Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: UK Redsox on January 02, 2018, 11:55:11 AM

Title: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on January 02, 2018, 11:55:11 AM
Just been looking at England's fixtures for 2018 and the way the season is structured seems different/strange.

eg Aussies over for just white-ball games and the India Tests at the back end

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england/fixtures

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 02, 2018, 12:10:09 PM
Just been looking at England's fixtures for 2018 and the way the season is structured seems different/strange.

eg Aussies over for just white-ball games and the India Tests at the back end

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england/fixtures



All about the money sadly. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on January 10, 2018, 10:11:19 PM
Squad for NZ Tests

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/590619

Surprised that Curran has been dropped
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 10, 2018, 11:12:23 PM
Squad for NZ Tests

https://www.ecb.co.uk/news/590619

Surprised that Curran has been dropped

Yep bit surprised about that as well.  Good to see Wood back in and hopefully he can regain some form. 

Been watching a bit of other cricket after the Ashes finished and was interested to see South Africa field a pace attack of Steyn, Morkel, Philander and Rabada against India.  Steyn got injured, but that is some pace attack. 

Also interesting to see Olly Stone of the Bears picked out by Steve Harmison as one of three players to watch this coming season on a cricket show earlier. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 11, 2018, 12:32:45 AM
To be honest Curran looks well short of test level at this stage of his development. He may get there in a few years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 12, 2018, 10:37:07 AM
Brilliant, a one day series against Australia that everybody will have forgotten about within 6 months. Unless England win the series and then everything will be brilliant again.
Title: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 13, 2018, 05:35:17 PM
So after terrible Test series the one dayers start soon. A good win for England in the warm up game against Australia XI. The question is if Root is fit than one out of Buttler/Bairstow should be selected or both?
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 13, 2018, 05:54:06 PM
Buttler will play, he's been in good form in the Big bash and is the vice captain so the question is about whether Bairstow is in good enough form to force himself in as a batsman.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 13, 2018, 11:11:42 PM
As Paul says Bairstow and Buttler play. Bairstow and Root are the best batsmen across all formats and have to play whatever.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 01:01:42 AM
As Paul says Bairstow and Buttler play. Bairstow and Root are the best batsmen across all formats and have to play whatever.

After the poor showing in the tests, I'm looking forward to this one as we should be far more competitive.  Our top five of Roy, Hales, Root, Morgan, Buttler has been pretty stable over the last few years now, so I'm not sure where Bairstow fits in there (unless he replaces one of the openers again). 

Stokes being out means he might come in at six or Buttler might drop down one, but that might limit our bowling options a bit.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 14, 2018, 08:53:49 AM
Excellent start. Bowled well, Ball and Ali were very good, Woakes and Plunkett laess so but neither going for loads.

Superb start with the bat and now consolidating.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 14, 2018, 09:30:46 AM
Great innings by Roy. Just got to 100.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: passitsideways on January 14, 2018, 10:10:41 AM
150 now - peeved that he couldn't manage a trick with the Sixers, but now hammering them all over the place.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on January 14, 2018, 10:28:44 AM
well done Jason Roy smashing a few records there
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 14, 2018, 10:30:44 AM
This is a battering.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 14, 2018, 10:40:05 AM
Don't want to jinx him but Roy can get 200 here.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 14, 2018, 10:40:51 AM
Well did I say jinx...gone.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 14, 2018, 10:41:46 AM
What a knock that was.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on January 14, 2018, 10:41:52 AM
a great 180 shame he hurt his left finger after a slip whilst running. He may have made a few more but great job.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 14, 2018, 10:49:01 AM
I was willing him to get a double hundred. A marvellous innings.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 14, 2018, 11:08:12 AM
Bit of a poor finish, albeit in an excellent display.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 14, 2018, 11:18:08 AM
Cheap wickets given away in the end but a great win. Starc and Cummins were there
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on January 14, 2018, 11:23:30 AM
It would be nice if we could put an Englishman up to talk about our win.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 11:37:33 AM
A good win and a good way to start the series.  Don't want to jinx things, but we are a very strong side in the ODI formats now and this result is further proof of that.  I've said it before, but we are probably just a genuine world class strike bowler short of being one of the strongest ODI sides I've seen for some time.
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 14, 2018, 04:44:35 PM
It would be nice if we could put an Englishman up to talk about our win.
No sorry Moeen was busy😉
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: steffo on January 15, 2018, 02:11:47 PM
Ben Stokes charged with affray. Won't see him playing for England for a while....
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 15, 2018, 02:42:07 PM
Not sure how it works but I assume this is quite lenient compared to GBH?
Title: Re: The Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on January 15, 2018, 04:23:22 PM
The original allegations were for ABH, not GBH, and if it’s affray then depending on the seriousness could range from community service to 12 weeks custodial. At the upper end it could even get booted up to Crown Court.

https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/item/affray/

*stops attempting to be Hopadop*
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on January 17, 2018, 10:25:26 AM
South Africa just cruised to go 2-0 up after the 2nd Test of a 3 match series against India, that's current no 1 Test team India.  But no surprise as its being played in South Africa. 

Can anybody win away in Test cricket?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 17, 2018, 10:37:19 AM
Always nice to see India lose, except when they're playing Australia, obviously.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on January 17, 2018, 11:08:51 AM
So, when Stokes hadn't been charged he wasn't eligible for selection but now that he has been charged, he can be selected.

Seems strange
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 17, 2018, 12:40:21 PM
That's what I thought, seems a bizarre decision not to select him pending charge (presumably because of the possibility of being charged) and then once he is charged he's available. Unless they were concerned about a more severe charge? Otherwise innocent until proven guilty and all that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 17, 2018, 06:50:24 PM
I'd guess that they suspended him on the worry that he'd be charged with something that, pretty much, guaranteed a custodial sentence but now he's formally charged with Affray they believe that risk has pretty much gone (given the mitigating circumstances involved).

Personally I think he'll be found guilty, given some community service and will see it out with coaching sessions at youth cricket clubs or something similar.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 18, 2018, 12:19:07 AM
Brilliant, a one day series against Australia that everybody will have forgotten about within 6 months. Unless England win the series and then everything will be brilliant again.

Not so sure about that Chris with the World Cup only just over a year away now.  A good series win down there would be a good achievement in building towards next summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on January 18, 2018, 11:07:03 AM
Do we have any mods in the Cricket threads ?

Somehow we've ended up with two threads for 2018 internationals that need merging.

(I assume that a Bears/Pears/Domestic thread will be set up nearer the start of the season)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 18, 2018, 11:47:56 AM
I think they've confirmed that Stokes is available for selection as there is a real chance that he could sue them for restraint of trade if his exclusion was continued.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the IPL player auction. I think he was the most  expensive IPL player in 2017. He's free to play and I think he's got a point to prove.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 18, 2018, 03:16:43 PM
I think they've confirmed that Stokes is available for selection as there is a real chance that he could sue them for restraint of trade if his exclusion was continued.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the IPL player auction. I think he was the most  expensive IPL player in 2017. He's free to play and I think he's got a point to prove.

Not sure how that would stand to be honest, as aren't international sides 'invitational'.  Central contracts might change that though.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 18, 2018, 05:55:55 PM
I think they've confirmed that Stokes is available for selection as there is a real chance that he could sue them for restraint of trade if his exclusion was continued.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the IPL player auction. I think he was the most  expensive IPL player in 2017. He's free to play and I think he's got a point to prove.

Not sure how that would stand to be honest, as aren't international sides 'invitational'.  Central contracts might change that though.   

You're still contracted though aren't you? The ECB ruling has cost Stokes roughly £130k in lost match fees so if the ban were to continue I'd have thought he'd have got twitchy about lost earnings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 18, 2018, 06:02:57 PM
Do we have any mods in the Cricket threads ?

Somehow we've ended up with two threads for 2018 internationals that need merging.

(I assume that a Bears/Pears/Domestic thread will be set up nearer the start of the season)
My bad as I didn’t see this when I started the other. I would request this stays and the other is merged in to this.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 19, 2018, 01:14:37 AM
I think they've confirmed that Stokes is available for selection as there is a real chance that he could sue them for restraint of trade if his exclusion was continued.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the IPL player auction. I think he was the most  expensive IPL player in 2017. He's free to play and I think he's got a point to prove.

Not sure how that would stand to be honest, as aren't international sides 'invitational'.  Central contracts might change that though.   

You're still contracted though aren't you? The ECB ruling has cost Stokes roughly £130k in lost match fees so if the ban were to continue I'd have thought he'd have got twitchy about lost earnings.

I guess, but I was talking more about the idea that there could be legal action for restraint of trade.  As I said, I'm not sure where that would sit due to selection for England being invitational.  I guess if they froze his central contract then that might be different.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 19, 2018, 07:06:06 AM
Good stuff from England again in the one day format, restricting the Aussies to 270-9 from 50 overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 19, 2018, 07:48:02 AM
It’s amazing how the mindset has changed for players and fans alike over the years  on one day scores. At one time anything over 250 to chase was a no no but now days  no one is phased by anything up to 300 and you need something closer to 350 for assured win.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 19, 2018, 08:08:46 AM
It’s amazing how the mindset has changed for players and fans alike over the years  on one day scores. At one time anything over 250 to chase was a no no but now days  no one is phased by anything up to 300 and you need something closer to 350 for assured win.

Yep.  Even as recently as the early 90's (though not that recent now I suppose), anything over 200 was seen as a competitive score.  I guess the Sri Lankans at the 1996 World Cup were amongst the first sides to look to really attack, particularly in the first 15 overs.

Despite losing Roy, we've made a pretty strong start in reply.  Are you still out there mate?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 08:30:56 AM
I reckon England win with 7-8 overs to spare here, as above you really need to post 350+ against this England side to put any scoreboard pressure on them.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 09:32:18 AM
I take full responsibility.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 19, 2018, 10:04:01 AM
  Are you still out there mate?
Wish I was. Came back this weekend gone and have not stopped shivering. This time it was a hit bucket list job next time I will go but only if England have a competitive Test team for conditions out there as it was not pleasant being mauled.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 19, 2018, 10:05:53 AM
I reckon England win with 7-8 overs to spare here, as above you really need to post 350+ against this England side to put any scoreboard pressure on them.
And therefore I still don't understand England not winning the Champions Trophy.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 10:14:21 AM
I reckon England win with 7-8 overs to spare here, as above you really need to post 350+ against this England side to put any scoreboard pressure on them.
And therefore I still don't understand England not winning the Champions Trophy.

Yep, we really should be winning everything in this format right now because we have an almost perfectly balanced team for this format (and t20).

Buttler gone which is a shame, he was going really well and probably should've just let this starc over go.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 10:18:11 AM
Further to that the key is that in Roy, Hales, Buttler and Mo we have 4 players who can score big runs at 180% and above and completely change the game.  If one of them has a good day and the rest of the team just support him we'll beat virtually everyone.

and there goes Mo, as I say, Buttler should've seen off this over, Starc was the big threat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 10:45:58 AM
This is a lovely knock by Woakes, came in when they had a sniff and has just battered them out of the game.  Credit to Root for the anchoring job as well, it's a bit easier for the rest to come in and smash it around when they know there's a couple of decent hitters to come and rock at the other end.

Given his great economy rate, wicket and 2 run outs Woakes has got a very strong shout for man of the match here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 19, 2018, 11:50:10 AM
Woakes running out Carey showed the sort of skills we lack in our football team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on January 19, 2018, 12:12:35 PM
  Are you still out there mate?
Wish I was. Came back this weekend gone and have not stopped shivering. This time it was a hit bucket list job next time I will go but only if England have a competitive Test team for conditions out there as it was not pleasant being mauled.

What did you think of Australia as a country? Did it live up to expectations?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Ads on January 19, 2018, 12:22:59 PM
I know you've not asked me, but its worth saying that Australia is the best place I've ever been too. Absolutely brilliant country.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 19, 2018, 12:30:45 PM
Wonderful place. Melbourne the highlight for me. Would live there if I could choose anywhere in the world.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 19, 2018, 12:56:31 PM
Another comfortable win. Once Stokes is back involved it's a really strong ODI team.

On best place in the world, I haven't been to Aus but Vietnam gets my vote.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: oldtimernow on January 19, 2018, 01:09:11 PM
Sorry prefer NZ, people are nicer, absence of the Sydney sneer
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on January 19, 2018, 01:36:17 PM
Another comfortable win. Once Stokes is back involved it's a really strong ODI team.


But who do you leave out, to accommodate Stokes?! Nice problem to have.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 01:53:02 PM
Another comfortable win. Once Stokes is back involved it's a really strong ODI team.


But who do you leave out, to accommodate Stokes?! Nice problem to have.

I agree it's a tough call, you can't really change any of the top 6 and Woakes and Plunkett are untouchable for me as well.  So Ali, Rashid or Wood.  I guess on current form you could drop Mo for him and I guess you could justify dropping Wood to get genuine batting all the way down and Rashid you could argue that, whilst he takes wickets, can be a bit expensive.  None of them are compelling arguments though, but then neither is leaving him out.

For me I'd leave things as they are and make him wait so he has to earn his place when he gets a chance, it's good for the guys in the side and serves as notice that discipline off the pitch matters.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 19, 2018, 03:25:04 PM
  Are you still out there mate?
Wish I was. Came back this weekend gone and have not stopped shivering. This time it was a hit bucket list job next time I will go but only if England have a competitive Test team for conditions out there as it was not pleasant being mauled.

Good to hear you had a great time mate.  If we continue to do well in ODI cricket, the World Cup out there in 2023 wouldn't be a bad shout. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 19, 2018, 03:31:57 PM
Another comfortable win. Once Stokes is back involved it's a really strong ODI team.


But who do you leave out, to accommodate Stokes?! Nice problem to have.

I agree it's a tough call, you can't really change any of the top 6 and Woakes and Plunkett are untouchable for me as well.  So Ali, Rashid or Wood.  I guess on current form you could drop Mo for him and I guess you could justify dropping Wood to get genuine batting all the way down and Rashid you could argue that, whilst he takes wickets, can be a bit expensive.  None of them are compelling arguments though, but then neither is leaving him out.

For me I'd leave things as they are and make him wait so he has to earn his place when he gets a chance, it's good for the guys in the side and serves as notice that discipline off the pitch matters.

Another pretty comfortable win, despite a few jitters here and there.  Roy aside, everyone got runs without anyone going big.

As for Stokes coming back in, I think it would be one of the batsmen who would drop out.  I think we would have to choose two openers from Bairstow, Roy and Hales (nice headache to have!!) with the rest of the side being Root, Morgan, Buttler, Stokes, Ali, Woakes, Rashid, Plunkett, Wood. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 19, 2018, 04:01:07 PM
I agree it'd be one of the top 3 who drops out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 19, 2018, 04:22:32 PM
The problem then is who do you play at 3?  Move Root up and you risk losing the early momentum which is has played such a big part of our success, Morgan might be ok but he seems more comfortable in the middle order, Buttler is a definite no for me because he's very possibly the best 'finisher' in world cricket so we don't want him in too early.  That leaves moving Mo or Stokes himself up to open (in place of Bairstow I'd expect given Roy and Hales have been excellent for us for the last 2 years).

That there's no obvious candidate is why he'd be the sub fielder for me right now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 19, 2018, 06:36:53 PM
Root's played there plenty before Bairstow forced his way in. He's fine there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 19, 2018, 07:19:03 PM
Root's played there plenty before Bairstow forced his way in. He's fine there.

Root has batted at 3 a lot in ODIs and has done well there.  There will be strong competition for places which is always a good position to be in. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on January 20, 2018, 03:39:34 AM
Sorry prefer NZ, people are nicer, absence of the Sydney sneer

I agree oldtimernow I also find the people nicer in New Zealand (well I did marry one :D).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 21, 2018, 07:52:06 AM
Good partnership from Butler and Woakes to give England a chance, might be short of a winning total though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 21, 2018, 07:58:52 AM
Woakes gets Warner out early.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 21, 2018, 08:04:43 AM
Good partnership from Butler and Woakes to give England a chance, might be short of a winning total though.
Yes both were fantastic and I think total is enough to go to 3-0.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 21, 2018, 08:06:20 AM
What did you think of Australia as a country? Did it live up to expectations?
Hi OZ yes loved every minute of it but rather than boring the rest of the forum I have PM'd my thought to you.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 21, 2018, 08:15:09 AM
Mark Wood again. After sending Gobshite on his way he now gets rid of White.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 21, 2018, 08:18:52 AM
Mark Wood again. After sending Gobshite on his way he now gets rid of White.

Woakes got Gobshite. Either way he's back watching from the pavilion.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 21, 2018, 08:21:37 AM
It would be nice to get Finch out early  so he doesn't get three centuries in a row.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 21, 2018, 08:33:57 AM
Mark Wood again. After sending Gobshite on his way he now gets rid of White.

Woakes got Gobshite. Either way he's back watching from the pavilion.
Must wash that sleep out of my eyes properly and clean  my ears :)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on January 21, 2018, 09:00:25 AM
Key man Finch gone. Well done Rashid.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 21, 2018, 11:06:11 AM
The Ashes is won on ODI's right?! Great effort from England especially from Morgan managing the loss of Plunkett.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: DB on January 21, 2018, 11:45:56 AM
We're gonna win 5-4! Well done, great ODI side we have at the moment. Also nice to see a big Villa flag in the front row of the SCG.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 21, 2018, 12:09:06 PM
Another good win.  Didn't really fancy our chances when they were needing less than a hundred with something like 13 overs left but we closed it out well.  Good to see Chris Woakes coming back into form with both bat and ball. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 21, 2018, 12:33:26 PM
I really hope we beat them 5-0. It won't make up for the loss of the Ashes but the Crims will hate losing like that to us.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 22, 2018, 01:28:52 AM
The best win of the 3 so far. It's clear that we are an exceptional side when chasing a target (very few scores out of reach), so it's great to see us defending an ok looking score.


Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 22, 2018, 02:53:12 PM
Watched the highlights last night and saw that Plunkett pulled up with what looked like a muscle injury, which makes the fact that we were able to restrict the Aussies even more impressive.  I'm guessing Ball, Willey and Curran will be in the running to replace him if he is not fit in time for the next one (i'd go for Ball if fit).

With the series now secured, is it maybe time to have a look at a couple of options (I suppose Malan and Billings could do with a knock at some point) or go all out for a whitewash?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on January 22, 2018, 03:08:24 PM
Watched the highlights last night and saw that Plunkett pulled up with what looked like a muscle injury, which makes the fact that we were able to restrict the Aussies even more impressive.  I'm guessing Ball, Willey and Curran will be in the running to replace him if he is not fit in time for the next one (i'd go for Ball if fit).

With the series now secured, is it maybe time to have a look at a couple of options (I suppose Malan and Billings could do with a knock at some point) or go all out for a whitewash?
We're gonna win 5-4!!!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dr Butler on January 22, 2018, 03:16:31 PM
The best win of the 3 so far. It's clear that we are an exceptional side when chasing a target (very few scores out of reach), so it's great to see us defending an ok looking score.




agreed, I reckon in time 375/400 will not be out of reach for this England team.

UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on January 22, 2018, 05:32:51 PM
The best win of the 3 so far. It's clear that we are an exceptional side when chasing a target (very few scores out of reach), so it's great to see us defending an ok looking score.




agreed, I reckon in time 375/400 will not be out of reach for this England team.

UTV
The Doc

They have already been beyond 400 and have the world record ODI score. Or are you talking about games against the shackle rattlers?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 23, 2018, 08:26:47 AM
I watched some of the Under 19's World Cup last night. I thought  we did well to bowl the Crims of for 127 and then went to bed thinking we'd comfortably knock those runs off.

No we were all out for 96 with a leggie called Liam Pope taking 8-35. So even our future batsmen can't pick a googly!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on January 23, 2018, 11:20:58 AM
I watched some of the Under 19's World Cup last night. I thought  we did well to bowl the Crims of for 127 and then went to bed thinking we'd comfortably knock those runs off.

No we were all out for 96 with a leggie called Liam Pope taking 8-35. So even our future batsmen can't pick a googly!

I've been watching some of these games as well.

Once Aus got Brook and Jacks out for a combined total of one run, they would have been favourites

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 23, 2018, 06:59:16 PM
I don't know if England U19s vs Aus U19s was played on a minefield, but what the hell?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 24, 2018, 07:40:10 AM
I don't know if England U19s vs Aus U19s was played on a minefield, but what the hell?

The pitch seemed ok from what I saw. The ground did seem to be located on the apron of an airfield which looked very strange.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 26, 2018, 03:42:10 AM
Doesn't look like we'll be winning this one.........
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 26, 2018, 03:47:33 AM
Can we get to 50?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 26, 2018, 03:52:40 AM
Can we get to 50?

Can we get to double figures?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 26, 2018, 03:57:36 AM
35 is the lowest ODI total in history. At the moment we are not certain of getting close to that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 26, 2018, 06:15:28 AM
A recovery of sorts thanks to Woakes. Marvellous bowling from Hazelwood and Cummins whose combined 20 overs produced 7-63.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on January 26, 2018, 06:15:40 AM
TFFW

Or as we say Thank F*%k for Woakes. The guy's a legend.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 26, 2018, 06:32:05 AM
Blimey that's a shocker.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 26, 2018, 06:55:57 AM
Woakes played some good shots in his 78 runs, didn't expect England to get anywhere near the 196 they got after the start.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 26, 2018, 08:01:24 AM
Blimey that's a shocker.

Yep.  We just don't have that killer instinct that some of the great sides in the past have had.  Series in the bag and the foot comes off the pedal.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on January 26, 2018, 08:49:50 AM
Blimey that's a shocker.

Yep.  We just don't have that killer instinct that some of the great sides in the past have had.  Series in the bag and the foot comes off the pedal.   

Hard to disagree, I believe it's an issue across British sport.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 26, 2018, 11:54:04 AM
I think that's a bit harsh, Hazlewood and Cummins just had one of those days where they were almost unplayable for a while and they blew our top order away. It happens sometimes and we battled back well to at least not be humiliated. If we had got Travis Head out for less than, say, fifty we might still have won.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 26, 2018, 12:06:39 PM
Hazlewood and Cummings were exceptional up front. Though we didn't help ourselves, particularly the poor shots from Roy and Root.

Looking to a world cup, this is the sort of performance that worries me. We've been excellent in the first 3 games here and then out of nowhere comes an abysmal effort. It happened in the champions trophy, when we great for 3 games then awful in the semi final. We cannot afford a performance like this in a knockout tournament or we'll just be out.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 28, 2018, 10:51:16 AM
Awful fielding from us.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 28, 2018, 11:11:51 AM
Great bowling from Curran.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on January 28, 2018, 12:12:32 PM
Joe Root Man of the Series hmmm
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on January 28, 2018, 04:33:55 PM
Good to win the final game, 1-4 and that today was without Woakes who I think would have been man of the series if he'd been picked today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 29, 2018, 12:43:02 AM
Good to win the final game, 1-4 and that today was without Woakes who I think would have been man of the series if he'd been picked today.

Not just Woakes, but Wood and Plunkett as well.  When you think there are still the likes of Stokes, Jordan and Finn who are not even in the squad, it just goes to show the strength in depth we have in that format of the game. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 29, 2018, 11:13:42 AM
Happy for Curran, I thought he had a decent series in the tests given how it came about without really getting the rewards so a 5fer in the ODIs will help him a lot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on January 29, 2018, 11:57:20 AM
Happy for Curran, I thought he had a decent series in the tests given how it came about without really getting the rewards so a 5fer in the ODIs will help him a lot.

I think the limited over formats are going to be his opportunity for a while. I still think he looks a fair way short at test level at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 29, 2018, 01:30:23 PM
Happy for Curran, I thought he had a decent series in the tests given how it came about without really getting the rewards so a 5fer in the ODIs will help him a lot.

I think the limited over formats are going to be his opportunity for a while. I still think he looks a fair way short at test level at the moment.

I agree, but some of those in-swingers at the end of Australia's innings were vicious. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on January 29, 2018, 01:55:43 PM
Oh I agree as well, remember he was 4th/5th choice for that role behind Stokes/Finn/Overton/Wood so that alone suggests that they knew he wasn't quite ready and he was there as cover but we just didn't have much choice but to play him.  That doesn't change the fact that he bowled better than his figures would suggest and just didn't really get any luck in the tests so I'm really pleased for him to have a good memory to take home from the trip.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 30, 2018, 12:25:12 PM
Oh I agree as well, remember he was 4th/5th choice for that role behind Stokes/Finn/Overton/Wood so that alone suggests that they knew he wasn't quite ready and he was there as cover but we just didn't have much choice but to play him.  That doesn't change the fact that he bowled better than his figures would suggest and just didn't really get any luck in the tests so I'm really pleased for him to have a good memory to take home from the trip.

Listened to a bit of the cricket show on Radio Five last night and they were discussing him.  Michael Vaughan was saying he could do with developing an extra couple of yards of pace, but he said he was really impressed with his attitude and approach.  It's a healthy situation really where a young kid comes in, has a taste of international cricket and then the onus is on him to improve and force his way into the side on a regular basis.   

The conversation then went on to the 50 over side and where Stokes will fit in when he returns.  Vaughan said we should look to go really take the attack to sides in the early stages and said he thought Stokes should bat at three. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2018, 12:17:26 PM
Bit more about the kid who has been discussed a bit on here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/42828735

This seems a bit harsh to be honest:

"Under ECB rules, introduced in 2012, Archer, who has an English father and British passport, is not eligible to play for England until the winter of 2022 when he will have completed the seven-year residency period required for players who arrive in England after their 18th birthday".

I think lengthy residency periods are necessary in sport, but surely they shouldn't apply if you have a parent who comes from the country you want to play for?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 01, 2018, 12:59:06 PM
Bit more about the kid who has been discussed a bit on here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/42828735

This seems a bit harsh to be honest:

"Under ECB rules, introduced in 2012, Archer, who has an English father and British passport, is not eligible to play for England until the winter of 2022 when he will have completed the seven-year residency period required for players who arrive in England after their 18th birthday".

I think lengthy residency periods are necessary in sport, but surely they shouldn't apply if you have a parent who comes from the country you want to play for?

I agree and wouldn't be surprised if something changes to let him come in sooner.  For people like Pietersen this sort of change makes sense but when you're legally British it seems strange to not be eligible to play for England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2018, 04:27:28 PM
Bit more about the kid who has been discussed a bit on here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/42828735

This seems a bit harsh to be honest:

"Under ECB rules, introduced in 2012, Archer, who has an English father and British passport, is not eligible to play for England until the winter of 2022 when he will have completed the seven-year residency period required for players who arrive in England after their 18th birthday".

I think lengthy residency periods are necessary in sport, but surely they shouldn't apply if you have a parent who comes from the country you want to play for?

I agree and wouldn't be surprised if something changes to let him come in sooner.  For people like Pietersen this sort of change makes sense but when you're legally British it seems strange to not be eligible to play for England.

Absolutely Paul, but I thought one of KP's parents is English as well.  I agree about someone who perhaps hasn't got family ties to a country they move to and 7 years sounds about right (the previous rugby one of three years was too lenient).  Is that across the board for all countries though or just something the ECB implement?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 01, 2018, 06:12:21 PM
Pietersen's old dear is English.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 01, 2018, 06:15:29 PM
I also agree it seems very unfair to have to qualify on residency grounds if your folks are from that country. The wife and I have discussed selling up and moving to Canada. I would be hugely pissed off if that had an impact on the kids wanting to represent England at sport.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 01, 2018, 06:21:40 PM
I actually didn't know that but in truth he was just the first name that came to mind.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 02, 2018, 10:21:36 AM
This is brilliant, David Willey is smashing chunks out of Nathan Lyon in the pres XI t20, 34 from the over.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 02, 2018, 10:53:24 AM
The best bit about that over was that the australian commentary (which BBC were rebroadcasting) had literally just been talking about how strange it was that Lyon doesn't get games for Australia in limited overs.  They never mentioned it again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 07, 2018, 09:15:20 AM
Good start for England in the t20, currently 79/2 after 8 overs, Malan and Morgan in and both scoring very quick.  Hales had been doing well but he misjudged one that stuck slightly and played a fairly simple c&b back for Agar.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on February 07, 2018, 09:50:21 AM
Fell to pieces
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 07, 2018, 09:51:37 AM
Yep, fucking this up a bit now, should've been looking at 190-200 and now we're hoping to bat out the overs and make par (160-165 here).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on February 07, 2018, 09:51:59 AM
So so poor. Should have easily got 190-200, now gonna struggle to get 145-150.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 07, 2018, 10:04:48 AM
Struggling to bat out 20 overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 07, 2018, 10:09:37 AM
"Pretty dismal. Brainless cricket" - James Taylor

That's a quote from TMS rather than a seventies song lyric

I enjoy listening to James and Ebony as summarisers
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dr Butler on February 07, 2018, 10:21:21 AM
listening at work and we were cruising at 94/2...155 is not enough.

need to bowl very well.

UTV
The Doc
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 07, 2018, 10:22:01 AM
I think the match will depend on how the slow bowlers bowl.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 07, 2018, 10:34:15 AM
Oh my, the delivery to get Lynn is one of the best t20 wickets you'll ever see, that's beautiful swing bowling.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 07, 2018, 10:40:46 AM
Couldn't wish for a much better start with two wickets in the first over.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 07, 2018, 10:54:39 AM
We need to get rid of Short, he was the form player in the BBL and he's carrying it through here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 07, 2018, 11:42:27 AM
Pretty unlucky to have that catch ruled out I think, that's a huge turning point in the match, Maxwell looks key here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: passitsideways on February 07, 2018, 09:13:28 PM
The soft signal is a pretty terrible rule, it was bad for Broad's dismissal in the Test match, bad for Smith's dismissal in the ODI, and it made things unnecessarily complicated for Maxwell - I think he was fairly comfortably not out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on February 08, 2018, 12:07:14 PM
I didn't think it was out as there was more than enough doubt and as such was fair enough for Maxwell to get a reprieve. We didn't play well enough to deserve any breaks either.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 13, 2018, 08:57:40 AM
I really think it’s time to move on from Billings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 13, 2018, 10:22:59 AM
Not a great result today, Buttler needs to start finding form.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 13, 2018, 01:49:25 PM
This feels very much like the end of a long tour trying to make as much money as possible. England don't look very fresh.
 Billings is not an international player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on February 14, 2018, 01:42:55 PM
This feels very much like the end of a long tour trying to make as much money as possible. England don't look very fresh.
 Billings is not an international player.

I fancied us in the T20's but it's not really gone to plan.  A few players missing to  be fair so not overly concerning.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 14, 2018, 02:47:01 PM
This feels very much like the end of a long tour trying to make as much money as possible. England don't look very fresh.
 Billings is not an international player.

I fancied us in the T20's but it's not really gone to plan.  A few players missing to  be fair so not overly concerning.

The thing with t20 is that it can be such fine margins that even 1-2 players making silly mistakes, or not fit, or rested can be game changing.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on February 14, 2018, 02:50:11 PM
It's a pretty silly format this 3 team T20 series. We could still qualify for a final if Aus beat NZ, then we beat NZ. That would be qualifying for a final having won 1 game out of 4.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 14, 2018, 06:39:34 PM
Edgbaston is one of the five grounds chosen for the 2023 Ashes, they're all the same as the 2019 Ashes.

Birmingham gets a team in the new Twenty20 franchise league along with two from London, Southampton, Cardiff, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds.

The One Day Final is moving from Lord's to Trent Bridge from 2020 to 2024.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on February 16, 2018, 07:15:12 AM
It's a pretty silly format this 3 team T20 series. We could still qualify for a final if Aus beat NZ, then we beat NZ. That would be qualifying for a final having won 1 game out of 4.

I'd write it off. Guppy has gone mental and NZ are currently 206-2 after 16 overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on February 16, 2018, 07:41:49 AM
Aussie need to score 247 to win.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on February 16, 2018, 07:49:59 AM
Aussie need to score 247 to win.

That’s violent hitting, if you break it down it’s more than 2 a ball.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 16, 2018, 08:26:59 AM
Game on, 114-0 after 8 overs
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 16, 2018, 09:26:05 AM
Aussies knock off the runs with an over left to bowl, amazing hitting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on February 16, 2018, 09:29:53 AM
Phenomenal stuff. Is it a small ground?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on February 16, 2018, 09:30:35 AM
So if England beat NZ they could get through to the final with one win.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on February 16, 2018, 09:31:26 AM
Phenomenal stuff. Is it a small ground?

Very small boundaries.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 16, 2018, 09:49:33 AM
This smash it out of the park nonsense is just silly, heard the score just now. Maybe they should increase the size of the ball and make the bowlers bowl underarm with all fielders blindfolded to ensure even more runs are scored.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 16, 2018, 10:55:19 AM
This smash it out of the park nonsense is just silly, heard the score just now. Maybe they should increase the size of the ball and make the bowlers bowl underarm with all fielders blindfolded to ensure even more runs are scored.

Or maybe allow the bowlers to throw the ball and only allow the batters to run if they hit the ball in front of themselves ;)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 16, 2018, 11:57:14 AM
This smash it out of the park nonsense is just silly, heard the score just now. Maybe they should increase the size of the ball and make the bowlers bowl underarm with all fielders blindfolded to ensure even more runs are scored.

Or maybe allow the bowlers to throw the ball and only allow the batters to run if they hit the ball in front of themselves ;)

Maybe only runs that count are those that clear the boundary, a 12 is awarded for any that go out of the ground and it is 8 and out if caught in the crowd by somebody wearing a hat/bucket with a sponsors logo on and in a fancy dress costume. The catcher then gets to bowl two overs as part of their prize.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on February 16, 2018, 03:04:15 PM
I like it. So there!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 16, 2018, 03:16:14 PM
I like it. So there!

Same here. I love watching T20 and I also love watching Test Matches.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on February 16, 2018, 04:05:01 PM
I think t20 will have a positive effect on the test game over time, with more creative field placings and bowling variations already starting to appear.  Batting is in a bit of a tough place though because the lack of fielding restrictions and the availability of bowling down the leg side makes a difference and the balls create different problems as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on February 18, 2018, 08:11:18 AM
Colin Munro has hit 52 off 18 balls, NZ cruising against England this morning.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 19, 2018, 06:12:51 PM
T20 is a money spinner for the counties but isn't proper cricket. And I note our regional team will be based in fucking Southampton.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 19, 2018, 06:30:11 PM
You live in Stourbridge. Your regional team is based at Edgbaston.  😁
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on February 19, 2018, 06:33:30 PM
You live in Stourbridge. Your regional team is based at Edgbaston.  😁

You can fuck off as well....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 19, 2018, 09:39:12 PM
We were never going to get a franchise Chelts
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 20, 2018, 10:38:47 AM
Franchises are shit. I don't see how English cricket benefits from having ten teams twiddling their thumbs during the one bit of Summer when there's no football on.

And what self-respecting Sheffield Wednesay/United/Bradford City/Bulls etc fan is going to go and cheer for "Leeds"?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 20, 2018, 11:40:31 AM
They should have gone for regional rather than city identities
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 20, 2018, 11:46:55 AM
They should have just gone with the eighteen county teams and stopped pissing about with it. Nobody wants to cheer for the Gloucesomersemorgan Sharks.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 20, 2018, 12:33:43 PM

And what self-respecting Sheffield Wednesay/United/Bradford City/Bulls etc fan is going to go and cheer for "Leeds"?

Precisely, most of the support Yorkshire have comes from outside Leeds, it's a fucking big place is the county and such is the tribal nature of football supporters (who judging by the amount of replica shirts you see in the crowd at Twat It matches make up a large percentage of the crowd) then a team called 'Leeds' isn't going to appeal to most Yorkshire supporters.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 20, 2018, 02:07:10 PM
Hmmm Rashid and Hales now only playing white ball cricket for next season. The ECB should be wary of this being the tip of the iceberg.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on February 21, 2018, 01:36:27 PM
Aussies win the T20 tri-tringy
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on February 25, 2018, 08:29:33 AM
The ODI against the Kiwis is boiling up to an interesting finish. They need 53 off 35 balls with 4 wickets in hand. Taylor is on 111 and whilst he’s at the crease they are slight favourites.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on February 25, 2018, 08:51:45 AM
Why are Woakes and Willey not bowling at the death? Are they injured?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 25, 2018, 09:00:13 AM
NZ win.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on February 28, 2018, 08:11:21 AM
England win very easily. Much better performance today by the whole team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on February 28, 2018, 09:44:54 AM
England win very easily. Much better performance today by the whole team.

Yep.  Apart from maybe Plunkett and Wood, we were at pretty much full strength today and it was a comfortable win. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 02, 2018, 12:17:55 AM
Watched a bit of the South Africa v Australia test earlier.  Could not believe how few people were there at Durban seeing as it is a big test series. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 03, 2018, 08:57:25 AM
Great bowling from Woakes again, England win on the last ball in a very tight game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 03, 2018, 09:27:44 AM
Great bowling from Woakes again, England win on the last ball in a very tight game.

Watched a bit of it last night and it looked a difficult batting track.  Good work to defend a low total though and now 2-1 up in the series.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 06, 2018, 10:13:01 PM
Decent start for us here.  Dunedin in the sun looks a fantastic place to watch cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2018, 10:32:36 PM
Decent start for us here.  Dunedin in the sun looks a fantastic place to watch cricket.

This is the value of Roy at the top, if he gets 40-50 he does it so quickly that we're always ahead of the game.  Bairstow has slotted in up there superbly as well which means we really put on the pressure in the powerplay.  This is definitely our best format right now as well, think we're 2nd in the rankings but I'd back us against anyone in ODIs other than in very specific sub-continent conditions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2018, 10:38:49 PM
Terrible review, was fairly clearly outside leg and looked far too high.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2018, 10:54:44 PM
Great catch that, but shouldn't take away from the fact that this has been a superb start.  Need Root to settle in and let Bairstow carry on smashing it about now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2018, 11:20:52 PM
I reckon that 6 from Bairstow might've landed in Australia, it was fucking huge.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 12:39:08 AM
On course for a big score. Looks like we'll need 370 here. Good pitch and a tiny ground
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 12:45:26 AM
Should have kept my mouth shut. Starting the process of fucking it up!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 12:52:23 AM
Hmmmm, all getting a bit braindead now. A score that should have been 400 is looking more like 350 now
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 12:56:15 AM
Just thrown 4 wickets away. Really really poor
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 12:58:54 AM
Probably need to take our medicine now and revise the target to 350, otherwise we'll continue to gift wickets and get 320.

350 on this is probably about a par score, but no better than that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 01:04:34 AM
This is fucking dreadful
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 01:12:00 AM
They must be doing this shit on purpose now. Unfathomable crap
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 01:16:53 AM
I'd be withholding the match fee for the middle and lower order players regardless of whether we win this match or not. All of them have just thrown their wickets away. NZ were dead and buried in this match and we have gifted them 6 wickets to pretty much put them on top

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on March 07, 2018, 05:38:51 AM
Why has Chris Woakes been brought back so late? He bowled his first 5 overs for only 14, and won't get his allocated 10 in now? Rubbish captaincy!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 07, 2018, 05:42:47 AM
Why has Chris Woakes been brought back so late? He bowled his first 5 overs for only 15, and won't get his allocated 10 in?

Yep, really don't get that at all. Easily our best bowler at the moment. We've also screwed ourselves by using up the review with a ball that clearly pitched outside leg stump. A couple of times since then a review would have resulted in a wicket. Poor captaincy from Morgan on both fronts.

The truth is though, that we should have got a minimum of 50 more runs in our innings. We were absolutely pathetic from the moment Bairstow got out
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 07, 2018, 07:11:33 AM
We were easily 50 runs short as Taylorsworkrate says and the Twenty20 mindset of our middle order means they completely misread what the match situation required.

I watched the first 25 overs of our innings. Both Root and Bairstow defended the good balls and put the bad balls over the boundary. Bairstow in particular hit some huge sixes.  That we collapsed is no surprise but why do our players insist on trying to go big from the first ball that they face?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OCD on March 07, 2018, 03:11:51 PM
Don't know why Root isn't captains in ODI's when he captains tests and is playing.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 07, 2018, 04:25:05 PM
What a strange game.  I turned it off withus on 220ish for 1 and looking at a 360+ score with Root and Bairstow looking in complete control then got up to find we'd lost and the middle order had just rolled over one after the other.  I don't get how that happened, NZ looked utterly beaten.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on March 07, 2018, 05:44:04 PM
Superb knock from Ross Taylor, especially coming in, when both openers were out for ducks and hardly been able to run. Set up for a great decider on Friday/Saturday, looks like an early alarm call.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 09, 2018, 10:49:49 PM
Decent start for us here with the ball.  Been able to pick up a couple of wickets and kept it pretty tight.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 10, 2018, 01:31:36 AM
Kiwis all out for 223.  Bairstow's catch in the deep to remove Southee was superb. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 10, 2018, 01:40:39 AM
223 all out looks decent without context but in truth we've let them put 60-70 more on the board than they should've.

Credit once again to Woakes for another superb performance with the ball.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 10, 2018, 03:22:30 AM
This is becoming a stroll. 100 needed and no wickets lost.

Can't understand how badly NZ batted it is a great batting pitch and a wonderful sunny day here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 10, 2018, 03:39:04 AM
Brilliant innings by Bairstow, he has torn NZ apart.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on March 10, 2018, 08:20:05 AM
Nice to see Woakes get Man of the Series after he missed out in the Aussie one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2018, 10:07:10 AM
Great display that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 10, 2018, 12:45:20 PM
Brilliant innings by Bairstow, he has torn NZ apart.

He really is developing into a top class top order batsman in ODI cricket and is nailing down that opener spot.  Would like to see him do it in test cricket as well, as that would solve a lot of our problems. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on March 10, 2018, 01:09:41 PM
Brilliant innings by Bairstow, he has torn NZ apart.

He really is developing into a top class top order batsman in ODI cricket and is nailing down that opener spot.  Would like to see him do it in test cricket as well, as that would solve a lot of our problems. 
I think he has the game for it - but won’t happen whilst he’s keeping so needs Foakes to step up and then risks pissing Jonny off as he wants to keep.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Colhint on March 10, 2018, 11:10:53 PM
Chris woakes today

10 overs no boundaries
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 11, 2018, 03:11:10 AM
Chris woakes today

10 overs no boundaries

Wow, I didn't realise that. That is outstanding bowling, especially as he was bowling at the end of the innings as well.

Woakes is becoming a top class player. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: spangley1812 on March 16, 2018, 01:05:18 PM
From BEEB

Leg-spinner Mason Crane will miss England's Test tour of New Zealand because of a back injury.

The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut in Sydney against Australia in January, has a stress fracture in his lower back and will return to England.

He has been replaced in the squad by Somerset left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who took 8-110 for the England Lions against the West Indies A in February.

The two-Test series begins in Auckland on 22 March.

Hampshire's Crane finished with figures of 1-193 on his Test debut in Sydney.

He had been named in the squad for England's first tour match against a New Zealand XI, which began on Wednesday, but did not play.

Pace bowler James Anderson, who struggled with a stress fracture early in his international career, said he felt for Crane.

"I've been there myself. Mason has got got a good head on his shoulders and I'm sure he'll come back strong," Anderson told BBC Sport.

"What is unfortunate for someone is a bit of fortune or someone else. It's a good opportunity for Jack."

Leach had been close to a first senior call-up in 2016 when England travelled to India, but he was not considered because of concerns over his bowling action.

He underwent remedial work and went on to take 51 wickets in the County Championship in 2017.

He has taken 116 wickets for Somerset in the last two Championship seasons - the most of any Division One spinner - and also impressed on the recent Lions tour.

His figures against West Indies A in Jamaica were the best by an England Lions spinner, surpassing Graeme Swann's 8-156 against Zimbabwe in 1999.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aev on March 19, 2018, 12:24:27 PM
Nice article about Kevin Pietersen (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/feb/21/joy-of-six-kevin-pietersen)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: johny on March 22, 2018, 02:14:49 AM
Anyone watching this? Fucking hell, shower of shit is an understatement!!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on March 22, 2018, 05:30:58 AM
58ao, and Overton got 33 of them!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 22, 2018, 06:14:14 AM
Just woke up and seen the score. Mainly i'm absolutely furious with myself. 11/4 on New Zealand seemed a ludicrously massive price considering how pathetic we were on Australia, and indeed have been away from home in general for a long time now. I didn't back it because im a moron.

I think Bayliss has come to the end of the road now
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 22, 2018, 06:25:35 AM
58....58!!! God almighty. Unacceptable.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 22, 2018, 06:28:46 AM
I wonder if they'll send Farbrace out and he'll say we've had a good day.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 22, 2018, 06:32:33 AM
58....58!!! God almighty. Unacceptable.

Looking at the scoreboard, 58 appears to massively flatter us. Would have been much worse if not for some slogging from Overton
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 22, 2018, 07:02:08 AM
Utterly pathetic, they've embarrassed themselves today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on March 22, 2018, 07:05:26 AM
I didn't watch it live but wonder if we can't get out of ODI biff & bash mode and knuckle down to 5 day cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 22, 2018, 07:36:40 AM
Try being at work like I was earlier, being surrounded by Kiwi's >:(. Absolutely embarrassing.

I'm supposed to be going to the test match next week here in Christchurch, not sure I want to unless there is a big improvement in the second innings.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on March 22, 2018, 08:04:39 AM
Or big changes in the line up?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 22, 2018, 08:20:33 AM
Try being at work like I was earlier, being surrounded by Kiwi's >:(. Absolutely embarrassing.

I'm supposed to be going to the test match next week here in Christchurch, not sure I want to unless there is a big improvement in the second innings.   

Well if you've got day 1 tickets you might get a full day's play...
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 22, 2018, 10:01:05 AM
Anderson said the other day that he thought we weren't too far away in Australia, and that the 4-0 score wasn't a true reflection. Well, despite Jimmy being one of the only players who has contributed anything like this winter, he is severely deluded and we at present a poor team and an absolute embarrassment away from home.

I think the away form over the last couple of years is easily bad enough for Bayliss to go

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on March 22, 2018, 10:07:25 AM
Preparation for this series has been poor, but no excuse for such a shocking display.

On the NZ front, not a bad day for Kane Williamson, puts England in, makes a brilliant one handed catch to dismiss Broad and now on the brink of yet another ton.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 22, 2018, 10:37:15 AM
Need to make some sort of statement for the next match. Too many have been getting away with failure for too long. Livingstone, Foakes, Wood, Leach all need to come into the team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 22, 2018, 11:03:24 AM
Preparation for this series has been poor, but no excuse for such a shocking display.

On the NZ front, not a bad day for Kane Williamson, puts England in, makes a brilliant one handed catch to dismiss Broad and now on the brink of yet another ton.

