The Cricket Thread 2013

[Dave Cooper please]

That's a very negative decision.

But understandable given the poor batting from certain individuals, Compton, Trott, Bell, Prior and even Cook himself need some time in the middle. As much as I'd love to see England go for the jugular I can see why Cook made the decision.

[Lastfootstamper]

The cynic in me wonders how ticket sales have gone for this match.....

[paul_e]

The pother thing about not pushing for the follow on is the attitude England come out with, so far we've given it a few overs to size them up and now Cook is swinging big, if he carries on like this we could have a lead of 300+  by the end of the day then we can see how the pitch looks in the morning.

It's not necessarily negative so long as the attitude with the bat is a positive one, which seems to be the case from Cook at least.  Allowing Compton to bat without so much pressure might help him get a decent score as well.  I'm not concerned for Trott, Cook, Bell or Prior, they're all good enough and proven enough to get their form back, but Compton needs to show he can do a job effectively at the top as he's currently the one who should drop out for KP (with Root moving up to open).

[PaulWinch again]

Compton gone, he just got far too negative.

[paul_e]

I think that could be the nail in the coffin for Compton for the ashes, I'd give Root a go opening in the 3rd test to give him a measure of experience before the aussies.

[Dave Cooper please]

Yes, I reckon that's Compton blown it for The Ashes. Can we risk Root opening? I reckon so and I think he'll do a good job as well.

[PaulWinch again]

I think that could be the nail in the coffin for Compton for the ashes, I'd give Root a go opening in the 3rd test to give him a measure of experience before the aussies.

There isn't a third test.

[spangley1812]

I think that could be the nail in the coffin for Compton for the ashes, I'd give Root a go opening in the 3rd test to give him a measure of experience before the aussies.

There is no 3rd test mate this is the last test before the Ashes start.........

[Steve R]

I think it's only a two test series.

The thing with Root is that England's middle order has looked wobbly at times in the last couple of years. He brings a fair bit of stability there. Pietersen is hardly a model of consistency.

I'd keep Compton until we see how the land lies with the type of team the Aussies put out. Pitersen at 4, Root 5 and Bell 6.

[paul_e]

Oh, I was convinced it was 3 in this series, big problem then.

Unless Compton scores a bucket load for Somerset I think I'd move root up though, shame we haven't seen him at the top first though.

[paul_e]

The run rate is getting a bit low here - really need to keep it up at 4+ in this situation.  We want to declare around lunch tomorrow so we should score a hatful and give them no chance.

I'm really disappointed with Trott so far.

[PaulWinch again]

Not exactly hurrying the run rate along.

[peter w]

I think they'll retain Compton and drop Bairstow.

[PaulWinch again]

Trott and Compton haven't exactly played for the team here.

[paul_e]

Really poor from Trott, showed with the 2 in the last over that they runs were there.  I have no idea why he decided to play it so safe for so long, he's completely misunderstood the game situation and we're now about 45 runs short of where we should be.  I really hope we don't draw/lose this now or him and Compton will have to look in the mirror and ask if they've approached this session with the right attitude.