Hmm, lots of words at the end of the last game from Stokes about his decision to bowl first being right. However, it seems he blindly does it now.
If side batting first get 400+ each time you do it and keeps you in the field for five sessions it will come back to bite you, particularly against the better teams.
Still a long way to go and if they do roll us over and enforce the follow on then that might be our only way out. Our tail looks decidely longer tonight.
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Well, it’s been amazing so far today but I wish Harry Brook could bring himself to leave alone those wide tempters a yard or more outside the off stump. He’s obviously an extraordinarily talented batsman but he doesn’t have the patience to bore and frustrate the bowlers before he gets bored himself.
I love the wonderful black and tan dachshund during the ad breaks but could do without the farting, poo retaining school boys.
Rain at Edgbaston but I don’t think it’s going to cause too long a delay. Long enough for a draw perhaps. Can’t make up my mind whether I want to see Bazball and inevitable defeat or a more cautious approach and a potential overall lead saving draw.
I think our last wicket will go down at 3.45. We need 4 new bowlers for the last test (and not Archer as he won’t last 5 days) plus Crawley is not an International opener and needs replacing.
Zak Crawley is the ultimate enigma. Described by Viv Richards (no less) as a magnificent batsman and I think the first England Test player to score a century before lunch. Over 3,000 runs for England but only averaging just over 30. An imperious 6’5” when in full flight but far too often out driving balls outside the off stump. Totally unpredictable and, even as a Kent supporter, I have often wondered how he manages to keep his place.
Ten past five for tea looks a little optimistic!
Agree about the need to give different bowlers the opportunity to audition for the Ashes series.
That Jamie Smith is a bit special!
Jack Hobbs?
Bucks and Wales won a match each at Ebbw Vale today. The first game saw Bucks squeeze home by just three runs. Chasing Bucks’ 173-9 off 20, Wales needed 15 off the final over, but only managed 11 to finish on 170-7.
In the second game, Wales posted 180/9 but Bucks were skittlled out for 78/9, to lose by 102 runs. I watched that innings online, there were some pretty reckless shots.
Only 10 batted for Bucks, I think bowler Tom Weymes was injured after four balls in the first game, and Conner Haddow, who would have made up the 12, was marked as ‘absent’ in the second.
Bucks finished fourth, level on points with Beds and Oxon, but lost out on run rate. That poor rate in the second game cost them going through to the next round. Berks are top, in spite of having their previous two wins against Wales rescinded, and awarded to Wales after fielding an ineligible player in those games. Twelve teams now go through to the Super 12s, four groups of three teams, played in four locations on the same day.
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I’ve got tickets to the 100 game at Lords on 14th August. I know it’s not proper cricket but I’ve never been to Lords before and the the wife is coming with me. Joe Root and Ollie Pope are playing as well.
Can’t wait.
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Anyone else watching the demolition of England’s batsmen at Lord’s?
A combination of India’s superior seam bowlers and some ill advised and untimely returns to Bazball by a couple of England’s batsmen.
PS it’s anyone’s game now, I think. Nasty one in the nether regions for Stokes against the last ball of an over prompting a cheeky comment from Stuart Broad about no balls left in the over. His media career has really taken off. Bit like @Otter87 on here.
I’m watching with fascination. I do feel that this has become an extremely difficult pitch to bat on. 200 could be a winning score.
I’m not sure if that is a compliment or a dig…..?
It’s an observation. You were the target of some unkind comments on Gasroom 2.0 a year or so ago and had been feeling for some time that you were getting unjustifiably down-thumbed for comments similar to comments by others that were favourably received.
You are clearly enjoying regular involvement on the present Gasroom and I’m sure you must feel much more at home. I made the comparison with Stuart Broad because you have both very quickly become comfortable and well established in new situations.
Back to thread just to say am very excited about the unexpected prospect of a famous victory against the mighty India.
Dont count your chickens!
The time wasting by England the night before last had all the hallmarks of an Ainsworth side! Never again should we whinge about the spirit of cricket and it was good to see India get their own back yesterday… Tbh can’t see anything but an Indian win today.
Heavens above, this is exciting. Five day tests really are the business
The Brighton match on YouTube by contrast is a difficult watch.
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I’m still not sure of Archer. He has bowled well in this test match but can he maintain this for the rest of the series? Is he able to keep his pace and accuracy high throughout the summer? He has struggled with this previously, only time will tell
This is a very difficult watch!! It’s 50:50 I think but with India having a slight edge.
Our bowlers are less accurate than India’s when it comes to bowling at the stumps.