It's ridiculous to be playing another test series so soon after the Ashes and the ECB's need to cram as many fixtures in as possible to raise revenue has a genuine impact on the playing side.  We have been in a downward spiral in test match cricket for a while now, but today is the absolute nadir.  We are notorious for starting series slowly, yet it keeps happening.  Too many players in the set up only ever seem to perform well when they are responding to criticism and for all the great work Bayliss has done with the ODI teams, the test side has regressed under him.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 22, 2018, 11:25:16 AM
I agree with the earlier post that it's probably time we looked at moving Bayliss on but that alone isn't going to solve the issue.  We struggle away from home because far too few of our players experience first class cricket outside the UK, until a program is put in place to address that we'll consistently struggle on tour.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 22, 2018, 12:39:12 PM
Once they get a load more pointless crash, bang, wallop matches going in the summer we'll be back on the right track where the long form game is concerned.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Damo70 on March 22, 2018, 12:45:30 PM
I got married in Australia in 1999. I'm pretty sure my visit coincided with the start of this current tour of Australia and New Zealand. Ben Stokes must wish he had served some time for his offence by now. He would have been out of nick quicker than this tour has lasted.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard E on March 22, 2018, 05:55:12 PM
I got married in Australia in 1999. I'm pretty sure my visit coincided with the start of this current tour of Australia and New Zealand. Ben Stokes must wish he had served some time for his offence by now. He would have been out of nick quicker than this tour has lasted.

Australia hadn’t been discovered by Europeans when this tour started.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 22, 2018, 05:58:38 PM
There are a couple of issues for me. The preparation for the series was an utter waste of time and is an ongoing issue. Cricket administrators need to sort it or Test cricket will die. It’s naive and you might make money short-term, but long-term all formats of the game will fall apart without a stronger 5 day format.

On England, I’m not for dropping people after a bad game, but at the minute it feels like there is too little pressure on positions. The bowling attack is also too samey and needs more variety.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 22, 2018, 08:59:26 PM
Our batsmen arn't good enough technically and don't score enough runs, our spinner doesn't spin the ball or have any mystery, our bowling is over reliant on two 30 something bowlers and lacks variety, our allrounder has a habit of missing tours due to his indiscipline which is all making our one world class batsmans, who is also the Captain, form collapse.

Other than that we're looking pretty good.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 23, 2018, 05:19:03 AM
One of the papers over here are having a field day with the demise of English Cricket & Rugby. Of course (it's all tongue in cheek) they are blaming the common denominator - Aussie coaches. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 23, 2018, 01:39:42 PM
I think that there’s been a significant reduction in the quality of test players across all countries. In the winter we made a pretty average Australian team look good due to injuries and poor the poor squad that we selected to start with. The same Aussie team are struggling against South Africa at the moment.

I think white ball Cricket is partly responsible but bowlers are in the ascendency in test cricket. Each test side has a couple of match winning bowlers and quality batsman are few and far between. There’s no dominant side in test cricket at the moment and on their day most teams can beat everyone else particularly in home conditions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 23, 2018, 01:45:54 PM
Yes although NZ's home conditions are very similar to English conditions, so there's much less of an excuse from an England perspective on this tour.

I agree the quality of batsmen has really diminished on the whole.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 23, 2018, 02:01:40 PM
Yes although NZ's home conditions are very similar to English conditions, so there's much less of an excuse from an England perspective on this tour.

I agree the quality of batsmen has really diminished on the whole.

At a guess I'd say the excuse right now is that a lot of these players have been on tour for 4 months already, that's ridiculous and unsustainable.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 23, 2018, 02:31:38 PM
Yes although NZ's home conditions are very similar to English conditions, so there's much less of an excuse from an England perspective on this tour.

I agree the quality of batsmen has really diminished on the whole.

At a guess I'd say the excuse right now is that a lot of these players have been on tour for 4 months already, that's ridiculous and unsustainable.

I’m not sure. There’s so little cross over between the test and ODI squads and even less between the test, ODI & T20 squads. Yes some players like Root and Bairstow play three formats but the majority don’t. Root was rested from the One Day series too and Bairstow isn’t an automatic selection in the one day team.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 23, 2018, 04:44:12 PM
Yes although NZ's home conditions are very similar to English conditions, so there's much less of an excuse from an England perspective on this tour.

I agree the quality of batsmen has really diminished on the whole.

At a guess I'd say the excuse right now is that a lot of these players have been on tour for 4 months already, that's ridiculous and unsustainable.

I’m not sure. There’s so little cross over between the test and ODI squads and even less between the test, ODI & T20 squads. Yes some players like Root and Bairstow play three formats but the majority don’t. Root was rested from the One Day series too and Bairstow isn’t an automatic selection in the one day team.

A fair few of them stayed, Woakes, Bairstow, Root, Curran and Ali were all in there for the entire tour and Stokes would've been as well.  Then Malan, Vince and Crane were in test and ewither ODI or T20 squads.  I used excuse on purpose but I think living out of a string of hotels on and off for 4 months would drag.  I don't think it is anything like the limit of the problem and if the ashes had gone better I think it wouldn't feel so bad but I'd bet plenty of the players are, at least secretly, a bit fed up of the whole thing.  The problem for me is that these players are with the England team far too much in the year, we're in a series of some sort for for 8-9 months of the tyear rigfht now and that's just unsustainable.  Root in particular looks like someone who's been asked to play far too many games for 3-4 years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on March 23, 2018, 05:10:15 PM
There's no excuse. For some it's not enough preparation, for others it's too much, the conditions are too similar to England or too unlike Australia, I've seen them all on twitter etc.

It's simple. They had an absolute collective shocker, they had no concentration, once they got on a bad roll they showed no spine and no calm under pressure, they each looked totally defeatist when they went out there, like they'd rather be anywhere else. So as far as what they could do to remedy the situation, my first recommendation would be they become vertebrate.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 23, 2018, 05:23:50 PM
Of course there are excuses, the question is how valid they are as explanations.

Is it down to the players?  If so is it due to how they've developed or due to a mentality issue? Are there technical flaws to address? Have we worked too hard on technique and suppressed natural talent?
Is it the coaches? If so is it the England coaching team that's the blame or the counties? Is the focus on T20 too high?
Is it the scheduling? Should the players have more time together out of series? Should series be shorter?
Did the press saying we were fucked before we left for Australia have any impact?
Does the ball used in the matches make a difference?

There plenty of questions (and I purposely added a few that I think are silly) and all of them will have a bunch of answers/explanations/excuses depending on who you ask and in truth most of them will have had an impact.  The big questions though are how do we improve for next winter and what do we do from now to ensure we win the ashes back?  We can only answer those by looking at the array of answers given to the previous questions.

For me the key bits are that our bowlers need to spend more time bowling out of English conditions and our batsmen need to learn patience as a defence.  On top of that we need to look at how we schedule the season and ensure we're not putting too much pressure on people.  Finally the ECB need to work better with the counties to identify a broader range of skills to bring through.  That bit will take time because it should be looking at the 10-14 year olds who are in the system now rather than trying to fix/change players who've already broken through, that rarely works.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 23, 2018, 06:17:11 PM
There’s a fundamental issue with the batting that’s been apparent for several seasons. We are only ever a ball away from a mini-collapse.

Thinking back over the last few years, how many times have the top order failed and been bailed out by runs from the lower middle order and the tail? Opposition attacks will target Cook and Root. If they fail then in the main the whole top order fails. It’s fortunate that we bat so deep.

We have lost Strauss, Bell, Trott and Pietersen from our line up in the last few seasons and their runs have not been replaced. Of the players that have come into the side in that time only Root offers any sense of permanence but he is just short of world class. No other current batsman really offers anything close to being an established test player for several seasons to come.

Now I do think that the first innings of this test should be viewed in isolation as a one-off but in reality the problems go much deeper than that.

Our selection of batsmen is going back to the cab rank principle of years gone by but the quality of players coming out of county cricket is not all that good. I fear that we are in for a few years of average performances from our test team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 23, 2018, 06:49:56 PM
Yes I’d say there is a long term issue with batting collapses and that’s home and away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 23, 2018, 07:20:57 PM
The Aussies lost 5 for 25 during their inning against SA.

Collapses happen
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 23, 2018, 07:55:04 PM
They happen a hell of a lot more frequently in the England team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 24, 2018, 06:42:32 AM
The schedule is pretty daft. Almost two days play have been lost to rain so why schedule a series in what is the start of autumn in New Zealand? It’s the equivalent of staging a test series in September here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 24, 2018, 07:48:11 AM
The schedule is pretty daft. Almost two days play have been lost to rain so why schedule a series in what is the start of autumn in New Zealand? It’s the equivalent of staging a test series in September here.

Yes it is stupid. They should have played the test matches first. Some rain due down here next week for the Christchurch test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on March 24, 2018, 04:50:53 PM
Bancroft caught ball tampering, and then tries to hide the evidence in his jock strap (if it was sand paper a brave action). Looks like they’ve fessed up.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/cameron-bancroft-ball-tampering-video-south-africa-vs-australia-a8272051.html
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 24, 2018, 05:24:55 PM
Unlike the Aussies to push the boundaries of gamesmanship...

Jim Maxwell has just summed it up neatly. Unlucky for them (Bancroft and Smith), but lucky for the game of cricket that there are so many TV cameras covering every aspect of the action.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 24, 2018, 08:20:54 PM
Smith admitted knowing about the plan and said it was discussed by ‘the leadership group’.

He’s thrown a load of players under the bus with that statement.

I can’t see how Smith can remain as captain
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 24, 2018, 09:03:06 PM
Smith admitted knowing about the plan and said it was discussed by ‘the leadership group’.

He’s thrown a load of players under the bus with that statement.

I can’t see how Smith can remain as captain

I can’t see how they can remain as professional cricketers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 24, 2018, 10:10:31 PM
It will be interesting to see what the governing body do about the cheating and admittance of it. Looks like the Aussies are backing Smith to stay as captain at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Damo70 on March 24, 2018, 10:23:13 PM
Smith admitted knowing about the plan and said it was discussed by ‘the leadership group’.

He’s thrown a load of players under the bus with that statement.

I can’t see how Smith can remain as captain

I can’t see how they can remain as professional cricketers.

I agree. The England team must be lapping it up. There is nothing better than being in the shit and then someone else messing up big time and taking the focus and the heat off you.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on March 25, 2018, 12:55:45 AM
Not smirking and looking so smug now are they the pair of cheating pricks.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 25, 2018, 02:24:06 AM
From what I have seen of him at the Bears I have to say I am a bit surprised to see De Grandhomme playing for NZ in the test side.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 25, 2018, 05:44:10 AM
Cook gone to a dreadful ball and even worse shot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 25, 2018, 06:01:43 AM
As you can imagine, this ball tampering is a massive story here. In fairness no one is holding back, Fox Sports has rolling coverage and both ex-players and cricket writers are lining up to denounce the actions, players and culture of their side, there is palpable outrage.

Australia as a nation is less than 120 years old, the Australian Cricket team stands for way more to your average Australian than the England team means to the average Englishmen, it's almost the embodiment of the nation.

To be caught wilfully cheating and to find out that it was pre-meditated, discussed and then agreed upon is staggering. Clearly Bancroft has accepted and confessed to the role as cheat mule but you can also expect Smith, Warner and Lehmann to all lose their jobs over this. I'd also say Lyon, Hazelwood and Starc are in the shit too as thats the 'leadership group'.

Interesting that Smith said in his press conference about it being a 'leadership group' decision and then wanting to take "take control of the ship" and that even if they'd not been caught he'd have felt ''Incredibly bad about it''. My hunch is that he's a Captain under huge pressure who has been coerced into taking a stupid course of action by his lieutenants which will now live with him for years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 25, 2018, 07:19:13 AM
As a cricket fan it’s sad to see this sort of thing happen.

What surprises me is that the Aussie attack is one of the better ones in test cricket, they trouble most batsmen. So they don’t need to alter the condition of the ball to gain an advantage. The desire to win at all costs places all players under great pressure and this is the result.

Ball tampering has gone on for years and we’ve had players caught doing it. It’s just this time the Aussies got caught.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 25, 2018, 08:36:53 AM
They were really unlucky to be caught doing it the first time they tried it, maybe it was and they’ve never cheated until Bancroft came into the side.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 25, 2018, 08:41:49 AM
Smith will definitely go as captain because his position is untenable.

On England vs NZ, what has happened since the 58 all out has made that innings look even worse. It's also worrying again that we were unable to take 10 wickets.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 25, 2018, 09:12:21 AM
Smith will definitely go as captain because his position is untenable.

On England vs NZ, what has happened since the 58 all out has made that innings look even worse. It's also worrying again that we were unable to take 10 wickets.

Smith has already said he won’t consider stepping down and that he needs to steady the ship.  Well mate, your ship has sunk and you’re responsible for it’s sinking. To say it wasn’t in the spirit of the game is taking the piss. Rather than throwing Bancroft under the bus the ‘leadership team’ including the coaches need to be banned as well as the ICC investigating their betting patterns and habits.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 25, 2018, 09:32:08 AM
Root gone.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 25, 2018, 09:34:54 AM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 25, 2018, 09:45:59 AM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.

Don't suppose that gobshite Warner will be gobbing off for a few weeks.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on March 25, 2018, 11:11:24 AM
Time to move Cook on now I fear, 5 50+'s in his last 38 innings, just isn't good enough.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 25, 2018, 11:22:11 AM
In principle yes but the problem is finding somebody with the talent to be a Test match opener. I agree that Cook has scored consistantly enough for ages but with 12,000 Test match runs in the bank and no obvious replacement you can see why they are reluctant to dump him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 11:56:08 AM
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-team-that-just-doesn-t-get-it-20180325-p4z663.html
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 11:57:08 AM
Jim Maxwell

https://twitter.com/abcgrandstand/status/977830567503847431?s=21
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on March 25, 2018, 11:58:59 AM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.

ICC have gotta make a tough stance on this and ban Smith, Warner, Bancroft and any others involved for a minimum 6 months from all International cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 25, 2018, 12:05:04 PM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.

ICC have gotta make a tough stance on this and ban Smith, Warner, Bancroft and any others involved for a minimum 6 months from all International cricket.

And back date all results from Test Matches involving Australia played in the 6 months and award them to the opposition. (Winky thing)

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on March 25, 2018, 12:19:54 PM
What's up with Woakes ? Seems to be excellent in white ball cricket but very ordinary in tests. Not sure he will get any better now either.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 01:04:16 PM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.

ICC have gotta make a tough stance on this and ban Smith, Warner, Bancroft and any others involved for a minimum 6 months from all International cricket.

Not sure that the ICC can do that. Current laws see ball tampering as a relatively minor offence.

Not sure whether the admitted planning and then the attempted cover up affects that.

However, CA probably could ban the players
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 25, 2018, 01:18:41 PM
What's up with Woakes ? Seems to be excellent in white ball cricket but very ordinary in tests. Not sure he will get any better now either.

Apart from a good series against Pakistan a couple of years ago his record in tests is pretty poor. I agree I can't see him improving, he's 29 now
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 25, 2018, 01:28:38 PM
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-team-that-just-doesn-t-get-it-20180325-p4z663.html

Think I agree with the gist of it but it's so badly written I'm not sure!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 25, 2018, 02:43:18 PM
Smith and Warner have stepped down for the rest of the test.

ICC have gotta make a tough stance on this and ban Smith, Warner, Bancroft and any others involved for a minimum 6 months from all International cricket.

1 game and fine of 100% of his match fee.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 25, 2018, 03:32:23 PM
The player of the tournament at the World Cup qualifiers from Zimbabwe just gave an amazing speech. Basically suggesting it's ridiculous that so few teams get to the World Cup.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 03:38:42 PM
The player of the tournament at the World Cup qualifiers from Zimbabwe just gave an amazing speech. Basically suggesting it's ridiculous that so few teams get to the World Cup.

He’s right. The ICC have taken a backwards step by reducing the number of teams in the World Cup
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 04:08:42 PM
Looks like the Aussies want this game over today
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 25, 2018, 04:44:02 PM
.....and they succeeded

SA win by 322
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: robleflaneur on March 25, 2018, 04:44:47 PM
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-team-that-just-doesn-t-get-it-20180325-p4z663.html
I don't think the writer gets it.It's the sheer hypocrisy of the Aussie cricketers aided by their press that's been the biggest problem.Witness Lehman the coach castigating the S.African crowds for their dreadful abuse of his players,this from a man who advocated the Australian crowds to pile abuse on Stuart Broad to the extent that hopefully Broad would have to quit the tour.Or the tactic  under Border and Waugh of mental disintegration.Add to that the odious sledging to which they subjected teams and their philosophy was be man enough to take it,but when it comes to Warner and his marital situation that becomes a no go area.
Other teams ,including England,have tampered with the ball but to have a leadership group amateurishly plotting it and Lehman sending a message ,obviously about it being spotted,.to Bancroft who subsequently hides the tape under his trousers,it just sends the game to a very low level.Well at least we might never hear them talking about a line in sporting behaviour that they won't cross.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 25, 2018, 05:30:48 PM
I have actually been enjoying watching the Aussies squirming over the cheating.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on March 25, 2018, 10:40:17 PM
Fantastic seeing those wankers getting it big time from the crowd and getting a good hiding.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on March 25, 2018, 11:25:00 PM
Nice interview with Stuart Broad, suggesting the Australians have been winning for years and their bowlers managing to get reverse swing so well, so why would they change tactics now...
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 26, 2018, 08:33:01 AM
....meanwhile, England lost by an innings

Quite a few players got starts but no one pushed on. Yet another wicket in the final over of a session (Stokes)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: robleflaneur on March 26, 2018, 10:45:14 AM
And it could get worse.Somone on Trade me,the NZ equivalent of ebay,has posted a listing for Australian Sports Tape suitable for cheating in cricket.Very funny ,if only I had the intelligence to attach the link.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 26, 2018, 11:01:20 AM
https://touch.trademe.co.nz/listing/view/1581640969
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: steamer on March 26, 2018, 02:58:31 PM
They have not stopped moaning since they got here.
The press is nasty to them
They have been sledged on field, Wow
That nasty Quinton de Kock mentioned something to Warner about his wife and Sonny Boy Williams, this after being abused on pitch from Lunch to Tea by Warner.
Those devilish S.African fans wearing Sonny Boy Williams masks at the next test, boorish. granted but I feel it might have been seen a tad humorous if done by Aussies in Melbourne.
Lehman. always a fans favourite over the years here, moaning about the worlds worst fans.
Well at least we know now they were managing to produce the swing.
 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 26, 2018, 03:01:57 PM
....meanwhile, England lost by an innings

Quite a few players got starts but no one pushed on. Yet another wicket in the final over of a session (Stokes)

Even the poor weather conditions couldn't help us. I think the time is fast approaching to wipe the slate clean with the test side and start again.  We have been in decline for some time now and with certain players, good performances have now become the exception rather than the norm.  Too many of the top order fail too often, the bowling attack is too similar and lacks real pace and we need to look at other spinning options.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 26, 2018, 07:40:12 PM
They have not stopped moaning since they got here.
The press is nasty to them
They have been sledged on field, Wow
That nasty Quinton de Kock mentioned something to Warner about his wife and Sonny Boy Williams, this after being abused on pitch from Lunch to Tea by Warner.
Those devilish S.African fans wearing Sonny Boy Williams masks at the next test, boorish. granted but I feel it might have been seen a tad humorous if done by Aussies in Melbourne.
Lehman. always a fans favourite over the years here, moaning about the worlds worst fans.
Well at least we know now they were managing to produce the swing.
 

Warner has struck me as the worst sort of bully: all too ready to dish it out, but ultimately unable to take it. This series in South Africa has simply confirmed that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on March 26, 2018, 08:36:06 PM
Why the hell is Trevor Bayliss still the England coach?  We are going backwards!

Mind you, at least we can speculate being cheated out of the ashes!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 26, 2018, 09:04:49 PM
Warner dishes out and can’t take it, bellend.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 26, 2018, 10:02:05 PM
Warner dishes out and can’t take it, bellend.

You sound surprised.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 26, 2018, 10:25:05 PM
There are very few cricketers I really cannot stand, Warner is easily my most hated player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 26, 2018, 11:06:17 PM
Why the hell is Trevor Bayliss still the England coach?  We are going backwards!

Mind you, at least we can speculate being cheated out of the ashes!!

Bayliss has done an excellent job with the ODI sides, but has definitely taken us backwards in test cricket.  Maybe time to look at the set up and if not remove him, then certainly look at the coaches and cord of senior players. 

I doubt anything will be done though until we start losing home test series on a regular basis.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 26, 2018, 11:30:53 PM
I'm not sure there's much we can do with the senior players. The idea of ripping it all up and starting again misses the fact that there have been plenty of players who've been brought in and failed in the last 2-3 years, we just don't have young players with the technique or mentality to handle test cricket right now.

I'd start with the coaching structure (both at international level but also getting England coaches into the counties and working with younger players earlier) and then we just limp along for a couple of years because I think it's the only option right now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 27, 2018, 01:14:55 PM
The Sydney Morning Herald seems to have identified Warner as a key member of the Aussie team in the ball tampering row with the headline  "Players turn on David Warner as ball-tampering crisis rips team apart" could get a bit more interesting if what the Aussie papers are saying about fall outs within the team are true.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 27, 2018, 05:07:27 PM
I'm not sure there's much we can do with the senior players. The idea of ripping it all up and starting again misses the fact that there have been plenty of players who've been brought in and failed in the last 2-3 years, we just don't have young players with the technique or mentality to handle test cricket right now.

I'd start with the coaching structure (both at international level but also getting England coaches into the counties and working with younger players earlier) and then we just limp along for a couple of years because I think it's the only option right now.

I just think it needs freshening up Paul and it is interesting to see the team spirit and enthusiasm shown by the one day sides that don't contain the likes of Cook, Broad and Anderson.  Out of those three, Anderson is the only one I would keep for now, I would persist with Stoneman and Malan in the short term, I would look at a different spinning option and would play Foakes and let Bairstow concentrate on his batting.  The side going forward would be something like:

New opener, Stoneman, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Foakes, Woakes, Wood, spinner (maybe Leach), Anderson
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 27, 2018, 05:39:49 PM
I'm not sure there's much we can do with the senior players. The idea of ripping it all up and starting again misses the fact that there have been plenty of players who've been brought in and failed in the last 2-3 years, we just don't have young players with the technique or mentality to handle test cricket right now.

I'd start with the coaching structure (both at international level but also getting England coaches into the counties and working with younger players earlier) and then we just limp along for a couple of years because I think it's the only option right now.

I just think it needs freshening up Paul and it is interesting to see the team spirit and enthusiasm shown by the one day sides that don't contain the likes of Cook, Broad and Anderson.  Out of those three, Anderson is the only one I would keep for now, I would persist with Stoneman and Malan in the short term, I would look at a different spinning option and would play Foakes and let Bairstow concentrate on his batting.  The side going forward would be something like:

New opener, Stoneman, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Foakes, Woakes, Wood, spinner (maybe Leach), Anderson

That might not be a bad call, I've said the same about Broad in the past and I think it's becoming clear that Cook isn't mentally up for it anymore (he's a bit like Bell was in his last year or 2).  My worry would be Stoneman is still very raw and you don't want to 'green' players at the top.  If we bring Foakes in Bairstow at the top might be the best option.  After that I'd be tempted to keep Ali for the summer, lets not forget that he did a very good job against SA last summer.  He'd frustrating because he doesn't tour well but I'm not sure we should be getting rid of him just yet.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 27, 2018, 05:42:56 PM
Just to build on that:

At home Ali averages 33 with the ball and 38 with the bat, that's very good all-rounder figures.

Away he averages 52 with the ball and 25 with the bat, which is pretty poor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 27, 2018, 06:13:11 PM
I imagine Woakes is fairly similar. Both him and Ali have been passengers away from home.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 27, 2018, 07:20:10 PM
Apparently Lehmann was not involved, so when Smith said the leadership group knew, I take it Lehmann isn't part of the leadership group. I smell bullshit.

Australia captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft will be sent home from South Africa for ball-tampering in the third Test in Cape Town.

However, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says head coach Darren Lehmann was not involved in the controversy and will remain in his post.

Sutherland added that the sanctions to be handed down to Smith, Warner and Bancroft within the next 24 hours will be "significant".

He said: "It is not in the spirit of the game. It is not a good day for Australian cricket."
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been named as captain for the rest of the series.

Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been called up as replacements and will fly out to South Africa for the fourth Test, which begins in Johannesburg on Friday.

Sutherland told a news conference: "I share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans and the broader Australian community about events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all kids who love cricket and idolise the players.

"I want to also apologise to Cricket South Africa and South African fans that this issue has overshadowed what should have been a great series.

"We recognise this issue goes beyond the technical nature of offences and various codes of conduct. It is about whether Australians can feel proud of their national sport teams.

"While the investigation is not complete, preliminary findings have been discussed by Cricket Australia's board."

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 27, 2018, 07:38:06 PM
"The Leadership Group" is just Smith and Warner, then?

Absolute bollocks.

If Lehmann stays on and only three players suffer any punishment then the whole thing is a farce.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 27, 2018, 07:39:51 PM
If the head coach is not part of the leadership group and/or doesn't know what it's plotting, he should be sacked simply for being ineffectual in his role.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 27, 2018, 07:46:09 PM
I can't say I'm massively convinced that they tampered with the ball to benefit their bowlers, and not a single bowler knew about it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: steamer on March 27, 2018, 08:00:08 PM
From an S.A perspective, you have to say that the Aussie Cricket Board did what they had to do based on the info they had in a very quick time.
I think they deserve credit for it.
It is not the end, and they said that investigations will continue.
Possible that Lehman was unaware of the scheme.
But you are a fast bowler, you bowl a few overs, the ball comes back to you after a bit of " attention" from the fielder. all of a sudden it starts to swing.
It does not feel or look different Hmmm
Anyway based on the Aussie Board initial response I do not believe there will be any cover up.
Roll on the wanderers on Friday
The sad thing is the series will be remembered for the Cheating and not (if we win or draw over the weekend) that S.A were the better team and that the reason they cheated was because they were losing and wanted to change the result.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 27, 2018, 09:49:21 PM
It's very obvious they've done it before as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on March 27, 2018, 10:27:06 PM
I think it inconceivable that Lehmann wasn’t involved, but suspect that they’ve allowed him to remain in place until the end of the tour, then allow him to resign.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: robleflaneur on March 27, 2018, 10:52:36 PM
Lehman on a walkie talkie to the 12th man who goes on to have a chat with Bancroft which results in the tape disappearing into his pants seems very incriminating.However,the Sydney Morning Herald is leading with the story that the rest of the team have turned on Warner and that it was Warner and Bancroft having a discussion and Warner getting Smith to agree.Bancroft had been the designated polisher of the ball for the test so the bowlers wouldn't have to be in the know.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on March 28, 2018, 01:23:04 AM
I'm not sure there's much we can do with the senior players. The idea of ripping it all up and starting again misses the fact that there have been plenty of players who've been brought in and failed in the last 2-3 years, we just don't have young players with the technique or mentality to handle test cricket right now.

I'd start with the coaching structure (both at international level but also getting England coaches into the counties and working with younger players earlier) and then we just limp along for a couple of years because I think it's the only option right now.

I just think it needs freshening up Paul and it is interesting to see the team spirit and enthusiasm shown by the one day sides that don't contain the likes of Cook, Broad and Anderson.  Out of those three, Anderson is the only one I would keep for now, I would persist with Stoneman and Malan in the short term, I would look at a different spinning option and would play Foakes and let Bairstow concentrate on his batting.  The side going forward would be something like:

New opener, Stoneman, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Foakes, Woakes, Wood, spinner (maybe Leach), Anderson

That might not be a bad call, I've said the same about Broad in the past and I think it's becoming clear that Cook isn't mentally up for it anymore (he's a bit like Bell was in his last year or 2).  My worry would be Stoneman is still very raw and you don't want to 'green' players at the top.  If we bring Foakes in Bairstow at the top might be the best option.  After that I'd be tempted to keep Ali for the summer, lets not forget that he did a very good job against SA last summer.  He'd frustrating because he doesn't tour well but I'm not sure we should be getting rid of him just yet.

I'm torn a bit on Ali as he has made some very important contributions with both bat and ball over the past few years.  I do think we need to look at some of the other spin options though, but that doesn't necessarily mean Ali needs to be dropped.  Having Stokes and Woakes in the side still leaves room for Ali and another spinner if Bairstow keeps wicket. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 28, 2018, 08:51:16 AM
I'm now thinking that using the term "leadership group" was an attempt by Smith to shield Warner and Bancroft.

If such a group did exist, it would have to contain a couple of bowlers (most likely Starc and Lyon) plus Tim Paine.

However, it's difficult to believe that at least one of the bowlers wouldn't have been consulted by Warner before he allegedly instigated the tampering.

The walkie-talkie element would at least suggest that Lehmann was aware after the tampering had happened and was part of the attempted coverup
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 28, 2018, 09:43:46 AM
It's an absolute stitch-up. South Africa should refuse to play the final test against the cheating Convict bastards.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 28, 2018, 10:04:10 AM
Sky are reporting that Smith & Warner have been banned for a year whilst Bancroft has been banned for 9 months.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 28, 2018, 10:21:32 AM
That's fine. Now they just need to ban Lehmann and the rest of the "Leadership Group". If Smith, Warner and Bancroft are unwilling to name names, ban them for life.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 28, 2018, 11:44:30 AM
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/28/steve-smith-david-warner-banned-one-year-cricket-australia-ball-tampering

Quote
In addition to their national suspension, all three players will be barred from representing their states in the Sheffield Shield during this time and cannot play in the next edition of Australia’s Big Bash League.

Overseas assignments, such as English county cricket the Indian Premier League and, appear to be theoretically permitted. However the latter has now barred Smith and Warner from take up their respective £1.3m deals with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad this year.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: john e on March 28, 2018, 12:04:00 PM
There are very few cricketers I really cannot stand, Warner is easily my most hated player.

i don't think he's very popular even amongst his own
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on March 28, 2018, 12:58:56 PM
Very expensive bit of cheating that for them.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 28, 2018, 01:30:34 PM
There are very few cricketers I really cannot stand, Warner is easily my most hated player.

i don't think he's very popular even amongst his own

Jim Maxwell said he was given the cold shoulder by the rest of the squad on the flight after he was exposed as a cheat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on March 28, 2018, 02:11:31 PM
From the BBC:

Cricket Australia said Smith:

knew of a potential plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball
failed to take steps to seek to prevent the development and implementation of that plan
directed that evidence of attempted tampering be concealed on the field of play
sought to mislead match officials and others regarding Bancroft's attempts to artificially alter the condition of the ball
made misleading public comments regarding the nature, extent and participants of the plan


The body said Warner:

developed a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball
instructed a junior player to carry out a plan to take steps to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper
provided advice to a junior player regarding how a ball could be artificially altered including demonstrating how it could be done
failed to take steps to seek to prevent the development and/or implementation of the plan
failed to report his knowledge of the plan at any time prior to or during the match
misled match officials through the concealment of his knowledge of and involvement in the plan
failed to voluntarily report his knowledge of the plan after the match

It found Bancroft:

knew of the existence of, and was being party to, the plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper
carried out instructions to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball
sought to conceal evidence of his attempts to artificially alter the condition of the ball
sought to mislead match officials and others regarding his attempts to artificially alter the condition of the ball
made misleading public comments regarding the nature, extent, implementation and participants of the plan

So basically Warner is a bully.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on March 28, 2018, 02:36:44 PM
That's a lot of words (from bbc/cricket australia, not you) to call Warner a twat when pretty much everyone already knew.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on March 28, 2018, 06:46:17 PM
My initial reaction on hearing the ban for that pair of rogues was it was too harsh.

And I agreed with part of Shane Warne's statement:

"Their opposing captain in this series, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, has been charged with the offence twice, and opening bowler Vernon Philander once. The list of players who have been charged with ball tampering is long and contains some of the biggest names in the game, like Sachin Tendulkar and Mike Atherton.

"Then there’s the idea of pre-meditated cheating. But are there levels of ball tampering, or is it just ball tampering ? Is putting a mint in your pocket so you can shine a ball on the field pre-meditated cheating, or just ball tampering. What about putting sunscreen on the ball? You either ball tamper or you don’t."

Stuart Broad piped up recently and suggested (in a roundabout way) that the Aussies were probably doing it during the winter.  But it is only a few years back that a camera caught Broad using his cricket spikes to scuff up one side of the ball.  So people in glass houses.

Officially, ball tampering is only a Level 2 offence normally punishable by a fine of 50% to 100% of match fee and ban for 1 Test or 2 ODIs.  So even the ICC don't -by that definition- treat it particularly seriously. You get a harsher penalty for saying naughty things to a player or umpire.

Competitive sportspeople will naturally push things to the line; and the line with ball tampering can be vague at best. The umpires are in a position to check the ball regularly, and if they suspect anything ropey is going on (or they are unsure) they can simply change the ball and diffuse a potentially nasty situation without drawing attention to it.

But:

There is something about bringing sandpaper onto the field that makes this premeditated and worthy of a harsh sanction IMO.  Using a bit of excess tape, you'd understand. Not big, and not clever. But easily to hand, and the suggestion might have come in as late as a drinks break or even the over before in a moment of desperation. This took a bit of planning and prep though - and it sounds like the Saffers had been aware of something going on for a while.






Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 29, 2018, 07:05:39 AM
Ali and Woakes dropped from squad for second Test. Not a surprise really both of their records away are poor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 29, 2018, 08:19:17 AM
Steve Smith can't be all bad ;)

(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/9326d28eeb142663572ef57ecd5d83ee?width=650)

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/fears-steve-smith-will-unravel-in-exile/news-story/df686a263f9474d7bcb6632cf0ec5046
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 29, 2018, 08:24:27 AM
Ali and Woakes dropped from squad for second Test. Not a surprise really both of their records away are poor.

Batsman James Vince, uncapped spinner Jack Leach and fast bowler Mark Wood have all come into the 12-man squad, the team definitely needed freshening up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 29, 2018, 08:32:41 AM
The knock on effect from the cheating is hitting Australian cricket and players hard in the pocket as well.

Magellan Financial Group has terminated its naming rights sponsorship of domestic Test matches involving the Australian men's cricket team just one summer into the three-year deal.

The fund manager's response to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa is a costly blow to Cricket Australia, with the deal estimated at $20 million when it was signed in August last year.

Also on Thursday sporting goods manufacturer Asics severed ties with suspended players David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. While health food company Sanitarium and the Commonwealth Bank ended their relationships with former captain Steve Smith.
Magellan said its three-year partnership with Cricket Australia, which started with the recent Ashes series, had been "based on shared values and reputations of integrity, leadership, dedication and an uwavering customer-first culture".

Magellan chief executive and co-founder Hamish Douglass was blunt in explaining why it had ended the deal.
"A conspiracy by the leadership of the Australian Men's Test Cricket Team which broke the rules with a clear intention to gain an unfair advantage during the third Test in South Africa goes to the heart of integrity," he said in a statement to the stock exchange.

"Regrettably, these events are so inconsistent with our values that we are left with no option but to terminate our ongoing partnership with Cricket Australia. We were delighted with the recent Magellan Ashes Series sponsorship and it is with a heavy heart that we have to end our partnership in these circumstances."

Asics followed suit on Thursday morning, saying: "As a result of last weekend’s events in Cape Town involving members of the Australian men’s cricket team and following the sanctions made by Cricket Australia, Asics has terminated its sponsorship contracts with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, effective immediately.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on March 29, 2018, 08:34:07 AM
Off to the first day tomorrow morning. Gym/work is only 10 mins walk to the ground.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 29, 2018, 12:15:30 PM
Smith looked a broken man in his press conference. I should feel some sympathy but I don’t.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 29, 2018, 01:08:13 PM
Lehmann quitting after this SA v AUS Test
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 29, 2018, 01:13:09 PM
Cheats never prosper.

Lehmann lost the dressing room over this and I’m not surprised he didn’t go before.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 29, 2018, 01:15:01 PM
Can see him returning to Yorkshire at some stage in the future, used to love watching him as a batsman.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 29, 2018, 01:21:53 PM
Smith looked a broken man in his press conference. I should feel some sympathy but I don’t.



After telling Jimmy Anderson that he is about to get a broken arm I have no sympathy whatsoever. Not surprised Lehmann has gone, just surprised he got off so lightly.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 29, 2018, 01:22:55 PM
I have more sympathy for Smith than I do Warner. I get the impression Smith is a bit of a dope who's easily led (not ideal for a Captain!). Warner on the other hand seems like a genuinely nasty piece of work.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 29, 2018, 01:27:37 PM
Ali and Woakes dropped from squad for second Test. Not a surprise really both of their records away are poor.

Batsman James Vince, uncapped spinner Jack Leach and fast bowler Mark Wood have all come into the 12-man squad, the team definitely needed freshening up.

I'll be curious to see how they balance the side. I think Leach absolutely needs to be given a chance, and Wood needs to be in for variation. But if it's a straight swap, Ali and Woakes out with Leach and Wood in, then that is a pretty long tail.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on March 29, 2018, 01:52:15 PM
I feel sympathetic on a human level for Smith and Bancroft, Warner can go feck himself. They've made a mistake and their punishment fits the crime.

I just hope the media leave them alone now and the game moves on.  They'll have suffered enough after time out of the game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: spangley1812 on March 29, 2018, 01:56:02 PM
I feel sympathetic on a human level for Smith and Bancroft, Warner can go feck himself. They've made a mistake and their punishment fits the crime.

I just hope the media leave them alone now and the game moves on.  They'll have suffered enough after time out of the game.

I think you are spot on.........Smith and Bancroft were very gulible and were "led astray" by that muppet Warner but they should have stood up to him
Its a shame for Smith as he appears to be a nice/decent guy and a brilliant batsman but this will always be a "stain on his legacy"
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on March 29, 2018, 03:24:24 PM
Ali and Woakes dropped from squad for second Test. Not a surprise really both of their records away are poor.

Batsman James Vince, uncapped spinner Jack Leach and fast bowler Mark Wood have all come into the 12-man squad, the team definitely needed freshening up.

I'll be curious to see how they balance the side. I think Leach absolutely needs to be given a chance, and Wood needs to be in for variation. But if it's a straight swap, Ali and Woakes out with Leach and Wood in, then that is a pretty long tail.

Well it's only really one extra tail-ender if Vince plays which shouldn't matter if our top order could actually stay in for longer than 30 balls.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 29, 2018, 03:43:35 PM
If Vince plays then I suppose Overton would be dropped

Playing Stokes a specialist batsman screws up the balance of the team

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on March 29, 2018, 03:47:34 PM
I think Vince will play and it will be a toss up between Leach and Overton depending on whether England want a specialist spinner, they could go all seam and use Root to spin a few overs.

Anyone know what the pitch is usually like over there?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 29, 2018, 06:23:23 PM
I think they need to see if Leach can be a spinner who adds value on any pitch.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on March 29, 2018, 07:07:16 PM
So the selectors have made their usual move following a bad defeat where England are bowled out for less than a hundred -drop a Warwickshire player!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 29, 2018, 07:56:58 PM
Is Livingstone injured? If not then I cannot fathom why Vince has been bought into the squad ahead of him. Also as ordinary as Woakes looks away from home, Overton strikes as being a long way short of international standard at this point, so not sure about that either
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 29, 2018, 11:01:41 PM
Root really is a useless Tosser!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on March 29, 2018, 11:01:59 PM
We appear to be going backwards very quickly. Strauss should step up and get rid of the current coach.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on March 30, 2018, 01:46:19 AM
Cook is finished and Vince is shite.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on March 30, 2018, 02:00:51 AM
Also for all the tears of the aussies, fuck them, big time, they enjoy lording it and telling everyone how the game should be played and how mentally tough they are...fuck them, cheats.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on March 30, 2018, 06:05:55 AM
Bit of a fightback here.

Bump Wood up the order (possibly opening batsman, at this rate).

Anything north of 300 for a first innings after being 90 odd for 5 might give the Kiwis something to think about.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Ads on March 30, 2018, 09:10:58 AM
Cook, Stoneman, Vince aren't up to it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 30, 2018, 09:34:12 AM
Saw the clip of Warner talking to the press at the airport and was uncomfortable with them surrounding him whilst he carried his clearly bewildered young daughter who also looked quite scared. Then realised who her father is and he would know what was awaiting him but still chose to put her through that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 30, 2018, 09:53:19 AM
Bairstow and Wood saved us there. The top order really is unacceptably poor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on March 30, 2018, 11:05:13 AM
Bairstow and Wood saved us there. The top order really is unacceptably poor.

It wasn’t as if they were nicking off, they were just missing straight balls
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 30, 2018, 11:17:48 AM
The batting change was to bring Vince (who has an average of just over 20) back!!!?? Why the fuck was Livingstone included in the tour squad? In fairness 290/8 doesn't look disastrous, but with our batting it probably means that par is about 450
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on March 30, 2018, 03:02:23 PM
Bairstow and Wood saved us there. The top order really is unacceptably poor.

It wasn’t as if they were nicking off, they were just missing straight balls

The top order haven't performed for while now, our away test record is diabolical over the past few years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 31, 2018, 12:23:15 AM
Great start with the ball, now if we can get Williamson soon then game on.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on March 31, 2018, 12:30:35 AM
17-4
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 31, 2018, 09:26:50 AM
Blimey even Warner's press conference made me feel sympathetic, which I didn't expect.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on March 31, 2018, 10:58:50 AM
Blimey even Warner's press conference made me feel sympathetic, which I didn't expect.

I felt sympathy for Smith and Bancroft but not for Warner in the slightest.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on March 31, 2018, 11:23:16 AM
Ball tampering is a well documented story through the ages. From hair cream, Vaseline, nail scratching, sand in pocket to bottle tops but the sheer stupidity of this one is quite shocking. I can’t feel sorry for the Aussies as the blatant arrogance of the way they went about it and initial denials is mind blowing. Press conferences with tearful apologies are post PR coaching.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on April 01, 2018, 12:52:26 AM
Textbook example of how to toss away an advantage here in Christchurch at the minute.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on April 01, 2018, 04:59:18 AM
Only a 29 lead going into the second innings, but Vince and Stoneman have cushioned the blow somewhat with this knock.

Effectively 160/1 at present. Having a 200+ lead giving Stokes and Bairstow the chance to come in a tee off for a change (rather than having to salvage the innings) has to be the next target.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on April 01, 2018, 09:49:31 AM
Only a 29 lead going into the second innings, but Vince and Stoneman have cushioned the blow somewhat with this knock.

Effectively 160/1 at present. Having a 200+ lead giving Stokes and Bairstow the chance to come in a tee off for a change (rather than having to salvage the innings) has to be the next target.

Off to the game again tomorrow. Hoping with the lead England already have that they let loose to score as many runs as quickly as possible. Could be an interesting day and another fine day, expecting 22c. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 01, 2018, 05:24:14 PM
Try to get hold of Billy’s bloody trumpet and shove it where the sun don’t shine.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on April 01, 2018, 05:30:51 PM
Try to get hold of Billy’s bloody trumpet and shove it where the sun don’t shine.
You should have said as I took care of Billy's trumpet in the Precinct watering hole whilst he went back to the MCG  to do an errand one extended lunch time in Melbourne. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 01, 2018, 06:26:51 PM
That ‘four more to the Ingurland’ bollocks is even more annoying than Billy’s trumpet
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on April 02, 2018, 12:00:55 AM
Accepting the huge risk of mockers that comes with it I'm going to say that this session is looking very good for nudging the score onto 350-400+

Nothing in the pitch, bowlers looking pretty flat and both batsmen playing sensibly.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on April 02, 2018, 12:13:46 AM
It does seem calm doesn't it? Almost ominously so. It will take a while to get used to this after the winter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 02, 2018, 12:37:19 AM
It does seem a pitch that has been getting, and will only to continue, to get flatter and easier to bat on.

Think we'll need a lot of overs to bowl them out a second time.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 02, 2018, 01:06:02 AM
Malan getting out is not the worst thing in the world. The scoring rate has been going nowhere for a large part of this session. They really need to start pushing on
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 02, 2018, 10:23:45 AM
Well it looks as though we have got a bit unlucky with the weather, but we waited far too long before trying to push on in the morning session.

It's difficult to see us taking 10 wickets in a single day
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 02, 2018, 03:10:43 PM
No lights at the ground and yet the extra half hour tomorrow will be added on at the end of the day rather than in the morning
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on April 03, 2018, 12:41:28 AM
This is much nicer, for the second day in a row.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on April 03, 2018, 07:06:07 AM
New Zealand lower order showing our fannies how to tough it out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on April 03, 2018, 07:31:00 AM
From the subcontinet tour at the back end of 2016 to now, 400+ scores have been a rarity.

Then, on the odd occasion when the batsmen have turned up, the bowling has lacked variety or cutting edge. It's a rare talent to be able to post 400+ first up and still lose by an innings.

And today, with the opposition down and a chance to go for the throat in the last session, the tail enders weren't made to play enough.

Can't post big scores, can't get 20 wickets. That's going to be a problem for any side.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 03, 2018, 08:14:56 AM
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/106EB/production/_100670376_samsonstat.jpg)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on April 03, 2018, 10:01:56 AM
Test cricket is broken.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on April 03, 2018, 11:02:11 AM
Like a number of our recent test series against New Zealand, the reduced number of matches means it is over just as it was beginning to get interesting.   It really should be a full tour against them, particularly down there. 

As for the test itself, a little more encouraging and we got the better of the draw there.  We'll have to see how the county season starts, but I would suggest the bowling unit of Anderson, Broad, Wood and Leach (with Stokes as the all -rounder) has a good chance of starting the first test against Pakistan next month, even if it leaves us with a fairly lengthy tail. 

That leaves the batting line up and unless someone really starts the season well, I can't see too many changes there either.  Swann on TMS this morning said he thinks they will persist with Vince at three, but that Stoneman's place might not be a secure.  I would be looking at Bairstow becoming a genuine top order batsman in the test arena and would therefore encourage him to relinquish the gloves and give Foakes a chance at seven.     
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 03, 2018, 11:32:43 AM
The criticism levelled at the young lad from Lancashire was that he didn't keep the scoreboard ticking over. I'd like to see him given a few matches and told to play his natural game, would be great to have an opener who can bat all day without throwing his wicket away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on April 03, 2018, 12:13:28 PM
I'd rather have Woakes than Wood in English conditions
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 03, 2018, 12:59:16 PM
The criticism levelled at the young lad from Lancashire was that he didn't keep the scoreboard ticking over. I'd like to see him given a few matches and told to play his natural game, would be great to have an opener who can bat all day without throwing his wicket away.

I think he's still the one who has been earmarked for the long-term. He's shown he can hack it at Test level, he just had a year where he went backwards which can happen when you're a young player. He'll come back strong.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on April 03, 2018, 01:14:33 PM
I'd rather have Woakes than Wood in English conditions

The problem with Woakes is that what he offers in an attack is similar to what Anderson and Stokes offer (and Broad when his pace is down).  We really need a bit of variety in there and as Swann said on TMS this morning, we are crying out for a quick left arm bowler to offer something different.  Woakes obviously offers a lot with the bat lower down the order, but the attack looks too one dimensional when all the above are bowling.  Broad and Anderson have probably done enough to continue their new ball partnership this summer and Stokes is cemented in as the all-rounder, but the first change seamer spot is up for grabs (I wouldn't rule Plunkett out as he can bat a bit as well). 

One of the questions I would ask going forward is whether Malan could be an option at 3.  A top seven of something like Cook, Stoneman, Malan, Root, Bairstow, Stokes and Foakes has some semblance balance to it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on April 03, 2018, 02:45:37 PM
Just watching the highlights from NZ the barmy army can f right off with their shit songs
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on April 03, 2018, 03:13:24 PM
Just watching the highlights from NZ the barmy army can f right off with their shit songs

The only thing I hate about cricket is them and the boorish pissed up fancy dress brigade that make an appearance at one day games and Test matches. Worst book I've ever read was by a member of the self styled Barmy Army, fuck me, they are full of their own self importance. I bought it for 20 pence and thought I'd give it a go, see if I was being a bit unfair on them. I wasn't.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 03, 2018, 06:30:22 PM
I think because of the small crowd for this test, the idiots were more noticeable.

