The Cricket Thread

[kieran_vale]

Couldn’t be better poised this test match. I’d put England slightly ahead just due to Australia having to bat last on this and also I think England have caught a break not having to go back out there this evening when it was doing a bit before the rain came. With a lead of 35 at present my guess is Stokes will try and dangle the carrot to them and look to set 300 or thereabouts and then get them back out there.

In summary not much will be getting done at work tomorrow.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Couldn’t be better poised this test match. I’d put England slightly ahead just due to Australia having to bat last on this and also I think England have caught a break not having to go back out there this evening when it was doing a bit before the rain came. With a lead of 35 at present my guess is Stokes will try and dangle the carrot to them and look to set 300 or thereabouts and then get them back out there.

In summary not much will be getting done at work tomorrow.

Delighted my boss is a cricket fan, makes up for his Leeds tendencies, got the tablet in the bag to set up on the desk, only just started there so was a welcome bonus on Friday when he actively encouraged me to set it up.

 

[Valeite]

Too many gambles by England have not paid off. The declaration looks a bad idea now and some of the shots such as Root`s and Bairstow`s were terrible. The selection of an opener who cannot leave the ball outside of offstump has to be questioned as well.

 

[Valeite]

Not to mention dropping Foakes for the returning Bairstow,

 

[Super_horns]

270/280 lead probably be enough?

Depends how the Aussies approach it

But can we get 10 wickets weather permitting?

 

[kieran_vale]

Virtually the same target as Australia needed at Edgbaston in 2005. Think those runs from the tail are going to prove to be extremely useful.

Hopefully Moeen is good to go with his spinning finger.

 

[GTFCfish]

Yeah I was just thinking that Australia should easily chase down 280 but then I realised that most of those runs will need getting on a 5th day pitch and Englands recent huge run chases have skewed my thinking and made 280 sound a lot easier to me than it actually will be. That’s actually a very tough run chase to get but I still wouldn’t put it past these twats.
50/50 call I’d say.

 

[Railway Blue]

Not to mention dropping Foakes for the returning Bairstow,

Foakes's keeping may have made the difference and he does have a test century.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

 

[Super_horns]

Good period of play for England!

2 key catches by Bairstow.

 

[Caitlyn]

270/280 lead probably be enough?

Depends how the Aussies approach it

But can we get 10 wickets weather permitting?

Nope!!!!

 

[Super_horns]

Nope!!!!

7 to go ..

 

[kieran_vale]

Win or lose tomorrow I think this has been sport of the highest quality. Not going to second guess anything like the declaration, I liked it at the time and am sticking with it. Bottom line we are in position to win this tomorrow.

Khawaja is once again proving himself to be the big one. Key for England regardless is stay patient. They did very well this evening not to get spooked by the Aussie openers putting on a stand. Stuck to the discipline and if anything the older ball is proving more difficult to play now.

 

[Caitlyn]

7 to go ..

Yes, but they can all score runs. The England bakery will start coffing up sundries soon.

 

[Caitlyn]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Yes, I understand never invent a game you're going to be shit at

Yes home boys the bitch does comedy

 

[Super_horns]

Usman Khawaja set to join a very exclusive list of players to have batted on all 5 days of a test.

Hopefully not for long though!

https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/batting-on-each-day-of-a-five-day-match-283161

 

[Super_horns]

No play till lunch it seems .

Might help the Aussies go defensive.

 

[BarrieOwl]

Yes, I understand never invent a game you're going to be shit at

Yes home boys the bitch does comedy

Does she?

Let me know when you post some

 

[Railway Blue]

Yes, I understand never invent a game you're going to be shit at

Yes home boys the bitch does comedy

You're no bitch.

 

[GTFCfish]

You're no bitch.

That’s what her punters like to call her.

 

[Super_horns]

Feel we need to break through soon ..

 

[Valeite]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Nowt to do with hindsight, I would always pick the best keeper. Bairtow has enough on his plate getting back to full fitness without trying to keep wicket. He could open in place of Duckett who isn`t good enough.

 

[Valeite]

It isn`t bad luck that Ali has a bad finger, he hasn`t bowled more than a handful of overs in a game for years, totally predictable error in selection.
Might still get the win but more luck than judgment in my book.

 

[Super_horns]

Going to the wire.

Big psychological advantage to whoever wins now .

Aussies looking likely now .

 

[Valeite]

We made too many basic errors and in cricket you usually pay for them. Declaration, team selection, shot selection. We played a good side on a pitch made to nullify their advantage in the pace department and threw the game away. Be positive by all means but don`t gamble recklessly when there is no need.

 

[Super_horns]

Credit to Australia.

Held their nerve led by the captain .

England didn’t.

Great cricket overall .

 

[kieran_vale]

Love to have seen us get over the line but wasn’t to be. Credit to Pat Cummins that was brilliant from him with the bat.

Brilliant test match, England have been involved in a fair few of these now. I think Wood might come into the reckoning at Lords.

 

[GTFCfish]

Sickening to throw that one away but fair play to Cummins for going for it at 8 wickets down instead of just playing for the draw.

 

[Super_horns]

Love to have seen us get over the line but wasn’t to be. Credit to Pat Cummins that was brilliant from him with the bat.

Brilliant test match, England have been involved in a fair few of these now. I think Wood might come into the reckoning at Lords.

Yes can see bowling changes on both sides.

And Foakes to come back in ?

 

[Super_horns]

Ahmed called up as cover for Ali.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66000732