is something his body will not be used to.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens
I’m not sure Woakes is 100% fit either TBH. And if there isn’t a change to spin, or actually even if there is, England run the risk of being flayed, putting more pressure on the quicks.
Certainly David Warner will be champing at the bit to get runs on the board.
Here’s my thoughts: why do England always make their best players captain? It never works. Vaughan, Strauss, Cook etc were far less effective after becoming captain and Root has followed that pattern.
The bottom line is you bat your best player where he wants to bat and you don’t as a matter of course make your best batter captain. I’ve no sympathy over Anderson getting injured. Fast bowlers in their mid 30s tend to break down, we selected two, go figure.
Can’t wait for the next test.
It’s back :greengrin
The Second Test commences tomorrow at Lord’s, usually a happy hunting ground for Australia.
Unfortunately the forecast is poor, looking like heavy rain tomorrow and also heavy spells of showers at various points on Friday and Saturday. I think we may be lucky to see a result in this match.
For Australia, the talk is that Pattinson is being rested from the attack, with the likelihood that Josh Hazlewood will come in. He took 5-88 the last time he played at Lord’s in the Ashes. That would mean Starc sits out again, but with Australia’s rotation policy you would expect to see him in the Third Test. The Aussies certainly have depth in their pace attack.
For England, decisions to be made. Archer will be in for Anderson and carrying no small load of expectation but he has confidence and he certainly has pace. Leach for Moeen is the tougher one as it could be a real chastening for him. As a left-handler he loses the advantage the right-handed Moeen would have, bowling to an Australian top and middle order that is rammed with left-handers. If it is any consolation, the Australians do have a right-handed batsman near the top. Unfortunately his name is Steve Smith.
Given the weather forecast there is an argument for England being daring and dropping Denly to be replaced by Curran. On a slick pitch where quick wickets will be necessary to win the match then this move would give England plenty options in attack. I suspect they won’t but think they should.
Hopefully the weather turns out better than expected as the First Test has got us all salivating for more!
My posts on cricket are much briefer than yours but the only way this won't be a positive result for Australia is if the weather takes a hand. I am very interested to see how Archer goes in a test match
Also there are a number of England players who have a o lot to prove, not least Root with his captaincy
I’d definitely bring Curran in. England won’t win this test match by outscoring Australia imo, and it’s not like Curran can’t bat. They need to take wickets and put the Aussies under pressure at a venue they always do well at.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
The toss will be absolutely vital tomorrow and could weather permitting decide the game.
Also just to add Woakes has an outstanding record at Lords and if he can produce, then England have a real chance. That’s if Hazelwood doesn’t repeat his previous Lords exploits.:greengrin
Looks like we'll be lucky to see any play at all today.
Looking like we’re going to get some play today.
Nope, abandoned.Quote:
Originally Posted by lord bunberry
Four days should be more than enough for a test these days.
I was convinced of that before the First Test :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by heretoday
I think tomorrow will be a day that suits whoever bats but Friday and Saturday are going to be troublesome with the weather and suit the bowlers, if there isn’t scope for play. Potential route to victory is to win the toss, bat big tomorrow, even at the risk of being bowled out, or alternatively making a modest declaration to give your bowlers the best of play Fri-Sat.
But if I’m Australia, I’m already one up and Edgbaston is out the way, So is it worth the risk? If I’m England, I know there are issues in a couple of areas of team selection and Australia do well at Lord’s So is it worth the risk, with three matches still to play?
There’s a real chance this could fizzle out, which would be a shame, but Test matches can turn on one or two sessions so hopefully we get something out of this match!
Aus win the toss and choose to bowl.
Leach in for England, Curran misses out.
Roy out 0-1
Root out for 14. Denly struggling, currently 9 no. Burns more resolute, 16 no.
40/2
Nervous moments as Burns dropped in the gully and Denly survives a close lbw review.
Since then they have stabilised, 72/2
Honours even I think, if they can get through to lunch unscathed.
Lunch 76/2
Burns 34 & Denly 27. 50 partnership between those 2.
Pitch looks slow, if these two can hang around there’s a runs to be had.
Denly goes for 30. Hazelwood is bowling really well.
Burns goes for 53, great catch from Bancroft.
Buttler & Stokes only get 12 & 13 respectively.
Eng in deep trouble now: 146/6
This is gonna be a 5-0 whitewash.
Bairstow & Woakes have rallied somewhat - 201/6 at tea.Quote:
Originally Posted by BroxburnHibee
The weather looks crap tomorrow. If England can get to 300 and take up all or nearly all of today's play then I think the Aussies will be struggling for time. On the flipside, Australia would have to collapse twice for England to have time to get 20 wickets. The draw would be favourite I would've thought.
Bairstow gets to 50 but is running out of partners.
If they get to the new ball (7 more overs) they won't get much further! :greengrin
246/8
A wee aside. The Euro T20 slam was cancelled yesterday. Shame, I was looking forward to the games at the Grange.
I had lost track of that but was thinking about attending too. Might check out a wee away trip for next year too, if it is to continue.Quote:
Originally Posted by marinello59
Anyone think Buttler looks a bit lost if he isn’t wicketkeeping? I would have kept it the same as the World Cup.
You're right the weather may well influence the final result.Quote:
Originally Posted by JeMeSouviens
I still think England - 0 is a correct score though :greengrin
Good day today I thought.
The commentators talk a lot about what a par score is and with good reason - they are generally ex-Test cricketers and can read a pitch and conditions, especially without the pressure of conjuring up tactics to deal with it!
England seem to have done just below par in their first innings. Bairstow got a much-needed decent score and Burns clung on. Everyone else, at least in the batting order, seemed to get set then lose their wicket.
Apart from Jason Roy. He is a fantastic white-ball cricketer but he is surely struggling as an opener, it is not his natural technique, and while he may prove an excellent four or five, it is merely delaying England yet again trying to find a Test opener.
Credit to Cam Bancroft for a tremendous catch at short-leg for Burns wicket of a remorseless line from Paddy Cummins.
The Australian bowling was very good, Cummins was very strong and got such lift off the pitch, Siddle was persistent, Lyon was a superb presence, holding down an end and taking wickets. Hazlewood was obviously the star, teasing swing out of the ball and suffocating his end but also picking up wickets.
As regards the Australian batting, oh dear, David Warner really is becoming Stuart Broad's bunny. Three times in three innings, but Warner is due a big innings and pound-for-pound is better than Broad. It's been good bowling by the Englander though. And Jofra Archer has certainly lit up the scene, with some very quick bowling, he should pick up wickets in this innings.
A result in this game will all depend on the weather. The forecast has actually improved though it looks like there will still be decent showers later on tomorrow. Hopefully it has improved enough to allow a game though!
I'm not too far from the ground. It's very breezy and the clouds are high and I fancy it will stay dry for the morning session. With the wind, any rain will get blown through fairly quickly so we could well have 90 overs (if England care to play at a decent over-rate).Quote:
Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye
As I type, the wind is really picking up.
Aussies 60-3, let's see if Archer can have a bash at Smith.
They were toiling at 60/1, I go to make a cup of tea, come back and it's game on! :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by HUTCHYHIBBY
This is better from Archer. He's got the Aussies a wee bit rattled.
71-4
As ever, Smith is the key!