The songs/chants, the trumpet, the “four more”. All bloody annoying.

“And did those feet.......” no they fecking didn’t, so piss off
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on April 04, 2018, 09:01:03 AM
Oh dear, the 'Debate' show on SKY last night was a bit bleak.  Angus Fraser, with his national selector's hat on, basically said that the cupboard is pretty much bare in terms of replacements for the current incumbents and that many of those who are deemed next in line struggled on the recent Lions tour of the West Indies.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 18, 2018, 10:58:06 AM
This is terrible news. TalkSport's football commentaries are unlistenable for me because of their contact banging on about odds and betting in general. Given the greater number of breaks in play during a cricket match, their coverage has potential to be horrendous

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/apr/18/talksport-outbids-bbc-to-secure-rights-for-forthcoming-england-cricket-tours

Quote
TalkSport has announced a major coup late Tuesday after outbidding the BBC to secure the free-to-air radio broadcast rights for England’s forthcoming tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on April 18, 2018, 02:32:28 PM
The 'Word-Smith' to become National Selector

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/43806734
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 18, 2018, 06:10:27 PM
This is terrible news. TalkSport's football commentaries are unlistenable for me because of their contact banging on about odds and betting in general. Given the greater number of breaks in play during a cricket match, their coverage has potential to be horrendous

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/apr/18/talksport-outbids-bbc-to-secure-rights-for-forthcoming-england-cricket-tours

Quote
TalkSport has announced a major coup late Tuesday after outbidding the BBC to secure the free-to-air radio broadcast rights for England’s forthcoming tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies.



That is awful, truly awful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chinchilla Bathhouse on April 19, 2018, 08:37:02 AM
I seem to remember Talksport winning the rights to the cricket once before (can't remember which tour but I reckon it was over a decade ago) and poor old Jack Bannister having to crowbar lines like 'Regis Office Solutions, for all your office needs' into every over. I also started to think Paddy Power must be at the crease, he was mentioned that often.

Even so, part of me would rather listen to endless Selco adverts (it's where the trade go) than a single second of Graeme Swann. 

And then I realise that instead of Swann it'll be terminal braindeads like Ronnie Irani and Darren Gough, the unthinking man's unthinking Yorkshireman. This is desperate news.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 19, 2018, 01:02:48 PM
I'll just end up not listening.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on April 21, 2018, 02:33:32 PM
This is a bad move.  Such a dumbing down of cricket.  The Daily Star of the airwaves covering cricket.  What a joke.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2018, 12:30:33 PM
Hameed is not having the best of starts to the season.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 22, 2018, 12:38:32 PM
Hameed is not having the best of starts to the season.

At this time of the year in the county game, I think you have to cut the batsmen a bit of slack, and pour a little scorn over the bowlers. Such are conditions early on.

The more worrying thing is the general malaise in Hameed. He averaged low 20's last summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2018, 03:50:48 PM
Yes the general trend of scores suggests batting is very tough.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on April 22, 2018, 06:08:51 PM
Yes the general trend of scores suggests batting is very tough.

In the bears game the commentators were all of the opinion that Hain would been well over a hundred if it wasn't for the fact that the outfield was rutted and comically slow. From what was said it was because they'd relaid the turf and it hadn't fully bedded in yet, I wonder if that's true for a number of grounds.  Aside from that, at this time of year, raw pace seems much more effective with the swing bowlers only really taking over after 3-4 rounds.  The guys who can hit 86-87+ seem to be doing most of the damage.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 01, 2018, 06:21:29 PM
If any English county takes in the Aussie trio for batting practice ahead of the next Ashes it will be an absolute disgrace.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 01, 2018, 07:40:29 PM
If any English county takes in the Aussie trio for batting practice ahead of the next Ashes it will be an absolute disgrace.

It’s happened before and will happen again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on May 02, 2018, 08:25:36 PM
England go top of the ODI rankings? How the fuck did that happen?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on May 02, 2018, 08:48:37 PM
England go top of the ODI rankings? How the fuck did that happen?

The period when they were really shit has now dropped out of the calculations
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 03, 2018, 07:06:08 AM
In fairness they've been really good for about two years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2018, 02:15:59 PM
I see Hameed was dropped by Lancs, and now they're playing Somerset on what sounds like a road.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 11, 2018, 01:29:13 PM
Ireland are supposed to be commencing their first ever test match today. It's raining though (against Pakistan).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on May 11, 2018, 04:08:38 PM
Ireland are supposed to be commencing their first ever test match today. It's raining though (against Pakistan).
Play abandoned for the day....shame....forecast not great for them tomorrow either.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 13, 2018, 01:54:25 PM
Not a good start to their innings
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on May 13, 2018, 03:13:14 PM
Annoying that Sky only showed part of the first session yesterday and today (available in low-def via red button yesterday but only on iPad today).

With Sky having so many Sports channels now, I'd have thought that there was space for full coverage
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 15, 2018, 07:02:58 PM
Buttler as a batsman? Odd.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 16, 2018, 09:46:32 AM
Buttler as a batsman? Odd.

Yep.  I have thought for some time now that Bairstow should be encouraged to relinquish the gloves and be given the chance concentrate on becoming a genuine top order batsman.  This would have given the chance for another wicket keeper / batsman (like Buttler) to come into the side and bat at 7. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 16, 2018, 10:00:34 AM
Buttler as a batsman? Odd.

Yep.  I have thought for some time now that Bairstow should be encouraged to relinquish the gloves and be given the chance concentrate on becoming a genuine top order batsman.  This would have given the chance for another wicket keeper / batsman (like Buttler) to come into the side and bat at 7. 

That's how i'd have gone about it, and I'd have pushed Bairstow up to open as well (and probably drop Cook down to 3).  Bairstow has shown in the short formats that he's a capable fielder I don't think I've ever seen Buttler in the field.  I guess it's not a big deal to change them around if needed though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 16, 2018, 01:18:39 PM
Buttler sounds like he is going to be a specialist batsman at 7.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 16, 2018, 01:57:30 PM
Buttler as a batsman? Odd.

Yep.  I have thought for some time now that Bairstow should be encouraged to relinquish the gloves and be given the chance concentrate on becoming a genuine top order batsman.  This would have given the chance for another wicket keeper / batsman (like Buttler) to come into the side and bat at 7. 

That's how i'd have gone about it, and I'd have pushed Bairstow up to open as well (and probably drop Cook down to 3).  Bairstow has shown in the short formats that he's a capable fielder I don't think I've ever seen Buttler in the field.  I guess it's not a big deal to change them around if needed though.

I'd have gone that way in NZ Paul, and would have given Foakes a chance.  Not sure about Bairstow opening though - I would have him at 5 with Malan and Root moving up a place each.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 16, 2018, 04:17:27 PM
Buttler as a batsman? Odd.

Yep.  I have thought for some time now that Bairstow should be encouraged to relinquish the gloves and be given the chance concentrate on becoming a genuine top order batsman.  This would have given the chance for another wicket keeper / batsman (like Buttler) to come into the side and bat at 7. 

That's how i'd have gone about it, and I'd have pushed Bairstow up to open as well (and probably drop Cook down to 3).  Bairstow has shown in the short formats that he's a capable fielder I don't think I've ever seen Buttler in the field.  I guess it's not a big deal to change them around if needed though.

I'd have gone that way in NZ Paul, and would have given Foakes a chance.  Not sure about Bairstow opening though - I would have him at 5 with Malan and Root moving up a place each.   

I like the idea of an opener who wants to smash the leather off the new ball, it won't be the right thing to do all the time but I think we should take some time to see if it's something that he would be able to do if needed.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on May 16, 2018, 06:05:32 PM
Chris Woakes on his way home from RCB to join up with England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 17, 2018, 12:55:11 AM
Chris Woakes on his way home from RCB to join up with England.

After playing no red ball cricket so far this season on the back of a poor winter tour with the ball.  Big fan of his, but I think he is lucky to be included in this squad. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on May 17, 2018, 11:39:57 AM
And hardly played for RCB after the first few games - took a few wickets but was very expensive. Hardly batted. He doesn’t quite seem the same since that side injury...confidence?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on May 17, 2018, 12:14:49 PM
Is Buttler heading back early as well ?


Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on May 17, 2018, 03:47:34 PM
Is Buttler heading back early as well ?

I think both he and Stokes played their last game for RR a couple of days ago. Buttler ended doing amazingly, Stokes was pretty abject throughout - they wondered if he was fully fit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on May 18, 2018, 07:49:17 PM
I think I heard Nasser Hussain say today on Talk Sport that he reckons that Buttler will get the gloves and Bairstow will step up to five and field.  To be fair, Jonny B is as fast as frick and is a good fielder, not so sure about Buttler.  I quite like the line up but wish we could find a consistent opening pair.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on May 19, 2018, 09:29:31 AM
Buttler sounds like he is going to be a specialist batsman at 7.
No decent team should have a specialist batsman at number 7. Team will always be unbalanced with that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on May 19, 2018, 09:31:24 AM
Nooooo. This is the most exciting thing that happens on the first morning of a Test match!
ECB supports ICC's proposal to scrap toss in Test cricket
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/44176355
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 19, 2018, 10:16:56 AM
Buttler sounds like he is going to be a specialist batsman at 7.
No decent team should have a specialist batsman at number 7. Team will always be unbalanced with that.

I'm not sure I agree with that, if you have a wicket keeper who is good enough to bat higher and a genuine all rounder at 6 then 7 becomes a choice between a 6th bowler (or bowling all-rounder) or a 7th batsman. If you feel you need a 6th bowler on most pitches it suggests that you view 1-2 of the bowlers as gambles and want to be able to take them out of the attack if needed.   Given the balance of the England team I like the idea of having someone down the order who can do some real damage, that it's a guy who is very possibly the best t20 batsman in the world who can easily score at 10-12 an over is even better for the job I think he's there to do.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on May 20, 2018, 02:09:34 PM
You have lost me there Paul.  Classic teams in Test matches: Number 1 to 5 batters ( 4 specialists with 5 being a part time twirler but predominantly a thoroughbred batsman ) wicket keeper batsman at 6, genuine all rounder at 7 ( 6 and 7 can be swapped depending on batting quality of the incumbent) and 4 specialist bowlers. Job done.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 20, 2018, 06:18:21 PM
You have lost me there Paul.  Classic teams in Test matches: Number 1 to 5 batters ( 4 specialists with 5 being a part time twirler but predominantly a thoroughbred batsman ) wicket keeper batsman at 6, genuine all rounder at 7 ( 6 and 7 can be swapped depending on batting quality of the incumbent) and 4 specialist bowlers. Job done.

Exactly right, but our wicketkeeper is batting in the top 5 and our all rounder is a 6 so for 7 we either pick a 'finisher' to try to score big runs with the tail or we pick an extra bowler/all-rounder.  The issue is that if you pick an extra bowler you've got 6 to rotate and run the risk of under using a few or changing things around too much because you have too many options.  I think Buttler is a perfect choice at 7 in this situation becaues, as I said, he's probably the best t20 batsman in the world right now, letting him come in and try to score big is a massive bonus if the top 6 have managed to get 300(ish) on the board.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on May 24, 2018, 09:58:44 AM
Bit of rain at Lord's this morning but looks like the covers are either off or about to come off
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 24, 2018, 10:45:07 AM
Root has won the toss and decided to bat.  Still something a bit special for me about the first test of the summer at Lord's.  I think Pakistan should present a decent challenge, especially in the bowling department.  Things I'm hoping for over the course of this summer:

A solid opening partnership to develop
Root to really cement himself at number three
Bairstow to solidify his place as a top order batsman
A first choice spinner to emerge

In terms of the last one, I really haven't seen much of Bess.  Anyone know much about him?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on May 24, 2018, 12:12:50 PM
Disastrous start again by England

Root's shot was particularly bad
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 12:43:56 PM
So bloody frustrating. No apparent improvement over the winter tests down under.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on May 24, 2018, 01:29:26 PM
Woakes dropped?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 01:47:59 PM
Woakes dropped?

He didn’t play in the last test so not dropped for this one. I think Wood offers more as a bowler. Woakes is very similar to the rest of the seam attack, Wood brings variety.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on May 24, 2018, 01:51:10 PM
Perhaps Woakes can make a rare appearance at Lancs tomorrow in the RL Cup? About time he played some cricket for the Bears!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 24, 2018, 02:28:53 PM
Woakes dropped?

He didn’t play in the last test so not dropped for this one. I think Wood offers more as a bowler. Woakes is very similar to the rest of the seam attack, Wood brings variety.

His record in home tests is too good to deserve to be dropped but his record outside England is terrible so he's a tough call for me. I think overall he's a much better player than Wood given he does take wickets, is a very good fielder and he brings important runs in the lower order but I understand why he's been dropped after the winter. The toughest part is that he'd be a perfect 3rd quick for any team with a genuinely quick opening bowler but we don't have that and he ends up being a bit samey as Broad and Jimmy, as you say.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on May 24, 2018, 03:18:07 PM
Olly Stone is 90mph +. I think they'll give him a chance sooner or later
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 04:12:25 PM
168-6......pathetic showing again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 04:14:14 PM
Seven down.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 24, 2018, 04:21:18 PM
168-6......pathetic showing again.

Yep, Cook aside, yet another poor batting performance in the first test of a series.  The BBC site is showing the wickets as they fall and to be fair, the deliveries that bowled Cook and Bairstow in particular were beauties.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 24, 2018, 04:26:49 PM
168-6......pathetic showing again.

Yep, Cook aside, yet another poor batting performance in the first test of a series.  The BBC site is showing the wickets as they fall and to be fair, the deliveries that bowled Cook and Bairstow in particular were beauties.

They were but the general 'looseness' of the shots is typical of England in recent years. This is why the runs Woakes gets are important though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 04:33:02 PM
Unless Jimmy and co are in form from the first ball then we are in for a long test match and an even longer test match summer.

Nine down now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 04:49:23 PM
Losing 5 wickets for 16 runs is unacceptable at this level. Why are we unable to bat for a sustained period of time? We are only ever a wicket away from a collapse and it seems to have been like that for several years now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on May 24, 2018, 06:30:19 PM
Too many one day shots played. No application. Annoying that Woakes was overlooked. He's rescued England a few times previously with some dogged batting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 24, 2018, 06:38:51 PM
Good to see we’ve learnt absolutely nothing from recent failings and strengthening the batting line up has worked well so far.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 07:09:46 PM
I was disappointed with the lengths that our bowlers bowled. At Lords you need to bowl a fuller length and let the slope do the work for you. This is exactly what Pakistan did yet we seem incapable of doing the same thing in our own conditions.

I think that the evidence is now clear. Too much emphasis has been placed on white ball Cricket by Strauss and Bayliss to the detriment of red ball Cricket. Time to redress the balance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 24, 2018, 07:15:49 PM
One positive and something that speaks to the issue. The only batsman to succeed in the England team was Cook, a true red ball player. He batted appropriately for the game he was playing, Test cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on May 24, 2018, 07:26:50 PM
Who the hell is Dom Bess?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 24, 2018, 07:31:48 PM
Who the hell is Dom Bess?

A spinner from Somerset who got the call because Jack Leach is injured. He’s only played a handful of games and has impressed the selectors on Lions tours and when playing for the MCC against the champion county.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 24, 2018, 11:24:17 PM
We'll have to see how this summer goes, but some serious questions have to be asked of the coaching team now.  There might be increasing calls for Trevor Bayliss to relinquish the role of coach of the test team and concentrate on preparing for the World Cup next year.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on May 24, 2018, 11:41:26 PM
We'll have to see how this summer goes, but some serious questions have to be asked of the coaching team now.  There might be increasing calls for Trevor Bayliss to relinquish the role of coach of the test team and concentrate on preparing for the World Cup next year.
to
I think this should happen anyway - time for Farbrace to step up in test cricket
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 25, 2018, 01:06:16 PM
Decentish start with the ball this morning, but it looks like Pakistan will have a decent first innings lead.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 25, 2018, 05:34:09 PM
We are dropping far too many catches and missing ones where the close catchers don’t even move.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 25, 2018, 05:41:55 PM
In very English conditions, Pakistan (ranked 7th in the world and recently struggled for large portions of a match against Ireland) have comprehensively outbatted and outbowled us. Its been an embarrasing performance so far, on the back of a pathetic winter. Bayliss is adding nothing to the test team, so should be relieved of that duty to focus on the white ball stuff.

Ed Smith has come in as selector, and responded to the woes of the winter by picking a one day player as a specialist batsman, and a young spinner who has played a handful of first class matches.

The whole thing is a fucking shambles.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2018, 09:08:32 PM
We look like a very poor side at the moment. We look a bit aimless.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 26, 2018, 12:20:04 AM
We look like a very poor side at the moment. We look a bit aimless.

On the flip side, Pakistan have looked a decent outfit on this showing.  I think the fact that they have played a number of games over here in preparation showed their intent, whereas a number of our top players haven’t played much red ball cricket at all. 

They have had their critics, but in early summer conditions in England I think leaving Woakes and Ali out is a bit of a mistake.  The tail looks really fragile without them and although we need to look at other spinning options, I am not sure how effective any of our spinners are going to be in current conditions, so the batting should surely come into account.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 26, 2018, 03:27:52 PM
Yet another hideous batting collapse.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on May 26, 2018, 03:45:37 PM
Regardless of everything else, I really can’t understand the selection of Buttler, makes no sense at all.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 26, 2018, 04:41:29 PM
Dismal stuff. Lack of batting application, lack of bowling potency, lack of tactical nous, and lack of intensity in the field.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on May 26, 2018, 05:16:49 PM
Regardless of everything else, I really can’t understand the selection of Buttler, makes no sense at all.

I completely disagree, I think he's a very good player (he's not a t20 slogger as many think, his technique is actually pretty solid).  The problem is that he was called in having not played red ball cricket for 8-9 months, if they'd planned things better I suspect he'd have got a county game or 2 under his belt.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Gareth on May 27, 2018, 01:00:27 AM
Regardless of everything else, I really can’t understand the selection of Buttler, makes no sense at all.

I completely disagree, I think he's a very good player (he's not a t20 slogger as many think, his technique is actually pretty solid).  The problem is that he was called in having not played red ball cricket for 8-9 months, if they'd planned things better I suspect he'd have got a county game or 2 under his belt.

Thing is he probably wasn’t on the radar until his run of half centuries in IPL a fortnight back. 

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 27, 2018, 11:09:28 AM
Poor from Buttler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 27, 2018, 11:25:37 AM
Solid effort from the tail in support of Bess...
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 27, 2018, 11:30:06 AM
England have been fucking dismal yet again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 27, 2018, 11:45:32 AM
Since 2014 we have handed debuts to 10 top order batsmen. The majority have been given at least five tests to prove themselves. Their combined average is just 26.

We have won 20 of our last 50 tests and have reached 400 just 6 times in the last 29 innings. Our batting is dire and we badly need someone to step up and take responsibility otherwise we are in for several years in the cricketing wilderness.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on May 27, 2018, 11:46:31 AM
I really don't know why we are sticking with Bayliss.  Clearly, we are getting worse as a test side.  So many small things going wrong, they all add up and make is easy to play against. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on May 27, 2018, 11:50:13 AM
I really don't know why we are sticking with Bayliss.  Clearly, we are getting worse as a test side.  So many small things going wrong, they all add up and make is easy to play against. 

I suspect that they have focused too heavily on white ball Cricket to the detriment of red ball Cricket. Time for a new coach for the test team but miracle workers are thin on the ground.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on May 27, 2018, 11:56:18 AM
The shithouse fannys lasted 3 overs. Great fight.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 27, 2018, 12:09:54 PM
Ireland gave Pakistan much more of a test than we have.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 27, 2018, 12:36:08 PM
England are an absolute mess in Test cricket at the moment. They’re performing poorly in all aspects of the game and they look tactically clueless.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on May 27, 2018, 12:44:35 PM
England are an absolute mess in Test cricket at the moment. They’re performing poorly in all aspects of the game and they look tactically clueless.

Can't disagree with that, we look a shambles short of talent and confidence.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on May 27, 2018, 02:06:51 PM
Regardless of everything else, I really can’t understand the selection of Buttler, makes no sense at all.
I can understand Buttler being in the team but he is a wicket keeper and should fight with Bairstow for a place and not be shoehorned in as a specialist batsman at number 7 in a Test team. This is the kind of muddled up thinking England selectors have been peddling for the last few years and in the process have ruined the Test team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 28, 2018, 02:07:08 PM
Jennings in for Stoneman is the only change to the squad for Headingley.  Not sure about that one because due to his previous failings with England there is going to be a lot of pressure on Jennings from the off.  I think Woakes needs to come back in for either Wood or Broad as well, if only to strengthen the batting order.  I think Bob Willis summed it up well last night, when he said that we may as well have Ali in the side batting at 8 after seeing what Bess offered with the ball. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 28, 2018, 06:05:21 PM
I find it odd how Ali has been discarded. Yes he had a really poor winter, but he was exceptional in England last summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on May 28, 2018, 07:38:13 PM
I find it odd how Ali has been discarded. Yes he had a really poor winter, but he was exceptional in England last summer.

There seems to be some really muddled thinking at the moment Paul.  Heard references that players need to come in to improve our away performances (which is right), but it shouldn’t be at the expense of our home form. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 01, 2018, 10:57:25 AM
Woakes in for the injured Stokes and Sam Curran in for the dropped Wood.

Jennings in for Stoneman as previously announced
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 01, 2018, 11:03:23 AM
Woakes in for the injured Stokes and Sam Curran in for the dropped Wood.

Jennings in for Stoneman as previously announced

I’d have kept Wood in the team. He offers something different to the rest of the attack who are all very similar bowlers.

Curran is an interesting selection though, it will be intriguing to see how he does.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on June 01, 2018, 11:05:15 AM
Pakistan review immediately
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on June 01, 2018, 11:06:54 AM
Pakistan review immediately
Clearly too high...shame
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 01, 2018, 12:19:51 PM
Curran looks to bowl at a similar pace to his brother.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 01, 2018, 01:18:08 PM
Curran looks to bowl at a similar pace to his brother.

Only fast-medium but being left-arm gives variation.

If only he was a 6 to 12 inches taller
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 01, 2018, 02:04:50 PM
"Are you England in disguise?"
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 02:42:09 PM
I think Woakes has shown that recalling him was the right decision. I agree that he's very similar to Broad and Jimmy but he a more effective bowler than Wood in english conditions. We need bowlers who not only offer something different but also deliver more than the people they're replacing and I'm not convinced Wood does, especially when 2-3 tests seems to break him and he has to have a month to recover.  I have the same problem with replacing Ali with Bess.

On topic I think this is the last 'proper' partnership so I'd get loads of catchers in for a few overs here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 03:06:36 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on June 01, 2018, 03:09:52 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Repeat this post in about 20 minutes if we aint got the last one!!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 03:21:27 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Repeat this post in about 20 minutes if we aint got the last one!!!

I was thinking the same, the worst thing is, I'm watching with my son and just before i posted that I'd said that I couldn't understand why they were bowling 1-2 at the chest followed by a full one once the batsman looks nervy, that'as pretty much exactly what Woakes did and I've bene getting a bit of hero worship since!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 03:27:26 PM
Sam Curran isn't ready to play test cricket, looks a bit lost to me, he's not even looked close to getting a wicket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 03:28:55 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Repeat this post in about 20 minutes if we aint got the last one!!!

Sam Curran isn't ready to play test cricket, looks a bit lost to me, he's not even looked close to getting a wicket.

Mixed it up for you!!

That's a fucking awful shot to a nothing delivery to be fair.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 01, 2018, 03:35:45 PM
Now England have to bat for couple of days, not confident considering how they have batted for the past few tests.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 04:49:33 PM
Given my record so far today I know this is a risk but Jennings is a better player than when he was last in the team, his technique is much better and he looks like he believes he should be there now.  Having a opening pair see off the first 15-20 overs is such a massive difference to what we've seen for the last few years.

First 50 partnership from the openers in 13 attempts, which says everything about the winter we had.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 01, 2018, 05:02:44 PM
Much better so far, sun being out has helped.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 05:04:22 PM
that's at least 15 minutes after I posted, I'm not taking responsiblity for it!

Good delivery to be fair and at least he lasted long enough to get us through the opening overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on June 01, 2018, 05:05:03 PM
Given my record so far today I know this is a risk but Jennings is a better player than when he was last in the team, his technique is much better and he looks like he believes he should be there now.  Having a opening pair see off the first 15-20 overs is such a massive difference to what we've seen for the last few years.

First 50 partnership from the openers in 13 attempts, which says everything about the winter we had.

You've done it again!!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 05:15:04 PM
Given my record so far today I know this is a risk but Jennings is a better player than when he was last in the team, his technique is much better and he looks like he believes he should be there now.  Having a opening pair see off the first 15-20 overs is such a massive difference to what we've seen for the last few years.

First 50 partnership from the openers in 13 attempts, which says everything about the winter we had.

You've done it again!!!

Nah, other Paul has got to take the credit/blame for this one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 01, 2018, 10:53:44 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Yep, very good start, but lost the plot a bit against the tail and that seems to happen quite often.  Made a steady start with the bat, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. 

It’s really frustrating that a number players in the team seemingly have to get to the point where they are heavily criticised and their place in the side is threatened for them to produce good performances.  Certainly been the case with Broad for some time.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 01, 2018, 11:17:58 PM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Yep, very good start, but lost the plot a bit against the tail and that seems to happen quite often.  Made a steady start with the bat, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. 

It’s really frustrating that a number players in the team seemingly have to get to the point where they are heavily criticised and their place in the side is threatened for them to produce good performances.  Certainly been the case with Broad for some time.

I find Broad the most frustrating sportsman in any sport I watch because you watch him fumble along bowling 2-3 metres too short knowing full well that if he ptiched it up he's capable of winning matches all on his own.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 02, 2018, 12:20:46 AM
I hate watching England bowl to a tail, we gift cheap runs far too often.

Yep, very good start, but lost the plot a bit against the tail and that seems to happen quite often.  Made a steady start with the bat, so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. 

It’s really frustrating that a number players in the team seemingly have to get to the point where they are heavily criticised and their place in the side is threatened for them to produce good performances.  Certainly been the case with Broad for some time.

I find Broad the most frustrating sportsman in any sport I watch because you watch him fumble along bowling 2-3 metres too short knowing full well that if he ptiched it up he's capable of winning matches all on his own.

He has only really produced top performances in recent years when he’s responding to criticism (almost like the Gabby ‘sshhh’ gesture).  Anderson and Cook have been the same to some extent as well. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: MoetVillan on June 02, 2018, 11:00:55 AM
Cook maybe.... but Anderson? That’s harsh. I think he appears to be his own toughest critic and always puts his back into it. About as far from Flabby as can be. As for Cook, I’m sure I read he remains the fittest player in the squad...a far cry from our former larger than life striker
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 02, 2018, 12:39:07 PM
Yeah I’d say it’s pretty harsh. I’ve never had the impression that Cook or Jimmy don’t put the hard yards in.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 02, 2018, 03:08:03 PM
Key thing here is to not let the disruptions to the day get to us. We've lost loads of time already and I suspect it'll be rained off at some point this afternoon so give nothing away, accumulate sensibly whilst you're there and work our way into the lead. The exception to that is that I'd let Bess go for it a little because they're clearly going to try to rough him up a bit and bounce hi m out but that does create scoring chances.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 02, 2018, 04:28:51 PM
Losing Root was frustrating but taking the lead with only 3 down is still a very good place to be after the winter we had.

Fairplay to Bess, he's looked a much better batsman than a bowler so far.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 02, 2018, 05:07:46 PM
That's a brillaint ball to get rid of Malan to be fair, not sure there's much he can do about that one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on June 02, 2018, 06:30:20 PM
Sam Curran isn't ready to play test cricket, looks a bit lost to me, he's not even looked close to getting a wicket.

Olly Stone or even Henry Brookes would do better.....but they don't play for a Southern County!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 02, 2018, 08:54:52 PM
Yeah I’d say it’s pretty harsh. I’ve never had the impression that Cook or Jimmy don’t put the hard yards in.

Maybe a bit harsh on reflection (particularly on Anderson), but I was talking more about their best form rather than how hard they try.  For some time now it seems to have come on the back of poor performances and criticism and it is almost as if they need that to fire them up to perform at their best. 

Broad’s reaction to the criticism he has received is reminiscent of Gabby’s ‘sshhhh’ antics and as Michael Vaughan pointed out, it has come on the back of good form in one innings.  But, that performance has probably secured for the India series, where he probably start slowly again, get criticised and then produce a performance towards the end of the series that will secure his p,ace on the winter tour. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 03, 2018, 11:48:00 AM
Sam Curran isn't ready to play test cricket, looks a bit lost to me, he's not even looked close to getting a wicket.

Olly Stone or even Henry Brookes would do better.....but they don't play for a Southern County!

Having seen him with the bat now I'm certain that he's a batting all-rounder which means he'll be useful cover for Stokes.

On the game, Buttler has been excellent here and fully justified his selection, hung around, built a score until he was left with the bunnies and now he's smashing it out of the ground to push the score along.  Lead is 170 now which is massive in these conditions, we could easily win by an innings from here. The real problem is that, with broad just gone, Buttler might run out of partners.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 03, 2018, 02:02:38 PM
Sam Curran isn't ready to play test cricket, looks a bit lost to me, he's not even looked close to getting a wicket.

Olly Stone or even Henry Brookes would do better.....but they don't play for a Southern County!

Having seen him with the bat now I'm certain that he's a batting all-rounder which means he'll be useful cover for Stokes.

On the game, Buttler has been excellent here and fully justified his selection, hung around, built a score until he was left with the bunnies and now he's smashing it out of the ground to push the score along.  Lead is 170 now which is massive in these conditions, we could easily win by an innings from here. The real problem is that, with broad just gone, Buttler might run out of partners.

Yeah shame Broad and Anderson couldn’t hang around as Buttler was really going through the gears and it was great to watch.  Good start with the ball this afternoon as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 03, 2018, 05:03:28 PM
Pretty straight forward in the end.

Good to see Bess taking wickets
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 03, 2018, 05:15:03 PM
Bess has done very nicely.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 03, 2018, 06:57:59 PM
Yep, I hought Bess struggled with the ball last test but today was much more like it.  The good thing with him and Curran getting game time is that they've both got lots of years to offer, even if they're not quite there yet getting them experience early will help them with their bowling because they'll have seen that they need to adapt.  I'd be looking at getting 2-3 more around that age some experience over the summer as well so when the likes of Cook, Broad and Anderson drop out we've got players who know what's expected ready to make the step up. Hameed is already on that list and I suspect Brookes will get a look before long if he carries on as he has, an 18 year old taking wickets like he has, especially bowling at real pace, wil lcatch attention even in division 2.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on June 10, 2018, 02:41:17 PM
England facing joint 2nd highest ODI run chase of all time.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on June 10, 2018, 03:00:26 PM
Scotland’s highest ever score.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on June 10, 2018, 03:59:58 PM
Way Bairstow has started they’ll not need anywhere near 50 overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 10, 2018, 05:00:23 PM
Way Bairstow has started they’ll not need anywhere near 50 overs.

It was a pity he got out, I think an individual world record ODI score was there for the taking today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 10, 2018, 05:19:14 PM
I think this pitch is a bit on the small side, add a quick outfield and I suspect 400+ is par on here for a full international side.  We were poor with the ball but I did think the comments about how poor were a bit over the top. We might still collapse here but I think it will be a batting failure if we don't win this.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 10, 2018, 05:30:43 PM
I think Hales always makes poor decisions. He runs out Root and then plays a dumb shot immediately after Morgan gets out. His decision making has potentially completely changed the game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 10, 2018, 05:42:53 PM
I think Hales always makes poor decisions. He runs out Root and then plays a dumb shot immediately after Morgan gets out. His decision making has potentially completely changed the game.

If Ali plays the kind of innings that he played against the Bears on Thursday then we should get close.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 10, 2018, 05:45:43 PM
I think this pitch is a bit on the small side, add a quick outfield and I suspect 400+ is par on here for a full international side.  We were poor with the ball but I did think the comments about how poor were a bit over the top. We might still collapse here but I think it will be a batting failure if we don't win this.

Boundaries brought in the accommodate the TV cameras
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 10, 2018, 05:52:05 PM
England losing wickets to poor shot execution.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 10, 2018, 05:53:32 PM
A lot rests on Ali now to get England close.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 10, 2018, 06:01:44 PM
I think Hales always makes poor decisions. He runs out Root and then plays a dumb shot immediately after Morgan gets out. His decision making has potentially completely changed the game.

If Ali plays the kind of innings that he played against the Bears on Thursday then we should get close.

Only if people can stay with him. On a slightly related subject, how was Billings deemed worthy of a place in this match? he's not got a great record anyway but when you add to that the fact that he's barely troubled the scorers for months it just looks like a shocking decision.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 10, 2018, 06:15:18 PM
I think Hales always makes poor decisions. He runs out Root and then plays a dumb shot immediately after Morgan gets out. His decision making has potentially completely changed the game.

If Ali plays the kind of innings that he played against the Bears on Thursday then we should get close.

Only if people can stay with him. On a slightly related subject, how was Billings deemed worthy of a place in this match? he's not got a great record anyway but when you add to that the fact that he's barely troubled the scorers for months it just looks like a shocking decision.

According to Sky & TMS it’s a decision made around resting Buttler and giving Bairstow a break from behind the stumps. Billings is a back up keeper and this is the game to look at his capabilities.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 10, 2018, 06:37:53 PM
I think Hales always makes poor decisions. He runs out Root and then plays a dumb shot immediately after Morgan gets out. His decision making has potentially completely changed the game.

If Ali plays the kind of innings that he played against the Bears on Thursday then we should get close.

Only if people can stay with him. On a slightly related subject, how was Billings deemed worthy of a place in this match? he's not got a great record anyway but when you add to that the fact that he's barely troubled the scorers for months it just looks like a shocking decision.

According to Sky & TMS it’s a decision made around resting Buttler and giving Bairstow a break from behind the stumps. Billings is a back up keeper and this is the game to look at his capabilities.

He's had a lot of chances over the last two years to show his capabilities, and has for the vast majority of it been found completely wanting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 10, 2018, 06:43:16 PM
What an utterly ridiculous risk to go for the 2nd run there
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 10, 2018, 07:01:18 PM
Well done to Scotland on an absolutely sensational victory. Kept their heads and fully deserved.

As good as England's 50 over side has become, I just cannot see them winning the world cup, even in England. They still have massive brain fades in games, and in a knockout situation that will ultimately prove fatal.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 10, 2018, 07:29:28 PM
Disappointed that I missed the Scotland innings

What a great game
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on June 10, 2018, 07:36:25 PM
As good as England's 50 over side has become, I just cannot see them winning the world cup, even in England. They still have massive brain fades in games, and in a knockout situation that will ultimately prove fatal.



Exactly that.  The game was there for the winning at less than a run a ball, so Moeen decides to do it in sixes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 10, 2018, 08:40:23 PM
Hales and Billings were the problem today (for me).

Hales makes lots of silly mistakes but gets away with it if he's scoring at 150% and taking the game away from people but he's not that player right now. He's one of the senior players in this squad but he's made 2 terrible decisions today.

Billings is just poor, I just can't see how anyone can have watched him this season and thought he was anywhere near the ODI team, he's averaging about 5 for 2018, it's just bizarre that he's still involved.

With the ball ( don't think we were terrible but, Willey just doesn't offer enough threat if he doesn't get early wickets, Plunkett has no variation so once a batsman picks him he gets very expensive and Wood, in my opinion, flatters to deceive, he's got something about him but it just doesn't translate into match winning performances.

What the day as a whole shows is that were number one on the back of a core group of about 12-13 players.  Once we start having to pick outside that we look a lot weaker.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 10, 2018, 08:41:22 PM
It was a total, that given the pitch conditions, size of the ground and quality of the bowling we faced, we really should have cruised to with a lot of overs to spare. I thought that Scotland were about 50/60 short during the interval, and with the ease we played the first 30 overs that was true. Some really weird decisions from some of the batsmen down the order changed that.

There is still a lot more good than bad within this ODI side, and obviously Woakes, Stokes and Buttler are massive players to come back into it.

As I've said, I can see us being tremendous in the group stage in a world cup, but then suffering a silly collapse in a knockout game. 



Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 10, 2018, 08:46:41 PM
Jofra Archer would make a massive difference to the bowling attack, and it's only the ECB's own rules that prevent him from being selected.

A guy with an English father who has committed to playing for England. Time for the ECB to rethink
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 10, 2018, 09:08:57 PM
Billings just is not good enough.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 11, 2018, 02:20:58 AM
Hales and Billings were the problem today (for me).

Hales makes lots of silly mistakes but gets away with it if he's scoring at 150% and taking the game away from people but he's not that player right now. He's one of the senior players in this squad but he's made 2 terrible decisions today.

Billings is just poor, I just can't see how anyone can have watched him this season and thought he was anywhere near the ODI team, he's averaging about 5 for 2018, it's just bizarre that he's still involved.

With the ball ( don't think we were terrible but, Willey just doesn't offer enough threat if he doesn't get early wickets, Plunkett has no variation so once a batsman picks him he gets very expensive and Wood, in my opinion, flatters to deceive, he's got something about him but it just doesn't translate into match winning performances.

What the day as a whole shows is that were number one on the back of a core group of about 12-13 players.  Once we start having to pick outside that we look a lot weaker.

Pretty embarrassing defeat, but not massively alarming in the grand scheme of things for England (brilliant for Scotland though and congrats to them).  I think what today showed. is that the one thing the ODI side is missing in their armoury is that wily, medium pacer who can rein things in a bit in the middle overs using a bit of nous (Mullaney from Notts being a good example).  You don’t always need one these days, but they are handy to have in the squad for certain conditions, particularly in this country and if Stokes is out then maybe we look at that option.  Buttler, Stokes and Woakes have to come back into the side, with Hales / Roy, Billings and Wiley probably going out, so some big players still to return. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 11, 2018, 12:56:07 PM
Hales and Billings were the problem today (for me).

Hales makes lots of silly mistakes but gets away with it if he's scoring at 150% and taking the game away from people but he's not that player right now. He's one of the senior players in this squad but he's made 2 terrible decisions today.

Billings is just poor, I just can't see how anyone can have watched him this season and thought he was anywhere near the ODI team, he's averaging about 5 for 2018, it's just bizarre that he's still involved.

With the ball ( don't think we were terrible but, Willey just doesn't offer enough threat if he doesn't get early wickets, Plunkett has no variation so once a batsman picks him he gets very expensive and Wood, in my opinion, flatters to deceive, he's got something about him but it just doesn't translate into match winning performances.

What the day as a whole shows is that were number one on the back of a core group of about 12-13 players.  Once we start having to pick outside that we look a lot weaker.

Pretty embarrassing defeat, but not massively alarming in the grand scheme of things for England (brilliant for Scotland though and congrats to them).  I think what today showed. is that the one thing the ODI side is missing in their armoury is that wily, medium pacer who can rein things in a bit in the middle overs using a bit of nous (Mullaney from Notts being a good example).  You don’t always need one these days, but they are handy to have in the squad for certain conditions, particularly in this country and if Stokes is out then maybe we look at that option.  Buttler, Stokes and Woakes have to come back into the side, with Hales / Roy, Billings and Wiley probably going out, so some big players still to return. 

I agree that a 2nd part-timer (to back up Root) would be useful, especially if we're picking 2 spinners in the main bowling attack but once the 3 mentioned are back there's really not much space in the team. If we can add 3-4 decent backup options I'd be happy because we're not far away from being a fantastic side if we can plug those gaps. If they'd ignore the silly rule that's stopping Archer being called up then even better, real pace and offers a lot with the bat, he'd replace Plunkett for me, which leaves Wood, Woakes, Archer, Stokes, Rashid and Ali which is a very strong bowling attack and has 2 genuine top order batsmen and 3 all-rounders so only Wood as a real tail-ender.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 11, 2018, 02:22:26 PM
Jofra Archer would make a massive difference to the bowling attack, and it's only the ECB's own rules that prevent him from being selected.

A guy with an English father who has committed to playing for England. Time for the ECB to rethink


Per BBC yesterday

They are having a rethink and are considering dropping the time to 4 years, which would make Archer eligible for WC2019

However, Morgan has apparently dismissed out of hand the possibility of selecting him. That seems an inappropriate statement for the captain to make.
If Archer is eligible and is better than players in the squad, then he should play.

I'd certainly prefer to see Archer bowling in the World Cup than witness whatever Willey was trying to do yesterday.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 11, 2018, 02:42:35 PM
Jofra Archer would make a massive difference to the bowling attack, and it's only the ECB's own rules that prevent him from being selected.

A guy with an English father who has committed to playing for England. Time for the ECB to rethink


Per BBC yesterday

They are having a rethink and are considering dropping the time to 4 years, which would make Archer eligible for WC2019

However, Morgan has apparently dismissed out of hand the possibility of selecting him. That seems an inappropriate statement for the captain to make.
If Archer is eligible and is better than players in the squad, then he should play.

I'd certainly prefer to see Archer bowling in the World Cup than witness whatever Willey was trying to do yesterday.

I'd prefer them  to remove stupid arbitrary rules like this and to look at them on a case by case basis, Archer has an English father and has made it clear that he considers himself as English when it comes to international cricket, to be blunt that makes him more suitable than the captain who's made that comment.  One of the arguments would be that having set rules makes things clearer but I don't know how often anyone is looking for loopholes in such a niche anyway.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 01:53:34 PM
Strong start by England, Willey got the early wicket that he always threatens and Moeen is bowling superbly in his early overs, getting just enough grip in the surface to be dangerous. They also have a pretty long looking tail so another 1-2 wickets soon and they'll be under huge pressure.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 13, 2018, 02:27:02 PM
Five down already.

Imagine how many wickets Scotland would have taken by now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 02:29:28 PM
This is a much better performance, my slight concern is how things will change once Ali and Rashid are bowled out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 13, 2018, 02:44:35 PM
This is a much better performance, my slight concern is how things will change once Ali and Rashid are bowled out.

So far they’ve gone after Root. Maxwell has 21 off his last 7 balls.

Time for Plunkett.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 04:28:12 PM
In the end that's a really good performance with the ball, we rarely let them get goingand they nver properly recovered from the brilliant 14-15 over spell by the spinners.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 13, 2018, 05:12:07 PM
Not the best of starts.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 06:04:41 PM
Not the best of starts.

decent recovery from Morgan and Root so far though, if this pair can see off another 7-8 overs then I reckon this is in the bag.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 13, 2018, 06:36:58 PM
Root seems to play with much more freedom in white ball Cricket. I think the pressure of test captaincy is affecting him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 06:44:52 PM
Root seems to play with much more freedom in white ball Cricket. I think the pressure of test captaincy is affecting him.

Not just captaincy, it's that we're so reliant on him for runs as well, in this format he trusts the other players a lot more and looks much more relaxed. This partnership is a great example, he's happily nurdling around because he knows Morgan wil lscore at a decent nick and if either of them are out we have Buttler and Moeen coming in who can easily score at 150%+. The mitigating factor is that this is a low target but he's been playing like this for 18 months in lots of different situations.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 13, 2018, 07:06:18 PM
This is really poor, we keep making bad decisions when we’re in control.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 07:38:33 PM
This is really poor, we keep making bad decisions when we’re in control.

Green top on the pitch though and I did find myself wondering during the Aussie innings if it's causing the ball to stick in a little, the Ali wickets definitely looked like that and a small change like that is all it needs to mess up the timing.  Buttler in particular seemed to be getting through the shots slightly early.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 13, 2018, 07:46:15 PM
Maybe so, but I think England need to be careful. They’ll win this but they’ve looked a bit complacent in last couple of games. There’s a balance to be struck between being reasonably assured of your place and by it becoming a closed shop. The continued inclusion of Billings in and around the squad is indicative of the latter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 13, 2018, 07:56:15 PM
Good job from Willey at the end.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 13, 2018, 08:11:31 PM
Good job from Willey at the end.

Agreed, really grown-up performance from him in a potentially tricky situation.

Maybe so, but I think England need to be careful. They’ll win this but they’ve looked a bit complacent in last couple of games. There’s a balance to be struck between being reasonably assured of your place and by it becoming a closed shop. The continued inclusion of Billings in and around the squad is indicative of the latter.

I agree on this, which is why I still think Hain and Archer (so long as they stop being silly) should come into the mix.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 13, 2018, 08:16:11 PM
For the second game running Ali hasn’t stuck around with the tail to see us home. He always seemed to bat well with the tail in tests, why can’t he do it in ODI’s? It cost us against Scotland thankfully Willey saw us home tonight.

I do wonder if this squad is affected by the number one ranking, they seem to have taken their collective eye off the ball.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 13, 2018, 08:18:07 PM
Good job from Willey at the end.

Agreed, really grown-up performance from him in a potentially tricky situation.

Maybe so, but I think England need to be careful. They’ll win this but they’ve looked a bit complacent in last couple of games. There’s a balance to be struck between being reasonably assured of your place and by it becoming a closed shop. The continued inclusion of Billings in and around the squad is indicative of the latter.

I agree on this, which is why I still think Hain and Archer (so long as they stop being silly) should come into the mix.

Hain is certainly in the selector’s mind, he is in the latest Lions squad.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Gareth on June 14, 2018, 11:37:11 AM
I have always been a great fan of Moeen and until such time as a quality spinner comes along he is still our best option but the coaches really need to work with him on his game mgmt - this is the 3rd time in a week where he has been in a situation where run a ball and waiting for any bad ball to dispatch for 4 was the order of the day but he has continued to go in the air and got out when red-inkers were the requirement.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Smith on June 14, 2018, 12:23:40 PM
For the second game running Ali hasn’t stuck around with the tail to see us home. He always seemed to bat well with the tail in tests, why can’t he do it in ODI’s? It cost us against Scotland thankfully Willey saw us home tonight.

I do wonder if this squad is affected by the number one ranking, they seem to have taken their collective eye off the ball.



It just seems that the team philosophy in limited over games is to keep playing shots and trust your teammates. It has to be said that it works most of the time.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 14, 2018, 01:19:47 PM
For the second game running Ali hasn’t stuck around with the tail to see us home. He always seemed to bat well with the tail in tests, why can’t he do it in ODI’s? It cost us against Scotland thankfully Willey saw us home tonight.

I do wonder if this squad is affected by the number one ranking, they seem to have taken their collective eye off the ball.



It just seems that the team philosophy in limited over games is to keep playing shots and trust your teammates. It has to be said that it works most of the time.

Yep and I'm ok with it, when it goes wrong it looks bad (like the scotland game) but that mentality has driven us to the top spot in this format so it's clearly working for us.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 14, 2018, 01:28:27 PM
For the second game running Ali hasn’t stuck around with the tail to see us home. He always seemed to bat well with the tail in tests, why can’t he do it in ODI’s? It cost us against Scotland thankfully Willey saw us home tonight.

I do wonder if this squad is affected by the number one ranking, they seem to have taken their collective eye off the ball.



