The Cricket Thread

[SMH]

Can't believe I saw this Pakistan team get whacked a couple of weeks ago. Since then they got rid of Riaz, but brought in Fakhar and Junaid and not looked back. Mohammed Amir is class as well, absolutely destroyed that Indian top order. Unpredictable team but brilliant to watch.

 

[Super_horns]

Well another surprise winner of a major tournament but Pakistan really have pulled some great performances out of the bag in the past week or so.

 

[RavenBish]

Samit Patel is better than your favourite batsman

 

[Forza Imps]

Ireland and Afghanistan are going to be given test status on Thursday, apparently.

Good idea/bad idea?

 

[lordofthepies]

Ireland and Afghanistan are going to be given test status on Thursday, apparently.

Good idea/bad idea?

I think it's a good thing. In Ireland's case, it's probably overdue and unlike the last couple of countries to be given test status, they will actually have a first class structure in place by the time they start playing tests. I'm not sure that Afghanistan will quite have the structure in place but it's a lovely thing because their rise has been incredible and they've got some super players.

 

[RavenBish]

Good thing most certainly. They'll certainly get a few wallopings but if you want more to join the party you've got to give them a seat at the table first. It relies on Ireland and Afghanistan reinvesting the money sensibly though which is always the big if.

 

[Ciderhead]

Great idea, just not so great timing from Ireland's point of view with them in a bit of a transitional period. It's come 5 years too late for this current side - they're an aging team with a lot of their best players (Porterfield, Joyce, the O'Brien brothers) now well past their prime. I'm not sure whether they'll be able to do themselves justice anymore in the immediate short term which would be a shame, because back around the time of the World Cup in 2011 they may well have been capable of giving a few teams a game.

As it is it'll probably be some time before they can be truly competitive but hopefully in time they'll be able to develop a new generation, and having the carrot of Test cricket will only help them retain what talent they do produce. And broadening the field can only be a good thing for the sport as a whole.

 

[Skinner]

Mason Crane looking very good on his debut

 

[RavenBish]

Mason Crane looking very good on his debut

Looks like he's never fielded in his life, what the fuck were those two attempted catches?

(Bowled very well though obviously)

 

[RavenBish]

Roy really is the least intelligent batsman I think I've ever witnessed. It's like he tries to get himself half the time.

 

[Super_horns]

That sounded pretty easy - Bairstow again playing a lead role.

 

[4froale]

For all the stick that sky get on certain sports, I think there cricket package is excellent. Excellent commentators and pundits who have played the game at the highest level and als have a good degree of wit. I really hope they don't lose all cricket rights to bt.

 

[SMH]

Sky's cricket coverage is their best by far compared to all their other sports. It's amazing how easy former players find it going into commentary. Their masterclasses are brilliant as well. The only con is that they are desperately trying to ram the franchise t20 league in England down our throats, telling us it's a good thing and has to happen. They wouldn't be saying that if BT beat them to the broadcasting rights.

 

[Ciderhead]

Cricket pundits are easily the best of any sport imo. Can't think of any other that comes close. Same with TMS as well.

Compare it to watching the England U21s now - Stuart Pearce

 

[claret50]

Blowers calling stumps.

Henry Blofeld, the legend of TMS has announced his intended retirement from the box after 45 years,
Rest up Blowers, my dear old thing.

 

[lordofthepies]

Genuinely surprised to discover that he is only 77.

 

[Super_horns]

Ashes under threat?

Seems like a real issue which doesn't seem to be close to a resolution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/40378642

 

[Ciderhead]

Tom Curran's yorker bowling has been excellent

 

[RavenBish]

He looks the part - haven't seen him bowl this season so adding a bit of pace at his age isn't a shock but didn't realise he could get up towards 90mph - serious weapon with his variations

 

[RavenBish]

Bairstow is one of the best batsmen in the world - he's gone well past the stage of being 'in good form' - he's consistently world class in all formats

 

[Ciderhead]

I've no idea how that's a decision you can conclusively give either way. I mean, he's not even looking at the ball

 

[Ciderhead]

1 each. Morris' reaction was hilarious

 

[hodge]

I've no idea how that's a decision you can conclusively give either way. I mean, he's not even looking at the ball

The big thing was that he chose to cross sides to get in the way of the ball, would have been quicker for him to just turn and run therefore there is intent to get in the way even if it didn't hit him.

 

[RavenBish]

I'm sat in Nottingham and I'm still getting closer to the ball than Livingstone's bat

 

[hodge]

3 bats broken in 1 game

 

[RavenBish]

Batsmen can't see the ball and neither can the fielders. Tinpot grounds.

 

[RavenBish]

Well that's a fucking abysmal debut

 

[Dave]

Good work Livingstone, should've done that a few overs ago and we might've had a chance at winning this.

 

[hodge]

Blame the organisers for making it a 5pm start, why not start it earlier when they know there's no floodlights

 

[hodge]

Can't help but think England have cost themselves there by sending Livingstone rather than Morgan at 4. What was it 15 off 17? No way Morgan would have gone at that rate and would have been more comfortable.