The Cricket Thread 2013

[OzVilla]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with how we let a position of total dominance slip like we did yesterday, Finn wants bloody shooting for that so called spell of bowling.  Cooks captaincy was a worry when the chips were down also.  Well played Agar though, think that's Nathan Lyon's Test career over.

Thing is with Erasmus, he's normally a pretty good, solid umpire.  I can kind of see why he didn't give the stumping out - it was really close so I suppose if he decides to give the batsman the benefit of the doubt then fair enough.  Which makes the Trott decision all the worse - he clearly hit it on the replay - piss poor quite frankly and no doubt already game changing decisions that have both gone against us.

I think i'd rather be in the Aussies shoes though at the moment, not by much but England cannot afford any slip ups from here on in.  We need to put the pressure back on them and at effectively 15-2 it's still very much on us.

They won't want to chase much more than 200 with Anderson and Swann in the mood again.

[paul_e]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with how we let a position of total dominance slip like we did yesterday, Finn wants bloody shooting for that so called spell of bowling.  Cooks captaincy was a worry when the chips were down also.  Well played Agar though, think that's Nathan Lyon's Test career over.

Thing is with Erasmus, he's normally a pretty good, solid umpire.  I can kind of see why he didn't give the stumping out - it was really close so I suppose if he decides to give the batsman the benefit of the doubt then fair enough.  Which makes the Trott decision all the worse - he clearly hit it on the replay - piss poor quite frankly and no doubt already game changing decisions that have both gone against us.

I think i'd rather be in the Aussies shoes though at the moment, not by much but England cannot afford any slip ups from here on in.  We need to put the pressure back on them and at effectively 15-2 it's still very much on us.

They won't want to chase much more than 200 with Anderson and Swann in the mood again.

Looking at some of the turn Swann got and watching that spell from Jimmy again I agree a lead of 200 is competitive, closer to 300 and becomes our game to lose.  We need this pair to bat until lunch really, do that with another 100 on the board and we'll be in a good position.

[olaftab]

Erasmus's decisions were fucking shocking and could cost us the game.

Yep nail on head.

The  decision delivered several disappointments is one go. Over ruled a very good decision by Aleem Dar who nearly always gets this right. Gave huge momentum to Aussies. Undermined confidence in referrals. Ruined Trott's day etc etc

[Villan For Life]

There's certainly been a lot of twists and turns in the first two days of the test. First one side is on top then the other.

A morning of application from Cook and KP and then kick on after lunch. With three days left we should look to bat until at least lunch tomorrow and leave them 5 sessions to bat out which is a huge ask.

[PaulWinch again]

We need to lose no more than one wicket by tea. We also need this cloud to clear.

[Villan For Life]

Erasmus's decisions were fucking shocking and could cost us the game.

Yep nail on head.

The  decision delivered several disappointments is one go. Over ruled a very good decision by Aleem Dar who nearly always gets this right. Gave huge momentum to Aussies. Undermined confidence in referrals. Ruined Trott's day etc etc

Shocking situation and the ICC need to clarify the official line. Doesn't help Trott though who recorded his first duck in tests.

Surely Sky must have backup systems? What if Hawkeye/Hotspot packed up during the game?

[Nev]

Of course we can look forward to the clarity of technology in football very soon as well.

I have been following the match at work via the net and TMS, and it has been incredible. Aggers and Boycott were tremendous yesterday during the double England dismissal, Aggers breathless with excitement while Boycott played it all down with his cries of "it's creekeet, it's just creekeeet".

I should catch some of the afternoon sessions in the pub today but I will miss the radio coverage.

It's at times like this I feel sorry for people who don't like sport.

[paul_e]

I'm trying, in vain, to generate a bit of interest in the ashes aomngst my norwegian co-workers, I knew I was onto a loser by the looks on their faces when I said it was scheduled to finish on sunday.

[Bernie]

I'm trying, in vain, to generate a bit of interest in the ashes aomngst my norwegian co-workers, I knew I was onto a loser by the looks on their faces when I said it was scheduled to finish on sunday.

Don't give up on that missionary work Paul, no nation can truly call itself civilised until it embraces cricket

[Ads]

We need to lose no more than one wicket by tea. We also need this cloud to clear.

We should have a lead pushing close to 200 if we bat up till tea. Ideal you would like to see Cook drop anchor and stick around for the entire day and maybe even tomorrow if possible.

[PaulWinch again]

We need to lose no more than one wicket by tea. We also need this cloud to clear.

We should have a lead pushing close to 200 if we bat up till tea. Ideal you would like to see Cook drop anchor and stick around for the entire day and maybe even tomorrow if possible.

I agree, I think we need to set around about 300.

[UK Redsox]

It's at times like this I feel sorry for people who don't like sport.

I find it very difficult do deal with such people

[Meanwood Villa]

If we score 350 plus we'll win. Even 300 I'd feel confident. We're still well in this despite our (and an honourable mention for the 3rd umpire) best efforts to chuck it away.

[UK Redsox]

I really like the way that Jim Maxwell says " De-boo"

[UK Redsox]

Coming up at lunch on TMS, "Blowers will be singing and rapping live"