It just seems that the team philosophy in limited over games is to keep playing shots and trust your teammates. It has to be said that it works most of the time.

Yep and I'm ok with it, when it goes wrong it looks bad (like the scotland game) but that mentality has driven us to the top spot in this format so it's clearly working for us.

I thought Broad's comments in commentary were quite revealing.  Ian Ward asked him if Ali would be questioned in the dressing room about getting out to that kind of shot at such a crucial time.  Broad's reply was along the lines of that's the way he plays, some you win and some you lose.  All good and well in ODIs, but I would like to know if that is the approach across all formats.  It certainly would explain the batting performances in test cricket if it was. 

I agree with your point about trying some new players in this series Paul.  Not because anyone deserves to be dropped at this point, but just to have a look at some possible options.  Hain would be one I would look at batting at three and although he blotted his copybook down in Australia, I would like to see Duckett maybe get another chance.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 14, 2018, 03:51:08 PM
Whilst it’s clear to see that the attacking approach adopted by England over the last couple of years is paying dividends - the results don’t lie- surely there’s a counter argument to adjust your approach to reflect the match conditions? On Sunday, we needed 24 off 27 balls which is easily achievable by farming the strike and dispatching the bad balls to the boundary. Then Ali holed out to long on. As the last recognised batsman it’s his job to see us home not to win the game with four consecutive sixes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 14, 2018, 09:08:28 PM
I agree. I think the ‘playing our attacking style’ has paid dividends and generally we should stick to it. But in a situation when you’ve lost wickets, you’re close to the target, and the only way you lose is by being bowled out then logically you should take a pragmatic approach. When you’re so close, why entertain the possibility of defeat?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 15, 2018, 01:08:32 PM
Afghanistan’s first test didn’t go that well

http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18544/game/1133983/india-vs-afghanistan-only-test-afghanistan-tour-of-india-2018/

Lost 20 wickets in one day. Game over inside two days
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 15, 2018, 09:05:33 PM
Another ton for Tammy
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2018, 11:01:25 AM
Morgan has a back spasm so Billings gets yet another chance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2018, 11:40:41 AM
Great start from England, but Jonny gone now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: DB on June 16, 2018, 01:16:16 PM
At the cricket in Cardiff...quite a few fellow Villains here
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2018, 04:25:35 PM
Excellent from Roy and Buttler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: DB on June 16, 2018, 06:00:08 PM
Who are the chaps in the Davenports tops? A few of them...
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 16, 2018, 06:41:26 PM
Watching Willey bowl I think I'd recommend a change for him, I'd put short fielders on the drive both sides and get him to bowl slightly fuller. He's not got a great deal of pace but he does vary it. By getting them forward and driving he might create chances when the ball isn't swinging. He needs to do something because he offers nothing as is.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 17, 2018, 11:25:11 PM
Watching Willey bowl I think I'd recommend a change for him, I'd put short fielders on the drive both sides and get him to bowl slightly fuller. He's not got a great deal of pace but he does vary it. By getting them forward and driving he might create chances when the ball isn't swinging. He needs to do something because he offers nothing as is.

To be honest Paul, a I think Willey goes out of the side when Woakes is back.  We are still missing that real top quality quick to lead the attack, but we don't really have one of those on the scene at the moment. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 17, 2018, 11:53:50 PM
Watching Willey bowl I think I'd recommend a change for him, I'd put short fielders on the drive both sides and get him to bowl slightly fuller. He's not got a great deal of pace but he does vary it. By getting them forward and driving he might create chances when the ball isn't swinging. He needs to do something because he offers nothing as is.

To be honest Paul, a I think Willey goes out of the side when Woakes is back.  We are still missing that real top quality quick to lead the attack, but we don't really have one of those on the scene at the moment. 

Yeah I agree, I just think if he could learn to bowl dangerous overs outside the powerplay he could be a useful part of the squad but right now you're picking him to try to sneak a wicket or 2 in his first 3-4 overs, if it doesn't happen it's just fingers crossed and hope he doesn't get smashed around. He's trying to work on it and has started to be less expensive in the death overs but he really needs to add some sort of threat to it. He's one of those players where I can see how useful he could be, but it's just not quite there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on June 18, 2018, 11:09:19 AM
According to Broad, Willey has a knuckle ball that he uses in the nets, but isn’t confident enough to use it in a game. It would add something to his game in the later innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 19, 2018, 03:56:23 PM
It's fun to watch as it's England batting and Bairstow, Roy and Hales have played wonderfully, but so far this just looks ridiculous. There has been zero contest between bat and ball on a road of a pitch with small boundaries and a lightening fast outfield.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on June 19, 2018, 04:26:48 PM
England post 400 plus, Australia fall 100 short after a good start but struggle to keep up with run rate and lose by over 100 runs, what a great contest.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 19, 2018, 04:28:07 PM
England post 400 plus, Australia fall 100 short after a good start but struggle to keep up with run rate and lose by over 100 runs, what a great contest.

Unless England collapse, it's going to be much much closer to 500 than 400
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 04:48:49 PM
Buttler will be mad with himself there, should've been looking at getting a big score here.  I'd keep throwing in the big hitters though, Moeen next for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 05:13:22 PM
To be fair to him Morgan has come out swinging. I think there's definitely a world record on the cards here.  Need 45 from 7 and current rate sees us make that easily.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 19, 2018, 05:32:55 PM
Looks like we'll fall a bit short of 500
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 05:40:51 PM
Yep, I'm a bit gutted, an over ago it looked on but losing Hales and Morgan back to back has probably scuppered it, guess we'll have to 'settle' for 475ish.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 19, 2018, 05:51:43 PM
Wow, what an innings!!  500 looked a real possibility right up to the last few overs.  This ODI side really is a strong outfit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on June 19, 2018, 05:51:52 PM
How does 481 compare with our best Test scores in the last year or so?!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 19, 2018, 05:54:34 PM
How does 481 compare with our best Test scores in the last year or so?!

Maybe the answer is to pick the ODI batting line up in Tests and just tell them to play like this!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 19, 2018, 06:58:32 PM
Remarkable innings, really terrific. Aus are off to a flier though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 19, 2018, 07:12:04 PM
Important wicket for Moen.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 07:18:24 PM
If they're not careful we could win this by 250, which is just silly. I'd say it's already a near impossible task for them to get within a 100.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 19, 2018, 07:27:04 PM
It’s really impressive from Hales today because he’s under big pressure.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 08:52:05 PM
If they're not careful we could win this by 250, which is just silly. I'd say it's already a near impossible task for them to get within a 100.

Ok, 242, pretty good guess though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 19, 2018, 08:57:16 PM
Love seeing the Aussies stuffed, 3-0 with two to go.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on June 19, 2018, 09:18:35 PM
How does 481 compare with our best Test scores in the last year or so?!

Maybe the answer is to pick the ODI batting line up in Tests and just tell them to play like this!

I like it, but means 2 day Tests!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 19, 2018, 10:10:21 PM
Go on and batter them five-nil, please. Then announce that next time England will only play Australia once and play a five game series against Scotland, as it will be more competitive.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 19, 2018, 11:59:39 PM
How long before England surpass 500 and a batsman gets 200 in white ball Cricket?

The loss of Hales and Morgan in successive balls meant that we were unlikely to reach 500 today and I really think that Bairstow will reach 200 one day soon.

Speaking of Bairstow, what a wonderful Cricketer he is. Keeps wicket in tests, bats in the middle order and generally does well. Opens in 50 over cricket and scored an impressive ton today. He played several “proper” cricket shots in his innings then fields in the deep and creates a fantastic run out with a perfect throw. He strikes me as a humble bloke and his delight at his team mates success was great to see.

I prefer tests but there’s a massive English revolution in 50 over cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 20, 2018, 07:03:20 PM
Is Hameed ever going to get first class runs again?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on June 21, 2018, 01:57:47 PM
Australia batting first, needing 242 to avoid an innings defeat  ;D
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 21, 2018, 08:31:04 PM
England are making a bit of a meal of this at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 21, 2018, 09:02:02 PM
And then not. Another crushing!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 21, 2018, 09:09:38 PM
Come on England, make it 5-0.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 23, 2018, 05:41:36 PM
Cipriani you star.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 09:31:03 AM
Wrong thread that, back on topic come on England make it a whitewash.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 11:23:58 AM
Aus are off a flier. He’s young, and will hopefully improve, but Sam Curran is not an international bowler at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 12:23:11 PM
Moeen showing his value as a bowler in English conditions. If he continues to bowl like this he should be back in the thinking for the Tests.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 12:41:26 PM
This is desperately poor from Aus.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 01:58:06 PM
Not great from England here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 02:24:54 PM
Awful batting effort.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 24, 2018, 04:15:20 PM
Ah well, would have taken four-one and a new World Record at the start of the series, I suppose.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 24, 2018, 05:35:37 PM
Never in doubt.

FIVE nil.

😁
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 24, 2018, 05:35:53 PM
Superb Buttler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 24, 2018, 05:37:23 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on June 24, 2018, 05:38:58 PM
Fantastic game of cricket, love beating the Aussies. 5-0.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 25, 2018, 04:14:45 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.

The ODI batting is in the same place the test batting was when we won the Ashes down under and we had top seven of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior who were all capable of producing a match winning innings when really needed.  Even with Stokes and Woakes back, I still think we are a world class strike bowler away from being a great side, but we are getting closer.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 25, 2018, 04:32:40 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.

The ODI batting is in the same place the test batting was when we won the Ashes down under and we had top seven of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior who were all capable of producing a match winning innings when really needed.  Even with Stokes and Woakes back, I still think we are a world class strike bowler away from being a great side, but we are getting closer.   

Would definitely agree with that. Someone in the mould of a Brett Lee would be the final piece in the ODI jigsaw.

Still worries me in a knockout situation that a batting collapse could occur like yesterday though
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 25, 2018, 06:31:20 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.

The ODI batting is in the same place the test batting was when we won the Ashes down under and we had top seven of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior who were all capable of producing a match winning innings when really needed.  Even with Stokes and Woakes back, I still think we are a world class strike bowler away from being a great side, but we are getting closer.   

Would definitely agree with that. Someone in the mould of a Brett Lee would be the final piece in the ODI jigsaw.

Still worries me in a knockout situation that a batting collapse could occur like yesterday though

Jofra Archer is that man.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on June 25, 2018, 06:41:50 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.

The ODI batting is in the same place the test batting was when we won the Ashes down under and we had top seven of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior who were all capable of producing a match winning innings when really needed.  Even with Stokes and Woakes back, I still think we are a world class strike bowler away from being a great side, but we are getting closer.   

Would definitely agree with that. Someone in the mould of a Brett Lee would be the final piece in the ODI jigsaw.

Still worries me in a knockout situation that a batting collapse could occur like yesterday though

Jofra Archer is that man.

Agree.

Not gonna happen though in time for the world cup sadly. ECB have backed themselves into a corner.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 26, 2018, 02:29:25 PM
Brilliant game and a truly sensational performance from Buttler.

The ODI batting is in the same place the test batting was when we won the Ashes down under and we had top seven of Strauss, Cook, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood and Prior who were all capable of producing a match winning innings when really needed.  Even with Stokes and Woakes back, I still think we are a world class strike bowler away from being a great side, but we are getting closer.   

Would definitely agree with that. Someone in the mould of a Brett Lee would be the final piece in the ODI jigsaw.

Still worries me in a knockout situation that a batting collapse could occur like yesterday though

Jofra Archer is that man.

Agree.

Not gonna happen though in time for the world cup sadly. ECB have backed themselves into a corner.

If Ty Mills hadn't suffered so many back problems, I think he might have been in that category, particularly as he is a left armer to boot.  I see England Lions have named a pretty strong batting line up against India A today.  Surprised they haven't had a look at Olly Stone though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on June 27, 2018, 04:35:58 PM
Isn't Stone currently injured?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 08:04:33 PM
Isn't Stone currently injured?

Yep.

In the baseball England got 221 with brilliant innings from Buttler and Hales in particular (61 from 30 and 49 from 24 respectively).  That's a big ask for anyone, from a side that have been whitewashed in the longer format over the last few weeks I suspect it's too big a task.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 08:34:30 PM
This required rate was a big ask from the start but it's already up to 13.5 (ish) and getting tougher by the minute.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 27, 2018, 08:35:49 PM
Jordan is such a funny bowler, real mixed bag, but when he gets it right he’s blinding.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 08:48:52 PM
This australia side are basically just England from a few years ago, spin from both ends and watch them implode.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 08:55:26 PM
This is hilarious, how can they be this poor against spin?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 09:05:26 PM
Fair play to Finch, taking it on himself here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 09:16:08 PM
I feel a bit silly about the earlier comments now.  Ali let himself down there though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 09:29:27 PM
Good over from Willey there, gave them nothing and was very accurate bowling full and wide.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on June 27, 2018, 09:32:50 PM
Hat trick ball....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on June 27, 2018, 09:45:47 PM
Got a bit twitchy when Finch went after Ali but it was always only an outside chance and once he went it was game over.  Fair play to him though, proper captains effort but was badly let down by the middle order.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on June 28, 2018, 12:47:49 AM
Fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston tonight, our record against the Aussies there is now quite good.

I’m slightly biased but I’m certain that the players love playing there so it should be an automatic selection for tests and white ball Cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on June 28, 2018, 11:31:27 AM
Fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston tonight, our record against the Aussies there is now quite good.

I’m slightly biased but I’m certain that the players love playing there so it should be an automatic selection for tests and white ball Cricket.

I'm a bit more than slightly biased, but I was thinking last night as I was sat at Edgbaston and the big screens continually flashed up people of all ages really enjoying themselves, that it has become the second home of English cricket and certainly more of a 'people's' venue than Lord's.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on July 03, 2018, 07:57:58 PM
Not a big enough score from England tonight, great batting from Buttler and great bowling from Yadav.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 03, 2018, 10:27:09 PM
Really poor display beyond Buttler and Willey.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 04, 2018, 10:52:56 AM
Really poor display beyond Buttler and Willey.

Our problems against quality spin were exposed again on a surface that really suited the Indians. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on July 05, 2018, 06:36:41 PM
Looks like the surfaces may suit them in the test series as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2018, 06:04:06 PM
That run out is bizarre.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on July 06, 2018, 07:12:10 PM
Rubbish last over from Jake Ball....Useless!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 06, 2018, 07:55:46 PM
frustrating from Buttler, he's better than that but I do wonder in the ball is holding up in the pitch a little, the Indians seemed to be early on a fair few as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 06, 2018, 11:10:23 PM
Excellent from Hales, Willey and Plunkett today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 07, 2018, 08:45:08 AM
Plunkett and Willey both going for less that 5 an over is superb in T20 cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 07, 2018, 02:44:30 PM
Willey has added something to his bowling lately.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2018, 02:20:19 PM
Good start from Buttler here but Roy is looking a little out of touch, hasn't quite got his eye in here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 08, 2018, 02:34:54 PM
Root being dropped is probably an indication his form needs to pick up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2018, 02:38:00 PM
Good start from Buttler here but Roy is looking a little out of touch, hasn't quite got his eye in here.

The abysmal misfield to gift him a 4 seems to have completely turned things around for Roy.  He was 7 for 7 when I wrote that, then got 45 from 16 after it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 08, 2018, 03:45:54 PM
Let that slip, will need to bowl really well now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2018, 05:07:37 PM
Yeah, I think we were about 20 short in the end after our great start so India will have gone on thinking the chase is quite a bit smaller than it should have been.

Since then the bowlers just haven't been able to make the important breakthroughs to leave them with 2 new batters in, they did it to us twice and it changes the game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 08, 2018, 05:21:36 PM
Yeah we definitely finished 20/30 short.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on July 08, 2018, 05:34:59 PM
Why did Stokes only bowl 2 overs conceding just 11 runs? Jake Ball 3 overs for 39?? Ball nearly lost us the the T20 game at Cardiff - he's shite!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 08, 2018, 10:33:25 PM
I thought we really missed having a second spinner. Rashid had control and was economical, Ali tends to offer the same. With Stokes coming back we could have dropped Ball and had a shorter tail with Ali in at 7 and Wiley at 8. We may then have scored another 20 runs that would have made India’s chase difficult.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 08, 2018, 11:34:54 PM
I don't get why they keep looking at Ball (across the 3 formats) I've never seen anything to suggests he's more than a decent county player. I struggle with Plunkett as well who, for England, seems to have 1 good game for every 3 poor ones. He's got 1 for 101 in the 3 games this week and questions really should be asked.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 08, 2018, 11:45:47 PM
I don't get why they keep looking at Ball (across the 3 formats) I've never seen anything to suggests he's more than a decent county player. I struggle with Plunkett as well who, for England, seems to have 1 good game for every 3 poor ones. He's got 1 for 101 in the 3 games this week and questions really should be asked.

I suppose Woakes has still got to come back in Paul, but it might be time to have a look at some of the options out there and try a and find some genuine pace.  Willey is a sitting duck in T20s if the ball isn't swinging and as you say, Plunkett doesn't really deliver consistently enough.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 09, 2018, 12:29:47 AM
I don't get why they keep looking at Ball (across the 3 formats) I've never seen anything to suggests he's more than a decent county player. I struggle with Plunkett as well who, for England, seems to have 1 good game for every 3 poor ones. He's got 1 for 101 in the 3 games this week and questions really should be asked.

I suppose Woakes has still got to come back in Paul, but it might be time to have a look at some of the options out there and try a and find some genuine pace.  Willey is a sitting duck in T20s if the ball isn't swinging and as you say, Plunkett doesn't really deliver consistently enough.

I don't mind Willey because he's dangerous with the new ball.  I'd love him to be more dangerous later on and I'd really like him to start taking flurries of wikcets in his 'good' phase but he has proven himself capable of breaking opening partnerships regularly and he's good enough with the bat to be picked as part of a 6 man bowling attacking, as are Woakes, Stokes and Moeen. If you add Rashid and Jordan (who offsets Willey by being a solid death bowler) then we're not far away.  Longer term Archer, Sam Curran and Brookes all look like excellent options in the short formats and I'd keep an eye on Parkinson (at Lancs) and Crane as options for leg spin.  Could do with a good off-spinner to cover/replace Moeen but there's not many about from what I've seen.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 09, 2018, 12:34:24 AM
Bit disappointing but still, it's only 20/20. Hopefully we can continue our decent ODI form going into the World Cup. That has to be the main priority. And what a fucking catch by Jordan.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 09, 2018, 09:39:56 AM
Bit disappointing but still, it's only 20/20. Hopefully we can continue our decent ODI form going into the World Cup. That has to be the main priority. And what a fucking catch by Jordan.

My one concern with the 50 over side is that we are peaking a bit too early, as the World Cup is 12 months away.  If it was this summer then I think we would be set for a really strong challenge, but a lot can happen in a year and I just hope we can maintain momentum. 

That's why I think we can't just look to tick over and should be looking at options who may improve or at least raise the level of competition in the squad. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 12, 2018, 01:32:57 PM
England are in (kul)deep shit here
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 12, 2018, 01:34:42 PM
Per Andy Zaltzmann, Kuldeep has taken 15 wickets in 16 overs
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 12, 2018, 02:36:47 PM
Yeah, we just haven't worked out how to bat against him at all. What I find strange is that he's so slow we should b able to walk down at him but they seem to get deceived by the flight if they try that.

Should still be looking at at a decent score but I think this is a 360+ pitch and I'm not sure we have enough wickets in hand to push for that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 12, 2018, 02:46:57 PM
Buttler is, unsurprisingly, going well but Stokes needs to start scoring more soon, he's done a great job of stabilising this but we need runs on the board now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 12, 2018, 03:44:07 PM
The two slowest ODI 50s since the 2015 World Cup are now by Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni

That's two very unlikely people to be top of that list
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 12, 2018, 06:16:55 PM
We are suddenly looking rather poor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 12, 2018, 10:51:25 PM
We are suddenly looking rather poor.

Poor against good quality spin, there's nothing new about that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 13, 2018, 07:06:49 AM
No, but it is new getting rolled like that in home conditions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 13, 2018, 09:53:48 AM
No, but it is new getting rolled like that in home conditions.

Not sure about that, we seem to completely implode at least once per summer. Aside from that I think Hales having to drop out early really hurt us, it was his home ground where he regularly gets massive runs and we'd clearly been setup around him being in the side.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Smith on July 13, 2018, 11:10:59 AM
No, but it is new getting rolled like that in home conditions.

I don’t think this was normal home conditions given how dry it has been.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 13, 2018, 12:47:09 PM
No, but it is new getting rolled like that in home conditions.

Not sure about that, we seem to completely implode at least once per summer. Aside from that I think Hales having to drop out early really hurt us, it was his home ground where he regularly gets massive runs and we'd clearly been setup around him being in the side.

5 Live said yesterday that Hales would have been dropped even if he wasn't injured
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 13, 2018, 03:31:15 PM
No, but it is new getting rolled like that in home conditions.

Not sure about that, we seem to completely implode at least once per summer. Aside from that I think Hales having to drop out early really hurt us, it was his home ground where he regularly gets massive runs and we'd clearly been setup around him being in the side.

5 Live said yesterday that Hales would have been dropped even if he wasn't injured

If that's right then it's a stupid decision
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on July 13, 2018, 04:50:29 PM
I suspect a) they’re trying to get Root time in the middle ready for the Tests, given they won’t let him play for Yorks and b) setting up wickets to prepare our batsmen for next year, when the ICB decide what the wickets will be like and getting them prepared for the Indian spinners.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 14, 2018, 02:50:33 PM
Great stuff from Root and Willey to hopefully drag us up to a reasonable total.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 14, 2018, 06:26:50 PM
Not sure what MS is playing at here. He’s not even trying to chase the runs
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 14, 2018, 06:35:28 PM
That was very odd.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 17, 2018, 02:40:36 PM
Rashid has just got Kohli with an absolutely brilliant delivery, pitches outside leg and takes the top of off, completely unplayable, Kohli's face when he hears the clatter of the stumps is a picture.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 17, 2018, 02:55:34 PM
Replay of that wicket is up now - here (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/cricket/43872905?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=5b4df3b3a081040678932940%26Watch%3A%20Rashid%20bowls%20Kohli%20with%20beauty%262018-07-17T13%3A51%3A59%2B00%3A00&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:b9a8f832-c991-46b9-bb0d-e095d58481c2&pinned_post_asset_id=5b4df3b3a081040678932940&pinned_post_type=share)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 17, 2018, 03:14:41 PM
What a beautiful ball. Rashid is a wonderful white ball player and his game has improved by concentrating solely on the shorter formats. I hope that he will return to red ball cricket because he would be an ideal choice in test matches.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 17, 2018, 05:01:59 PM
Great start by Bairstow, 30 off 12 balls.

Their spinners and Yadav in particular will be key. If we play them sensibly then we should win this.

Kiss of death...sorry.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 17, 2018, 05:09:08 PM
Frustrating to lose a wicket but we're well ahead of the game, if we can keep the rate around 4-4.5 then we can nurdle for 1s and 2s against the spinners which takes a lot of pressure off.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 17, 2018, 05:27:43 PM
Silly run out sees Vince go for 27 (from 27), for me he was a bit lazy there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on July 17, 2018, 05:29:59 PM
Silly run out sees Vince go for 27 (from 27), for me he was a bit lazy there.

Yeah, awful running.

Not backing up properly, hesitant at start of the run and no attempt at a dive.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 17, 2018, 07:00:05 PM
Root out stumped off a spinner......but it was a no ball.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 17, 2018, 07:04:20 PM
England have responded bloody well to that first game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 17, 2018, 07:42:06 PM
A great victory for England and good to see Joe Root get a second successive ton.

Now for the tests.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 19, 2018, 01:16:58 PM
England v Ireland 4 Day Test Match at Lord's in 2019
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 19, 2018, 01:18:03 PM
Summer 2019 full schedule
Pakistan
May

5: T20 international, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

8: First ODI, Oval

11: Second ODI, Ageas Bowl

14: Third ODI, Brightside Ground, Bristol

17: Fourth ODI, Trent Bridge (day/night)

19: Fifth ODI, Headingley

World Cup: 30 May - 14 July

Ireland
24-27 July, Four-day Test, Lord's

Australia
August

1-5: First Test, Edgbaston

14-18: Second Test, Lord's

22-26: Third Test, Headingley

September

4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford

12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on July 19, 2018, 02:45:28 PM
Absolutely love the Ashes, will do every day at Edgbaston and a day at Old Trafford.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 19, 2018, 03:25:49 PM
The thing that puts me off attending cricket matches is the sun.

When choosing my seat for baseball games, I only have to account for where the sun is for three hours or so in order to avoid it.
Also, there's normally somewhere to stand in the shade where you can still watch the game.

If I could get a seat that's guaranteed to be out of the sun all day, I'd be interested
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on July 19, 2018, 03:50:57 PM
The thing that puts me off attending cricket matches is the sun.

When choosing my seat for baseball games, I only have to account for where the sun is for three hours or so in order to avoid it.
Also, there's normally somewhere to stand in the shade where you can still watch the game.

If I could get a seat that's guaranteed to be out of the sun all day, I'd be interested
Buy tickets in South Stand at Edgbaston....in shade all day.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 19, 2018, 04:51:55 PM
Gutted. Can't go to the India test this year as it clashes with a wedding, and it sounds like I won't have much chance of getting Ashes tickets having not been this year.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on July 19, 2018, 07:27:56 PM
I really don't like this squeezing 5 tests into 6 weeks nonsense, first India now Australia
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 19, 2018, 07:39:21 PM
It's to make room for the World Cup next year. Not sure why it's happening this.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 12:10:38 PM
Rashid named in the Test squad, funny how he's available to play for England in red ball cricket when he announced he would only play white ball cricket at the start of the season. He could have got some practise in during the Roses match instead of Yorkshire borrowing a player for one match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 26, 2018, 12:15:15 PM
Rashid named in the Test squad, funny how he's available to play for England in red ball cricket when he announced he would only play white ball cricket at the start of the season. He could have got some practise in during the Roses match instead of Yorkshire borrowing a player for one match.

I think his selection is wrong and undermines county cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aev on July 26, 2018, 12:40:37 PM
Rashid named in the Test squad, funny how he's available to play for England in red ball cricket when he announced he would only play white ball cricket at the start of the season. He could have got some practise in during the Roses match instead of Yorkshire borrowing a player for one match.


I think his selection is wrong and undermines county cricket.

The marginalisation of the county game continues.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 12:47:28 PM
Rashid named in the Test squad, funny how he's available to play for England in red ball cricket when he announced he would only play white ball cricket at the start of the season. He could have got some practise in during the Roses match instead of Yorkshire borrowing a player for one match.


I think his selection is wrong and undermines county cricket.

The marginalisation of the county game continues.

Absolutely.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 26, 2018, 12:52:36 PM
Hmmm I'm not sure I agree with the Rashid selection either. If you say you're only playing one day cricket, then you're only playing one day cricket. The England selection policy should be lined up to county availability.

Buttler for instance might not play a lot of county cricket, but he hasn't actually made himself unavailable for it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aev on July 26, 2018, 01:21:29 PM
I really hate the way the 4 day game has been shunted around to make way for all the one day stuff.

Now it appears that you don't even need to play 4 day cricket anymore to get selected for the Test team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 01:48:39 PM
Also, he signed a contract with Yorkshire to play white ball cricket and has now made himself unavailable, I'd be more than happy to see him released from his contract.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 26, 2018, 02:00:35 PM
Also, he signed a contract with Yorkshire to play white ball cricket and has now made himself unavailable, I'd be more than happy to see him released from his contract.

This could backfire on him. If Yorkshire release him and you couldn’t blame them if they did, who would sign a player who seems to treat their home county, who spent time and money developing the player from a young age, with such contempt?

He’s a player that I’ve always liked and admired but he’s shown his true, mercenary colours.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 02:10:09 PM
Also, he signed a contract with Yorkshire to play white ball cricket and has now made himself unavailable, I'd be more than happy to see him released from his contract.

This could backfire on him. If Yorkshire release him and you couldn’t blame them if they did, who would sign a player who seems to treat their home county, who spent time and money developing the player from a young age, with such contempt?

He’s a player that I’ve always liked and admired but he’s shown his true, mercenary colours.

I've always been a fan of his but he doesn't do himself any favours. Making himself unavailable for a title decider on the last match of the season in 2016 went down as well as you can imagine with his captain and the members.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 26, 2018, 02:16:01 PM
Rashid named in the Test squad, funny how he's available to play for England in red ball cricket when he announced he would only play white ball cricket at the start of the season. He could have got some practise in during the Roses match instead of Yorkshire borrowing a player for one match.

I happen to think he is the best spin bowler in the country and has been for some time and his batting ability makes him a very useful lower order player, but this seems a very strange decision.  I would have thought that ruling yourself out of red ball cricket at county level would automatically rule you out of test contention. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 03:03:46 PM
He did get treated fairly shabbily in the past by the England set up, he was a glorified waiter at one stage.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 26, 2018, 03:59:55 PM
It’s ironic that they’ve selected Rashid whilst saying that from next year they are amending the selection criteria to exclude white ball only players.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on July 26, 2018, 04:11:02 PM
Plunkett is joining Surrey at the end of the season and Rashid hasn't signed a one year white ball contract that I would hope will now be withdrawn. From what Moxon says it looks like Yorkshire have had enough of losing players so often and are now preparing to build a squad of players available for most of the season to play in all forms of cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 27, 2018, 11:53:48 AM
Plunkett is joining Surrey at the end of the season and Rashid hasn't signed a one year white ball contract that I would hope will now be withdrawn. From what Moxon says it looks like Yorkshire have had enough of losing players so often and are now preparing to build a squad of players available for most of the season to play in all forms of cricket.

Rugby clubs in countries where players are centrally contracted by their Union have gone down that route for quite a while now. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 30, 2018, 11:40:23 AM
Test series against India starts this week.  Will be interesting to see the make up of the side, but I think we will be looking at a top seven of Cook, Jennings, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler.  We have had a bit of rain over the weekend, but we might still plump for two spinners, in which case I think the remainder of the side would be Ali, Rashid, Broad and Anderson.  If it is not felt it is going to be too spinner friendly then I would probably go with Ali and play the extra seamer instead of Rashid (which would then be a straight choice between Curran and Porter). 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on July 30, 2018, 12:58:21 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on July 30, 2018, 01:12:40 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: shirley_villan on July 30, 2018, 02:53:01 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.

PGW, do you still get members discount on beer at international matches as you do at domestic? This is the first year I’ve been a member that I’ll be going to an England game there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on July 30, 2018, 03:04:18 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.

PGW, do you still get members discount on beer at international matches as you do at domestic? This is the first year I’ve been a member that I’ll be going to an England game there.
Yes as long as you produce your membership card.....it can depend where your drinking i for one always get Block 9 which means i can use David Heath bar.
The rule is that anywhere on ground u can get member discount but it will probably need a nudge from you to instigate it if drinking on the ground.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: shirley_villan on July 30, 2018, 03:15:58 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.

PGW, do you still get members discount on beer at international matches as you do at domestic? This is the first year I’ve been a member that I’ll be going to an England game there.
Yes as long as you produce your membership card.....it can depend where your drinking i for one always get Block 9 which means i can use David Heath bar.
The rule is that anywhere on ground u can get member discount but it will probably need a nudge from you to instigate it if drinking on the ground.

No worries, we're block 9 as well so will be using the bar there. Cheers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 30, 2018, 03:16:35 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.

Weather looks OK for later in the week PGW, so hopefully there won't be any interruptions. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on July 30, 2018, 05:18:14 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!
The wicket, although we've had a fair bit of rain Saturday & Sunday should still be dry enough to play two spinners, it is a big call to make and i for one would go with the 2 of them.
I won't see u as going days 1-3 didn't book Saturday due to watching my own club play.

Hopefully a great match and atmosphere to celebrate Englands 1000th Test Match.

PGW, do you still get members discount on beer at international matches as you do at domestic? This is the first year I’ve been a member that I’ll be going to an England game there.
Yes as long as you produce your membership card.....it can depend where your drinking i for one always get Block 9 which means i can use David Heath bar.
The rule is that anywhere on ground u can get member discount but it will probably need a nudge from you to instigate it if drinking on the ground.

No worries, we're block 9 as well so will be using the bar there. Cheers.
If u see 'fat bastard' with a wooden walking stick unshaven likely me....and dependent on time possibly pissed  ...
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 31, 2018, 01:19:27 PM
I think that Rashid will play, it seems to be an entirely pointless exercise to pick him and not play him. Ed Smith seems to have started his tenure with a bold selection that I suspect will define his era.

We need a strong performance as we have been pretty poor in tests recently and have been unable to finish sides off. I hope that it lasts to day four because that’s when I’m going!

He has been picked and the line up looks like it will be - Cook, Jennings, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Rashid, Curran, Broad, Anderson

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on July 31, 2018, 01:20:47 PM
Beeb

Quote
Adil Rashid has been named as England's only spin bowler for the first Test match against India at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old, who will play his first Test in almost two years, has been recalled despite signing a white-ball only contract for Yorkshire in February.

All-rounder Sam Curran also plays, with Moeen Ali and Jamie Porter missing out.

Captain Joe Root said Jos Buttler will act as vice-captain.

Regular understudy Ben Stokes' trial for affray begins on Monday, the day after the first match of the five-Test series is due to end.

Stokes will miss the second Test at Lord's, which starts on 9 August.

England XI for first Test: Joe Root (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 31, 2018, 01:37:12 PM
Curran's bowling needs to develop a lot if he's going to be in as a bowler/bowling all-rounder.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on July 31, 2018, 01:47:05 PM
Heard on the radio earlier that there are thousands of unsold tickets left for the test match at Edgbaston, 6000 tomorrow and 9000 available for Thursday.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 31, 2018, 02:12:36 PM
Curran's bowling needs to develop a lot if he's going to be in as a bowler/bowling all-rounder.

I would think he is in primarily as a bowler isn't he Paul and will most probably bat either 8 or 9?  He offers something a bit different in the fact that he is a left-armer, but the seam attack looks very similar and a bit one paced again.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2018, 02:34:29 PM
Curran's bowling needs to develop a lot if he's going to be in as a bowler/bowling all-rounder.

I would think he is in primarily as a bowler isn't he Paul and will most probably bat either 8 or 9?  He offers something a bit different in the fact that he is a left-armer, but the seam attack looks very similar and a bit one paced again.   

I'm far from convinced he's ready, for me he's just not quick enough to be a regular bowler in red ball cricket. He has good variations and that makes him effective in one day and t20 and at county level that bit of mystery gets him plenty of wickets but at international level I suspect he's a couple of matches away from a humbling 100+ for 0 innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on July 31, 2018, 04:11:37 PM
Curran's bowling needs to develop a lot if he's going to be in as a bowler/bowling all-rounder.

I would think he is in primarily as a bowler isn't he Paul and will most probably bat either 8 or 9?  He offers something a bit different in the fact that he is a left-armer, but the seam attack looks very similar and a bit one paced again.   

I'm far from convinced he's ready, for me he's just not quick enough to be a regular bowler in red ball cricket. He has good variations and that makes him effective in one day and t20 and at county level that bit of mystery gets him plenty of wickets but at international level I suspect he's a couple of matches away from a humbling 100+ for 0 innings.

Think he will be OK in home matches as he can swing the ball and conditions here will favour that.  Like you though Paul, I'm still not convinced about him in test match cricket at this point.  I think being a left armer has probably helped his cause.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on July 31, 2018, 04:32:56 PM
Curran's bowling needs to develop a lot if he's going to be in as a bowler/bowling all-rounder.

I would think he is in primarily as a bowler isn't he Paul and will most probably bat either 8 or 9?  He offers something a bit different in the fact that he is a left-armer, but the seam attack looks very similar and a bit one paced again.   

I'm far from convinced he's ready, for me he's just not quick enough to be a regular bowler in red ball cricket. He has good variations and that makes him effective in one day and t20 and at county level that bit of mystery gets him plenty of wickets but at international level I suspect he's a couple of matches away from a humbling 100+ for 0 innings.

Think he will be OK in home matches as he can swing the ball and conditions here will favour that.  Like you though Paul, I'm still not convinced about him in test match cricket at this point.  I think being a left armer has probably helped his cause.   

With the right conditions his (lack of) pace can help him but in most cases top class players will just have too much time to adjust and defend.  He's kind of halfway between Woakes and Lyon in that he needs the right conditions but also his devilment is in deception through small variations rather than any genuinely outstanding technique.  He's young enough to improvement but (and I don't mean this in a bad way) right now he's like an attempt to create a text book bowler from Dernbach.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 01, 2018, 10:24:19 AM
Actually quite looking forward to this series.  Should be a real test against strong opposition and after our poor form in recent series, I think it is quite important that we win this one. 

Hope all who are going today (really jealous sat here at work!!) see a good day!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 01, 2018, 10:33:48 AM
Root won the toss and England bat first, hope for a solid days batting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 01, 2018, 11:41:18 AM
A very good ball from Ashwin that got Cook.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 01, 2018, 02:34:11 PM
Jennings really unlucky to get out there.  It seemed like him and Root were really getting settled. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 01, 2018, 03:54:01 PM
Very much in the balance at tea.  If we can get up to around 250 in the next session without losing a wicket, they would be in a pretty strong position.  A couple more cheap wickets after tea though and we could be in trouble. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2018, 04:48:51 PM
Oh Joe 😞.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 01, 2018, 04:50:42 PM
Should never be run out in Test Cricket. Its never worth the risk, especially on the 1st day to go for a dodgy second.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 01, 2018, 04:57:28 PM
And of course it starts the inevitable collapse
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2018, 05:08:27 PM
Ah yes. We’re really good at consolidating following the loss of a wicket in key stages of the game....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 01, 2018, 05:35:19 PM
Another pathetic batting performance. Grimly predictable and cannot see it changing anytime soon
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 01, 2018, 06:00:38 PM
Fair play to Curran and Rashid for steadying things, could easily have ended up all out for 260 odd there, something around 320-330 would be good from here but should've been looking at 400+ really.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 01, 2018, 06:10:47 PM
Irrespective of what happens from here, it’s yet another below par batting display.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 01, 2018, 07:44:47 PM
Dreadful collapse, terrible day for England.  India will get in first thing and smash us. Poor effort with so many of the England players getting a start.  Hopefully, Curran hangs around in the morning to get us up to at least 300.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 12:15:20 AM
Fair play to Curran and Rashid for steadying things, could easily have ended up all out for 260 odd there, something around 320-330 would be good from here but should've been looking at 400+ really.

Not sure to be honest Paul.  I think our chance of getting a foothold in the game went with Root's run out and the writing is on the wall for a heavy defeat from this position. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 12:28:03 AM
Fair play to Curran and Rashid for steadying things, could easily have ended up all out for 260 odd there, something around 320-330 would be good from here but should've been looking at 400+ really.

Not sure to be honest Paul.  I think our chance of getting a foothold in the game went with Root's run out and the writing is on the wall for a heavy defeat from this position.

Depends which Broad shows up. On this pitch he'll be dangerous if he can find his length.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 10:55:50 AM
Fair play to Curran and Rashid for steadying things, could easily have ended up all out for 260 odd there, something around 320-330 would be good from here but should've been looking at 400+ really.

Not sure to be honest Paul.  I think our chance of getting a foothold in the game went with Root's run out and the writing is on the wall for a heavy defeat from this position.

Depends which Broad shows up. On this pitch he'll be dangerous if he can find his length.

Problem is that the Broad we will need to turn up in this situation rarely does these days and seems to need a mountain of criticism for him to produce his best form. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 11:21:05 AM
Lasted 10 deliveries this morning and all out for 287.  Just as the clouds over Birmingham seem to be dispersing as well.  Could be a long couple of days in the field ahead.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 02, 2018, 11:58:40 AM
We seem rather clueless with the ball this morning. If Jimmy and Broad don’t take wickets then I do worry about the rest of our attack. Stokes still seems to be easing his way back in, Curran is a novice and Rashid isn’t the sort to bowl uninterrupted from one end for a session. I think we are in for a long spell in the field.

Typical England, the Ball isn’t doing much so they ask the umpire to change it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 12:35:14 PM
We seem rather clueless with the ball this morning. If Jimmy and Broad don’t take wickets then I do worry about the rest of our attack. Stokes still seems to be easing his way back in, Curran is a novice and Rashid isn’t the sort to bowl uninterrupted from one end for a session. I think we are in for a long spell in the field.

Typical England, the Ball isn’t doing much so they ask the umpire to change it.

As I said last night, the writing was on the wall after tea yesterday as to how this test will unfold.  I expect India to get a big score and make batting look easy, only for us to collapse again in our second innings and fall to an innings defeat.

Just as i said that - two quick wickets!!  Kohli now at the crease and we could do with a laying a marker down for the series by getting him cheaply.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 12:39:07 PM
Fair play to Curran, 2 in an over.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 12:41:41 PM
3 now, I should bitch about bowlers more often.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 02, 2018, 12:43:37 PM
Can't wait til Kohli is out!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 12:46:18 PM
Watching the wickets, the 2nd is a fucking terrible shot and the 3rd isn't much better, both seemed to want to leather him out of the ground from the off and played t20 style slogs which really weren't needed.

First wicket is a lovely delivery though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 02:27:33 PM
That's shit from Malan, can't drop a player like Kohli.

Then fucking Cook drops a dolly as well.

for fuck sake, should be 101 for 7 right now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 02:38:03 PM
Following it on the BBC stream and it sounds really dramatic stuff.  Wish I was there!!

Think I need to revise my statement from earlier as well!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 02:42:12 PM
To be fair we've been brilliant, how Jimmy hasn't got Kohli is a mystery, got to have been 5-6 chances for the slips and nearly as many that have missed the edge by a gnats bollock.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 03:08:14 PM
Every time they replay it the Kohli drop by Malan looks worse, not a simple chance but an international slip should be taking it. Malan needs to score 2 for every run Kohli gets from there on to make up for it.

Stokes is looking a bit tired now, has beena  long spell from him.  I'd get Rashid on for a few overs now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on August 02, 2018, 03:33:26 PM
Why is Cook still slip catching? He's 50/50 these days, not good enough.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 03:36:19 PM
There's 6, no idea why Hardik reviewed, he must've known that hit his foot, shocking call.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 03:52:18 PM
What a session of cricket that was.  As long as the ball keeps swinging, we're right back in this now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 04:20:57 PM
7 down, absolute beauty from Jimmy, if Malan could catch this would be all over now, Kohli is the only one of them that's had any idea how to play our attack.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 04:27:53 PM
Well done Sam, proved me wrong in this game!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 02, 2018, 05:18:03 PM
9 down one to go, still a lead of 70.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 05:23:32 PM
Kohli gets his ton, Malan should be ashamed.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 05:50:27 PM
We’ve ballsed this up through dropped catches. I bet Malan gets less than 10.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:00:22 PM
Root needs to be more alert here, Stokes looks done in.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 06:00:52 PM
Have you seen the drop? I don't mean to go on but if he takes it we're probably already into our 2nd innings with a lead of well over 100, that drop could easily end up costing us the match and it's the sort that you'd expect to see taken 99 times out of a 100.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:04:17 PM
Yep it was a shocker, hence the comment that he’ll be mentally done in when he comes to bat.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:05:37 PM
Finally over. One innings game, now don’t fall over England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 06:06:53 PM
so, Dawid, you owe us about 200 runs.  Get to it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:12:41 PM
Kohli so often goes on to get a good hundred, Root needs to learn from that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:29:41 PM
And there goes the obligatory wicket before the close.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 02, 2018, 06:32:01 PM
Kohli so often goes on to get a good hundred, Root needs to learn from that.

He isn't as mentally strong as Kohli. Never will be
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Ads on August 02, 2018, 06:32:11 PM
Times up Cookie.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 02, 2018, 06:43:11 PM
That’s harsh it was an unplayable delivery.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on August 02, 2018, 07:08:10 PM
He was lucky today, but that was a superb knock from Kohli, still fancy us to win it, as long as we don't have any daft run outs!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 02, 2018, 09:01:12 PM
Isn't it about time Broad and Cook were dropped? I'm also not sold on Joe Root as captain either. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 02, 2018, 10:44:32 PM
Kohli gets his ton, Malan should be ashamed.

I’m sure he’s not feeling too great about it but hope he doesn’t feel ashamed, he’s no need to be. Cricketer drops a catch, it happens, a lot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 02, 2018, 10:44:52 PM
He was lucky today, but that was a superb knock from Kohli, still fancy us to win it, as long as we don't have any daft run outs!

Brilliant knock from him to be fair, the sky analysis was great, showing that he came out of his crease to smother the seam movement and be on the ball before the late swing that was giving the rest of them so much trouble.

The bal lthat got Cook was good but Cook wasn't convincing and his form for the last couple of years is all about a couple of massive scores 'hiding' how often he's been out in single figures.  The stream of poor openers at the other end has saved him from a lot more criticism.

I said last night that it was a wicket setup for Broad at his best, what we got was Broad looking like he couldn't be arsed with it. If Woakes can get some overs under his belt he'd be in as the replacement for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 02, 2018, 11:03:48 PM
Kohli is pure class and absolutely the best in the world at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 02, 2018, 11:17:11 PM
He was lucky today, but that was a superb knock from Kohli, still fancy us to win it, as long as we don't have any daft run outs!

Brilliant knock from him to be fair, the sky analysis was great, showing that he came out of his crease to smother the seam movement and be on the ball before the late swing that was giving the rest of them so much trouble.

The bal lthat got Cook was good but Cook wasn't convincing and his form for the last couple of years is all about a couple of massive scores 'hiding' how often he's been out in single figures.  The stream of poor openers at the other end has saved him from a lot more criticism.

I said last night that it was a wicket setup for Broad at his best, what we got was Broad looking like he couldn't be arsed with it. If Woakes can get some overs under his belt he'd be in as the replacement for me.

Broad and Cook have been the same for some time now Paul.  It seems like they have to reach crisis point where they come under heavy criticism for them to produce anything like their best.  They coast along doing pretty poorly until they start getting criticised in the media.  This then fires them up and they have one good game and the 'haters' are proven wrong.  Place in the next series secured, they go back to coasting mode until the next crisis comes along. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 03, 2018, 08:20:03 AM
I didn't hear it explained why Broad only bowled 10 overs.

Did any of you hear a reason ?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 11:49:46 AM
Shambolic start to the day
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 11:51:44 AM
Oh look, our best batsman gets caught cheaply, lets double down on the fuck up we made in the field yesterday.

I suspect we'll be setting them a target of about 150 and they'll make it with ease.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 11:56:45 AM
Really poor. Bairstow played the same shot that Root stupidly got out to his 1st ball also.

Trott made me laugh on the debate show last night, saying England would look for a lead of 400!!!

This batting line up isnt capable of scoring 400 in pretty much any conditions. Its terrible
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 12:01:40 PM
Malan is in his 'danger zone' right now, once he gets over 25 he generally goes on to get 50+ and we really need him to do that today. If this pair can build a bit of a partnership we might be able to give ourselves something to bowl at but they need to get us to lunch first, which is a big ask given how we've played so far.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 12:07:00 PM
Really poor from Root and then absolute insane for Bairstow to nearly fall into the same trap twice.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 03, 2018, 12:21:29 PM
Malan is in his 'danger zone' right now, once he gets over 25 he generally goes on to get 50+ and we really need him to do that today. If this pair can build a bit of a partnership we might be able to give ourselves something to bowl at but they need to get us to lunch first, which is a big ask given how we've played so far.

