The International Cricket Thread

[taylorsworkrate]

We are in a very strong position, but this had been a bit of a needless collapse.

[taylorsworkrate]

Buttler has ended this series well. Bairstow is massively under pressure now.

The thing is that he probably isn't under any pressure. His Test match performance has been woeful for the best part of 2 years now and theres been no real questions asked regarding his place

[Rory]

I'd be happy with a lead of 420. If Aus chase that then they will have deserved the 3-1.

[paul_e]

I was happy once we hit 350. There's a reason that 350+ has only been chased a handful of times in history.

[Rory]

I was happy once we hit 350. There's a reason that 350+ has only been chased a handful of times in history.

If they didn't have Smith, I'd agree. I just don't trust him not to hit 300 on his own.

[West Derby Villan]

I was happy once we hit 350. There's a reason that 350+ has only been chased a handful of times in history.

If they didn't have Smith, I'd agree. I just don't trust him not to hit 300 on his own.

Yeah if the buggers didn't have Smith...........

[Steve67]

Surely we can get him early just the once!  I also think the Aussies are not out of this.  We need Leach and Archer to smack another few tomorrow and hope that Broad has a bit of a dash too.  The Aussies have two whole days to get these runs, with a good pitch. 

[Villan For Life]

I think that once they retained the Ashes they were mentally on the plane home so I expect us to win this test quite comfortably.

[Steve67]

I think Jofra Archer may be destined for the number 11 spot. I know it's early in his career but I see nothing in him worth putting him further up the order as yet.  This tail has to wag a bit. Need a 400 hundred lead. Even if it's just for psychology.

[Risso]

I think Jofra Archer may be destined for the number 11 spot. I know it's early in his career but I see nothing in him worth putting him further up the order as yet.  This tail has to wag a bit. Need a 400 hundred lead. Even if it's just for psychology.

I think you're right.  He just hasn't seemed to suss what's required at Test level yet.  Mind you, you can say that about half the team this series.

And yes, a 400 lead would have seemed a better psychological barrier than the 399 we got.

[UK Redsox]

Good start by Broad.  Had Warner in trouble and now he’s set Harris’s off stump cartwheeling

[UK Redsox]

Got him again

[Steve67]

Archer looks like he's bowling within himself at the moment.  I'd love to see him get angry.

[Nev]

One of the consolations of this series has been Broad against Warner. Nice to hear Warne asking Nasser Hussain if he was worried seconds before Harris' wicket went cartwheeling out of the ground.

[Villa Lew]

Very good morning for England, can't see the Aussies seeing the day out, even with Steve Smith.