England 2012 Cricket Thread

[Villan For Life]

7 down, Broad 4-16 in this spell. Lead is 224 with 47 overs remaining.

[PaulWinch again]

Broad has finally got some rhythm.

[PaulWinch again]

Realistically we'd have to knock them over within 5 or 6 overs of tea to have even the smallest chance. At least this might get Broad's confidence up a bit. I'd get Finn on against the tail as well.

[PaulWinch again]

That is how Broad needs to bowl consistently.

[Villan For Life]

An England win from here is improbable given the poor form of our batsmen. The performance since lunch has been excellent and our Bowlers have finally arrived in the series.

It does make me question the wisdom of central contracts. Jimmy didn't bowl with the red ball from the end of the West Indies series until the start of this one a period of around 6 weeks.

Bowling is as much about rhythm as skill; we seem to shoot ourselves in the foot by resting bowlers for long periods and not rotating them during test series.

[Villan For Life]

8 down.

[paul_e]

Now that we're into the chase, which is doable but a big ask I'd rather see us go for it and lose than see us defend out a draw.  Winning from here would send a message to the world (losing from here would at least show the world that strauss has balls) about how serious we are about being number 1.

Broad's spell deserves the team to make the most of it and at least try to win.

[Villan For Life]

9 down and a 5-fer for for Broad. the Saffers have declared.

253 to win off around 40 overs; it's doubtful that they'll go for it.

Time for some sensible batting from England, a few of them should use the time to play themselves back into form.

[spangley1812]

KP opens with Cook

[Villan For Life]

Jeez they're going for it! I need to find a pub and watch this!!

[paul_e]

gotta give Strauss and flower credit for at least starting like we're going for it.

KP must be loving the idea of being told to go out swinging in a test match.

[spangley1812]

Prior next and then James Taylor and once they are out play for the draw.......

[paul_e]

Taylor Strauss and Trott would be my insurance, I'd go Bell, Prior, Bresnan, Broad and then go conservative.  I'd tell Cook to bat through as well, and let the other end go crazy.

Damn KP gone... oh well.

[Villan For Life]

KP gone

[spangley1812]

Strauss in next..........