Really hope Malan can get a big knock here as everything seems to be going against him at the moment.  We are teetering on the edge of being in real trouble at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 12:38:43 PM
That has to be the end of Malans run in the team. He's looked really poor all summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 12:46:03 PM
Yep, he isn't scoring enough runs and he really needed to see us through to lunch here.

I get the argument that catches sometimes go down but the Kohli drop yesterday was a complete game changer, we were destroying them at the time and taking their best player for a low score (keeping his poor performances in England going) would've been a dream. For it to go into his hands and him to just not get fingers round it is just poor technique. The one Cook dropped a few deliveries later was much more forgivable, came through very quick and moved in the air so it never went into his hands.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 03, 2018, 12:54:33 PM
Yep, he isn't scoring enough runs and he really needed to see us through to lunch here.

I get the argument that catches sometimes go down but the Kohli drop yesterday was a complete game changer, we were destroying them at the time and taking their best player for a low score (keeping his poor performances in England going) would've been a dream. For it to go into his hands and him to just not get fingers round it is just poor technique. The one Cook dropped a few deliveries later was much more forgivable, came through very quick and moved in the air so it never went into his hands.

Yep. never nice to see anyone struggle, but I think time needs to be called on Malan for the next test.  His only saving grace might be that the next test is at his home ground.  I would be inclined to give one of the younger players a chance, with Gubbins or Pope being the likely candidates as it stands.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 12:59:39 PM
Poor from Bairstow, we've played far too many nothing shots in this match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 01:00:07 PM
Pathetic batting performance yet again. Why is nothing being done about it? Why are none of the batsmen learning from their mistakes. This is gonna be over halfway through the evening session.

Fucking disgrace
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 03, 2018, 01:00:09 PM
Good bowling from Sharma, Stokes gone now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 01:04:13 PM
Bayliss has to go as Test coach. His results have been unacceptable for way too long now. There seems a reluctance within the team to even accept things are wrong. How can we collapse time and time again and batsmen do nothing to learn from their errors?

Beyond a joke now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 01:06:52 PM
The problem is, it's not particularly good bowling.  It looks better than it is because our players can't decide whether to defend or score so they play loads of nothing shots. It's pathetic that players who can be so good in other formats shit themselves so quickly under a tiny bit of pressure in a test.  sharma is a decent bowler but he's not doing anything that they won't have seen in the county game and yet they've let him boss them.  Ashwin is a genuinely superb bowler but we've not asked him any questions, we've just meekly done exactly what he wanted and walked ourselves into his 'trap' without a fight.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 03, 2018, 01:10:03 PM
You could equally argue the game changer was when Root was needlessly run out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 01:18:34 PM
You could equally argue the game changer was when Root was needlessly run out.

It was a big moment no doubt, but in no way does it excuse losing the 6 wickets after that incident for fuck all runs.

We have a poor batting lineup that lacks skill, application and character. If its the best lineup that English cricket has to offer then we are well and truly fucked.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 01:18:48 PM
Staggeringly poor. Jonny getting out that shot was just dumb.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 03, 2018, 01:26:46 PM
Bayliss has to go as Test coach. His results have been unacceptable for way too long now. There seems a reluctance within the team to even accept things are wrong. How can we collapse time and time again and batsmen do nothing to learn from their errors?

Beyond a joke now.

Have to agree to be honest.  The whole set up from batting to catching just seems a bit loose and sloppy.  I think he should stand aside and be given the opportunity to prepare the ODI side for the World Cup next year. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 01:28:23 PM
We just continue to make the same mistakes again and again at Test level.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 01:46:49 PM
Good to see Buttler used to lunch break wisely to consider his game plan. Christ.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 01:50:07 PM
Malan has had a bad game, particularly with those drops, but Buttler is in as a specialist batsman at 7 and he’s scored 2 runs in two innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 01:53:42 PM
Actually I’m wrong, he got 1 run across two innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 02:26:55 PM
I agree Buttler has had a poor test but he was good in the previous 2 against pakistan so he has some credit in the bank, Malan doesn't have that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 02:42:14 PM
You could equally argue the game changer was when Root was needlessly run out.

The difference is we had a decent 'start' on the board and with the batting to come should've still posted 350ish. That Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler were all out cheaply is why our first innings total was low. Kohli was dropped on 21 with very little batting to come and India would've been 100 and a bit for 7, in the end he scored anothr 128 from about 170 more for India.

That said, it's only an opinion but I think a drop like that, in the game context, is inexcusable and will cost us this test.  I said Malan needed to score big runs to make up for it and I stand by that.  He knows he shelled a simple one, a winner would be determined to make up for that by seeing England into a strong position in the 2nd innings but Malan doesn't have the mental strength or the technique to do it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 03:21:27 PM
Important little smash from Curran here, it's this aspect that makes me think he's a batting all-rounder right now (and potentially a very good one).

Lead up to 174 - if we can get near to 200 I think it's game on because the ball is going to swing around massively in these conditions and only Kohli seemed to have any idea how to deal with it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 03:25:28 PM
Sam Curran is doing a hell of a job here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 03, 2018, 03:25:38 PM
We could really do with Broad rediscovering the batting form he showed early in his career right now.

Curran is going great guns here, but i think he now needs to start managing the situation and try and get us past 200 at least.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 03:40:59 PM
Curran gone, that's a shame but I still think we've stolen 40-50 runs there which they won't be happy about.  194 for the win, I think they'll make that but if we bowl well we could make it very uncomfortable with 3-4 wickets this afternoon/evening.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 03:42:43 PM
It’s been a good effort from Curran, Rashid and Broad. They’ve given us a chance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 03, 2018, 03:44:24 PM
We need to use the cloud cover to get the ball swinging and tale early wickets, I wouldn't mind seeing Curran open the bowling with Anderson. Broad didn't bowl well enough in the first innings to get the chance to open.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 04:18:26 PM
Oh no Malan.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on August 03, 2018, 04:36:32 PM
2 Down, well done so fae lads
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 04:43:30 PM
This is the Broad I was hoping to see in their first innings.  Why can't he bowl like this consistently?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 05:12:49 PM
3 down, needed that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 05:17:22 PM
Very important wicket, need to get Kohli though, whilst he's still there it's their game to lose, if he goes with them still 100 short then it's a whole new game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 03, 2018, 05:35:41 PM
I claim Rahul wicket as I said to a friend just before he edged it that he looks set for tomorrow.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 05:39:06 PM
Unlucky from Curran, lovely delivery but always looked a bit high.

Good over though, they need to make Kohli uncomfortable for the next hour.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 05:59:34 PM
I don’t like this tactic of allowing Kohli a single. Should have learnt from that in the first innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 06:00:20 PM
Worked there though!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 06:15:52 PM
Lovely delivery.  I reckon we've bowled far better for our wickets than they had to.  A little more luck at times and better fielding (not just from 1 person) and this would be all over with them having made less than 300 for both innings together.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 06:29:56 PM
Need another wicket tonight.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on August 03, 2018, 06:38:33 PM
Kohli tonight would be awesome
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: thick_mike on August 03, 2018, 06:40:06 PM
Kohli tonight would be awesome

Kohl tonight would win it I reckon
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 06:57:18 PM
Good session but we really need to find a way to get Kohli out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 03, 2018, 07:31:08 PM
Couldn't really have asked for much more from the bowlers in this match. They've had little support from the fielders and the batting has abysmal.

Need Kohli early to have a realistic chance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 03, 2018, 07:41:08 PM
Think we'll lose it but good to have a close, exciting match
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 07:54:21 PM
I like Kohli for the fact he’s made Test cricket important in India again through his attitude. The fact this team is competitive here says everything about him and what he thinks of the game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 08:33:02 PM
I also will hold my hands up, Sam Curran has shown a lot in this game. His pace has been up in the mid-80s, he’s challenged to bat and he’s shown immense character with the bat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 03, 2018, 10:06:12 PM
I also will hold my hands up, Sam Curran has shown a lot in this game. His pace has been up in the mid-80s, he’s challenged to bat and he’s shown immense character with the bat.

The pace is the big difference, he'd struggled to get over about 75-76 before but this test he's been bowling around 80 most of the time.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 03, 2018, 10:33:18 PM
Come on England.  An early strike and we are favourites.   What a shame we aren't 50 runs or so better off.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 03, 2018, 10:46:31 PM
A great test match so far.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 03, 2018, 11:37:56 PM
I’ve got tickets for tomorrow and midway through the afternoon I didn’t think there’d be any cricket to see and I’d get a refund.

The ECB refund policy is quite generous though. If we bowl them out in under 15 overs then it’s a full refund, if the match ends between 15.1 overs and 29.6 overs as would seem likely, then it’s a 50% refund.

I’m disappointed not to get a full days cricket but that’s a risk with day 4 tickets. I think it will be an intriguing end to the test. If we get Kohli then we will win the test. If we don’t then we won’t. It’s evenly balanced as the Indian tail is pretty long.

I’ve a feeling tomorrow will be decided by the Jimmy v Kohli duel. Hopefully it will be an absorbing couple of hours test cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 11:39:37 PM
I think Kohli is clearly the best batsman in the world, he’s stepped in front of Root and Williamson now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 03, 2018, 11:42:19 PM
I think Kohli is clearly the best batsman in the world, he’s stepped in front of Root and Williamson now.

I’ve always thought that Root is just short of world class.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 03, 2018, 11:44:32 PM
I think he’s world class, but he doesn’t score enough Test hundreds (at the moment) to be considered as the best.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 12:11:58 AM
Yep, with Root it's that he doesn't convert his 70-80s into big centuries enough, he's pretty consistent at getting the 'middle of the road' scores though.  41 50s in 128 innings is pretty good, but only 13 hundreds shows there's a problem once he gets into that region.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 04, 2018, 12:22:05 AM
I think Kohli is clearly the best batsman in the world, he’s stepped in front of Root and Williamson now.

Agree about Root, but not so sure about Williamson, simply because of the difference in quality of the two sides they play in.  A 3,4,5 of Williamson, Kohli, Root wouldn't be too bad!! 

I just think with Root that maybe he is not going to be the kind of player who can really anchor innings and is more someone who can come in and play with a bit of freedom.  If there is to be a change for Lord's and Malan goes out, I would maybe look at Gubbins coming in at three or opening and Jennings moving to three, and Root going back to four. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on August 04, 2018, 12:24:49 AM
It's Kohli and Smith for me, they make it count more often and win their sides games. Root just doesn't do that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 12:29:48 AM
It's Kohli and Smith for me, they make it count more often and win their sides games. Root just doesn't do that.

Can't include Smith because the fucking moron isn't allowed to play. Aside from that, as effective as he can be, I just don't like watching Smith, his action just feels so wrong.  I suspect that, at some point, someone will work him out and he'll drop off but I'll hold my hand up if that doesn't happen.

Kohli is best now (which I hate to admit because he's a smug twat) with not much between Root and Williamson for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 04, 2018, 07:05:11 AM
It's Kohli and Smith for me, they make it count more often and win their sides games. Root just doesn't do that.

Can't include Smith because the fucking moron isn't allowed to play. Aside from that, as effective as he can be, I just don't like watching Smith, his action just feels so wrong.  I suspect that, at some point, someone will work him out and he'll drop off but I'll hold my hand up if that doesn't happen.

Kohli is best now (which I hate to admit because he's a smug twat) with not much between Root and Williamson for me.

I was saying to a mate yesterday that Kohli is an unpopular player outside of India. He doesn’t have the humility that M S Dhoni or even Sachin Tendulkar had. When the best players respect the game and it’s traditions then you respect them whilst wishing that they were English. For this reason I’ve always liked Warne, Ponting, MSD etc whilst Kohli and for that matter Pietersen are arrogant twats and are unpopular.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 04, 2018, 07:46:28 AM
It would be immensely pleasing to see Kohli out early this morning and given a lovely send off by the lads.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 04, 2018, 08:59:07 AM
I suppose it’s perspective for me, and don’t get me wrong he annoys me at times, but Kohli clearly respects Test cricket and that matters to me and it’s made India a proper side. Dhoni appeared to have little respect for the Test format, and that was reflected in the performances under him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 04, 2018, 11:04:28 AM
Belting catch from Malan, well done.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 11:07:29 AM
Belting catch from Malan, well done.

Good lad, that goes a long way to make up for the last one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on August 04, 2018, 11:27:20 AM
Not gone to Edgbaston today as i score for my club on Saturdays but have been down to the first three days and i must
say that this test match has been unbelievable in terms of the possibility of something happening virtually every ball
which just added to the excitement of the way the test has gone. I love a low scoring test match it virtually guarantees
a result and they generate a great atmosphere in the crowd.
Test cricket is alive and well.

Bring on August 20th so i can get my Aussie tickets for next year. They will be costly....i reckon about £120 for block 9B where i
sit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 11:49:21 AM
Kohli has gone, well done Stokes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 11:49:32 AM
Get in there Stokes, massive wicket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 11:51:42 AM
You beauty Stokes, great bowling and another one goes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 11:53:06 AM
141-8 still 53 needed.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 11:55:04 AM
Superb bowling to be fair, beauty to get kohli and then sensibly bowling at the tail to make them play.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: thick_mike on August 04, 2018, 12:05:28 PM
This is so close, great test match cricket
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 12:11:31 PM
Great review another one goes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 04, 2018, 12:23:03 PM
Test cricket is wonderful, this has been a brilliant match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 12:30:28 PM
Oh yes great test match, well done both teams.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 04, 2018, 12:31:28 PM
Currans knock yesterday set that up nicely.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 04, 2018, 12:32:11 PM
Brilliant victory, England have bowled superbly.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on August 04, 2018, 12:32:36 PM
Get in!!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on August 04, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
I love a low scoring Test match. A proper scrap. Great listening to it on T.M.S.

England really enjoy playing at Edgbaston.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on August 04, 2018, 01:03:18 PM
Great match. Love close finishes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 04, 2018, 05:19:28 PM
Kohli is a very decent guy. His empathy  towards Hameed showed that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 04, 2018, 06:33:12 PM
Great Test hopefully sets us the series nicely.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 04, 2018, 08:32:57 PM
Just under 17,000 at a Edgbaston today. That’s a great attendance for a game which could have been over within 30 minutes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 04, 2018, 11:22:21 PM
Root a poor captain?  What the fuck do I know.  Superb bowling changes today.  stokes was magic.  Great game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on August 05, 2018, 12:49:59 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45075720

Malan and Stokes out Pope and Woakes in for next test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 05, 2018, 01:00:01 PM
Stokes will be a big loss and the balance of the side will be upset a bit.  Guess Buttler will move up to 6 and Woakes will come in at 7. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TopDeck113 on August 05, 2018, 01:00:23 PM
Don't know much about Malan.  Can he catch a ball?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 05, 2018, 01:52:58 PM
Not surprised by the changes. Malan had to go and Pope seems the form player in County Cricket.

I expect that it'll be a game-day decision between Woakes and Moeen. I'd pick Woakes and rely on Root to provide backup spin. Given the age and injury worries of Broad and Jimmy, I don't think England can go into a test with just the three seamers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 05, 2018, 01:55:26 PM
Stokes will be a big loss and the balance of the side will be upset a bit.  Guess Buttler will move up to 6 and Woakes will come in at 7. 

Pope will play I suspect.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 05, 2018, 02:00:59 PM
I wonder if Stokes will be out or in by the time the Test match ends?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 05, 2018, 02:01:07 PM
Will India make any changes ?

Maybe Pant in for Karthik.

I'd also like to see Kuldeep in a test
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 05, 2018, 02:05:09 PM
I know he’s in poor form but I would always have Pujara in if I was India.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 06, 2018, 12:43:56 AM
Not surprised by the changes. Malan had to go and Pope seems the form player in County Cricket.

I expect that it'll be a game-day decision between Woakes and Moeen. I'd pick Woakes and rely on Root to provide backup spin. Given the age and injury worries of Broad and Jimmy, I don't think England can go into a test with just the three seamers.

The general opinion on The Debate show after the test had finished was that we needed four seamers for Lord's.  I expect Pope to bat at four and Woakes at seven. 

I suppose there is a chance Ali could come in for Rashid and bat at seven, but I think that is doubtful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 06, 2018, 03:12:19 PM
Stokes trial, day 1

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/cricketer-ben-stokes-mocked-gay-couple-before-nightclub-fight-jury-hears

I know that it's only the prosecution case so far but Stokes is being portrayed as a right nasty piece of work.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 06, 2018, 03:54:36 PM
Stokes trial, day 1

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/cricketer-ben-stokes-mocked-gay-couple-before-nightclub-fight-jury-hears

I know that it's only the prosecution case so far but Stokes is being portrayed as a right nasty piece of work.

Hmmm, that certainly goes against what was said about Stokes standing up for a gay couple.

If true of course.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2018, 05:46:06 PM
Yes does conflict a bit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 06, 2018, 05:50:11 PM
Best to wait until both sides have had a bat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 06, 2018, 05:51:14 PM
Indeed.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 08, 2018, 11:46:14 AM
One of our own writes. http://thebirminghampress.com/2018/08/edgbaston-calling/
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 08, 2018, 11:54:22 AM
Loved this in particular Richard!

"In a similar way I’m a big fan of five day test cricket, an almost endangered species to such a point that a cricketer posing with a One Day or 20/20 trophy is regarded with the same contempt as one of those horrible rich people who despatch beautiful wild animals and then have their picture taken with the corpse."
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 08, 2018, 11:57:28 AM
One of our own writes. http://thebirminghampress.com/2018/08/edgbaston-calling/

A good read and it sums the Hollies up nicely.

One minor point though, ticket money goes direct to the ECB so they set the actual ticket prices. The only money the club make out of staging an international match is via food and drink outlets.

I think the attendance was affected by the game starting on a Wednesday. If it had started on the traditional Thursday then Friday and Saturday would have sold out and a fair few would have returned for day four on the Sunday.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 09, 2018, 11:59:53 AM
First day of the Lord's Test and it's raining :(
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 09, 2018, 12:30:45 PM
First day of the Lord's Test and it's raining :(

Probably just as well, we have a crap record there, so gives us a better shot at winning the series.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 09, 2018, 01:01:46 PM
Stokes trial, day 1

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/cricketer-ben-stokes-mocked-gay-couple-before-nightclub-fight-jury-hears

I know that it's only the prosecution case so far but Stokes is being portrayed as a right nasty piece of work.

Yep.  And far from being a white knight protecting a gay couple from abuse as was suggested at the time, he seems to have been the one doling it out.  Looks like a simple case of a drunk, boorish arsehole being pissed off and becoming violent because he was denied entry.  Lock him up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 09, 2018, 01:10:28 PM
One of the other blokes has just been acquitted
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 10, 2018, 11:03:07 AM
A beauty from Anderson, India 1-1.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 10, 2018, 11:04:43 AM
A beauty from Anderson, India 1-1.

That was the perfect delivery from the Pavilion End at Lords.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 10, 2018, 11:05:39 AM
A beauty from Anderson, India 1-1.

That was the perfect delivery from the Pavilion End at Lords.

It swung beautifully a correction to the score 0-1.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 10, 2018, 11:33:23 AM
Anderson gets another just before rain stops play.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 10, 2018, 11:39:03 AM
Thats it for a few hours at least.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 10, 2018, 11:54:46 AM
Can't see any more play today. Lucky for India.

Anderson looked in the mood to roll them over
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 10, 2018, 12:19:08 PM
Starting at 12.45 with lunch put back until 1.45. I think it will be an in and out afternoon
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 10, 2018, 12:43:06 PM
Nah they won't get back on today
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 10, 2018, 12:47:32 PM
Nah they won't get back on today

Raining again.....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 04:36:46 PM
popped out for a while, came back to see a 3rd had gone in the brief respite.  Watching it Kohli fucked up badly and Pujara has every right to be pissed at him, awful decision to run in the first place let alone turning back and leaving Pujara in a hole.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:08:42 PM
Fucking brilliant bowling from Woakes, absolutely on the money for every delivery and had Kohli on toast, I get that he's struggled away from home but in England a fit Woakes has to be the 3rd seamer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:20:59 PM
And another, think we might end up batting tonight - 62-5

Woakes on 2-10 and looking unplayable.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on August 10, 2018, 06:21:09 PM
Woakes has 2 so far and wow is he swinging it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:23:49 PM
Woakes has 2 so far and wow is he swinging it.

Not just swinging it but moving about in the crease so they just can't pick the line.

and Curran gets in on the act as well, 62-6 - Karthik gone for 1.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on August 10, 2018, 06:24:13 PM
WTF, Curran what a ball.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:27:13 PM
Fucking hell, I thought he'd nicked it on but watching the replay it's all swing, that's unplayable for people much more talented than Karthik.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:49:17 PM
84-7, 3rd wicket for Jimmy still plenty in it for the swing bowlers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 10, 2018, 06:53:35 PM
Tough conditions for India today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 06:57:54 PM
Tough conditions for India today.

Very, but England have also used the conditions perfectly, loads of swing and lots of it very late so they chase the ball with the bat. As I said earlier on top of that the spell from Woakes was excellent because he was also changing his release point to make the line of the swing even harder to pick, he made Kohli look a complete mug to be honest.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 10, 2018, 07:21:42 PM
Jimmy's 4th was masterful swing bowling, set him up with the outswinger and completely mugged him with one the other way from the last ball of the over.

Broad then got himself on the board before Jimmy cleaned it up with his five for (5/20)

107 is low even with the conditions, if the weather goes our way tomorrow (as forecast) we could easily have a 200+ first innings lead.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 10, 2018, 09:28:01 PM
That delivery from the young un was an absolute belter.  Woakes looks sharp too.  Up the Villa fan.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 11, 2018, 09:33:54 AM
That delivery from the young un was an absolute belter.  Woakes looks sharp too.  Up the Villa fan.

Yep, absolutely unplayable.  Moved a million miles.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 11, 2018, 10:13:36 AM
Jimmy is deservedly getting the headlines today and with his fifth 5fer at Lords and one wicket away from becoming the first player to take one hundred test wickets at Lords, you can see why. 

Woakes contribution was important too, as has been said he was unplayable and had Kohli where he wanted him. If our slips could catch then it’d be Woakes with a 5fer. His record at Lords is impressive too, in three tests he has sixteen wickets at an average of 9.93. He’s the perfect bowler for English conditions.

I thought Broad was ineffective in conditions that were ideal for him. It’s a while since he made a significant contribution so with the emergence of Curran I think his days as an automatic selection are nearly over.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 11, 2018, 10:18:11 AM
We'll see how we get on with the bat today, but we couldn't have asked for better bowling conditions yesterday.  Grey skies, floodlights on and a bit of moisture around, and we're going to do well against most sides in the world. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 11, 2018, 10:49:08 AM
We'll see how we get on with the bat today, but we couldn't have asked for better bowling conditions yesterday.  Grey skies, floodlights on and a bit of moisture around, and we're going to do well against most sides in the world. 

Looking at the TV coverage the conditions at Lords look similar to the conditions here. Batting will be difficult but nowhere near as difficult as yesterday. We need our batsman to apply themselves and establish a healthy lead. A lead above 150 should see us win the game, depending on the weather.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 11, 2018, 11:30:57 AM
Solid first half hour of the day so far for England, 28-0.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 11, 2018, 11:41:31 AM
Two quick wickets, 32-2. Cook and Jennings gone.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 11, 2018, 12:37:43 PM
Cook goes fairly cheaply again, as does Jennings.  40 runs between them in the last two innings, not good enough for openers.  Cook failed in the innings before that as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 11, 2018, 12:41:52 PM
FFS, 3 down.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 11, 2018, 12:46:08 PM
What a waste of our reviews. Jennings and Pope looked plum in front and were clearly out yet they were reviewed. Batsman have an arrogance about them that seems to make them review decisions when we have reviews in hand.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 11, 2018, 12:48:01 PM
What a waste of our reviews. Jennings and Pope looked plum in front and were clearly out yet they were reviewed. Batsman have an arrogance about them that seems to make them review decisions when we have reviews in hand.

The Jennings one was especially daft.  It couldn't have been any more clear cut if it tried.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 11, 2018, 12:51:23 PM
What a waste of our reviews. Jennings and Pope looked plum in front and were clearly out yet they were reviewed. Batsman have an arrogance about them that seems to make them review decisions when we have reviews in hand.

The Jennings one was especially daft.  It couldn't have been any more clear cut if it tried.

What’s even more daft is that Cook at the non-striker’s end seemed to encourage him to review it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 11, 2018, 01:03:04 PM
Four down.  Can't see much of a lead at this rate.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 11, 2018, 01:06:35 PM
Yeah poor batting again in much more favourable conditions than India had. Pope in fairness looked good.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 11, 2018, 04:30:00 PM
Big lead now from a great partnership between Bairstow and Woakes.  Woakes has fully justified the decision to bring him back in, as I said yesterday, in England he's one of the first names on the team sheet for me, his home record with bat and ball is world class.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 11, 2018, 04:31:53 PM
It’s very weird Moeen and Woakes are excellent at home, but not great at all away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dave shelley on August 11, 2018, 05:22:14 PM
Woakes with a ton.  Great weekend for him, bowled and batted well and the Villa won.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 11, 2018, 05:26:34 PM
Woakes with a ton.  Great weekend for him, bowled and batted well and the Villa won.

Good lad, this has been a superb performance from him with bat and ball, motm so far for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 11, 2018, 05:42:38 PM
Bairstow gone, unlucky to fall in the 90s after a good knock.  With the lead as is I'd tell Curran and Woakes to give it a smack and try to get 370-380 on the board with enough time to make them face 5-6 overs tonight.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 11, 2018, 06:16:05 PM
Brilliant stuff Woakesy.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 11, 2018, 07:19:58 PM
Great stuff from Chris Woakes and really pleased for him, as I feel he has come in for some pretty unfair criticism during his test career.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: LeeB on August 12, 2018, 12:02:57 AM
It’s very weird Moeen and Woakes are excellent at home, but not great at all away.

Like pretty much everyone in the world in test cricket it seems.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 12, 2018, 11:01:05 AM
A lead of 250 with a dodgy weather forecast, why haven’t we declared?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 12, 2018, 11:40:56 AM
It’s very weird Moeen and Woakes are excellent at home, but not great at all away.

Like pretty much everyone in the world in test cricket it seems.

I'd be interested to see a breakdown of win percentages of home tests versus away for teams such as England, Australia and India over the last 5 years.  I bet it's hugely one sided.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dave shelley on August 12, 2018, 12:00:35 PM
India 0 for 1.  Jimmy Anderson with his 100th test wicket at Lord's.  Phenomenal bowler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 12, 2018, 03:41:40 PM
Broad on a hattrick.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Holte132 on August 12, 2018, 05:34:17 PM
I'm following this on cricinfo and they definitely said that the Indians reviewed a couple of decisions but in both cases the decision stood and their batsman was given out. How come they still have one review remaining?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 12, 2018, 05:36:42 PM
I'm following this on cricinfo and they definitely said that the Indians reviewed a couple of decisions but in both cases the decision stood and their batsman was given out. How come they still have one review remaining?

They were England reviews I think.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 12, 2018, 05:43:57 PM
Proper thrashing that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Holte132 on August 12, 2018, 05:44:35 PM
I'm following this on cricinfo and they definitely said that the Indians reviewed a couple of decisions but in both cases the decision stood and their batsman was given out. How come they still have one review remaining?

They were England reviews I think.

Cricinfo must have got their commentary wrong then. They definitely said the batsman was given out and that he went to review it. Misleading lot! Not that it matters now anyway.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Holte132 on August 12, 2018, 05:49:33 PM
Yep - this is the bit of play that I was talking about. In fact, a few minutes later at 3.50pm, when the rain comes back, there is a link (for viewers in India only) to watch Karthik depart for a duck 'as India lose both their reviews'.


30.4
W
Broad to Karthik, OUT, now Karthik reviews! Three in a row. Karthik is rapped in front of off stump and looks out, plumb. Consults with Pandya and goes for it, but it doesn't look good. Yep, he's gone. Big inswinger again, gets Dinesh Karthik. He's got another screamer and his horror return lengthens. Forward stride coming in late and at an angle. Broad hoops it in a long way and that's hitting middle and off
KD Karthik lbw b Broad 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

30.3
W
Broad to Kohli, OUT, another review for caught. This time from Kohli, and he's gone up as soon as Dar has given him. Looks like Ollie Pope at short leg who has lunged forward to take on that's come off his hip. Was there glove before though? Yes there was! It has brushed the knuckle before catching him on the hip. Kohli looked amused when he reviewed, suggesting he might not have felt that at all. Doesn't matter. It's 100% for the umpires. Kohli is gone, fending awkwardly again at big incoming delivery from Broad that was dug in back of a length.
V Kohli c Pope b Broad 17 (29b 2x4 0x6) SR: 58.62

30.2
0
Broad to Kohli, no run, England have reviewed a caught-behind decision down leg side. Kohli jumping into the off side to glance a short ball at his hips. Bairstow has taken it one-handed with a big dive. Aleem Dar says not out....and there's nothing on Ultra Edge as the ball passes glove and bat. That was off his shirt. Not out, review lost, and a good decision. Been a perfect Test for the umpires.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 12, 2018, 06:02:24 PM
Finished that off quickly and won in three days really.  Indians are looking clueless against the swinging ball and looking a beaten side at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on August 12, 2018, 06:20:42 PM
Yep - this is the bit of play that I was talking about. In fact, a few minutes later at 3.50pm, when the rain comes back, there is a link (for viewers in India only) to watch Karthik depart for a duck 'as India lose both their reviews'.


30.4
W
Broad to Karthik, OUT, now Karthik reviews! Three in a row. Karthik is rapped in front of off stump and looks out, plumb. Consults with Pandya and goes for it, but it doesn't look good. Yep, he's gone. Big inswinger again, gets Dinesh Karthik. He's got another screamer and his horror return lengthens. Forward stride coming in late and at an angle. Broad hoops it in a long way and that's hitting middle and off
KD Karthik lbw b Broad 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

30.3
W
Broad to Kohli, OUT, another review for caught. This time from Kohli, and he's gone up as soon as Dar has given him. Looks like Ollie Pope at short leg who has lunged forward to take on that's come off his hip. Was there glove before though? Yes there was! It has brushed the knuckle before catching him on the hip. Kohli looked amused when he reviewed, suggesting he might not have felt that at all. Doesn't matter. It's 100% for the umpires. Kohli is gone, fending awkwardly again at big incoming delivery from Broad that was dug in back of a length.
V Kohli c Pope b Broad 17 (29b 2x4 0x6) SR: 58.62

30.2
0
Broad to Kohli, no run, England have reviewed a caught-behind decision down leg side. Kohli jumping into the off side to glance a short ball at his hips. Bairstow has taken it one-handed with a big dive. Aleem Dar says not out....and there's nothing on Ultra Edge as the ball passes glove and bat. That was off his shirt. Not out, review lost, and a good decision. Been a perfect Test for the umpires.
Kartik LBW was Umpires Call for where it pitched so review is retained. Incidentally, TMS confirmed that period of play is the first time ever there have been reviews in 3 consecutive balls
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Holte132 on August 12, 2018, 06:30:29 PM
Yep - this is the bit of play that I was talking about. In fact, a few minutes later at 3.50pm, when the rain comes back, there is a link (for viewers in India only) to watch Karthik depart for a duck 'as India lose both their reviews'.


30.4
W
Broad to Karthik, OUT, now Karthik reviews! Three in a row. Karthik is rapped in front of off stump and looks out, plumb. Consults with Pandya and goes for it, but it doesn't look good. Yep, he's gone. Big inswinger again, gets Dinesh Karthik. He's got another screamer and his horror return lengthens. Forward stride coming in late and at an angle. Broad hoops it in a long way and that's hitting middle and off
KD Karthik lbw b Broad 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

30.3
W
Broad to Kohli, OUT, another review for caught. This time from Kohli, and he's gone up as soon as Dar has given him. Looks like Ollie Pope at short leg who has lunged forward to take on that's come off his hip. Was there glove before though? Yes there was! It has brushed the knuckle before catching him on the hip. Kohli looked amused when he reviewed, suggesting he might not have felt that at all. Doesn't matter. It's 100% for the umpires. Kohli is gone, fending awkwardly again at big incoming delivery from Broad that was dug in back of a length.
V Kohli c Pope b Broad 17 (29b 2x4 0x6) SR: 58.62

30.2
0
Broad to Kohli, no run, England have reviewed a caught-behind decision down leg side. Kohli jumping into the off side to glance a short ball at his hips. Bairstow has taken it one-handed with a big dive. Aleem Dar says not out....and there's nothing on Ultra Edge as the ball passes glove and bat. That was off his shirt. Not out, review lost, and a good decision. Been a perfect Test for the umpires.
Kartik LBW was Umpires Call for where it pitched so review is retained. Incidentally, TMS confirmed that period of play is the first time ever there have been reviews in 3 consecutive balls

Ah, thanks for clearing that up for me! Much obliged.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Colhint on August 12, 2018, 06:32:47 PM
Chris Woakes MOM.

Only the 5th player ever to be on all 3 boards at Lords.

Well done that man.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 12, 2018, 07:20:48 PM
Thorough thrashing.

Anderson in particular continues to amaze. How he can still be so utterly unplayable (when the ball moves even a small amount) at his age is astounding.

I'm guessing there will be big questions for the ECB to answer regarding Stokes, whichever way his trial ultimately goes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 12, 2018, 09:39:20 PM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on August 12, 2018, 09:50:28 PM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.
TMS reckoned only 2 other examples where a non-injured player neither batted nor bowled in a completed match. Good money I reckon !!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 12, 2018, 10:49:46 PM
Not playing any red ball cricket this season certainly came in handy for this Test, perfect preparation!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 13, 2018, 12:24:22 AM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.
TMS reckoned only 2 other examples where a non-injured player neither batted nor bowled in a completed match. Good money I reckon !!

Would be interesting to know how many times Rashid touched the ball in the field! Not his fault in fairness. In the conditions we had to bowl in you'll never ever need to use your spinner
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 13, 2018, 01:25:09 AM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.

Rashid got a TFC (Thanks For Coming)!!   The Indians have been poor in their last couple of test series here and they look like they could be worse this time around.  Kohli apart, they look utterly clueless against swing bowling in these conditions and look like a beaten side already.

Interesting dilemma for a England if Stokes is available next weekend.  They could put the decision off by saying it's been a tough time for him and it's best if he sits this one out etc. and then see how the others do. Rob Key on the Debate show was saying that Curran would be the one to make way, but that does seem a but harsh. 

He also said that Bairstow should relinquish the gloves and bat at four with Pope moving to five. I found myself wondering over the weekend if a Bairstow could even go one higher to three and a Root return to his favoured position at four. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 13, 2018, 09:46:07 AM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.

Rashid got a TFC (Thanks For Coming)!!   The Indians have been poor in their last couple of test series here and they look like they could be worse this time around.  Kohli apart, they look utterly clueless against swing bowling in these conditions and look like a beaten side already.

Interesting dilemma for a England if Stokes is available next weekend.  They could put the decision off by saying it's been a tough time for him and it's best if he sits this one out etc. and then see how the others do. Rob Key on the Debate show was saying that Curran would be the one to make way, but that does seem a but harsh. 

He also said that Bairstow should relinquish the gloves and bat at four with Pope moving to five. I found myself wondering over the weekend if a Bairstow could even go one higher to three and a Root return to his favoured position at four. 

I'd be tempted to go even further and ask him to open. I like the idea of a really aggressive opening batsman who forces the opposition to be a little bit more defensive with the new ball. Then you have a traditional opener at 3 as your fall back.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on August 13, 2018, 09:56:04 AM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.
TMS reckoned only 2 other examples where a non-injured player neither batted nor bowled in a completed match. Good money I reckon !!
lol....as kidz wud sez
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 13, 2018, 11:56:49 AM
Woakes did well to get MOTM ahead of Rashid.

Rashid got a TFC (Thanks For Coming)!!   The Indians have been poor in their last couple of test series here and they look like they could be worse this time around.  Kohli apart, they look utterly clueless against swing bowling in these conditions and look like a beaten side already.

Interesting dilemma for a England if Stokes is available next weekend.  They could put the decision off by saying it's been a tough time for him and it's best if he sits this one out etc. and then see how the others do. Rob Key on the Debate show was saying that Curran would be the one to make way, but that does seem a but harsh. 

He also said that Bairstow should relinquish the gloves and bat at four with Pope moving to five. I found myself wondering over the weekend if a Bairstow could even go one higher to three and a Root return to his favoured position at four. 

I'd be tempted to go even further and ask him to open. I like the idea of a really aggressive opening batsman who forces the opposition to be a little bit more defensive with the new ball. Then you have a traditional opener at 3 as your fall back.

That's not a bad idea actually.  Jennings hasn't really set the world alight since coming back in, so if Stokes is back, drop Jennings then move Bairstow up the order.  It would be harsh on Curran to drop him, as he batted well and bowled decently, including a truly great delivery for his wicket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OCD on August 13, 2018, 03:02:07 PM
We've got a problem with the number of left-handers in the batting line-up. Bairstow would even up the openers but then we could end up with a run of left handers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 13, 2018, 04:22:05 PM
We've got a problem with the number of left-handers in the batting line-up. Bairstow would even up the openers but then we could end up with a run of left handers.

I think Gubbins would be the next cab off the rank in terms of opener or at number 3, but he again is left handed.  I think we will have probably have to persist with Jennings for the remainder of this series and over the winter, but he seems to be struggling again.  I agree with the point made by Rob Key about Bairstow relinquishing the gloves and batting higher up the order, and would like to see him and Root in either order at three and four.  Pope should probably be given a run in the side at five, with Stokes at six and Buttler or another keeper at seven.  I suppose you could even have Stokes at five with Pope at six, which is where he bats for Surrey.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 14, 2018, 12:53:24 PM
Stokes has been found not guilty.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 14, 2018, 01:17:23 PM
Stokes has been found not guilty.

We're the prosecution over-reaching with the charge of 'affray' ?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 14, 2018, 01:24:45 PM
Wealthy person with good solicitor found not guilty shock.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 14, 2018, 01:28:37 PM
What about Hales though? Claiming he wasn't there but there are pictures of him kicking a guy in the head?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 14, 2018, 01:35:07 PM
What about Hales though? Claiming he wasn't there but there are pictures of him kicking a guy in the head?

I know but they didn’t charge him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 14, 2018, 01:38:56 PM
Stokes has been found not guilty.

We're the prosecution over-reaching with the charge of 'affray' ?

I read something yesterday which suggested it was an odd thing to charge him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 14, 2018, 01:47:46 PM
Stokes has been found not guilty.

We're the prosecution over-reaching with the charge of 'affray' ?

I read something yesterday which suggested it was an odd thing to charge him.

I think that he was originally charged with ABH then that was reduced to affray, presumably due to lack of evidence.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 14, 2018, 04:12:47 PM
ftp://
Wealthy person with good solicitor found not guilty shock.

I am surprised he got away with that to be honest as the footage was bad and his story didn't sound too plausible.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 14, 2018, 06:02:57 PM
Stokes probably saved by the couple he claimed to protect not turning up to the trial.

The footage is awful. At the absolute best, Stokes and indeed Hales have behaved appalingly. Big questions for the ECB to answer. Bans more than probable
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 15, 2018, 10:18:53 AM
Stokes probably saved by the couple he claimed to protect not turning up to the trial.

The footage is awful. At the absolute best, Stokes and indeed Hales have behaved appalingly. Big questions for the ECB to answer. Bans more than probable

It wasn’t that they didn’t turn up, they weren’t actually called as witnesses. They were interviewed in the tabloid press and their account seemed to be very contradictory. I imagine that they weren’t called by the defence team as the gaps in their story could well have damaged their case when exploited by the prosecution team.

Of greater concern is the decision not to charge Hales who lied to the police at the scene by saying that he had just arrived when CCTV footage clearly shows him kicking the other guy in the head.

The whole case appears to be an attempt by the Authorities  to prosecute a “celeb” which has backfired and cost the taxpayers a fair few quid.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2018, 03:23:42 PM

The whole case appears to be an attempt by the Authorities  to prosecute a “celeb” which has backfired and cost the taxpayers a fair few quid.

I think anybody videoed battering somebody like Stokes did should have a case to answer, whether a celeb or not.  I think like Steven Gerrard, he's got away with it because he's a celebrity.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 15, 2018, 03:27:40 PM
Stokes has been found not guilty.

We're the prosecution over-reaching with the charge of 'affray' ?

I read something yesterday which suggested it was an odd thing to charge him.

I think that he was originally charged with ABH then that was reduced to affray, presumably due to lack of evidence.
Apparently a day before the trial began the prosecution tried to get the charge changed.  Not surprisingly, given they'd had 11 months to prepare their case, the judge told them to fuck off.

Both defendants claimed self-defence whereas the prosecution said their actions were "well beyond self-defence or the defence of others".  Evidently the prosecution's case was not persuasive.

There was an interesting video yesterday in which the gay couple said they were grateful Stokes was there that night, thanked him for his actions and apologised for all the trouble he's had subsequently.

Good piece on it here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24380019/ben-stokes-learn-lessons-brush-career-oblivion (http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24380019/ben-stokes-learn-lessons-brush-career-oblivion) and it's also worth checking out the Secret Barrister on Twitter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chinchilla Bathhouse on August 15, 2018, 04:18:03 PM
Next time Stokes comes down the pitch to smash a six back over the bowler's head I hope to hear the commentators describe it as a good back foot defensive stroke.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 15, 2018, 05:25:53 PM

The whole case appears to be an attempt by the Authorities  to prosecute a “celeb” which has backfired and cost the taxpayers a fair few quid.

I think anybody videoed battering somebody like Stokes did should have a case to answer, whether a celeb or not.  I think like Steven Gerrard, he's got away with it because he's a celebrity.

I’m not sure, it sounds like the prosecution overreached and made numerous leaps.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on August 15, 2018, 06:28:29 PM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 15, 2018, 07:35:30 PM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....

I'd agree, with the criminal hearing done and him having been, effectively, suspended for the winter by England I think any further punishment would be too much.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 15, 2018, 08:08:42 PM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....

I'd agree, with the criminal hearing done and him having been, effectively, suspended for the winter by England I think any further punishment would be too much.

I'd maybe agree with this had Stokes shown any contrition for his appaling behavior.

It still appears as though stokes thinks he's done nothing wrong
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Nev on August 15, 2018, 08:18:49 PM
"Swanny" has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing. It's gonna be hilarious, he's brilliant and the best one on TMS.*

*He's not is he? He's a twat. And will act an even bigger one Saturday nights in the run up to Christmas.




The ******.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 15, 2018, 08:51:21 PM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....

I'd agree, with the criminal hearing done and him having been, effectively, suspended for the winter by England I think any further punishment would be too much.

I'd maybe agree with this had Stokes shown any contrition for his appaling behavior.

It still appears as though stokes thinks he's done nothing wrong

I don't see how that matters.  England decided to bring him back into the squad before the hearing, to now ban him again after he's been found not guilty feels a lot like they're deciding that was the wrong decision. If they were considering it he shouldn't have been selected again until after the trial.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 15, 2018, 09:44:05 PM
The official line was that he wasn’t banned from the Ashes squad, he just wasn’t selected. It’s as good as a ban especially as he was recalled as soon as the charges were confirmed.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 15, 2018, 10:18:38 PM
The official line was that he wasn’t banned from the Ashes squad, he just wasn’t selected. It’s as good as a ban especially as he was recalled as soon as the charges were confirmed.

I know, but by recalling him they showed they supported him, in my opinion.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 16, 2018, 12:10:21 AM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....

I'd agree, with the criminal hearing done and him having been, effectively, suspended for the winter by England I think any further punishment would be too much.

I'd maybe agree with this had Stokes shown any contrition for his appaling behavior.

It still appears as though stokes thinks he's done nothing wrong

I don't see how that matters.  England decided to bring him back into the squad before the hearing, to now ban him again after he's been found not guilty feels a lot like they're deciding that was the wrong decision. If they were considering it he shouldn't have been selected again until after the trial.

Disagree with that. A ban from wouldn't be disagreeing with a not guilty verdict, but an indication that regardless of a courts finding, Stokes and indeed Hales behaviour was appalling and not befitting someone who represents their countrry.

I do think there needs to be some further punishment. There was plenty of new information about the actions of Stokes that came out during the trial. Things that wouldn't have been known until now and a lot of it reflects poorly. Its an independant disciplinary who will decide anyway.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 16, 2018, 08:10:39 AM
"Swanny" has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing. It's gonna be hilarious, he's brilliant and the best one on TMS.*

*He's not is he? He's a twat. And will act an even bigger one Saturday nights in the run up to Christmas.




The c***.

I quite like Swann on TMS when he's talking cricket. It's the comedy voices that get me
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 17, 2018, 12:19:56 PM
A line needs to be drawn under this. I hope the ECB don't clobber him with another suspension. Apparently it might take them a couple of months to decide! Ridiculous, this has already gone on for 11 months. Time to move on....

I'd agree, with the criminal hearing done and him having been, effectively, suspended for the winter by England I think any further punishment would be too much.

I do as well Paul, although the whole scenario still doesn't sit well with me.  He has been found not guilty (still not quite sure how) and it is time to move on. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2018, 01:22:20 PM
Can't say I agree with dropping Edgbaston MOTM Curran to bring Stokes back in.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Nev on August 17, 2018, 01:49:49 PM
Can't say I agree with dropping Edgbaston MOTM Curran to bring Stokes back in.

It's a scandalous decision, Stokes will get his chance soon enough via injuries or lack of form affecting other players but the message it sends to young cricketers is awful. Depressingly reminiscent of the England football squad of old, all about the name, nothing to do with playing the game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 17, 2018, 01:52:22 PM
Can't say I agree with dropping Edgbaston MOTM Curran to bring Stokes back in.

If he is selected then it is a choice between Curran or Woakes who will go out and it would be harsh to drop either to be honest.   

Edit - just seen that Curran has been dropped.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 17, 2018, 02:23:59 PM
Harsh call on Curran that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 17, 2018, 02:33:15 PM
Terrible decision, work hard to get yourself in the team, play well with both bat and ball and don't behave like a dick and then dropped.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 17, 2018, 02:33:56 PM
In defence of the decision I think it's reasonable to use Curran a little sporadically for the next year or 2 because whilst he has done very well he is still very young.  Curran, Stokes and Woakes have all been excellent over the 2 tests (as has Jimmy).  Broad is the one who should be a little worried, after the first innings he had 3 for 120 in a series that should've been perfect conditions for him.  His 2nd innings at Lords will have helped him but I think it's getting to the point where those spells won't be enough if the others keep bringing this level of performance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2018, 03:47:08 PM
In defence of the decision I think it's reasonable to use Curran a little sporadically for the next year or 2 because whilst he has done very well he is still very young.  Curran, Stokes and Woakes have all been excellent over the 2 tests (as has Jimmy).  Broad is the one who should be a little worried, after the first innings he had 3 for 120 in a series that should've been perfect conditions for him.  His 2nd innings at Lords will have helped him but I think it's getting to the point where those spells won't be enough if the others keep bringing this level of performance.

Why should Broad be worried? He's in the bloody squad.

Curran has played well, handled himself well and Stokes behaved like a twat. Why should Curran be dropped on current form?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 17, 2018, 04:09:41 PM
In defence of the decision I think it's reasonable to use Curran a little sporadically for the next year or 2 because whilst he has done very well he is still very young.  Curran, Stokes and Woakes have all been excellent over the 2 tests (as has Jimmy).  Broad is the one who should be a little worried, after the first innings he had 3 for 120 in a series that should've been perfect conditions for him.  His 2nd innings at Lords will have helped him but I think it's getting to the point where those spells won't be enough if the others keep bringing this level of performance.

Why should Broad be worried? He's in the bloody squad.

Curran has played well, handled himself well and Stokes behaved like a twat. Why should Curran be dropped on current form?

I know he's in the fucking squad, but I think he should be looking over his shoulder because his place will be under threat if he carries on with hias feast or famine form from the last couple of years. This isn't a controversial opinion, almost every discussion about English Cricket for the last few months has inculded comments about Broad (and Cook) hanging on by their fingertips by putting in a good display whenever the talk of dropping them gathers pace.  If we've got Jimmy, Woakes, Stokes and Curran all in form (as is the case right now) then Broads place looks harder to justify.

As for Curran, he's very young and playing him for the entire test series probably isn't in his own best interests so if this is just a case of resting him then I don't have a problem with it. Stokes did behave like a twat, no one is denying that, but once they decided to make him available for selection the option to drop him because of it goes away and the decision is purely on performance. On that measure Stokes didn't deserve to be dropped either, and nor does Woakes. I'm not saying the decision is right or wrong but I can understand it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2018, 04:27:48 PM
To be honest, at 2-0 up in the series, there's a part of me which wonders if we shouldn't have dropped Jennings and just gone with all the all-rounders. I know the team would look absurdly bottom-heavy, but hey, I can't be the only one who feels more confident when Curran, Woakes or Stokes walks to the crease than when Jennings does.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 17, 2018, 04:35:23 PM
You'd still need an opener though.  I'd drop Jennings for Rory Burns.  God knows why he wasn't picked in the first place.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2018, 04:39:17 PM
Again, I'd experiment with an opener from the ranks already. Jos maybe, to be the attacking foil to Cook's defence.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 17, 2018, 04:45:22 PM
Again, I'd experiment with an opener from the ranks already. Jos maybe, to be the attacking foil to Cook's defence.
That's got 0-1 written all over it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2018, 04:47:46 PM
Again, I'd experiment with an opener from the ranks already. Jos maybe, to be the attacking foil to Cook's defence.
That's got 0-1 written all over it.

For sure, but to be honest I can't think of a 'specialist opener' in the country right now of whom that's not true - including Cook.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 17, 2018, 04:51:55 PM
For sure, but to be honest I can't think of a 'specialist opener' in the country right now of whom that's not true - including Cook.
The aforementioned Burns.  875 from 12 innings at an average of 73, with three 50s and three tons for the league leaders.  As captain.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on August 17, 2018, 04:55:26 PM
Well apart from him you theory-pooper.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on August 17, 2018, 05:01:27 PM
In defence of the decision I think it's reasonable to use Curran a little sporadically for the next year or 2 because whilst he has done very well he is still very young.  Curran, Stokes and Woakes have all been excellent over the 2 tests (as has Jimmy).  Broad is the one who should be a little worried, after the first innings he had 3 for 120 in a series that should've been perfect conditions for him.  His 2nd innings at Lords will have helped him but I think it's getting to the point where those spells won't be enough if the others keep bringing this level of performance.

Why should Broad be worried? He's in the bloody squad.

Curran has played well, handled himself well and Stokes behaved like a twat. Why should Curran be dropped on current form?

I know he's in the fucking squad, but I think he should be looking over his shoulder because his place will be under threat if he carries on with hias feast or famine form from the last couple of years. This isn't a controversial opinion, almost every discussion about English Cricket for the last few months has inculded comments about Broad (and Cook) hanging on by their fingertips by putting in a good display whenever the talk of dropping them gathers pace.  If we've got Jimmy, Woakes, Stokes and Curran all in form (as is the case right now) then Broads place looks harder to justify.

As for Curran, he's very young and playing him for the entire test series probably isn't in his own best interests so if this is just a case of resting him then I don't have a problem with it. Stokes did behave like a twat, no one is denying that, but once they decided to make him available for selection the option to drop him because of it goes away and the decision is purely on performance. On that measure Stokes didn't deserve to be dropped either, and nor does Woakes. I'm not saying the decision is right or wrong but I can understand it.

Ooooh tetchy!

I'd be feeling shit if I were Curran. He's young and hungry and playing him makes sense. Leave Stokes as Number 12. Involved if that's best for him but out of the spotlight. He should know that behaving the way he did means he won't just walk straight back in to the National team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 17, 2018, 05:55:55 PM
To be fair to Stokes he contributed just as much as Rashid managed in the last Test but there is no way Curran should be dropped to accommodate him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 17, 2018, 06:34:19 PM
As said though, if the trial hadn't been when it was Stokes wouldn't have been left out after Edgbaston and then after Lords you can't drop Woakes so any of them not playing are unlucky.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 17, 2018, 09:37:58 PM
Only person to blame for Stokes being unavailable is Stokes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 17, 2018, 09:43:14 PM
Only person to blame for Stokes being unavailable is Stokes.

He isn't unavailable though, the ECB decided to bring him back into the squad so he gets selected or not purely on sporting merit and on that basis his form makes it difficult to leave him out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 17, 2018, 11:35:50 PM
Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough, the only person to blame for Stokes being unavailable for the last Test was Stokes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on August 17, 2018, 11:39:54 PM
There's another way of looking at it.
Stokes will be under enormous pressure to perform in this Test, but then so would Curran have been if Stokes had been left out, maybe the selectors went for the player they thought would handle the pressure better under the circumstances?
Curran will be back, he's got years ahead of him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: MoetVillan on August 18, 2018, 10:01:45 AM
Funny message to send out though. Man of match performance followed by a key innings. The reward, get to have a nice view of the next test
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 18, 2018, 11:58:55 AM
What on earth is going on? India batting for an hour and haven't lost a wicket yet??
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: beness on August 18, 2018, 01:44:41 PM
Woakes on fire again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 18, 2018, 06:38:44 PM
Honours just about even after day one.

I thought we lacked ideas in our attack during the afternoon session and it wouldn’t have surprised me if we had gone wicketlless for the rest of the day. Stokes bowled poorly as did Rashid. It’s probably a pointless comment to make but we missed Curran and the variety that he offers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 19, 2018, 01:11:15 PM
Good first session for England there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Stu on August 19, 2018, 01:52:11 PM
Bumrah the ever bowling has a really weird action.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on August 19, 2018, 01:57:40 PM
Poor shot from Jennings there
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 19, 2018, 03:05:31 PM
Bad decision from the third umpire there.  You could see that Kohli's fingers weren't where the ball bounced.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 19, 2018, 03:56:15 PM
Yet another horrific batting display. Anything over 200 really is a triumph for England these days.

Fair enough its done a bit and India have bowled well, but why are all the batsmen going out there in ODI mode? Why do English conditions seem so alien to English batsmen?

India could just declare their second innings for 0 and they'd still have far too many for this pathetic batting lineup to get
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 19, 2018, 03:56:45 PM
A truly embarrassing effort with the bat, awful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 19, 2018, 04:36:27 PM
Good middle session for India there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 19, 2018, 05:28:57 PM
A damning statistic quoted on TMS just now. We average more in white ball cricket than test cricket in the last year. We average 287 in tests and 301 in 50 over cricket. Utter shite test batting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on August 19, 2018, 05:44:37 PM
A damning statistic quoted on TMS just now. We average more in white ball cricket than test cricket in the last year. We average 287 in tests and 301 in 50 over cricket. Utter shite test batting.
I didn't know that but you can hardly say that it's surprising.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 19, 2018, 07:37:48 PM
End of day two & we are almost 300 runs behind. Utter shite.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 19, 2018, 07:55:24 PM
A truly embarrassing effort with the bat, awful.

Yep, but not really a shock is it?  I thought they were being a bit optimistic in the SKY studio after India's innings saying that England needed to post a big score and put pressure on India in their second innings. 

This kind of collapse has happened on a regular basis for some time now and it's hard to see what the answer is really.  Telling stat came up that the last opening partnership century stand was in 2015. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 19, 2018, 09:35:05 PM
Rubbish from start to finish.  Tone set by the appalling Cook and Jennings again.  Root unlucky to be given out, looked like it bounced a couple of inches before hitting the fielder's hands.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 19, 2018, 09:54:30 PM
Rubbish from start to finish.  Tone set by the appalling Cook and Jennings again.  Root unlucky to be given out, looked like it bounced a couple of inches before hitting the fielder's hands.

Only just catching up on the play from today and I agree completely.  I put a huge amount of the blame for our test decline on the openers, they've been consistently poor for a long time now, and Cook is part of that because quite a few bowlers seem to have worked him out now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 20, 2018, 07:42:52 AM
A damning statistic quoted on TMS just now. We average more in white ball cricket than test cricket in the last year. We average 287 in tests and 301 in 50 over cricket. Utter shite test batting.
I didn't know that but you can hardly say that it's surprising.

That's an interesting stat. I also wonder what the actual average playing time is these days for 5 day tests, given very few of them involving England seem to last the full five days.  This one won't either.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 20, 2018, 12:49:35 PM
Looks like a nasty finger injury for Bairstow
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2018, 12:51:15 PM
Since yesterday lunchtime this has been one of the poorest England displays I can remember, which is saying something after the Ashes. Dreadful with the bat, poor with the ball and zero intensity in the field. Our catching is woeful.

We’ll be set around 500 and then get knocked over for about 150.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on August 20, 2018, 01:22:52 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 20, 2018, 01:31:09 PM
It's just the utter lack of consistency that gets me.  A great performance in the last test, especially from the bowlers, then everything goes monumentally tits up in the next.  OK you have to factor in the conditions, but nobody does a complete collapse quite like the England cricket team.  As Drummond says, once things start to go quickly downhill, it's almost like there's a group mentality that things don't matter.  There is of course, the small matter of the crowd who have paid to see a few days of an England team giving their all.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2018, 01:33:21 PM
Indeed, I'm going next week and I'm thankful I'm there on the first day!

It is true that once things go against this team they often fold completely, which is why I am almost certain we'll get bulldozed in our second innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 20, 2018, 01:39:22 PM
19 dropped catches in the series so far, and 14 of them have come from England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 20, 2018, 01:52:23 PM
Looks like a nasty finger injury for Bairstow

He's back from hospital and has his finger in a pint glass of ice. Looks very sore, that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 20, 2018, 01:56:22 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 20, 2018, 01:57:30 PM
Looks like a nasty finger injury for Bairstow

He's back from hospital and has his finger in a pint glass of ice. Looks very sore, that.

In a clutching at straws theme, Bairstow’s injury means that butter fingers Buttler is no longer in the slips. For a wicket keeper he’s a poor slip fielder. He dropped one this morning and yesterday he actually ducked under a ball that was heading his way at catchable height. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen that happen before.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 20, 2018, 02:02:51 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 

That must come from the captain and coach these the tone on and off the field.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 20, 2018, 02:14:35 PM
Looks like a nasty finger injury for Bairstow

He's back from hospital and has his finger in a pint glass of ice. Looks very sore, that.

Confirmed as a fracture
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 20, 2018, 02:17:20 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 

That must come from the captain and coach these the tone on and off the field.

Agree and the test team has undoubtedly regressed under Bayliss.  You do have to wonder about the influence of the three most senior players as well (Cook, Broad and Anderson), especially as the ODI side has looked a really cohesive unit without any of those three in it. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 20, 2018, 02:49:16 PM
There's been so much muddled thinking in selection this summer also. Bringing in Buttler as a specialist batsman at 7 seemed very much like an Ed Smith "Look at me" moment. Give the gloves to Buttler and take the pressure of keeping away from Bairstow who is one of the better players.

Ollie Pope has been excellent for Surrey and looks a top prospect. However, he has been batting at 6 and therefore has the mindset of a 6. For England to bring him straight in as a no 4 is poor thinking. Give him time to bed in at 6 or 5 rather than putting him into a position that most teams have their best batsman playing at.

Cook and Jennings just don't look like succeeding at the moment. Jennings just seems short of quality at this level and Cook seems to have been worked out. His record if you take away the two double centuries over the last couple of years is shockingly poor.

The batting for me has now got to the stage where the question should be: Do we stick with a unit that is consistently failing, or do we try something different, invest in some young players and give that a chance?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 20, 2018, 03:04:44 PM
Looks like a nasty finger injury for Bairstow

He's back from hospital and has his finger in a pint glass of ice. Looks very sore, that.

In a clutching at straws theme, Bairstow’s injury means that butter fingers Buttler is no longer in the slips. For a wicket keeper he’s a poor slip fielder. He dropped one this morning and yesterday he actually ducked under a ball that was heading his way at catchable height. I don’t think that I’ve ever seen that happen before.

Another straw - Curran comes back in if Jimmy isn't ready for the next Test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 20, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
The openers just aren't doing their job in protecting the lower order by taking the new ball on and sticking around.  Jennings just isn't good enough, and Cook looks like he's had his day.  They just don't seem to have the right mentality for it to be honest.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 20, 2018, 05:20:26 PM
India are miles ahead and doubtless we will be all out by tea tomorrow, but Rahane has played a very peculiar innings none the less
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on August 20, 2018, 05:35:52 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 

That must come from the captain and coach these the tone on and off the field.

Agree and the test team has undoubtedly regressed under Bayliss.  You do have to wonder about the influence of the three most senior players as well (Cook, Broad and Anderson), especially as the ODI side has looked a really cohesive unit without any of those three in it.

You can't blame Broad and Anderson for the batting being shit though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 20, 2018, 05:46:04 PM
9 overs to bat for England tonight, so most probably 2 wickets or so down going into tomorrow.

Would be a bit of a triumph for this batting line up to extend the match into tomorrows evening session. Cannot see that though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2018, 05:47:02 PM
I’d bet a reasonable amount of money that Jennings, and probably Cook, won’t see the close.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 20, 2018, 06:12:11 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 

That must come from the captain and coach these the tone on and off the field.

Agree and the test team has undoubtedly regressed under Bayliss.  You do have to wonder about the influence of the three most senior players as well (Cook, Broad and Anderson), especially as the ODI side has looked a really cohesive unit without any of those three in it.

You can't blame Broad and Anderson for the batting being shit though.

You can't, but you do have to wonder what the atmosphere around that team is like, especially for younger players coming in.  Something hasn't been right in that environment for some time now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 20, 2018, 06:14:13 PM
If we start losing, the mentality seems to be to give in and focus on the next match; as if it is all throw-away and doesn't matter.

Yep and has been for sometime.  Once India had put a decent first innings score on the board and we lost a couple of early wickets, it was if they decided that it was game over and as you say time to move on to the next one. 

That must come from the captain and coach these the tone on and off the field.

Agree and the test team has undoubtedly regressed under Bayliss.  You do have to wonder about the influence of the three most senior players as well (Cook, Broad and Anderson), especially as the ODI side has looked a really cohesive unit without any of those three in it.

You can't blame Broad and Anderson for the batting being shit though.

You can't, but you do have to wonder what the atmosphere around that team is like, especially for younger players coming in.  Something hasn't been right in that environment for some time now.


I'd agree with that. Probably goes back to the drubbing we had in the 2013 ashes in Oz.

There was definitely a big clique involving Broad, Swann, Prior and Anderson, yet Pietersen was made the scapegoat for the tour.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 20, 2018, 06:34:28 PM
Blimey I’m amazed they survived.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 21, 2018, 11:11:48 AM
Blimey I’m amazed they survived.

You weren't far off to be honest, Jennings lasted a whole 5 balls.  That'll see him dropped hopefully, he's been utterly useless.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 21, 2018, 11:13:26 AM
He never looks settled at international level. I know sometimes you get a player like Bell who improves after a slow start to their international career but nothing that Jennings does has convinced me he will be good enough.

Get him dropped.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 21, 2018, 11:17:08 AM
And there goes Cook as well.  Game over.

Even by Engand opening standards, these two have been dismal.  Cook needs to retire.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 21, 2018, 11:19:31 AM
With no Jonny, this could be over by lunch.

No point in him risking doing more damage
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on August 21, 2018, 11:44:54 AM
Anyone else sick of seeing Cook drop catches and go cheaply? He's been poor for a few years now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 21, 2018, 11:53:33 AM
That simply has to be it for Jennings. Not good enough remotely at this level. Cook may find a reprieve as there isn't too many openers banging the door down apart from Rory Burns.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 21, 2018, 12:10:42 PM
He never looks settled at international level. I know sometimes you get a player like Bell who improves after a slow start to their international career but nothing that Jennings does has convinced me he will be good enough.

Get him dropped.

What is concerning is that he's been dismissed in this test in exactly the same fashion he was dismissed regularly last summer by the South Africans.  The only real question lefty is whether he would fare better away from home where the ball doesn't do as much, but I am not sure he is going to get that opportunity. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 21, 2018, 12:17:54 PM
He never looks settled at international level. I know sometimes you get a player like Bell who improves after a slow start to their international career but nothing that Jennings does has convinced me he will be good enough.

Get him dropped.

What is concerning is that he's been dismissed in this test in exactly the same fashion he was dismissed regularly last summer by the South Africans.  The only real question lefty is whether he would fare better away from home where the ball doesn't do as much, but I am not sure he is going to get that opportunity. 

Why are we developing players who cannot cope with their home conditions? They are saying the same about Malan too. I imagine Burns from Surrey will be the next in line for a call up and possibly a recall for Ian Bell. I know they want to focus on a group of young players but sometimes a short term selection is the way forward.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 21, 2018, 12:20:55 PM
The inevitable cowardly collapse in full swing. Could be done by lunch
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 21, 2018, 12:27:32 PM
TMS saying earlier that Chef might miss the next test anyway due to his wife giving birth
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2018, 12:41:09 PM
Dismal stuff. I think Root has regressed to a degree as well, he’s getting out to poor shots. Our top order constantly fails.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 21, 2018, 01:30:11 PM
Dismal stuff. I think Root has regressed to a degree as well, he’s getting out to poor shots. Our top order constantly fails.

I'm not sure he is comfortable batting at three to be honest Paul.  I think we need to draw a line in the sand and look at getting a top three sorted to start with and work from there.  Burns from Surrey and Gubbins from Middlesex are probably the next two top order batsmen in line and if Cook is out of the next test then I guess I would pick both.  If Cook isn't available (and Bairstow isn't either), then Jennings would probably stay in, but move to three, with Root at four and Pope at five. 

Angus Fraser said on the Debate show last night that he think Bairstow's replacement (if needed) would probably be one from Malan, Vince or Bell.       
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on August 21, 2018, 02:23:03 PM
Fucking hell, Ian Bell? It's 2018.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 21, 2018, 02:28:21 PM
Vaughan expecting it to be Mo (especially after his latest innings)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 21, 2018, 02:39:52 PM
Bell was a fantastic player for us but his time must've gone now, Malan isn't good enough, he keeps making the same mistakes over and over. Vince is badly flawed as well but at least he's a right hander to mix things up a bit more and he'd go in at 3 so Root can go back to 4 where he should be.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 21, 2018, 02:48:13 PM
I would argue that Cook has been poor for longer than Bell was when he was dropped at the end of 2015.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 21, 2018, 02:49:13 PM
Bell was a fantastic player for us but his time must've gone now, Malan isn't good enough, he keeps making the same mistakes over and over. Vince is badly flawed as well but at least he's a right hander to mix things up a bit more and he'd go in at 3 so Root can go back to 4 where he should be.

That's fine Paul, and I'd mostly agree, but it's largely just rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic all the time the openers are so poor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 21, 2018, 03:01:23 PM
I think a short term fix may be needed. If they go for Burns at the top of the order then with Pope also in there it’s a very inexperienced line up. Bell coming in would bring a calmness to proceedings and enable newcomers to settle in under slightly less pressure.

Of course that assumes that Bell gets runs if he’s selected which no English batsman seems capable of doing at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2018, 04:50:10 PM
Fair play to Stokes and Buttler here. We’ll lose, but at least they’ve resisted a bit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 21, 2018, 05:18:54 PM
I would argue that Cook has been poor for longer than Bell was when he was dropped at the end of 2015.

I agree, my concern is around recalling a 36 year old who's been out of the squad for 2 1/2 years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 21, 2018, 05:36:47 PM
Fair play to Stokes and Buttler here. We’ll lose, but at least they’ve resisted a bit.

Buttler is so unlucky there, 2 umpire's calls on the review.  Fair play to him though, that's a big innings.

Not sure why Bairstow went out though, looked very nervous playing at that with his hand.

I hope we can rally a bit and get through to tomorrow.  If we can get the chase up over 300 it will help the mentality going into the 4th test, if we can get through the day that would be huge.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 21, 2018, 05:49:05 PM
Fair play to Stokes and Buttler here. We’ll lose, but at least they’ve resisted a bit.

Buttler is so unlucky there, 2 umpire's calls on the review.  Fair play to him though, that's a big innings.

Not sure why Bairstow went out though, looked very nervous playing at that with his hand.

I hope we can rally a bit and get through to tomorrow.  If we can get the chase up over 300 it will help the mentality going into the 4th test, if we can get through the day that would be huge.

Bairstow didn't look nervous, he was out to a belting delivery.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2018, 05:50:35 PM
Bumrah has finished this now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 21, 2018, 05:54:09 PM
Fair play to Stokes and Buttler here. We’ll lose, but at least they’ve resisted a bit.

Buttler is so unlucky there, 2 umpire's calls on the review.  Fair play to him though, that's a big innings.

Not sure why Bairstow went out though, looked very nervous playing at that with his hand.

I hope we can rally a bit and get through to tomorrow.  If we can get the chase up over 300 it will help the mentality going into the 4th test, if we can get through the day that would be huge.

Bairstow didn't look nervous, he was out to a belting delivery.

It was but, for me, the shot he played was very timid by his standards.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 21, 2018, 05:56:25 PM
Fair play to Stokes and Buttler here. We’ll lose, but at least they’ve resisted a bit.

Buttler is so unlucky there, 2 umpire's calls on the review.  Fair play to him though, that's a big innings.

Not sure why Bairstow went out though, looked very nervous playing at that with his hand.

I hope we can rally a bit and get through to tomorrow.  If we can get the chase up over 300 it will help the mentality going into the 4th test, if we can get through the day that would be huge.

Bairstow didn't look nervous, he was out to a belting delivery.

It was but, for me, the shot he played was very timid by his standards.

Playing a straight bat at a ball coming in at nearly 90mph isn't a timid shot it was the right shot to play but pace and swing beat him as it would do to an awful lot of batsmen.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2018, 06:58:06 PM
I do think it’s time to draw a line under Jennings, his technique looks all wrong. Cook similarly just finds ways of getting out these days. Root needs to look at what Stokes and Buttler did today, he’s plenty good enough and he should be able to grind out runs more. It’s a harsh criticism, but he gets nowhere near enough match winning scores for his talent.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 21, 2018, 07:10:03 PM
Some spirit and fight from some of the players to take it to the fifth day.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 21, 2018, 07:15:31 PM
Some fight indeed which was good to see but our batting yet again has been poor.

I really don’t know how this series will end. The first test could have gone either way, in the next two - barring a miracle - each side has been completely outplayed in a single test. I long for the days of drawn tests, even the games affected by the weather end in a result.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 21, 2018, 10:41:49 PM
I do think it’s time to draw a line under Jennings, his technique looks all wrong. Cook similarly just finds ways of getting out these days. Root needs to look at what Stokes and Buttler did today, he’s plenty good enough and he should be able to grind out runs more. It’s a harsh criticism, but he gets nowhere near enough match winning scores for his talent.

It's funny, but I just don't think Root is comfortable batting at three.  In the same way that Ian Bell looked at his best batting five, I think Root would be better going back down to four where he seems more at home.  I think we need to get our best players settled in their proper positions first and then look from there.  Bairstow is probably going to be out now, but I still think our strongest 4-11 at home is Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Woakes, Broad, Anderson.  Yes, Ali and Woakes are low at 8 and 9, but that lower order with Bairstow at seven was producing match winning runs not so long ago. 

Forget Sri Lanka and the West Indies, we are building towards the Aussies at home next year and getting that urn back.  The top three needs some serious work, but the remainder of that team is the team that we should be looking at for next summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on August 21, 2018, 10:43:37 PM
Well, at least this one goes into a fifth day, very unusual for test matches to do that these days. Well played India, makes the series more exciting.  The weather tomorrow is dodgy but not dodgy enough to save England.

The batting line up needs reviewing for England. We have no natural number 3.  The openers need looking at as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 21, 2018, 11:29:58 PM
Adults can gain entry from as little as £10.00 tomorrow and children £5.00. It’s almost as if they want to put people off anything other than the smash it out of the ground format.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 22, 2018, 07:06:19 AM
That is appalling.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 22, 2018, 07:21:45 AM
This is pretty damning for Cook

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24418388/alastair-cook-rarer-peaks-problem-england
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 22, 2018, 07:23:48 AM
Adults can gain entry from as little as £10.00 tomorrow and children £5.00. It’s almost as if they want to put people off anything other than the smash it out of the ground format.

Is there a refund if there is less than, say, 5 overs played? This could be over in one ball!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 22, 2018, 08:01:45 AM
Adults can gain entry from as little as £10.00 tomorrow and children £5.00. It’s almost as if they want to put people off anything other than the smash it out of the ground format.

Is there a refund if there is less than, say, 5 overs played? This could be over in one ball!

I read last night that there's no refund as long as one ball is bowled
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 22, 2018, 08:08:40 AM
Adults can gain entry from as little as £10.00 tomorrow and children £5.00. It’s almost as if they want to put people off anything other than the smash it out of the ground format.

Is there a refund if there is less than, say, 5 overs played? This could be over in one ball!

I read last night that there's no refund as long as one ball is bowled

So that must have changed then. I'm sure it used to be the case that a refund was given in such cases. It had better be a bloody good ball!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 22, 2018, 08:22:03 AM
I know at Edgbaston they don’t sell day 5 tickets before the game starts. It seems that Nottinghamshire have sold 2,000 day 5 tickets at £10 a throw before the test started so that’s why they’re not allowing anyone in for free today.

I can see why they have done it; with the test starting on a Saturday they will have lost a small fortune in missed corporate hospitality sales from the traditional test/corporate days of Thursday and Friday.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 22, 2018, 08:46:21 AM
I see what you're saying but aren't refunds insured?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 22, 2018, 08:53:34 AM
I see what you're saying but aren't refunds insured?

The ECB have a blanket refund policy and it’s pretty generous. I went to day four of the Edgbaston test which was over by 12.30pm and 50% of the cost of my ticket was refunded.

I know that the ECB effectively take over ticket sales for the first four days, you may buy your ticket from Edgbaston but the revenue goes to the ECB. Counties only make money from corporate and food and drink sales at tests so I imagine that the counties are allowed to sell day five tickets themselves at their risk. You could see one ball, you could see 300 balls, who knows?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 22, 2018, 09:05:31 AM
Trent Bridge have changed their mind.

Entry is now free and existing ticket holders will be refunded.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 22, 2018, 09:12:37 AM
Trent Bridge have changed their mind.

Entry is now free and existing ticket holders will be refunded.



A good move, they got so much grief on social media from experienced cricket writers that I’m not surprised they changed their minds.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 22, 2018, 10:25:44 AM
Fair play to them, they've admitted their mistake and have now agreed to refund anybody who bought a ticket and they'll let everybody in for free on the day.

I can see where they're coming from in that it's not their fault that England are so spineless, yet they've still got the cost of staffing the ground for the day.  All's well that ends well though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 22, 2018, 10:34:01 AM
Yep, agree entirely. Also, how many Tests have entered a 5th day in recent years? Maybe we are looking at 4 day Tests.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 22, 2018, 10:45:03 AM
It has been the best summer in history, mind. Normally we would have lost a lot more days to rain. I don't mind trying out four day tests in Asia, Australia and Africa but think we should have the capacity to have up to five in Europe and maybe the West Indies/New Zealand. Even if day five is only a reserve day where they only play to make up any lost overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on August 22, 2018, 11:11:18 AM
That's all folks
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 22, 2018, 02:00:20 PM
That's all folks

Some pretty major questions need asking about the test team, especially with a home Ashes series now only a year away.  Probably too late to make major changes in this series and to be fair to them, they do always seem to bounce back well after a poor game. 

Ed Smith needs to send his newly assembled team of scouts around the country and ask them to find a top three capable of batting for long periods and providing a solid base for the innings.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 22, 2018, 02:12:47 PM
Moeen Ali must have played his way back into the team in some capacity. Double century and 6 for 49.

Id swap him for Rashid who hasn't contributed a great deal.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 23, 2018, 12:25:30 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 23, 2018, 02:29:50 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 23, 2018, 05:17:14 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 23, 2018, 08:05:59 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.

I suspect the question is: pick one form Malan, Vince or a 36 year old Bell?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 23, 2018, 08:41:27 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.

I suspect the question is: pick one form Malan, Vince or a 36 year old Bell?

A year ago Bell was nowhere near a recall. He’s had a good season in all forms of cricket and he’s got his hunger back. Realistically whoever has been selected since he was dropped have not replaced his runs, there’s certainly a case for him to be picked.

I think that we should stick with Pope and try Burns too. Adding Bell to the order would bring the kind of experience that would help the newer players.

So I’d go Cook, Burns, Bell, Root, Pope, Bairstow, Stokes, Ali, Woakes, Broad & Anderson. That harsh on Buttler but he’s a handy replacement.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 23, 2018, 09:14:26 PM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.

I suspect the question is: pick one form Malan, Vince or a 36 year old Bell?

A year ago Bell was nowhere near a recall. He’s had a good season in all forms of cricket and he’s got his hunger back. Realistically whoever has been selected since he was dropped have not replaced his runs, there’s certainly a case for him to be picked.

I think that we should stick with Pope and try Burns too. Adding Bell to the order would bring the kind of experience that would help the newer players.

So I’d go Cook, Burns, Bell, Root, Pope, Bairstow, Stokes, Ali, Woakes, Broad & Anderson. That harsh on Buttler but he’s a handy replacement.

Too harsh on Buttler based on how he's played this summer, especially given he'll probably be taking the gloves for the next couple of tests.  I'd still be tempted to push Bairstow up to the top 3.

I can see the argument for Bell, but I can also see the reason for picking a guy who has 9 years on him, especially given Vince is having a very good summer (averaging 56).  I share the concern that he's not done it at international level though.

For me Vince is just another Ramprakash/Hick far too good for county level but not good enough for international cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 23, 2018, 11:35:39 PM
If Vince is another Hick/Ramprakash then surely that's more reason to select Bell?

Select Bell until the end of the Ashes next year and see if he can help shore up the batting whilst helping develop the likes of Pope and Burns. He’s the same age as Anderson, why are we using his age against him?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 24, 2018, 12:50:33 AM
If Vince is another Hick/Ramprakash then surely that's more reason to select Bell?

Select Bell until the end of the Ashes next year and see if he can help shore up the batting whilst helping develop the likes of Pope and Burns. He’s the same age as Anderson, why are we using his age against him?

I'm not using it against him, I'm just clarifying why I think they've made the call, I suggested it was the way they'd go a few days back because, despite poor performances for England so far Vince has gone back to his county and done the business this summer, I think they're more likely to reward that than to recall Bell as a short term fix.  I think Bell is a far better player but I can see why you wouldn't go back to him yet.  Give Vince these 2 games and if he fails again then you consider taking Bell away in the Winter as a fallback option.

On Anderson, if he'd not been in the test side for 2 1/2 years would people be calling for his return?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 24, 2018, 06:52:54 PM
I think they might go with Vince to open.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 24, 2018, 09:52:19 PM
I think they might go with Vince to open.

Wouldn’t they have dropped Jennings from the squad if that were the case?

I think Vince is in as cover, if Bairstow can’t keep wicket then Buttler will be behind the stumps. If Bairstow can’t bat then Vince plays, if Bairstow can bat then Vince isn’t in the starting XI.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 24, 2018, 10:11:02 PM
Maybe, and that might well be the case, but Vince had opened, he’s in form, he’s playing at his home ground, and he’s right handed. After selecting him there are a number of reasons why they might want to include him.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 28, 2018, 12:31:18 AM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.

I suspect the question is: pick one form Malan, Vince or a 36 year old Bell?

A year ago Bell was nowhere near a recall. He’s had a good season in all forms of cricket and he’s got his hunger back. Realistically whoever has been selected since he was dropped have not replaced his runs, there’s certainly a case for him to be picked.

I think that we should stick with Pope and try Burns too. Adding Bell to the order would bring the kind of experience that would help the newer players.

So I’d go Cook, Burns, Bell, Root, Pope, Bairstow, Stokes, Ali, Woakes, Broad & Anderson. That harsh on Buttler but he’s a handy replacement.

Too harsh on Buttler based on how he's played this summer, especially given he'll probably be taking the gloves for the next couple of tests.  I'd still be tempted to push Bairstow up to the top 3.

I can see the argument for Bell, but I can also see the reason for picking a guy who has 9 years on him, especially given Vince is having a very good summer (averaging 56).  I share the concern that he's not done it at international level though.

For me Vince is just another Ramprakash/Hick far too good for county level but not good enough for international cricket.

Hick and Ramprakash were easily good enough technically for international cricket. It was largely between the ears that let both of them down.

Hick also had to wait years to qualify and then came in against a fearsome WI attack. If both were at their peak now, then both would easily average over 50 in test cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 28, 2018, 07:04:22 AM
There’s a series of programmes on Sky at the moment called Mind Games. It’s in four parts and examines the mental aspect of the game.

As you can imagine both Hick and Ramprakash feature heavily. If you have Sky Sports it should be available on catch up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2018, 11:39:39 AM
Hick and Ramprakash were easily good enough technically for international cricket. It was largely between the ears that let both of them down.

Hick also had to wait years to qualify and then came in against a fearsome WI attack. If both were at their peak now, then both would easily average over 50 in test cricket.

I agree, I never specified why they failed but neither of them reproduced their county form for England and I suspect Vince will go the same way, I can see him regularly getting 1000+ runs in a summer but looking out of his depth whenever he plays for England.

We won't see anything about it until he retires but I suspect it will turn out that his problems are in his head as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 28, 2018, 01:28:58 PM
Hick and Ramprakash were easily good enough technically for international cricket. It was largely between the ears that let both of them down.

Hick also had to wait years to qualify and then came in against a fearsome WI attack. If both were at their peak now, then both would easily average over 50 in test cricket.

I agree, I never specified why they failed but neither of them reproduced their county form for England and I suspect Vince will go the same way, I can see him regularly getting 1000+ runs in a summer but looking out of his depth whenever he plays for England.

We won't see anything about it until he retires but I suspect it will turn out that his problems are in his head as well.

I'm not sure Vince is in the same bracket talent wise as Hick and Ramprakash to be honest Paul and doubt he will achieve the kind of landmarks they did in their careers.  Mike Atherton had some interesting thoughts about Hick in his autobiography and said that although there were initially some technical flaws that were exposed at international level, it was more his character that was the problem.  He did add, however, that when he came back to the test arena in the mid to late 90's after being initially discarded he did fine and averaged over 40. 

In the Mind Games series mentioned above, Ramprakash admits that he was crippled by nerves when he played for England and it really affected him.  There could be a whole series on how England got things wrong during the 90's, but he said that no-one really talked to players about difficulties they were having and they were just dropped if things did not go well.  He said it wasn't a coincidence that his first hundred for England came after some discussions with a sports therapist.     
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 28, 2018, 03:38:50 PM
Of course not, Hick and Ramps were brilliant players and he's not at the same level but he looks every bit the classy no3 and is almost textbook in his approach at county level but for England he doesn't play the same way and keeps giving his wicket away to the same mistakes, which is exactly what happened to Hick.  As you say Hick came back and was a reasonable player but he never reached the heights expected and never came close to replicating his county form.

To go back on this though, my initial point is that I totally understand Vince being recalled, he's got 800+ runs in 9 matches this summer and England are struggling for runs in the top order, he's an obvious choice, I just hope, for his sake, that he doesn't fuck up with loose drives to balls on a 5th stump line.  It became frighteningly predictable when he was in the side before and he must know that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 28, 2018, 03:55:41 PM
Of course not, Hick and Ramps were brilliant players and he's not at the same level but he looks every bit the classy no3 and is almost textbook in his approach at county level but for England he doesn't play the same way and keeps giving his wicket away to the same mistakes, which is exactly what happened to Hick.  As you say Hick came back and was a reasonable player but he never reached the heights expected and never came close to replicating his county form.

To go back on this though, my initial point is that I totally understand Vince being recalled, he's got 800+ runs in 9 matches this summer and England are struggling for runs in the top order, he's an obvious choice, I just hope, for his sake, that he doesn't fuck up with loose drives to balls on a 5th stump line.  It became frighteningly predictable when he was in the side before and he must know that.

I mentioned it in a previous post, but Angus Fraser said on one of the debate shows on SKY during the last test that if a position was available then it would be between Malan and Vince.  He reasoned that they had both recently been around the set up and would fit in much easier than a player who had not.  It would be interesting to see Vince come in a bit further down the order and see if he could play with a bit more freedom.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hipkiss92 on August 28, 2018, 09:16:42 PM
Interesting stats on Vince’s test career to date at the below, suggesting it’s been almost luck which has seen him batting below his F.C. average to date

https://www.wisden.com/stories/stats-analysis/james-vince-unlucky-analysis-cricviz
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 29, 2018, 08:45:26 AM
James Vince recalled as cover for Bairstow and Jennings has kept his place.

Lessons learned: zero

If James Vince is the answer then I don’t want to know the question.

I suspect the question is: pick one form Malan, Vince or a 36 year old Bell?

A year ago Bell was nowhere near a recall. He’s had a good season in all forms of cricket and he’s got his hunger back. Realistically whoever has been selected since he was dropped have not replaced his runs, there’s certainly a case for him to be picked.

I think that we should stick with Pope and try Burns too. Adding Bell to the order would bring the kind of experience that would help the newer players.

So I’d go Cook, Burns, Bell, Root, Pope, Bairstow, Stokes, Ali, Woakes, Broad & Anderson. That harsh on Buttler but he’s a handy replacement.

Too harsh on Buttler based on how he's played this summer, especially given he'll probably be taking the gloves for the next couple of tests.  I'd still be tempted to push Bairstow up to the top 3.


Going back to the current situation, we really need to start ticking boxes in the build up to the Ashes next summer.  I agree about Bairstow and if his finger is OK, I would try him at three for the rest of the series with Buttler taking over keeping duties.  Move Root back to four and persevere with Pope at five for the time being.  I would bring back Ali in home conditions as Rashid has hardly bowled this summer and I think Ali's contribution with the bat would have a greater impact than Rashid's contribution with the ball. 

That would mean a 3-11 of Bairstow, Root, Pope, Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Woakes, Broad, Anderson.  I'd be pretty happy with that and if the Bairstow - Root combination works then other options like Vince, Malan, possibly Bell could be tried at five if Pope struggles, Foakes could be an option at seven and Curran and Rashid could provide alternative bowling options.  That woyuld just leave the openers and although I think we should probably persevere with Cook until the Ashes, then I would look at Burns or Gubbins to replace Jennings in the winter.     
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 29, 2018, 11:25:36 AM
I'd agree with pretty much all of that but Burns would be a long way ahead of Gubbins for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2018, 01:27:58 PM
Dropped Pope already, blimey.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 29, 2018, 01:30:08 PM
Woakes and Pope out with Curran and Ali coming in, and Bairstow relinquishing the gloves.  Harsh on Pope and I didn't even realise Woakes was injured.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 29, 2018, 01:43:50 PM
I think it's because Stokes isn't expected to bowl, he was a specialist batsman for Durham in the t20 as well, I guess he's carrying an injury.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 10:09:02 AM
Woakes and Pope out with Curran and Ali coming in, and Bairstow relinquishing the gloves.  Harsh on Pope and I didn't even realise Woakes was injured.   

Not surprised Moen is back in, he's been in great form lately.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 10:33:03 AM
Root won the toss and we are batting. Over to you then, English batsmen.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 10:56:06 AM
Batting on whats looks a good pitch and under blue skys.

Potential for England to get 250 here if they bat their socks off.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 11:11:56 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 11:12:18 AM
Jennings is an international class opener. Discuss.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 11:12:54 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

It was but he is short of technique at this level.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Gareth on August 30, 2018, 11:14:18 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

It’s definitely unplayable if you have your bat hanging in the air
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 11:14:50 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

Was a great ball. It did look pretty comical on Jennings part though. You'd expect Broad to be out in such a fashion.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 11:15:17 AM
Amazing how Bumrah generates so much pace from such a short run up, which I could get half that pace off 14 paces.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 11:25:33 AM
Got away with that one, the review would have been successful if it wasn't a no ball haha.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 11:27:51 AM
Got away with that one, the review would have been successful if it wasn't a no ball haha.

How you can overstep after such a short run is pretty poor really.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 30, 2018, 11:32:17 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

Was a great ball. It did look pretty comical on Jennings part though. You'd expect Broad to be out in such a fashion.

Just seen the clip and it looks like Jennings didn't see it.  He seemed genuinely shocked when it hit his pad. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 11:35:34 AM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

Was a great ball. It did look pretty comical on Jennings part though. You'd expect Broad to be out in such a fashion.

Just seen the clip and it looks like Jennings didn't see it.  He seemed genuinely shocked when it hit his pad. 

Didn't even play a shot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 11:37:01 AM
Successful review this time, Root out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 11:37:23 AM
Another batting masterclass under way.

We will struggle to bat until tea.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 11:41:47 AM
Given our batting frailties I’d have bowled first today.

We can’t rely on our batsmen to score a decent total, our bowling attack is good so I’d have gone with them making use of the conditions as India are proving so far this morning.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 12:01:11 PM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

Was a great ball. It did look pretty comical on Jennings part though. You'd expect Broad to be out in such a fashion.

Just seen the clip and it looks like Jennings didn't see it.  He seemed genuinely shocked when it hit his pad. 

yeah, the issue is Bumrah has never had a 'back in to the leftie' delivery but has clearly worked on it because of the amount we have. That's what I mean by unplayable, we know how he bowls and that line is one that you just get the bat out of the way and let it go through to the slips. I can see the argument that he should be playing at it but I think it's pretty harsh.

Now onto the question, Jennings is nowhere near international class for me, he's barely more than an average county opener, in pretty much any other era he'd be 7-8th choice up there.  I don't know who could replace him though, Burns and Gubbins are doing pretty well this year and deserve a chance but I'm not convinced by either.  Whenever we get someone break through who looks to have the talent (Duckett, Hameed, Bell-Drummond) they seem to wilt under the pressure and their game collapses. Maybe we need to look at ways to help with mentality as much as technique.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 12:08:32 PM
Jennings gone for nothing, pretty much an unplayable delivery though to be fair.

Was a great ball. It did look pretty comical on Jennings part though. You'd expect Broad to be out in such a fashion.

Just seen the clip and it looks like Jennings didn't see it.  He seemed genuinely shocked when it hit his pad. 

Now onto the question, Jennings is nowhere near international class for me, he's barely more than an average county opener, in pretty much any other era he'd be 7-8th choice up there.  I don't know who could replace him though, Burns and Gubbins are doing pretty well this year and deserve a chance but I'm not convinced by either.  Whenever we get someone break through who looks to have the talent (Duckett, Hameed, Bell-Drummond) they seem to wilt under the pressure and their game collapses. Maybe we need to look at ways to help with mentality as much as technique.

Jennings just isn’t good enough.

I’m convinced that the collective problem is as much mental as technical and that malaise extends to most of the batting line up. That would appear to be one of the reasons we lose wickets in clusters and a collapse is never more than a few balls away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 12:35:52 PM
Really poor shot from Cook, absolute gift.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 12:40:28 PM
Such a poor "effort" yet again.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 02:26:00 PM
Buttler and Stokes started to build a partnership but couldn't keep it going, it's now really important for Ali, Rashid and Curran to deliver with the bat. The movement seems to be lessening now so we really need to try to put something together.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 02:42:22 PM
Poor batting, poor selection. How on earth is moving Ben Stokes to 5 an adequate response to continual batting failures? How the fuck can Jennings keep his place? Why did Ali come in after Stokes and Buttler, after scoring a double century?

Its just crap. Bayliss is not a test coach and as batting coach Ramprakash surely has to take some responsibility for the constant stream of shit the batsmen produce.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 02:57:33 PM
Not happening again, poor from Stokes.

I still think the key problem here is the top 3.  Root looks wrong at 3, Jennings isn't good enough and Cook has fallen apart.  I'd push Root back to 4 and then find a new top 3 for the next test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 02:59:39 PM
Over a 100 now so at least we're not bowling with double digits to defend.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 30, 2018, 03:08:56 PM
Not happening again, poor from Stokes.

I still think the key problem here is the top 3.  Root looks wrong at 3, Jennings isn't good enough and Cook has fallen apart.  I'd push Root back to 4 and then find a new top 3 for the next test.

I'm not sure what the answer is to be honest Paul.  Pretty much all of the top order batsmen who have been introduced since Strauss and Trott left the scene have failed to cement a place in the side and we look as far away from sorting those problems as we ever have.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 03:41:04 PM
Not happening again, poor from Stokes.

I still think the key problem here is the top 3.  Root looks wrong at 3, Jennings isn't good enough and Cook has fallen apart.  I'd push Root back to 4 and then find a new top 3 for the next test.

I'm not sure what the answer is to be honest Paul.  Pretty much all of the top order batsmen who have been introduced since Strauss and Trott left the scene have failed to cement a place in the side and we look as far away from sorting those problems as we ever have.

The issue, for me, is that we have plenty of middle order batsmen and no openers, Pope and Woakes probably both deserve to be in the side at the minute (as does Burns really) so is there any way we can accommodate that?  Could Ali play in the top 3? Could Buttler or Bairstow open?

Would we be any weaker of we lined up with:
Burns
Buttler
Ali
Root
Pope
Stokes
Bairstow
Woakes
Curran
Broad
Anderson

Maybe Cook stays to offer some extra experience, maybe you change one of the bowlers to get Rashid into the team but that's the way I'd be looking at things right now because the 'proper' openers have all failed so lets try moving things about and see if we can find a way to get some runs in at the beginning, being 1 down in the first 5-6 overs is the biggest problem to address right now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on August 30, 2018, 03:50:35 PM
Not happening again, poor from Stokes.

I still think the key problem here is the top 3.  Root looks wrong at 3, Jennings isn't good enough and Cook has fallen apart.  I'd push Root back to 4 and then find a new top 3 for the next test.

I'm not sure what the answer is to be honest Paul.  Pretty much all of the top order batsmen who have been introduced since Strauss and Trott left the scene have failed to cement a place in the side and we look as far away from sorting those problems as we ever have.

The issue, for me, is that we have plenty of middle order batsmen and no openers, Pope and Woakes probably both deserve to be in the side at the minute (as does Burns really) so is there any way we can accommodate that?  Could Ali play in the top 3? Could Buttler or Bairstow open?

Would we be any weaker of we lined up with:
Burns
Buttler
Ali
Root
Pope
Stokes
Bairstow
Woakes
Curran
Broad
Anderson

Maybe Cook stays to offer some extra experience, maybe you change one of the bowlers to get Rashid into the team but that's the way I'd be looking at things right now because the 'proper' openers have all failed so lets try moving things about and see if we can find a way to get some runs in at the beginning, being 1 down in the first 5-6 overs is the biggest problem to address right now.


If as seems likely, they go with Buttler as wicketkeeper then I don’t think he will open.  I See Bairstow as a potential opener but I think that to open and keep wicket is a huge ask. I know Alec Stewart did it but he’s one of a small group.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 04:33:52 PM
If as seems likely, they go with Buttler as wicketkeeper then I don’t think he will open.  I See Bairstow as a potential opener but I think that to open and keep wicket is a huge ask. I know Alec Stewart did it but he’s one of a small group.

I went with Buttler because Bairstow seems to be their choice as keeper and Buttler has opened in the shorter formats a fair bit.  Whoever is keeping bats down the order though, to give them a break.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on August 30, 2018, 04:37:41 PM
What a fucking ridiculous shot from Moeen. Playing well and India under a bit of pressure for first time and he just completely gifts his wicket away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 04:39:55 PM
What a fucking ridiculous shot from Moeen. Playing well and India under a bit of pressure for first time and he just completely gifts his wicket away.

Agreed, looked like he wanted to hit Ashwin out of the attack but I'm not sure why.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 05:01:54 PM
Poor LBW decision by the umpire but no reviews left.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 05:09:28 PM
Awful decision that, poor that we'd wasted our reviews but you still have to question the umpire there, never looked close for me.

As backwards as it might sound if England can get another 20-30 runs here I suspect we'll have the happier dressing room at the change over because they'd have been looking at cleaning us up for 120-130 once Stokes went. On top of that a 66 over old ball is still swinging massively so Jimmy and Curran in particular will be very keen to see what they can do.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 30, 2018, 05:29:00 PM
Awful decision that, poor that we'd wasted our reviews but you still have to question the umpire there, never looked close for me.

As backwards as it might sound if England can get another 20-30 runs here I suspect we'll have the happier dressing room at the change over because they'd have been looking at cleaning us up for 120-130 once Stokes went. On top of that a 66 over old ball is still swinging massively so Jimmy and Curran in particular will be very keen to see what they can do.

A good point that, at 86-6 things were looking dire.  Curran is doing well, and if he can somehow get any support from Broad we might push 250.  Still a shit score, but at least not a complete disaster.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 05:31:53 PM
217/8 - that's good going by Ali and then Curran, as above I reckon we'll be the happier dressing room right now, given the amount of swing we've seen anything around 250 would be competitive, getting near it with the top 4 having completely collapsed is a great effort.

What's really frustrating is that the all rounders have, yet again, pulled us out of the fire, if we could get them coming in at 250-300 rather than 100 or less these would be match winning contributions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 30, 2018, 05:33:49 PM
Bloody Jennings and Cook again - surely sooner or later the penny will drop with the selectors.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 30, 2018, 05:50:08 PM
240-9 at least Broad hung around a bit, innings will soon be over now Jimmy is coming out to bat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 30, 2018, 05:53:03 PM
At lunch everyone would've taken 240/9 so I'm much happier than I was a couple of hours ago.  I'd have taken it at Tea as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 30, 2018, 08:34:48 PM
Was at the game today, Curran, Moeen and Broad really dug is out. Curran looked great.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on August 30, 2018, 09:39:25 PM
I have tickets for the Sunday, day 4. It's in the balance as to whether I see any play at all.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 31, 2018, 08:21:50 AM
Was at the game today, Curran, Moeen and Broad really dug is out. Curran looked great.

He certainly did Paul and it was a great reaction after being dropped for the previous test.  Things have got to be addressed though as they aren't getting any better and these collapses are happening far too often. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 31, 2018, 08:45:26 AM
Bloody Jennings and Cook again - surely sooner or later the penny will drop with the selectors.

Was listening to the TMS discussion at the close of play yesterday and it is was pretty clear from what they were saying that Root feels far more comfortable batting at four.  Unless Bairstow can bat at three (after seeing him at four I'm not sure he will be suited to batting even higher up the order) we are looking at finding an entirely new top three which is a very big ask. 

Jennings is beginning to look mentally shot to me, but I'm not sure making such major changes would be wise with just one test left. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 01:21:36 PM
Decent morning but really need to get Kohli, once he goes it's game on.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Chris Jameson on August 31, 2018, 02:16:33 PM
Bloody Jennings and Cook again - surely sooner or later the penny will drop with the selectors.

Was listening to the TMS discussion at the close of play yesterday and it is was pretty clear from what they were saying that Root feels far more comfortable batting at four.  Unless Bairstow can bat at three (after seeing him at four I'm not sure he will be suited to batting even higher up the order) we are looking at finding an entirely new top three which is a very big ask. 

Jennings is beginning to look mentally shot to me, but I'm not sure making such major changes would be wise with just one test left. 

Doesn't make sense moving Bairstow from six where he's happiest and has scored his centuries from, no idea who there is who could open, only a couple of years ago Lees was next off the blocks, he's barely scored a run the last two years and was released by Yorkshire to sign for Durham.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 02:25:48 PM
Massive wicket.  Apply some pressure now because they're always a bit 'weak' for a few overs after Kohli goes.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 31, 2018, 02:45:39 PM
Bloody Jennings and Cook again - surely sooner or later the penny will drop with the selectors.

Was listening to the TMS discussion at the close of play yesterday and it is was pretty clear from what they were saying that Root feels far more comfortable batting at four.  Unless Bairstow can bat at three (after seeing him at four I'm not sure he will be suited to batting even higher up the order) we are looking at finding an entirely new top three which is a very big ask. 

Jennings is beginning to look mentally shot to me, but I'm not sure making such major changes would be wise with just one test left. 

Mr Extras has got more runs than Jennings in this series.  It's really hard to see how dropping Jennings especially but probably Cook as well could make matters any worse.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on August 31, 2018, 03:03:39 PM
Bloody Jennings and Cook again - surely sooner or later the penny will drop with the selectors.

Was listening to the TMS discussion at the close of play yesterday and it is was pretty clear from what they were saying that Root feels far more comfortable batting at four.  Unless Bairstow can bat at three (after seeing him at four I'm not sure he will be suited to batting even higher up the order) we are looking at finding an entirely new top three which is a very big ask. 

Jennings is beginning to look mentally shot to me, but I'm not sure making such major changes would be wise with just one test left. 

Doesn't make sense moving Bairstow from six where he's happiest and has scored his centuries from, no idea who there is who could open, only a couple of years ago Lees was next off the blocks, he's barely scored a run the last two years and was released by Yorkshire to sign for Durham.

Agree Chris and I thought the lower order from a while ago of Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Woakes, Broad and Anderson was as strong as it's ever been.  Unfortunately due to batting woes at the top of the order, many of them had to move up and haven't really looked as comfortable since.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 03:48:18 PM
Big wicket to get Pant right at the end of the session.  I can't imagine there being much between the teams at the end of the innings, this is why Ali and Curran were so important yesterday, getting from what looked like 160-170 up to 250 was massive.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 31, 2018, 03:48:32 PM
Big wicket for Moen just before tea, 181-5
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on August 31, 2018, 04:20:21 PM
4 wickets for Moen now. India 195-8
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 04:27:06 PM
brilliant bowling from Moeen here, very clever deliveries to get Ashwin and Pandya, he's learning how to add quality variations now, which was what held him back from being a top class spinner.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2018, 04:40:57 PM
Moeen showing the folly of dropping him in England. Key 40 in a tough situation yesterday, and 4 wickets today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 04:55:15 PM
Moeen showing the folly of dropping him in England. Key 40 in a tough situation yesterday, and 4 wickets today.

As did Woakes, those 2 have to play at home.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on August 31, 2018, 05:13:08 PM
I'm not sure I understand that review, Everyone knew that it hit him outside the line but the question was clearly that Root thought he wasn't playing a shot, seems ridiculous that the decision over that can't be contested.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on August 31, 2018, 07:05:06 PM
Well, it's set up nicely for another Edgbaston style thriller, assuming our openers can actually get us to at least being equal to India's score without chucking their wickets away.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2018, 07:36:25 PM
Pujara is just the sort of number 3 I would love England to have.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 31, 2018, 08:45:15 PM
I have a feeling, after seeing him in this series, that Curran is going to be a serious player. Great technique with the bat, great character, handy bowler, and he just has that x-factor quality of influencing key stages of games.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 01, 2018, 01:10:57 AM
Well, it's set up nicely for another Edgbaston style thriller, assuming our openers can actually get us to at least being equal to India's score without chucking their wickets away.

I am really rooting for Jennings and some of the others who are struggling to really come to the fore tomorrow and make that match and ultimately series winning contribution. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 01, 2018, 01:13:49 AM
I have a feeling, after seeing him in this series, that Curran is going to be a serious player. Great technique with the bat, great character, handy bowler, and he just has that x-factor quality of influencing key stages of games.

I suppose the concern would be what he is going to be like outside of England when the ball is not swinging.  If he could develop the ability to reverse swing the ball away from home like Darren Gough did, then he could be a real top performer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 07:28:23 AM
I think he’ll end up being a batsman who bowls. But if he can get his bowling up to around 85mph and develop a sharp bouncer, he should be ok with the ball.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 01, 2018, 11:19:56 AM
Fairly damning stat on the BBC just now:

"Prior to this innings, the average length of a partnership between Cook and Jennings this summer is 44 balls."
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 01, 2018, 11:36:16 AM
Cook gone to a poor shot.

A 24 partnership between these two is a bit of a triumph in fairness.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 01, 2018, 11:38:03 AM
Ali in at three, an interesting development.

Root has said that he favours batting at four so assuming he’s not injured he’s getting what he wants.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2018, 11:39:16 AM
Cook is shit now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 11:39:23 AM
Not like England to move things about.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 11:55:39 AM
Oh dear.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villafirst on September 01, 2018, 11:59:08 AM
Recall Bell! Oh, I forgot, he doesn't play for Surrey or Middlesex....
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 01, 2018, 01:28:07 PM
Jennings got 36. Should see him retain his place to at least the next ashes series.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: aj2k77 on September 01, 2018, 01:50:16 PM
Jennings is shit and that was terrible by Bairstow.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 01, 2018, 01:53:06 PM
Uttetly pathetic from Bairstow. Tries to play a big booming on drive to the first ball he faces? He seems to refuse to get out of one day mode.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 02:55:56 PM
Idiotic.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on September 01, 2018, 06:26:23 PM
Curran and Buttler have at least made this vaguely respectable.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 06:28:16 PM
I’d say they’ve made it very respectable.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 01, 2018, 06:39:21 PM
Bairstow looks really poor at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: four fornicholl on September 01, 2018, 06:43:41 PM
Fantastic series so far, test match cricket at its best.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 01, 2018, 08:00:06 PM
This has been a great game, as I said after day 1, I don't think there's much between the sides right now, if they skittle us cheaply in the morning they'll think they've got their noses in front, if we can put 40-50 on the score like we did in the 1st innings then it's advantage England, anything around 250 to get would be par for me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 02, 2018, 11:03:46 AM
We should have plenty to be honest. That we got so many yesterday is in large part to how poorly Ashwin bowled yesterday in wonderful spin conditions.

Broad out first ball today. I know he doesn't give a shit about his batting anymore, but does he not think he should at least try and stick there for Curran? Awful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 02, 2018, 11:08:27 AM
We should have plenty to be honest. That we got so many yesterday is in large part to how poorly Ashwin bowled yesterday in wonderful spin conditions.

Broad out first ball today. I know he doesn't give a shit about his batting anymore, but does he not think he should at least try and stick there for Curran? Awful.

I’d drop Broad for the next test and beyond. He seems to have been resting on his laurels for several series and only occasionally produces a significant spell of bowling. His batting is woeful. For a player who has scored a test century, he’s become a perennial rabbit. Time he was moved on.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 02, 2018, 12:02:51 PM
Pujara out.  Massive.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 02, 2018, 12:06:14 PM
We should have plenty to be honest. That we got so many yesterday is in large part to how poorly Ashwin bowled yesterday in wonderful spin conditions.

Broad out first ball today. I know he doesn't give a shit about his batting anymore, but does he not think he should at least try and stick there for Curran? Awful.


I’d drop Broad for the next test and beyond. He seems to have been resting on his laurels for several series and only occasionally produces a significant spell of bowling. His batting is woeful. For a player who has scored a test century, he’s become a perennial rabbit. Time he was moved on.

Surely there are much bigger problems than Broad to sort first.  He got both their openers in the first innings, and is bowling well today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 02, 2018, 12:13:40 PM
Anderson is on fire.  22-3, Both openers and their Mr Dependable gone.  Just need Kohli skittling now, and I'd fancy us to wrap this up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 02, 2018, 12:49:32 PM
Awful review decision just then.  Sound of the ball hitting the pad given as an edge.  Rubbish.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dave shelley on September 02, 2018, 12:50:34 PM
Shocking decision.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 02, 2018, 01:00:16 PM
Shocking decision.

Tight one, but I thought it was pretty obvious that the deviation on snicko came from bat hitting pad rather from an edge.  It seems the third umpire didn't even to take that into account.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 02, 2018, 03:08:18 PM
This has been pretty poor from England in this sessiom. Just allowed the game to drift.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: thick_mike on September 02, 2018, 04:58:52 PM
Great performance from Moeen this test match, can he get his 10th wicket?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 02, 2018, 05:07:59 PM
I don't think it was even the worst decision in the game, letting england review over whether a shot was played and then not actually doing a review because the on field umpire thought it had been was just shit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on September 02, 2018, 05:21:54 PM
Nice one England, that's the series wrapped up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: thick_mike on September 02, 2018, 05:26:06 PM
Another great advert for the Test Match format
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 02, 2018, 09:53:06 PM
It’s been a fantastic series & a great advert for test cricket. It could have gone either way but
We Won!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 03, 2018, 12:11:50 AM
Good win today and a good series win against the number one ranked side in the world.  I think what has been learnt is that no matter how poorly we do in other countries, we have a potent attack in home conditions and we don't need to change too much. 

Broad and Anderson are excellent in home conditions, Woakes and Curran are a real threat when the ball is swinging and can add valuable runs, Stokes is capable of bowling magic spells and Moeen Ali causes real problems on home pitches.  Butler has made some good contributions this summer and there are a few options who could keep and bat 7, so 6-11 looks in good shape and well balanced for the Ashes next summer.  Depending on how Broad and Anderson are going to be used in the build up to next summer, the only real change I would look to make over the winter is perhaps sacrifice Curran or Woakes for another spinner and have a 6-11 of something like Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Rashid, Broad and Anderson.  You could also rest either Anderson and Broad, play Curran or Woakes and have a look at another spinner like Leach.  Plenty of options there.

The top of the order is another story though and this good series win shouldn't paper over the massive cracks that have been apparent for some time.  I think Root should go back to four as it is clear he is more comfortable there and his runs are vital.  Bairstow has't had a great series,but is a quality batsman and is suited to the five position.  That leaves the top three - I think a frank discussion needs to be had with Cook to see if he wants to continue as he is a pale shadow of himself and has been for sometime.  Jennings has had another poor series really, but has probably done just about enough in the second innings of this game to play at the Oval.

I would bat Jennings at three at the Oval, as I think it presents a great chance to look at an opener with the series being in the bag and the pressure off a bit.  I would go for Burns seeing as it is his home ground, but reckon the only change will be Vince batting at 3 with Rashid dropping out further down the order.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 03, 2018, 12:13:08 PM
Cook announces his retirement after the fifth test.  I suppose that at least guarantees that he'll play in that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 03, 2018, 12:35:35 PM
Congratulations on a great career Chef. Even with his periods of struggle, his record is incredible given that he was an opener.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2018, 12:35:54 PM
It's time he stood down, but what a player he was on his day. At least he gets to go out as part of a series-winning team.

England need two new openers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2018, 12:41:29 PM
Oh, and Essex are probably favourites for next year's Championship, now!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 03, 2018, 12:47:46 PM
Not surprising news as he has looked mentally shot at times this series.  Can't help but think that the struggle to find a suitable partner for him since Strauss left the scene has weighed a bit on him, but he has been a mainstay of the side for years.  Hope he can add at least one more ton for the road at the Oval.       
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 03, 2018, 01:24:55 PM
He said "there's nothing left in the tank" and to me it looks like that's been the case for a while.  Bit of an indictment of English cricket that we can't produce a single decent opening batsmen for the test arena any more.  We've got enough players from 5-11 to almost put two teams out.  A bit like Villa and right backs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on September 03, 2018, 10:20:09 PM
Top order really needs some work doesn't it?  Root at 4, Bairstow at 5, Stokes, Butler, Curran, Woakes, Moeen et al all doing well from 6 onwards but that top order is a real struggle and if they go quickly, England are more prone to collapsing.  There are a few decent openers out there but no guarantees that they will succeed at test level.  It's also about time we found a proper 90 mile and hour bowler too. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 03, 2018, 10:49:35 PM
Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 03, 2018, 11:22:57 PM
Top order really needs some work doesn't it?  Root at 4, Bairstow at 5, Stokes, Butler, Curran, Woakes, Moeen et al all doing well from 6 onwards but that top order is a real struggle and if they go quickly, England are more prone to collapsing.  There are a few decent openers out there but no guarantees that they will succeed at test level.  It's also about time we found a proper 90 mile and hour bowler too.

Not asking for much there Newby!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 04, 2018, 07:04:01 AM
Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 04, 2018, 08:49:20 AM
Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.

Not to take anything away from his achievements at all, but I do think he was somewhat fortunate to play in an era when there weren't too many world class opening bowlers operating on the international scene.  Especially when you think of the 90's when the likes of Ambrose, Walsh, McGrath, Lee, Donald, Pollock, Akhtar, Wasim and Waqar were around.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on September 04, 2018, 08:53:58 AM
Oh, and Essex are probably favourites for next year's Championship, now!

Let's hope so.

Great that Cook has decided to step down rather than be pushed and it all end badly. A classy player and person. It will be great for Essex next season.

It would be great if Cook can finish with one more big score in the fifth test. Who knows, the pressure is off both him and England now. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 04, 2018, 01:14:29 PM
No changes to the squad for the Oval, though Vince ha been released.  They really are a stubborn bunch aren't they?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on September 04, 2018, 01:32:37 PM
Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.

Not to take anything away from his achievements at all, but I do think he was somewhat fortunate to play in an era when there weren't too many world class opening bowlers operating on the international scene.  Especially when you think of the 90's when the likes of Ambrose, Walsh, McGrath, Lee, Donald, Pollock, Akhtar, Wasim and Waqar were around.   

Against that, I'd say that there aren't many great batsmen whose best tours came away from home in as different (and sharply juxtaposing) conditions as Cook's 2010-11 Ashes + tour of India combo. He was an absolute monument those tours.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 04, 2018, 01:59:08 PM
Good on you chef, takes a good man to admit that it's over before getting kicked. We can remember the brilliance now without feeling guilty about wanting you to be dropped.

Yep and he truly is a legend. His record, especially for an opener, is incredible.

Not to take anything away from his achievements at all, but I do think he was somewhat fortunate to play in an era when there weren't too many world class opening bowlers operating on the international scene.  Especially when you think of the 90's when the likes of Ambrose, Walsh, McGrath, Lee, Donald, Pollock, Akhtar, Wasim and Waqar were around.   

Against that, I'd say that there aren't many great batsmen whose best tours came away from home in as different (and sharply juxtaposing) conditions as Cook's 2010-11 Ashes + tour of India combo. He was an absolute monument those tours.

Good point Monty and his record is indeed remarkable.  Thinking back, I can't ever recall him being injured either which is another testament to longevity.  As someone who has played the game at a much inferior level, I have always thought it is amazing that players like him have the stamina and concentration to bat for such long periods of time, often in very hot conditions.

Not to detract away from Cook's achievements, but I have often wondered how players from the 90's and early 2000's like Michael Atherton would have fared had they had central contracts and played in Cook's era.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on September 04, 2018, 02:19:46 PM
Oh I mean, shorter boundaries, heavier bats, better pitches, all this. Still, I think this adaptability puts Cook in as an all-timer, simply because that's incredibly difficult in any era and few do it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on September 06, 2018, 06:25:23 PM
Is it just me, or do very good players like Cook become undroppable because of their support from the London press, no matter how badly they perform, whereas Belly was always under pressure, from these sources, to be dropped after a handful of failures?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 06, 2018, 08:28:08 PM
Wouldn’t say so. I remember lots of talk about being dropped or losing the captaincy.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on September 06, 2018, 08:31:31 PM
Wouldn’t say so. I remember lots of talk about being dropped or losing the captaincy.

This.  I remember Cook being really stubborn when we all knew his days as captain were at an end.  That said, I am interested to see who replaces him as no-one screams out, expect perhaps Rory Burns, another gamble.   We have lots of inconsistent all-rounders but few top order obvious choices at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 06, 2018, 11:15:20 PM
I think Burns is obviously going to get a chance, the real problem is who you pair him with. Jennings doesn't seem to be the answer but there's slim picking at the top of the order in the county game.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2018, 12:14:55 PM
Better start today, I always think that if the openers get through the first 15-20 overs then they've done their main job, even if they don't score a huge amount of runs. It means the players at 3 and 4 are coming in with a softer ball and, usually, with the opening bowlers out of the attack.

I don't think it's enough to save Jennings yet but at least he's not failed completely.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 07, 2018, 12:48:50 PM
Better start today, I always think that if the openers get through the first 15-20 overs then they've done their main job, even if they don't score a huge amount of runs. It means the players at 3 and 4 are coming in with a softer ball and, usually, with the opening bowlers out of the attack.

I don't think it's enough to save Jennings yet but at least he's not failed completely.

With Cook departing the stage after this game, I can't see Jennings being dropped and leaving us having to find two openers.  I think Ali at 3 would solve a lot of problems should it come off (especially as it will allow us to play a second spinner without having to leave a seamer out), but I have my doubts it will. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2018, 12:55:39 PM
Jennings went playing a silly shot, that feels like something that could've been said about him far too many times in his England career and it's why I'm not convinced he's worth persevering with.

I hope Moeen works out at 3, he's far too good a batsman to have him at 8 or 9 and it would solve a lot of problems and gives the side a much better balance.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 07, 2018, 02:09:31 PM
Jennings went playing a silly shot, that feels like something that could've been said about him far too many times in his England career and it's why I'm not convinced he's worth persevering with.

I hope Moeen works out at 3, he's far too good a batsman to have him at 8 or 9 and it would solve a lot of problems and gives the side a much better balance.

Agree about Jennings Paul, but the two things that might go in his favour for the winter are that his struggles have mainly been against the moving ball in this country and that there aren't really two viable opening options at the moment. 

I think Ali at three would solve some problems, but I like him at 8 where he can take the game away from teams.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on September 07, 2018, 02:18:29 PM
Frankly, I'm just pleased Cook hasn't failed this innings. Don't know if he'll get any sort of proper score, but this looks ok.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2018, 03:04:00 PM
Jennings went playing a silly shot, that feels like something that could've been said about him far too many times in his England career and it's why I'm not convinced he's worth persevering with.

I hope Moeen works out at 3, he's far too good a batsman to have him at 8 or 9 and it would solve a lot of problems and gives the side a much better balance.

Agree about Jennings Paul, but the two things that might go in his favour for the winter are that his struggles have mainly been against the moving ball in this country and that there aren't really two viable opening options at the moment. 

I think Ali at three would solve some problems, but I like him at 8 where he can take the game away from teams.   

I don't think we need Ali for that if we have Woakes and Curran doing the same job. At the top he's got the ability to stick around and bat long but also adds some ability to counter-attack which we've not had in the top 3 for a while.

I think Jennings will definitely go on tour but I suspect a third opener might be in the party if he doesn't show some upturn in form.

Frankly, I'm just pleased Cook hasn't failed this innings. Don't know if he'll get any sort of proper score, but this looks ok.

Agree completely, he's just got one of the most deserved 50s ever, it'd have been horrible if he'd struggled today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on September 07, 2018, 03:31:50 PM
Nice interview of Chef by Aggers was played on TMS during lunch
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Monty on September 07, 2018, 04:30:37 PM
We need to stop making our best batsman captain just because they're the only non-bowler at won't drop.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on September 07, 2018, 04:35:42 PM
We need to stop making our best batsman captain just because they're the only non-bowler at won't drop.
Is that 3 successive ducks for Bairstow now?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on September 07, 2018, 04:36:51 PM
Another horrific collapse in progress. Well done to the selectors for thinking the batting line up didn't need changing.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2018, 04:38:43 PM
Another bloody shambles after a dismissal. Blimey Bairstow is in diabolical form, and Root not much better.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2018, 04:40:21 PM
Root’s balance is all wrong at the moment, he keeps falling over his front pad.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 07, 2018, 05:14:44 PM
We need to stop making our best batsman captain just because they're the only non-bowler at won't drop.
Is that 3 successive ducks for Bairstow now?

I think his last four innings have produced 0, 6, 0, 0. Gone downhill since he broke his finger. Boycott on TMS is saying that he’s batting too high and shouldn’t be going in ahead of Stokes. I tend to agree.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 07, 2018, 05:55:47 PM
131-1 to 181-7 is pathetic. How the hell have we managed to win this series with our brittle batting order?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: thick_mike on September 07, 2018, 06:09:28 PM
131-1 to 181-7 is pathetic. How the hell have we managed to win this series with our brittle batting order?

Excellent bowling and an equally brittle Indian batting line up.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 07, 2018, 07:01:41 PM
It’s another pathetic collapse. Two scores of note and the rest appalling.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 08, 2018, 01:18:04 AM
It’s another pathetic collapse. Two scores of note and the rest appalling.

It has been Paul, but it makes a change that it was the lower order this time and not the top!!  I think they need to have a real think about things going forward as the whole thing seems to be a bit of a mess at the minute with players all over the place and out of position. 

Both Bob Willis and Dominic Cork said on the debate show earlier that Bairstow should bat six or seven if he is going to keep and that Buttler should be coming in before him if he hasn't got the gloves. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2018, 08:58:47 AM
To be honest Jonny could bat at 11 the way he’s playing at the moment. He needs to get back to the technique he had last summer, as does Root.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on September 08, 2018, 12:24:47 PM
I thought India would be batting by now but a bit of a recovery from England, 263-8.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on September 08, 2018, 12:31:38 PM
Important knock from Buttler this, 51no so far.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 08, 2018, 02:39:35 PM
Great knock from Buttler and shame he couldn't make it to 3 figures.  He has been a definite plus point with the bat this summer and seems to have found his feet in test cricket.  It was interesting to hear him talking on that Mind Games series about finding it easier in limited overs cricket because there are always targets to chase, whereas he described test cricket as more of a "blank canvas".
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 08, 2018, 06:24:42 PM
The contest between Jimmy and Virat Kohli has been fascinating to watch and Jimmy has troubled him. Incredible that he’s not got him out yet.

Cook is holding on to slip catches again, I think the chance he’s just took off Stokes to dismiss Pant gives him another record, most catches in a series. He’s dropped a couple too. The bloke is leaving a very big hole that we will struggle to fill.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 08, 2018, 08:35:27 PM
Cook has looked like a massive weight has been removed from his shoulders.  I just wonder if, after a good rest over the winter and if he has a good start next summer, his feet might start itching when the Aussies arrive.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on September 08, 2018, 09:51:24 PM
Nah, he's done.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2018, 10:16:31 PM
The great successes from this series are Buttler and Curran. Buttler has shown he can be a Test bat and Curran is, and will develop, into a class player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 08, 2018, 10:43:29 PM
The great successes from this series are Buttler and Curran. Buttler has shown he can be a Test bat and Curran is, and will develop, into a class player.

I’m impressed by the bold selection by Ed Smith & his selectors.

I think Stokes also deserves credit for his batting which showed a maturity & patience that’s not been in his game before.

The minuses include Bairstow, Root, Jennings, Rashid, the openers and the close catchers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2018, 10:53:13 PM
Rashid is a weird one, he’s just been a complete passenger. Moeen is the best spinner in English conditions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 08, 2018, 11:09:54 PM
Rashid is a weird one, he’s just been a complete passenger. Moeen is the best spinner in English conditions.

I think half the problem with Moeen as number one spinner is actually in Moeen’s head.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 08, 2018, 11:24:42 PM
No doubt, but then the team need to manage that. He’s such a key asset.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: OzVilla on September 08, 2018, 11:33:09 PM
Rashid is a weird one, he’s just been a complete passenger. Moeen is the best spinner in English conditions.

I think half the problem with Moeen as number one spinner is actually in Moeen’s head.

Moen bowls with side spin which is fine in English conditions but on pitches that turn less but bounce more, Australia and South Africa for instance, over spin bowlers get that extra bounce. Thats why Nathan Lyon gets so many wickets in Australia but doesn’t have the same influence elsewhere.

Spinners are a complicated bunch. Gone are the days of leg spin/off spin.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 09, 2018, 05:24:38 PM
Jennings.  Dear oh deary me.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 09, 2018, 06:35:35 PM
Well done Cookie, stay on please!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2018, 09:17:47 PM
Well done Cookie, stay on please!!

This Cook (i.e. the one who played until the last 18 months) is one of the best openers in the world and I'm sure that if he felt he was still able to play at this level regularly he wouldn't be going anywhere. I'm just glad he's going out on the back of a very good performance and with a new record in his collection.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on September 09, 2018, 09:45:47 PM
What do we need in terms of the score for the lead becomes a dangerous one?  250?  300?

Jennings just isn't quite there yet.  Fielding hasn't been great either.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on September 09, 2018, 10:03:55 PM
I didn’t think Fielding was picked for this test😊
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 09, 2018, 10:06:16 PM
Wowsers - just watched the Debate on SKY and Nick Compton suggested Sam Curran batting at three.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on September 09, 2018, 10:06:36 PM
Rashid is a weird one, he’s just been a complete passenger. Moeen is the best spinner in English conditions.
Rashid has had a complete laugh in this series.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on September 09, 2018, 10:11:40 PM
Wowsers - just watched the Debate on SKY and Nick Compton suggested Sam Curran batting at three.
Current or Ali at number 3 is a misnomer. The Test match cricket lacks credibility when a team thrashing the current number one team in the world lacks a second decent opener and no one who can own  number 3 position.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 09, 2018, 10:43:30 PM
Wowsers - just watched the Debate on SKY and Nick Compton suggested Sam Curran batting at three.
Current or Ali at number 3 is a misnomer. The Test match cricket lacks credibility when a team thrashing the current number one team in the world lacks a second decent opener and no one who can own  number 3 position.

That’s as much about home advantage though.

Home advantage is huge in test cricket right now. It will be interesting to see where England are in the rankings on the first morning of our next home test, a four day test against Ireland at Lords on 24 July 2019.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2018, 11:08:35 PM
Be surprised if we didn't beat the Windies.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 12:01:00 AM
Wowsers - just watched the Debate on SKY and Nick Compton suggested Sam Curran batting at three.
Current or Ali at number 3 is a misnomer. The Test match cricket lacks credibility when a team thrashing the current number one team in the world lacks a second decent opener and no one who can own  number 3 position.

Not sure that we've thrashed them.  It's never really felt comfortable throughout the series until the Indians have had their last pair at the crease needing 50 or more to win.  Up to that point in most of the tests, it's been in the balance and we've seen again that Anderson and Broad with help from a few others are superb in home conditions. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 12:46:37 AM
I think what this series has shown is that home advantage is huge in Test cricket. I think it's hard to see much beyond that.

I think Ali should be at 3 for now, lets not forget that he's a top order batsman at county level. He probably wasn't ready for England (either as a batsman or a bowler) when he got the call but the complete lack of viable spinners meant they had to go with him and that's caused him to be bounced around the order a lot more than is fair. A solid 50 in the first innings and a hard fought 20 to see off the new ball completely today is him doing the job I want from a 3 when you have an opener struggling like Jennings has.

Moeen has a similar problem to Buttler for me (as a batsman) people have him down as a bit of a one day specialist and both of them came into the test side at the wrong time. I'd back Moeen to have a similar impact to Buttler (who's been our best batsman this summer) if he gets a proper run at a place where he can build a proper innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 09:55:22 AM
I think what this series has shown is that home advantage is huge in Test cricket. I think it's hard to see much beyond that.

I think Ali should be at 3 for now, lets not forget that he's a top order batsman at county level. He probably wasn't ready for England (either as a batsman or a bowler) when he got the call but the complete lack of viable spinners meant they had to go with him and that's caused him to be bounced around the order a lot more than is fair. A solid 50 in the first innings and a hard fought 20 to see off the new ball completely today is him doing the job I want from a 3 when you have an opener struggling like Jennings has.

Moeen has a similar problem to Buttler for me (as a batsman) people have him down as a bit of a one day specialist and both of them came into the test side at the wrong time. I'd back Moeen to have a similar impact to Buttler (who's been our best batsman this summer) if he gets a proper run at a place where he can build a proper innings.

I would also add that it has shown what we already knew going into it - our bowling attack are very strong in our home conditions and unless Cook and Root score runs, the top order offer very little.  It's been that way for some time now and when our attack is blunted in away conditions, we really struggle.   

As for Ali, I think he will probably stay at three for the Sri Lanka series and we will have to see how it goes from there.  I have my doubts about him as a number three going forward, but as you say he does bat at the top of the order for Worcester and having him there does help balance the side and allow for a second spinner to be played without too much disruption. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 11:08:30 AM
I agree, Ali might not work out but I think trying him there is the right thing for him and for the team right now.

I'd give him until after the ashes if I'm honest, not much point giving him Sri Lanka and then changing things up again (unless he completely bombs). As I said, sorting out the openers, working out what we do with the quicks (This one is a good problem because one is going to have to left out or we have to rotate) and making a decision on Rashid/2nd spinner are the 3 big questions that need to be answered this winter.

For me, Burns and Jennings for Sri Lanka with Gubbins along as the alternative, rotate the seamers (giving Woakes a chance to open in a game or 2) and Jack Leach (career best match figures in his last game, career best innings figures in the previous home game, 22 wickets in the 2 games, in spinning conditions) back in would be my answers by the way.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 11:33:27 AM
On topic, I'd let things slide until Cook either gets 100 or out but after that the aim should be to get the lead up to at least 300 by the middle of the evening session so we can have a 10-12 spell at them tonight and then all day tomorrow to push for a result. If, however, letting Cook take his time and get his century costs us the chance of a victory I'd be ok with it, the series is done and he deserves to go out on a high if he can.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 12:34:07 PM
Everything crossed here for Cookie, he's getting close!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 10, 2018, 12:36:21 PM
Everything crossed here for Cookie, he's getting close!!

Same here. If he gets a ton he will become only the 5th player in the history of tests to score a century in his first and last test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 12:40:06 PM
I agree, Ali might not work out but I think trying him there is the right thing for him and for the team right now.

I'd give him until after the ashes if I'm honest, not much point giving him Sri Lanka and then changing things up again (unless he completely bombs). As I said, sorting out the openers, working out what we do with the quicks (This one is a good problem because one is going to have to left out or we have to rotate) and making a decision on Rashid/2nd spinner are the 3 big questions that need to be answered this winter.

For me, Burns and Jennings for Sri Lanka with Gubbins along as the alternative, rotate the seamers (giving Woakes a chance to open in a game or 2) and Jack Leach (career best match figures in his last game, career best innings figures in the previous home game, 22 wickets in the 2 games, in spinning conditions) back in would be my answers by the way.

Agree with pretty much all of that Paul.  I also think Jennings will be retained for the series against Sri Lanka and that Ali will start at number three.  I'm guessing that Burns will be given, but I've heard it mentioned a few times now that there are some concerns in high circles regarding his technique.  Vince is still around the squad, but I agree that Gubbins and Pope should probably go as back up if there are enough squad places.  I imagine Broad and Anderson will be rested at times over the winter, which is not a bad thing as it will give us a chance to have a look at some other new ball options.       
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Holte132 on September 10, 2018, 12:45:12 PM
Congratulations Cook!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 12:45:18 PM
Get in there, massive congratulations Chef, well deserved.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 10, 2018, 12:45:52 PM
What a marvellous reception for Cook’s century. What a player, what an achievement, what a career.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dave shelley on September 10, 2018, 12:51:49 PM
Another of those iconic sporting moments that makes you glad you were around to see it, either live or on TV.  Well done Cookie.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 10, 2018, 12:54:45 PM
Brilliant effort Cookie, excellent performance in final Test. Root could really do with a hundred.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 01:01:17 PM
Brilliant effort Cookie, excellent performance in final Test. Root could really do with a hundred.

He has looked like his old self in this test and that concentration and determination to score runs that he has had through so much of his career has been back.  What a way to sign off!! 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on September 10, 2018, 01:02:38 PM
Well done Cookie, brilliant, can't remember seeing any other batsman  getting an applause like that, fully deserved. I would imagine he's the only batsman in test history, to get 5 runs to reach his century in his final match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 01:09:29 PM
Brilliant effort Cookie, excellent performance in final Test. Root could really do with a hundred.

Agreed, it's a shame he's gone to lunch in the 90s, that has the potential to play on his mind a bit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 10, 2018, 01:09:59 PM
Everything crossed here for Cookie, he's getting close!!

Same here. If he gets a ton he will become only the 5th player in the history of tests to score a century in his first and last test.

Another couple of landmarks:

15th second innings century which is the most in the history of test cricket
Has passed Sangakarra to become the 5th highest scoring batsman of all time and the highest scoring left hander.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on September 10, 2018, 01:23:18 PM
Can't remember a longer standing ovation at a game of cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 10, 2018, 01:51:38 PM
Root dropped on 94, Cook looks like he's just having a net right now, he's quite clearly relieved at having made his decision, looks a totally different player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Jon Crofts on September 10, 2018, 02:06:13 PM
Declaration?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 10, 2018, 02:51:27 PM
Well done Root. Needed that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 10, 2018, 03:00:23 PM
Fitting for Root and Cook to go back to back! Well done Cookie, legend.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 10, 2018, 03:05:53 PM
A fitting tribute from every member of the Indian side, to a man they lined up to shake Chef’s hand.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on September 10, 2018, 03:08:23 PM
Quick trivia question for those of you not listening to TMS.  What's the lowest individual score that has never been registered at test level?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on September 10, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
Bairstow has been rubbish since his finger injury
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on September 10, 2018, 03:29:15 PM
Quick trivia question for those of you not listening to TMS.  What's the lowest individual score that has never been registered at test level?

It was somewhere in the 220s a few years ago
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on September 10, 2018, 03:31:31 PM
That looked like a no-ball. When the first spike touched the ground, the heel was in front of the line
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Colhint on September 10, 2018, 05:04:56 PM
1 for 1.

If Anderson and Broad take another 6 wickets between them they will become the first opening bowling partnership to take 1000 wickets.

Make that 5 2 down now.

Jimmy needs one more to become top wicket taking fast bowler of all time
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 10, 2018, 08:24:45 PM
Jimmy needs one more to become top wicket taking fast bowler of all time
I might go along tomorrow, if only to see that.  £20 at the gate.  Plus I've never seen an India test.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on September 10, 2018, 08:40:55 PM
Jimmy needs one more to become top wicket taking fast bowler of all time
I might go along tomorrow, if only to see that.  £20 at the gate.  Plus I've never seen an India test.
Do it. I have been Sunday and today the Oval is an amazing spectator ground at at the price it’s a must do - unless you have a boss like mine who thinks one day at the cricket is enough. Enjoy. The last day of a series when England win is also always amazing if you can get anywhere near the pitch or changing rooms as they usually give away all their sponsored gear because they won’t be able to use it next series / tour
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on September 10, 2018, 08:44:40 PM
Right.  I'm definitely going.  I'm all about the free stuff.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on September 10, 2018, 09:04:02 PM
Well done Ali Cook one of the modern greats. Enjoy the rest of your life.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: VILLA MOLE on September 10, 2018, 09:18:47 PM
fair play to the Indians when they got cook out all wanting to shake his hand
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on September 11, 2018, 12:15:00 AM
Shame the nation couldn't see Cook do his stuff on free-to-air, but that's the Murdoch/ECB poison for you.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 11, 2018, 12:56:04 AM
Jimmy needs one more to become top wicket taking fast bowler of all time
I might go along tomorrow, if only to see that.  £20 at the gate.  Plus I've never seen an India test.

Would be great to have a live feed of Glenn McGrath's face on the big screens around the ground when he does it as well!!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 11, 2018, 08:32:55 AM
Jimmy needs one more to become top wicket taking fast bowler of all time
I might go along tomorrow, if only to see that.  £20 at the gate.  Plus I've never seen an India test.

Would be great to have a live feed of Glenn McGrath's face on the big screens around the ground when he does it as well!!

Like. The moody convict wanker.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: DB on September 11, 2018, 10:07:16 AM
Just hope the weather holds today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 11, 2018, 03:44:13 PM
Five overs until the new ball, I think we have enough runs to be safe but I’d like to see Jimmy get the record.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2018, 05:30:38 PM
What a test that was!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 11, 2018, 05:30:48 PM
All over. Jimmy cleaned up Shami for the last wicket to overtake that convict tosser.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 11, 2018, 05:36:18 PM
All done, Jimmy got his wicket, now the top seam bowler of all time (in wickets taken).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: KevinGage on September 11, 2018, 06:33:53 PM
Left Wimbledon @ 4pm with India only five down and all three results still on.

Got to the ground when they were seven down and seen the last three wickets fall.

Worth a tenner of anyone’s money.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 11, 2018, 06:38:42 PM
The perfect end.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cheltenhamlion on September 11, 2018, 07:20:48 PM
Mark my words, this Charlesworth kid at Gloucestershire will open the batting for England in tests inside 3 years.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Steve67 on September 11, 2018, 10:25:33 PM
The perfect end.

Very much so.  Middle stump out of the ground too.  Great win for England.  Hopefully, this moves us up the rankings.

Edit, just had a quick look and we are still 5th in the test rankings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on September 12, 2018, 11:50:57 AM
Mark my words, this Charlesworth kid at Gloucestershire will open the batting for England in tests inside 3 years.

That's quite a call to make after just three First Class matches
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 12, 2018, 02:18:36 PM
Mark my words, this Charlesworth kid at Gloucestershire will open the batting for England in tests inside 3 years.

That's quite a call to make after just three First Class matches

It's the type of call we have heard quite a bit over the years (not just from CL I might add!!).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 13, 2018, 09:45:16 AM
Not sure whether to post this in here or the county cricket thread.

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement this morning. I always liked his combative nature - the Grant Elliott run out aside - and also the way that he stood by his county during their turmoil years. Enjoy your retirement Colly.

I think that just leaves Bell and Tresco as the only members of the 2005 Ashes squad that are still playing.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 13, 2018, 11:11:14 AM
Not sure whether to post this in here or the county cricket thread.

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement this morning. I always liked his combative nature - the Grant Elliott run out aside - and also the way that he stood by his county during their turmoil years. Enjoy your retirement Colly.

I think that just leaves Bell and Tresco as the only members of the 2005 Ashes squad that are still playing.

Gutsy number 5 batsman who averaged over 40 in tests, useful bowler particularly in limited over formats of the game and a top class fielder.  A very good all-round cricketer.       
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 13, 2018, 11:46:57 AM
Not sure whether to post this in here or the county cricket thread.

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement this morning. I always liked his combative nature - the Grant Elliott run out aside - and also the way that he stood by his county during their turmoil years. Enjoy your retirement Colly.

I think that just leaves Bell and Tresco as the only members of the 2005 Ashes squad that are still playing.

Technically Anderson was part of the squad for the fifth test but didn't play. Shaun Tait retired in 2017, the last of the 2005 Aussie squad to do so.

Seems odd to think that series was thirteen years ago. Still remember when we won it, and of course along came the bloody Villa to ruin the day by losing four nil to Marlon Harewood United.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 13, 2018, 01:39:43 PM
Not sure whether to post this in here or the county cricket thread.

Paul Collingwood has announced his retirement this morning. I always liked his combative nature - the Grant Elliott run out aside - and also the way that he stood by his county during their turmoil years. Enjoy your retirement Colly.

I think that just leaves Bell and Tresco as the only members of the 2005 Ashes squad that are still playing.

Technically Anderson was part of the squad for the fifth test but didn't play. Shaun Tait retired in 2017, the last of the 2005 Aussie squad to do so.

Seems odd to think that series was thirteen years ago. Still remember when we won it, and of course along came the bloody Villa to ruin the day by losing four nil to Marlon Harewood United.

Thirteen years ago yesterday and I was too pissed to care about the Villa score, we'd won the Ashes!

As an aside has anyone tried to get Ashes tickets today? It's taken me nearly 4 hours but I got there in the end! Going on day 3
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: nodge on September 13, 2018, 03:15:48 PM
I'm trying now for Ashes tickets. Got my email for the priority window but when I log in I can click on the seats but then it just says "prices are unavailable "
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Lsvilla on September 13, 2018, 03:38:39 PM
Got my ashes tickets this morning - days 1-3. All done in about 20 mins but I gather from Twitter others may have had problems
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on September 13, 2018, 03:49:23 PM
I am personally gutted Jimmy got that last wicket. I have tickets to the Galle test match and was hoping he'd do it there!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on September 13, 2018, 04:48:37 PM
I'm trying now for Ashes tickets. Got my email for the priority window but when I log in I can click on the seats but then it just says "prices are unavailable "

Yes I kept getting that so I logged off and moved from my iPad to my laptop and was able to get access to the eticket site with no problem. It was a frustrating few hours though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: nodge on September 13, 2018, 04:57:40 PM
Sorted now, sent them an email and to be fair they emailed back and said to close all browsers, clear history and log in again. Just did it on the mobile and sorted straight away. Day 2 , Eric Hollies, should be fun
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2018, 10:26:47 AM
Surprising final standings from one of the Asian Cup groups...

1 Afghanistan 2 wins from 2
2 Bangladesh 1 win
3 Sri Lanka 0 (eliminated)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 21, 2018, 01:33:58 PM
Good to see Afghanistan doing well, some real talents in that side.

On a separate note I’m really interested to see the Test squad for Sri Lanka. It’s a real opportunity to look forward, particularly in the bowling.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 25, 2018, 10:20:18 PM
Afghanistan tied with India. Even though India were all out and the Afghans only lost eight wickets, so they should be the winners really.

Disappointingly the ICC haven't arranged any games for them for the next six months. They don't give one solitary shit about developing the game outside its traditional nations.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 26, 2018, 12:42:12 PM
Afghanistan tied with India. Even though India were all out and the Afghans only lost eight wickets, so they should be the winners really.

Disappointingly the ICC haven't arranged any games for them for the next six months. They don't give one solitary shit about developing the game outside its traditional nations.

I can't admit to following their progress too closely, but do they play games at home?  I'm guessing taking the established test playing nations there would be a security risk, which must hamper the ICC in arranging fixtures for them.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on September 26, 2018, 12:48:15 PM
UAE I think
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 26, 2018, 12:49:03 PM
No, they play in the UAE. Their lack of matches has nothing to do with the security arrangements. Ireland and Scotland are similarly ignored by the ICC, and the decision to reduce to 10 teams in the World Cup is a disgrace, as is their continued policy of ignoring the Olympics. Only Indian TV money (and to a lesser degree the wishes of Australia and England) are taken into account.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on September 26, 2018, 02:18:47 PM
No, they play in the UAE. Their lack of matches has nothing to do with the security arrangements. Ireland and Scotland are similarly ignored by the ICC, and the decision to reduce to 10 teams in the World Cup is a disgrace, as is their continued policy of ignoring the Olympics. Only Indian TV money (and to a lesser degree the wishes of Australia and England) are taken into account.

As with everything, I guess money talks.  Putting on games that are going to be watched by a few thousand in the UAE, Dublin or Edinburgh and by a small TV audience aren't really going to be a priority to the ICC.  Agree about the World Cup mate, I don't think it would be too weakened by having 16 teams in it to be honest.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on September 26, 2018, 02:30:19 PM
No, they play in the UAE. Their lack of matches has nothing to do with the security arrangements. Ireland and Scotland are similarly ignored by the ICC, and the decision to reduce to 10 teams in the World Cup is a disgrace, as is their continued policy of ignoring the Olympics. Only Indian TV money (and to a lesser degree the wishes of Australia and England) are taken into account.

As with everything, I guess money talks.  Putting on games that are going to be watched by a few thousand in the UAE, Dublin or Edinburgh and by a small TV audience aren't really going to be a priority to the ICC.  Agree about the World Cup mate, I don't think it would be too weakened by having 16 teams in it to be honest.   

Reducing the numbers in the world cup was a pathetic decision, it's just so typically short-sighted. The attitude of the ICC to smaller nations is a big part of the reason why cricket struggles to make much headway outside it's traditional countries.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on October 04, 2018, 12:03:51 PM
Prithvi Shaw scores century on Test debut

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45744341
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on October 08, 2018, 10:12:42 AM
ODIs in Sri Lanka start this week and in turn, so does our preparation for the World Cup next summer.  With that in mind, I think it will be a useful series for us to get the opportunity to try and get big totals against spin, which is something we do struggle with.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on October 10, 2018, 01:01:47 PM
If the rain relents we might see 2 Warwickshire players opening the bowling for England later, has that happened before I wonder ?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: jcsutv on October 13, 2018, 11:18:35 AM
Great to see the AVFC flag in Sri Lanka
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on October 13, 2018, 12:05:25 PM
Woakes and Stone bowled really well earlier on.  Stone looked really good considering it was his first bowl in international cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave P on October 13, 2018, 01:47:28 PM
Did well our two didn’t they? Was trying to think of the last Warwickshire fast bowler to play for England. Not counting Woakes as an all rounder. Ed Giddings?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on October 13, 2018, 02:23:47 PM
Boyd Rankin
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave P on October 13, 2018, 03:19:38 PM
Boyd Rankin

Of course. Associate him more with Ireland but forgot he played for England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on October 17, 2018, 04:19:54 PM
Todays game reduced to 21 overs each side, Woakes and Stone took a bit of a battering in the first three overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on October 17, 2018, 05:16:29 PM
I can't work out why we put rashid on there, he got the wicket but surely at this point keeping the runs down is more important. I hope that aggression doesn't hurt us here because we've completely bossed this for about 10 overs and put them into a really shit position.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on October 17, 2018, 05:20:00 PM
That one was brutal from Woakes, right on Chandimal's foot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on October 19, 2018, 01:29:47 PM
I can't work out why we put rashid on there, he got the wicket but surely at this point keeping the runs down is more important. I hope that aggression doesn't hurt us here because we've completely bossed this for about 10 overs and put them into a really shit position.

Rashid ended up with 4-36, pretty good considering te reduced overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on October 19, 2018, 01:31:14 PM
Early start tomorrow, 05:15am Sri Lanka-England hope the rain stays away for a change
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on October 19, 2018, 03:17:01 PM
I can't work out why we put rashid on there, he got the wicket but surely at this point keeping the runs down is more important. I hope that aggression doesn't hurt us here because we've completely bossed this for about 10 overs and put them into a really shit position.

Rashid ended up with 4-36, pretty good considering te reduced overs.

He actually did fine but I still don't like the idea of a leggy bowling at the death.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Ads on October 19, 2018, 07:56:50 PM
Managed to get myself 4th Day tickets for the test at Old Trafford for the Ashes in the ballot. Whooop!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on October 20, 2018, 09:28:13 AM
Managed to get myself 4th Day tickets for the test at Old Trafford for the Ashes in the ballot. Whooop!

Well done! I’d buy a lottery ticket too if I were you.

I’m going to day three at Edgbaston.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on October 23, 2018, 12:25:29 PM
From what I've seen across these ODIs it's fairly clear that Woakes is the leading bowler in this squad, our quicks look toothless without him today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on October 23, 2018, 02:58:01 PM
England getting the collapse in early

Currently 84 runs behind DLS par
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 23, 2018, 04:13:57 PM
Well this is an absolute horror show.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on October 23, 2018, 04:27:43 PM
there was, from what i watched earlier, a fair hint of 'on the beach' about the performance, it was fairly obvious that we'd already won the series and the intensity just wasn't there.  Stokes bowled a couple of overs where it looked fairly clear that he was taking a chance to try out some variations he's working on and Sam Curran seemed to be do similar at one point, in the field was the bigger issue, it wasn't the England team we normally see and the score they managed reflected that lack of urgency.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on October 25, 2018, 11:59:46 AM
I noticed earlier that Australian woes continue to mount...in 1st T20I v Pakistan all out 89 chasing 156
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on October 31, 2018, 10:30:48 AM
Bit of troubling news coming out of Sri Lanka this morning in the 2 day game v a SLCxi whereupon Ben Stokes
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/46042953  has been forced to retire hurt after being struck on the arm.
As the article said he has come back out to bat,so hopefully no alarm bells, 22* at moment with Ali 39*
Earlier in the day Root retired out after bringing up his 100 but Jennings out for a disappointing 13.

Currently 301/5 chasing 392
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 01, 2018, 06:14:34 AM
There’s a good option on the BBC sport website where you can select your starting XI for the first test. It’d be interesting to see what others come up with!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45771859

I went with, assuming that they’re all fit:

Jennings, Burns, Root, Buttler, Stokes, Ali, Bairstow, Rashid, Woakes, Curran & Anderson.

Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 01, 2018, 11:17:47 PM
There’s a good option on the BBC sport website where you can select your starting XI for the first test. It’d be interesting to see what others come up with!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45771859

I went with, assuming that they’re all fit:

Jennings, Burns, Root, Buttler, Stokes, Ali, Bairstow, Rashid, Woakes, Curran & Anderson.

For me Curran, Leach and Rashid are competing for 9 and Stone and Broad are competing for 10, the conditions in the ground being a big part of the decision, it means you still have 4 consistent bowlers (but I'd use Stokes and Ali as genuine all rounders and have very specific roles for them to play with the ball.

I can't face Jennings getting back into the team, he looks totally out of his depth. I'd play Denly instead but I do appreciate that means 2 new guys at the top, but the experience Jennings brings is of failure so I'm not sure if it's worth having.  If Denly fails, or is at 3, I'd be tempted to see if Roy wants to give it a go (if he's still out there) because I honestly don't think he could do any worse than Jennings if he just went at it like a limited overs game.

For me:

Burns, Denly, Ali, Root, Buttler, Stokes, Bairstow, Woakes, Leach, Stone & Anderson
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on November 03, 2018, 06:21:22 PM
My 11 for the first test is.

Burns. Denly. Moeen. Root. Stokes. Butler. Curran. Woakes. Adil. Broad and Anderson. I don't think Bairstow will be fit and I think Jennings has had enough chances.

I fly out tomorrow evening to Sri Lanka via Abu Dhabi for the First Test at Galle.

I've packed a mac!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on November 05, 2018, 12:28:07 PM
My 11 for the first test is.

Burns. Denly. Moeen. Root. Stokes. Butler. Curran. Woakes. Adil. Broad and Anderson. I don't think Bairstow will be fit and I think Jennings has had enough chances.

I fly out tomorrow evening to Sri Lanka via Abu Dhabi for the First Test at Galle.

I've packed a mac!
Enjoy Andy...i hope you get good value for the cost. Think u will need the mac judging by weather today. I will set my alarm in time for start, if going to have weather issues i hope
it's early doors so i can stay in bed a little longer. How many tests r u doing?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 06, 2018, 06:16:00 AM
Crap start for England in Sri Lanka, 103-5.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2018, 06:57:35 AM
Yes the usual fine start.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 06, 2018, 10:25:21 AM
Yet again it's a middle/lower order salvage job but if we can get somewhere around 300 here I'd say that's a very good score. I'm not sure about the bowlers though, I get they wanted spinners but the reverse of 'if it swings it spins' should be considered. Our strength is our swing bowling so I'd have picked 1 from Rashid and Leach and have Woakes in the side to open with Jimmy.  i hope they prove me wrong and take a shitload of wickets each but I don't rate Rashid in test cricket because he's only really dangerous when teams are trying to score.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2018, 11:38:10 AM
Great effort from lower middle order. Foakes has been brilliant.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 06, 2018, 04:04:13 PM
Great effort from lower middle order. Foakes has been brilliant.

He's probably been a bit unlucky to not get a chance before now.  A natural keeper and more than handy with the bat, he's probably been a bit unlucky to have both Bairstow and Buttler competing for the spot.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PGW on November 06, 2018, 04:20:26 PM
Great effort from lower middle order. Foakes has been brilliant.

He's probably been a bit unlucky to not get a chance before now.  A natural keeper and more than handy with the bat, he's probably been a bit unlucky to have both Bairstow and Buttler competing for the spot.   
Averages 40+ in first class cricket
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 06, 2018, 05:20:17 PM
Yeah, I like the look of Foakes, it's crazy that we have 3 superb keepers and no openers.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 06, 2018, 05:38:42 PM
Curran also excellent, as is basically the norm now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 07, 2018, 06:07:02 AM
Debut century for Foakes, fantastic knock.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 07, 2018, 06:46:05 AM
Lovely stuff well done Ben, looks a quality operator. Sri Lanka 4 down looks like the perfect morning.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on November 07, 2018, 07:31:40 AM
My 11 for the first test is.

Burns. Denly. Moeen. Root. Stokes. Butler. Curran. Woakes. Adil. Broad and Anderson. I don't think Bairstow will be fit and I think Jennings has had enough chances.

I fly out tomorrow evening to Sri Lanka via Abu Dhabi for the First Test at Galle.

I've packed a mac!

Just seen this Andy. I hope you have a great time in Sri Lanka.

After a bad start you must be currently enjoying the Test Match.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 07, 2018, 07:54:32 AM
England have gone too defensive here, this is exactly what Sri Lanka did yesterday.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 07, 2018, 11:04:30 AM
Would have definitely taken a first innings lead of 139 at the start of play.  A good finish to the day now should see us in a strong position at the end of day 2.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 07, 2018, 11:30:46 AM
Another test where before the end of day two we are in the third innings.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on November 07, 2018, 11:39:39 AM
Another test where before the end of day two we are in the third innings.

This is the norm these days, look at the run rates as well. It's why there's a lot of support for four day Test matches.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 07, 2018, 11:45:13 AM
I struggle to remember a better day for England away from home in recent times.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 07, 2018, 12:48:56 PM
Another test where before the end of day two we are in the third innings.

This is the norm these days, look at the run rates as well. It's why there's a lot of support for four day Test matches.

Not from me there isn't. Nothing is more annoying in cricket than being unable to finish a game due to the weather. What works in hot countries doesn't necessarily work in England and Wales.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Dave Cooper please on November 07, 2018, 12:59:09 PM
Another test where before the end of day two we are in the third innings.

This is the norm these days, look at the run rates as well. It's why there's a lot of support for four day Test matches.

Not from there isn't. Nothing is more annoying in cricket than being unable to finish a game due to the weather. What works in hot countries doesn't necessarily work in England and Wales.

Not from me either but I can see it happening. The Indians will push for it just so they can fit in even more white ball stuff.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 07, 2018, 01:16:41 PM
Michael Vaughan was quoted on the BBC site saying England have had five  good sessions out of six so far.  Would have to agree and really hope we can push on tomorrow.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 07, 2018, 02:13:18 PM
Another test where before the end of day two we are in the third innings.

This is the norm these days, look at the run rates as well. It's why there's a lot of support for four day Test matches.

Not from there isn't. Nothing is more annoying in cricket than being unable to finish a game due to the weather. What works in hot countries doesn't necessarily work in England and Wales.

Not from me either but I can see it happening. The Indians will push for it just so they can fit in even more white ball stuff.

I wouldn't be surprised.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 07, 2018, 06:45:25 PM
Well the wicketkeeper situation is interesting now. Foakes is the most natural, and he’s got a good first class batting record, and a debut Test century. They’re going to struggle to drop him now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 07, 2018, 11:42:29 PM
Well the wicketkeeper situation is interesting now. Foakes is the most natural, and he’s got a good first class batting record, and a debut Test century. They’re going to struggle to drop him now.

Some real selection headaches building up now.  Along with the wicketkeeper situation there is Woakes and Curran, and which spinner is dropped if we want to play an extra seamer.

I'm with you Paul, I thought Foakes did well with the gloves from what I saw and is a natural keeper.  Unless he has a nightmare from here on in, I wouldn't be dropping him. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on November 08, 2018, 01:37:40 AM
At lunch on day one no one here thought we'd be in this position. As we go into day three the only thing that could cost us is the weather.
We've had two full days play which is incredible really as I can tell you it is mainly pissing down most of the time!
This country is a real attack on ones senses. A riot of colour, noise and smell. Happier people you will not meet!
Right. Off for breakfast.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 08, 2018, 05:43:29 AM
Moeen is not a test number 3. He’s much better suited to coming in down the order where he can play a few shots. At 3 he tries to play his shots from the start. His dismissal against a nothing ball from Perera was dreadful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 08, 2018, 07:37:20 AM
Jennings is doing well. I do wonder whether he’s basically a player who is good against spin,but struggles against seam. If that’s the case his long-term prospects aren’t great.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 08, 2018, 07:44:56 AM
Jennings is doing well. I do wonder whether he’s basically a player who is good against spin,but struggles against seam. If that’s the case his long-term prospects aren’t great.

I suspect you are right. That and the vacancy at the top of the order caused by Cook’s retirement has given him a lifeline.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 08, 2018, 11:06:33 AM
England declare leaving Sri Lanka a mammoth 461 score to chase, well batted Jennings 16 no.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 08, 2018, 04:08:08 PM
Really pleased for Keaton Jennings after all his struggles.  Hopefully the weather will be OK over the next couple of days. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on November 09, 2018, 01:32:31 AM
It seems that in the South of Sri Lanka it rains mainly in the evenings. We had a huge storm last night. Torrential rain and very strong winds. This morning ( day 4 ) it is much cooler than it has been. Very cloudy but the humidity has dropped.
It was a great knock by Jennings.  Hopefully we can skittle them out today.

Can anyone see my flags by the way?  One is a Flag of St George with A.V.F.C and a lion in the centre. The other is a white ensign with Warwickshire C.C.C. and Heroes and Villains in the bottom right corner. They are hanging on the high chain link fencing with loads of others.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 09, 2018, 06:37:18 AM
I’ve seen them both Andy. Good to see them both!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 09, 2018, 10:06:21 AM
7 down now, could well be all over today.

This innings has backed up my thoughts that 3 spinners was unnecessary though, Leach and Moeen have been great but Rashid bowls far too many deliveries that would be good in ODI/t20 but can be ignored in tests. If you watch right now, he's pitching 18 inches outside off stump to the leftie, which is only going to be remotely threatening if they're trying to slog sweep him away. If he didn't bowl any bad balls it'd be fine because he'd be hard to score from, but he almost inevitably gets the length wrong on a few in every spell and gives up cheap runs for it, I just don't see him as a test match bowler.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 09, 2018, 11:39:45 AM
What a fascinating selection dilemma we now have.

Foakes had a wonderful debut and he should retain his pace. Moeen should not bat at 3 and we don’t need a third spinner, particularly at Pallekele which is probably the most seamer friendly pitch in Sri Lanka. So do we drop Rashid and hand a debut to Stone whose extra pace gives our attack another option? Or do we recall either Woakes or Broad? Who goes to 3?

A nice problem to have if they’re all fit.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 09, 2018, 11:40:06 AM
Nice win for England, some decent bowling today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on November 09, 2018, 12:28:17 PM
What a fascinating selection dilemma we now have.

Foakes had a wonderful debut and he should retain his pace. Moeen should not bat at 3 and we don’t need a third spinner, particularly at Pallekele which is probably the most seamer friendly pitch in Sri Lanka. So do we drop Rashid and hand a debut to Stone whose extra pace gives our attack another option? Or do we recall either Woakes or Broad? Who goes to 3?

A nice problem to have if they’re all fit.

Woakes for Rashid. Stokes to bat at 3. I think that he can adapt his style of play to the circumstances of a game better than Moeen
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 09, 2018, 01:06:06 PM
I suppose the question is does ‘the most’ seamer friendly pitch in Sri Lanka mean enough to warrant another seamer? Especially given how well Stokes played today. I doubt we need more than 3 seamers, given the variety 3 spinners gives us.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 09, 2018, 01:31:54 PM
I suppose the question is does ‘the most’ seamer friendly pitch in Sri Lanka mean enough to warrant another seamer? Especially given how well Stokes played today. I doubt we need more than 3 seamers, given the variety 3 spinners gives us.

Personally I think Waokes or Stone would bring more to the team than Rashid in most conditions, as I've said, even when he's bowling well Rashid bowls too many bad deliveries for easy runs which means his ones that are passing a foot away from the stumps rarely tempt people to play. The wicket he got today was one where he got a bit straighter and put less spin on it so it tempted the drive and moved enough to take an edge, if he bowled like that more often he'd be fine but he spends too much time tempted people to slog/reverse sweep/etc which isn't particularly effective in test cricket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on November 09, 2018, 01:46:08 PM
Woakes has to play.

The selectors simply cannot pass up an opportunity to have a batting line up that goes: Stokes, Foakes and Woakes
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 09, 2018, 01:48:30 PM
Great win well done all.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 09, 2018, 02:44:41 PM
Excellent win considering our recent record away from home and our longer standing struggles in the first tests of series.  Sri Lanka look a pretty poor side, but I guess that is balanced out by the fact that they were playing in one of their strongholds.

We've had a look at some less experienced players in this test and they did well.  From what I saw, Leach provided some real control with the ball and Foakes had a very impressive test. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 09, 2018, 03:11:09 PM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 09, 2018, 03:56:50 PM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.

I think Woakes is competing for a spot with Curran now and I can't see him dislodging him at the moment.  If we are going to play an extra seamer in the next test then I imagine it will be either Broad (likely) or Stone (would like to see him given a go to be honest).  The big question will then be which one of the three spinners is left out of the side.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 09, 2018, 04:49:57 PM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.

I think Woakes is competing for a spot with Curran now and I can't see him dislodging him at the moment.  If we are going to play an extra seamer in the next test then I imagine it will be either Broad (likely) or Stone (would like to see him given a go to be honest).  The big question will then be which one of the three spinners is left out of the side.   

Rashid should make way. He bowls too many one day balls. Moeen and Leach offer so much more control and pose a greater wicket threat.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 09, 2018, 06:55:14 PM
Stokes to bat at 3. I think that he can adapt his style of play to the circumstances of a game better than Moeen
Next you will be telling me Jedinak can play at centre half?
IMO neither Moeen nor Stoke are anywhere near  Test standard number 3's.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 09, 2018, 07:07:01 PM
I don’t know about that with Stokes, but I wouldn’t play him there because of his bowling.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: JD on November 09, 2018, 11:05:04 PM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.

I think Woakes is competing for a spot with Curran now and I can't see him dislodging him at the moment.  If we are going to play an extra seamer in the next test then I imagine it will be either Broad (likely) or Stone (would like to see him given a go to be honest).  The big question will then be which one of the three spinners is left out of the side.   

Rashid should make way. He bowls too many one day balls. Moeen and Leach offer so much more control and pose a greater wicket threat.

It's a nice problem for England to have at the moment, who to leave out or bring in. The other issue is do you bring back Bairstow? Who could you drop for him though? The squad is looking good, with some very decent players on the sidelines.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 10, 2018, 01:26:04 AM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.

I think Woakes is competing for a spot with Curran now and I can't see him dislodging him at the moment.  If we are going to play an extra seamer in the next test then I imagine it will be either Broad (likely) or Stone (would like to see him given a go to be honest).  The big question will then be which one of the three spinners is left out of the side.   

Rashid should make way. He bowls too many one day balls. Moeen and Leach offer so much more control and pose a greater wicket threat.

It's a nice problem for England to have at the moment, who to leave out or bring in. The other issue is do you bring back Bairstow? Who could you drop for him though? The squad is looking good, with some very decent players on the sidelines.   

4 down we have quality and depth, the top 3 is still a mess. Jennings had a good innings but he's always looked ok against spin and on slow tracks so I'm not sure it can be taken as anything more than him being good for this tour.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 10, 2018, 02:35:29 AM
I’d play Stone ahead of Woakes.

Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor and Stone is easily the quickest bowler in the party. That extra yard of pace that Stone has gives our attack a level of variety that we don’t have with Woakes who is similar to the rest of our seam attack. Anderson/Stokes/Broad/Woakes are all too samey.

I think Woakes is competing for a spot with Curran now and I can't see him dislodging him at the moment.  If we are going to play an extra seamer in the next test then I imagine it will be either Broad (likely) or Stone (would like to see him given a go to be honest).  The big question will then be which one of the three spinners is left out of the side.   

Rashid should make way. He bowls too many one day balls. Moeen and Leach offer so much more control and pose a greater wicket threat.

It's a nice problem for England to have at the moment, who to leave out or bring in. The other issue is do you bring back Bairstow? Who could you drop for him though? The squad is looking good, with some very decent players on the sidelines.

The top three is the only place where there could potentially be some spots available.  I think Ali will have to stay at three for the time being or move to opener and the top three is the only real place I can see Bairstow coming in unless Foakes or Buttler are dropped. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Andy Poole on November 10, 2018, 04:40:13 AM
The talk here in SL is that Bairstow will be fit. I've seen him in the nets every day in Galle. I think he will be back for Kandy.
Rashid will make way for him and Moeen will move down the order with Bairstow at 3. I have a funny feeling Broad will replace Anderson.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 10, 2018, 08:07:10 AM
I like Jonny, and think ultimately he comes back into the side, but playing devils advocate what exactly has he done in recent times that warrants an immediate return to the side? His batting in Tests hasn’t been up to much this year. This is a side that has just won. I’d say unless conditions dictate the need for another seamer, which I doubt they’ll be seamer friendly enough to warrant 4 seamers, I wouldn’t change the team.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on November 10, 2018, 12:42:30 PM
Stokes to bat at 3. I think that he can adapt his style of play to the circumstances of a game better than Moeen
Next you will be telling me Jedinak can play at centre half?
IMO neither Moeen nor Stoke are anywhere near  Test standard number 3's.

They're not, but neither are any of the other options apart from Root and he won't play there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 13, 2018, 12:09:48 PM
England are unchanged for the next test with Stokes going in at 3 and Ali at 6.

That’s an interesting move, Ali is not a number 3 but is Ben Stokes?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 13, 2018, 01:16:23 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 13, 2018, 01:25:13 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.

Agree, especially as he has had a few injury problems over the years.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: UK Redsox on November 13, 2018, 02:06:51 PM
England are unchanged for the next test with Stokes going in at 3 and Ali at 6.


As I predicted :)
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 13, 2018, 02:09:45 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.

Agree, especially as he has had a few injury problems over the years.   

He only bowled 12 overs across both innings of the first test. Are they saving him to use as an impact bowler?
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 13, 2018, 02:25:52 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.

Agree, especially as he has had a few injury problems over the years.   

He only bowled 12 overs across both innings of the first test. Are they saving him to use as an impact bowler?

They should be, it's what he's good at. Moving him probably reinforces that I'm happy with this change
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 13, 2018, 03:38:38 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.

Agree, especially as he has had a few injury problems over the years.   

He only bowled 12 overs across both innings of the first test. Are they saving him to use as an impact bowler?

They should be, it's what he's good at. Moving him probably reinforces that I'm happy with this change

It's worth a look I suppose Paul, but I'm not sure it is going to be a permanent solution to the problems at the top of the order.  Burns has got his chance, but I still think Gubbins and Jason Roy could be given a chance, with the latter being a possibility for the three spot.. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 13, 2018, 04:34:23 PM
He could do be, but I think it’s a challenge if we’re expextinh him to bowl.

Agree, especially as he has had a few injury problems over the years.   

He only bowled 12 overs across both innings of the first test. Are they saving him to use as an impact bowler?

They should be, it's what he's good at. Moving him probably reinforces that I'm happy with this change

It's worth a look I suppose Paul, but I'm not sure it is going to be a permanent solution to the problems at the top of the order.  Burns has got his chance, but I still think Gubbins and Jason Roy could be given a chance, with the latter being a possibility for the three spot.. 

I agree, what I'm getting at is I see this as confirmation that they want Stokes to be the ultra aggressive strike bowler who gets a couple of 3-4 over spells per day at most and is expected to give every ball 100%. He can focus on adding pace and bounce and become the bowler he should be whilst we use Woakes, Curran and Ali to get through huge amounts of work.

I agree on Roy, I know he's a one day specialist but like Stokes he gives us some real intent and aggression. He's also a fantastic fielder.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: dcdavecollett on November 14, 2018, 12:54:08 AM
I'm surprised that Roy hasn't been given a chance. He does play pretty straight for a hitter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 14, 2018, 06:55:03 AM
This likes we’re going to be struggling, need to try and creep up to around 300.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 14, 2018, 07:02:43 AM
This likes we’re going to be struggling, need to try and creep up to around 300.

One of these tests we are not going to bailed out by the lower middle order and will be on the back foot from day one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 14, 2018, 08:16:11 AM
Pity Foakes didn't review that decision, he was nowhere near out.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 14, 2018, 08:43:32 AM
This likes we’re going to be struggling, need to try and creep up to around 300.

I think we will struggle to get 250 at the moment. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 14, 2018, 10:21:11 AM
Good effort by Curran here to get things closer to respectability. That said looking at the stats for the ground, in 7 matches we already have the 4th highest first innings score so 250-300 is par. Get over 278 and we'll have the 3rd highest and if Curran can hog the strike and keep swinging we're not far from that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 14, 2018, 10:27:17 AM
Lucky there with a dolly dropped, England putting on the pressure hear.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 14, 2018, 10:28:22 AM
This is brilliant stuff, Curran dropped and the next ball he dispatches for 6.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 14, 2018, 10:32:36 AM
Lucky there with a dolly dropped, England putting on the pressure hear.

Fucking abysmal effort at a catch, not wanting to over sell it but it's one of the worst drops I've ever seen.

and that's the 3rd highest first innings on this ground.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Richard on November 14, 2018, 10:42:24 AM
Sri Lanka are woeful.

Curran for me is more of a batter who can bowl so I'd like to see him pushed up the order by the time the Ashes come round. Woakes can then play instead of Broad or one of the spinners. I feel sorry for our Bears man as I i think the perception is we can only play him or Curran, never both.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 14, 2018, 10:42:50 AM
Curran on 64 and he hasn't hit a 4 yet! Plenty of 6s' though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 14, 2018, 10:44:44 AM
Sam Curran's runs have been pretty invaluable in his short test career so far. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 14, 2018, 10:57:11 AM
Sri Lanka are woeful.

Curran for me is more of a batter who can bowl so I'd like to see him pushed up the order by the time the Ashes come round. Woakes can then play instead of Broad or one of the spinners. I feel sorry for our Bears man as I i think the perception is we can only play him or Curran, never both.

This is why Stokes at 3 is an important experiment. If he can slot in there then Curran, Ali and Foakes/Bairstow are 6, 7 and 8 in whatever order you like. Woakes is handy with the bat as well so he's a great option at 9. Then Rashid or Leach at 10 and Jimmy at 11. If the Stokes experiment doesn't work then the question comes over how you fit everyone into that middle order. There's probably a temptation to move Buttler but, for me, that would be a huge mistake. The biggest problem for us at 3 though is that we just can't seem to get an opening partnership that regularly gets through the new ball. I said it about the Bears last year, once Sibley and Rhodes started looking like they'd see off the first 15-20 every game our performances at 3-5 stepped up a level.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 14, 2018, 12:11:50 PM
Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor so he will not be an automatic pick for overseas tests.

He’s a much better bowler with a Dukes ball in his hand.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 14, 2018, 12:44:16 PM
Sam Curran is some player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 14, 2018, 12:50:31 PM
Woakes record with the Kookaburra ball is poor so he will not be an automatic pick for overseas tests.

He’s a much better bowler with a Dukes ball in his hand.

True but we should be trying to get him more experience with the kookaburra because Jimmy had similar problems for a time but, through exposure, he's learned how to be effective with it.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 15, 2018, 08:02:04 AM
Great from Stokes in the field, fantastic run out throw and great reflexes for a catch at first slip.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 15, 2018, 09:41:39 AM
This is getting dicey now for England, we need to knock them over quick.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 15, 2018, 10:26:53 AM
That 5 run penalty that Sri Lanka suffered and was added to our total looked incredibly harsh. I don’t think the batsman deliberately ran one short, I think he assumed he’d scored a boundary and walked back to the strikers end.

I imagine that they will appeal that one.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 15, 2018, 10:42:31 AM
We’re struggling here. We need them out fast, on this pitch this lead is becoming meaningful.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 15, 2018, 01:05:04 PM
Roshen played a blinder there and Sri Lanka are in front. We’re going to have to bat really well and try and set them 220+.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 15, 2018, 07:20:52 PM
Not sure why some media types are complaining about a night watchman today. Seemed sensible to me, there was absolutely nothing to be gained tonight and a key wicket could have been lost. Very odd that some people are getting bent out of shape.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 16, 2018, 06:42:49 AM
Let’s be sensible with the bloody sweep shot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 16, 2018, 09:02:43 AM
Roshen played a blinder there and Sri Lanka are in front. We’re going to have to bat really well and try and set them 220+.

Nearly there now with the lead up to 204. Plenty of time so we should just bat out but we're already at the point where we're competitive so the more runs we can add the better. Buttler in the first innings and Root here have shown the key to this wicket though, it's a bit like the Durham wicket from a few years ago where you're never really 'set' so it's best to keep the runs flowing. Sri Lanka have handled it differently but for us the guys who've got the strike rate up around 70-80 are the ones who've got the runs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 16, 2018, 10:04:39 AM
Brilliant Joe.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 16, 2018, 10:10:31 AM
Lead up to 250, advantage England but this is still possible so we need this pair to just keep ticking over.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 16, 2018, 10:18:00 AM
God damn it, wicket went as I was waiting for the post to go on.

and Curran first ball as well (lovely delivery to be fair).
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 16, 2018, 10:28:41 AM
That's a terrible decision against Rashid, clear inside edge, piss poor from the umpire. You can criticise England for wasting reviews but that doesn't change the fact that the umpire can't be making such basic errors at this level.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 16, 2018, 10:29:33 AM
Moen and Rashid have been on the end of two poor decisions, could do with the last pair sticking around.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 16, 2018, 10:46:55 AM
Foakes brings up his 50 with a 6, great start to his England career.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 16, 2018, 12:10:20 PM
The 40 plus deficit from the first innings still looks a bit costly at this point, as we'd be in a good position with a 300+ lead if we had gone in with scores close to level. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: taylorsworkrate on November 16, 2018, 01:19:25 PM
Id say we would have to bowl extremely poorly to lose from this position. Pitch still doing more than enough for the spinners.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 16, 2018, 01:29:01 PM
Foakes is a quality player.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 16, 2018, 05:27:10 PM
A lead of 278 with 1 wicket remaining, should be enough but you never know with England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 17, 2018, 08:43:37 AM
I think this is definitely in Sri Lanka’s favour now, and that umpiring decision and the lack of review do not help.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: leylandalbion on November 17, 2018, 08:45:53 AM
Villa flag at 3rd man, excitement!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 17, 2018, 08:50:48 AM
I think this is definitely in Sri Lanka’s favour now, and that umpiring decision and the lack of review do not help.

One wicket will change it all but we can’t seem to even buy one at the moment.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 17, 2018, 08:53:52 AM
I think this is definitely in Sri Lanka’s favour now, and that umpiring decision and the lack of review do not help.

One wicket will change it all but we can’t seem to even buy one at the moment.

Massive review and a wicket.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 17, 2018, 09:02:06 AM
Big wicket that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 17, 2018, 09:02:49 AM
Rashid has started bowling some dross here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 17, 2018, 09:19:55 AM
This is going away from us fast.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 17, 2018, 09:45:41 AM
Still England's match. Once Mathew is gone it will be all over. Just do not panic out there lads.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 17, 2018, 09:50:42 AM
Huge wicket Mo.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 17, 2018, 10:00:15 AM
Stop appealing for everything. Just concentrate.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 17, 2018, 10:03:47 AM
Yet another example of why four day tests are a fucking stupid idea. Would be a travesty if this had ended in a draw due to the weather.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Martin Carruthers on November 17, 2018, 10:13:12 AM
I'd much rather see us lose a great test like this than win by a massive margin. Strange, I'd never say that about football.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 17, 2018, 10:22:52 AM
Yes I know what you mean MC. A close Test match contested over 5 days is a superb event.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 18, 2018, 08:35:09 AM
Well there was no need to worry at all. Well done England.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 18, 2018, 10:20:09 AM
Good stuff.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on November 18, 2018, 10:36:16 AM
Anderson was more useful to England with the bat than with the ball, that's something you can't say too often. Bowled a total of 19 overs in the match for no wickets, but shared in a last wicked stand of 60 in the 1st innings and 41 in the second, which was a big factor in England winning.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 21, 2018, 10:38:03 AM
Broad replaces Anderson and Bairstow comes in for Curran in the next test, would have liked to see Stone given some overs instead of Broad myself.
Bairstow batting at three.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Gareth on November 21, 2018, 12:01:11 PM
Stone would have only have got in in place of Curran if they’d have wanted 2 seamers + Stokes - better to save him for Windies & give him a pitch to bowl on that remotely suits his game.  Would be good progression being around squad on this tour, proper playing time after Xmas and then be part of the bowling unit for ashes
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 21, 2018, 06:19:42 PM
Hope Curran’s injury is minor.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 22, 2018, 01:01:16 AM
Hope Curran’s injury is minor.

Think I heard somewhere that it was a side strain, so hopefully not too bad and he is just being rested a bit.  Think the batting order will look something like:

Burns, Jennings, Bairstow, Root, Stokes, Buttler, Foakes, Ali, Rashid, Broad, Leach
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 22, 2018, 06:26:55 PM
Jonny’s comments on keeping are carefully worded but sounded pretty bitter.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2018, 06:59:11 AM
Root and Bairstow doing well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 23, 2018, 07:18:40 AM
Root and Bairstow doing well.

I was sorry to see Cook retire but his absence does seem to have freed Joe Root up. It’s clearly his side now and the positive intent that they have shown in the tests so far has been refreshing. They’re playing attacking test cricket and whilst that does go against the traditional view it’s good to see. Fifty runs an hour is phenomenal test batting, what’s not to like about it? Traditionalists will struggle with it but we seem to be on the verge of something special.

There are still issues to be addressed though. If Bairstow can nail down the number three position that would be a huge plus. I like him as a cricketer and he’s just the sort of player that we want in the side. I’m still to be convinced by Jennings but think he’s just about has enough credit to warrant a place on the West Indies tour early next year.

Interesting days ahead.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 23, 2018, 07:20:01 AM
Root has now won 8 successive tosses, He’s now one short of Cowdrey’s record.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 23, 2018, 08:30:50 AM
Root and Bairstow doing well.

I was sorry to see Cook retire but his absence does seem to have freed Joe Root up. It’s clearly his side now and the positive intent that they have shown in the tests so far has been refreshing. They’re playing attacking test cricket and whilst that does go against the traditional view it’s good to see. Fifty runs an hour is phenomenal test batting, what’s not to like about it? Traditionalists will struggle with it but we seem to be on the verge of something special.

There are still issues to be addressed though. If Bairstow can nail down the number three position that would be a huge plus. I like him as a cricketer and he’s just the sort of player that we want in the side. I’m still to be convinced by Jennings but think he’s just about has enough credit to warrant a place on the West Indies tour early next year.

Interesting days ahead.

Would agree with that.  Bairstow going well at the moment and as you say, it would be a major plus if he could fill the number three spot.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 23, 2018, 10:34:13 AM
Well done Jonny Bairstow.  Must have felt a bit of pressure on him and he has responded brilliantly.  We're in a good position now with 250 on the board and Bairstow and Buttler at the crease, with Ali and Foakes still waiting in the shed. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2018, 10:42:29 AM
Well done Jonny good hundred and hopefully he can make the position his own now.

Not really sure why he’s so angry though, Foakes came in a took his chance and to be fair Jonny’s batting had, up to today, been poor of late.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 23, 2018, 11:10:57 AM
We are letting them off the hook here. We really lack a killer instinct at times and yet again we’ve seen some soft dismissals.

New ball is almost due so if we get to stumps without losing any more wickets we will do well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 23, 2018, 11:26:50 AM
Moen is riding his luck here, dropped twice now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2018, 11:35:33 AM
We’re making a bit of a mess of this now.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 23, 2018, 11:54:17 AM
Moeen is effectively 23-4, dropped twice and two other dismissals overturned on appeal.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: manic-road on November 23, 2018, 11:55:05 AM
After being dropped twice Moen has now survived two reviews after being given out. End of play for day 1 England close on 312-7.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: olaftab on November 23, 2018, 12:07:15 PM
Well if Bairstow can make himself a regular number 3 that would be very good news for the team and also keep BA singing their favourite  song.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 23, 2018, 12:19:04 PM
Well if Bairstow can make himself a regular number 3 that would be very good news for the team and also keep BA singing their favourite  song.

To be fair it is one of their better efforts!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 23, 2018, 12:45:22 PM
After being dropped twice Moen has now survived two reviews after being given out. End of play for day 1 England close on 312-7.

Could have been better considering we were 235-3 at one point. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 07:16:08 AM
We have looked very ordinary so far today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 24, 2018, 09:11:51 AM
Yes not particularly good. I think our innings was under par and we haven’t been good in the field.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 09:59:00 AM
Yes not particularly good. I think our innings was under par and we haven’t been good in the field.

Jennings’ catch for the first wicket was excellent. The way he stayed with the batsman as he skipped down the pitch was remarkably brave.

Root’s dropped catches were very poor but at least things have picked up since tea.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 24, 2018, 10:03:07 AM
Improvement since tea, great catch from Foakes there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 24, 2018, 10:13:22 AM
This is some turnaround, Jennings is a star at short leg!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 10:34:04 AM
This is some turnaround, Jennings is a star at short leg!

For a tall guy he’s pulled off some remarkable catches in there. His technique is perfect.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 10:39:48 AM
They’ve lost 5-39 since tea.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 10:45:26 AM
They’ve lost 5-39 since tea.

Make that 6-39!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 11:10:47 AM
173-1 to 240 all out is a remarkable collapse.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 24, 2018, 11:11:42 AM
Pretty unbelievable session there.  8 for 50 odd off 14 overs.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: cdbearsfan on November 24, 2018, 11:41:24 AM
Good stuff by England. Shame the ladies final isn't on until stupid hours.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 24, 2018, 11:55:15 AM
That is some collapse.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Meanwood Villa on November 24, 2018, 02:22:32 PM
It's very pleasing that this England team seem to have the happy knack of turning unpromising situations into promising ones. Long may it continue.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 24, 2018, 03:12:46 PM
It's very pleasing that this England team seem to have the happy knack of turning unpromising situations into promising ones. Long may it continue.

I would get too carried away, Sri Lanka are a very poor side at the moment and we are just papering over the cracks at times.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 25, 2018, 08:57:30 AM
Blimey middle and lower order is digging us out here.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 25, 2018, 09:06:29 AM
I also agree with Vaughan, Jonny contstantly going on about the gloves, particularly when celebrating a century, is pretty poor when a young player has come in and done well. He doesn’t need to do that publicly.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on November 25, 2018, 09:26:48 AM
Openers letting us down again.  It's a good job that Jennings is a good fielder.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on November 25, 2018, 09:55:37 AM
Sky have been showing a number of no balls bowled by Sandakan, apparently 40% of his deliveries were illegal, that's shocking umpiring.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on November 25, 2018, 10:12:29 AM
How many reviews?!
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Risso on November 25, 2018, 11:16:15 AM
Good review by England, that was clearly bang on.  This umpire has had a bit of a nightmare the last hour or so.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villa Lew on November 25, 2018, 06:47:49 PM
When England finish off Sri Lanka tomorrow, it'll make a great treble, with England beating the Aussies and the mighty Villa today.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on November 26, 2018, 10:33:19 AM
Got a bit closer than I'd have liked but all done 3-0 series, gotta be happy with that.

Quick thoughts on the series:

Batting is still a big concern but I'd give this top 3 a chance against WI and see where we are after the first test. Burns has been reasonably steady without offering any meaningful scores, Jennings had 1 big hundred and generally looked better against spin than he does against pace. bairstow looked good at 3 so it will be interesting to see if he can keep that going against more 'normal' bowling. I'd keep them as is for the 1st Windies test.

The middle order is superb, Buttler has been excellent since he came back into the side and is now one of the first names in the team for me, Stokes, Ali and Foakes are all well set there as well and Root needs a few more runs but as the captain he's doing a good job.


Onto the spinners, Moeen and Leach were a constant threat and formed a good partnership and are 1 and 2 respectively. Rashid had a good first innings in this test but was largely disappointing otherwise because he has a bad combination of too many deliveries that can be ignored and too many cheap runs. If he could remove one of those he'd be fine but he's really struggled to break away from limited overs bowling where the ones that he's bowling outside off and moving away get attacked.

The quicks never got a look in so it's hard to judge them, but Curran continues to look very good. I'd give Stone some game time in WI and I'd be amazed if Woakes doesn't get a look in as well.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 26, 2018, 01:25:33 PM
That's pretty much as I see it Paul. If the openers continue to struggle then it's time to give Jason Roy a go. I suspect that Bairstow has the belligerence and technique to make the number 3 spot his own but in doing that he must accept that he can't keep wicket too. He's a good fielder though so should be OK. I hope that we go in to the Ashes series next summer with a settled batting line up.


Although there are still issues with our test side things look a lot more positive than they did at the start of the year when we'd lost the Ashes and had succumbed to something like 28-9 against New Zealand.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 26, 2018, 02:42:53 PM
Got a bit closer than I'd have liked but all done 3-0 series, gotta be happy with that.

Quick thoughts on the series:

Batting is still a big concern but I'd give this top 3 a chance against WI and see where we are after the first test. Burns has been reasonably steady without offering any meaningful scores, Jennings had 1 big hundred and generally looked better against spin than he does against pace. bairstow looked good at 3 so it will be interesting to see if he can keep that going against more 'normal' bowling. I'd keep them as is for the 1st Windies test.

The middle order is superb, Buttler has been excellent since he came back into the side and is now one of the first names in the team for me, Stokes, Ali and Foakes are all well set there as well and Root needs a few more runs but as the captain he's doing a good job.


Onto the spinners, Moeen and Leach were a constant threat and formed a good partnership and are 1 and 2 respectively. Rashid had a good first innings in this test but was largely disappointing otherwise because he has a bad combination of too many deliveries that can be ignored and too many cheap runs. If he could remove one of those he'd be fine but he's really struggled to break away from limited overs bowling where the ones that he's bowling outside off and moving away get attacked.

The quicks never got a look in so it's hard to judge them, but Curran continues to look very good. I'd give Stone some game time in WI and I'd be amazed if Woakes doesn't get a look in as well.

Some good points there Paul.  Lot of positives to take from the series and although Sri Lanka are nowhere near as strong as they have previously been, that is a very good series win in different conditions.

Real positives for me were:

- the fact that we were able to incorporate three spinners and how well Root captained them.  Moeen Ali is still the number one option for me and should play if we are only playing one spinner  at home, but Leach proved himself as a viable alternative.  Rashid is a bit of a luxury third spinner, but he produced some important moments with both bat and ball.

- Ben Foakes.  Excellent with the gloves and some really important contributions with the bat.  Looks like he belongs at international level already.

- Sam Curran.  Shame he got injured, but his star continues to rise.  Some really important contributions with the bat and gives the option of having a left armer in the side. 

- 4-11 in the order.  Pretty much everyone in those positions contributed something during the series.  4-11 is looking very strong for us now and there is some real strength in depth building.  Ben Stokes again proved his worth as an all-rounder and has to bat in a position that allows him to bowl as well. 

The only real questions remain around the top three.  It would be absolutely huge for us if Bairstow can cement himself at number three and that would solve that problem.  Burns and Jennings had their moments during the series, but the jury is still out on both I feel.  I would definitely be taking a couple of other options to the West Indies (Denley didn't get a chance this series, but would also think about Gubbins and Roy) and wouldn't be waiting too long to make a change if those two don't start well.   
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on November 29, 2018, 06:28:31 PM
I see the ECB have reduced the residency rule down to three years, meaning amongst other things that Jofra Archer will be qualified next year. 
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 30, 2018, 08:43:45 AM
Tell you what, there’s a lot of depth about all of a sudden. In all formats you’re looking numerous options in a lot of positions.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Villan For Life on November 30, 2018, 03:28:03 PM
Tell you what, there’s a lot of depth about all of a sudden. In all formats you’re looking numerous options in a lot of positions.

A fantastic position to be in.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on December 10, 2018, 05:16:25 PM
1st Test Match: Nice Australia vs India was an excellent game. Perth should be interesting.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: rob_bridge on December 15, 2018, 03:38:39 PM
Enjoyed Kholis masterclass this morning - such a brilliant technical batsman
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: hilts_coolerking on December 16, 2018, 01:15:47 PM
India behind the 8 ball now though.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on December 17, 2018, 12:29:47 AM
The Aussie fast bowling trio of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood is looking a very strong unit again.  If they can find a 4th seamer / all rounder to go along with Lyon, then it looks like a very strong attack will be heading this way next summer.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on December 17, 2018, 07:45:49 AM
The Aussie fast bowling trio of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood is looking a very strong unit again.  If they can find a 4th seamer / all rounder to go along with Lyon, then it looks like a very strong attack will be heading this way next summer.

I doubt they're even considering 4th seamer. I suspect they are more worried about their batting, there's not a whole lot of quality there.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 17, 2018, 08:36:44 AM
It’s a very strong unit if they’re all fit. They offer a lot of variety too.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: paul_e on December 17, 2018, 10:09:18 AM
It’s a very strong unit if they’re all fit. They offer a lot of variety too.

I think this could be a fairly low scoring ashes, both sides have great bowling options but there are big gaps in the batting. Right now I'd say England are slightly ahead because of our strength with the bat at 5-8, it won't save us all the time but I'd back us to see 5-6 centuries from that group over a 5 test series and between them they'll add 150-200 runs in most innings, I don't think there's another side in the world who can say that.
Title: Re: The International Cricket Thread 2018
Post by: tomd2103 on January 11, 2019, 04:46:46 PM
Have hardly heard or seen anything about the West Indies tour, so had a look at the BBC site to see if there was anything on there.  Seems there is only 1 warm up fixture before the series starts (not even sure if it is a red ball game or separate white ball ones from the site) which seems a really short preparation given that they haven't played for a while. 
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