The Cricket Thread 2013

[VILLA MOLE]

about 70 away from a competitive score here, really need Bell to hang around now though, If he can form a couple of decent partnerships we can get into a really strong position, much over 250 and I think it'll be too much for them, the pitch is our friend right now.

The Aussies are notoriously bad at chasing down a 4th innings target. They won't fancy anything above 200. If we can eke out another 150 then it's game on.

eek indeed 

[tomd2103]

Some real rough outside leg stump at the end Agar is bowling to.  Ideal for Swnn bowling at left handers.

[curiousorange]

You have to think that Bell and Prior are well in now, with Prior in particular doing well accelerating the score. Only 57 needed for the 200 and I fancy these pair to see it through. If they can do that, I fancy Prior, Swann and Broad to end the day swinging and we may finish with a lead of 230-240.

[curiousorange]

One thing that needs considering is what the Second Test is going to look like. I think by-and-large England have made themselves look bad rather than Australia causing any problems. In fact, Agar aside, there's nothing for the Aussies to crow about in this match at all.

[curiousorange]

Oh bollocks, Prior's gone.

[cdbearsfan]

Need the tail to do some damage like theirs did.

[Brend'Watkins]

We need Bell to step up with a ton now to stand a chance of winning this.  I think a lead of 240/250 might be enough.

[Meanwood Villa]

Every time I think we're looking alright again another wicket falls

[curiousorange]

Broad? Home ground, but spent most of yesterday clutching his arm...I have no idea how this match is going to go now.

[Villan For Life]

Broad really owes us an innings. He's been far too ordinary with the bat for too long.

[curiousorange]

Broad really owes us an innings. He's been far too ordinary with the bat for too long.

When was his last big score? In fact, I don't think we necessarily need a 'big' score from Broad as much as we need him to hang around and have Bell go on to get his century. But either way, if he's still there at the close it'll have been a good knock.

[Villan For Life]

Broad really owes us an innings. He's been far too ordinary with the bat for too long.

When was his last big score? In fact, I don't think we necessarily need a 'big' score from Broad as much as we need him to hang around and have Bell go on to get his century. But either way, if he's still there at the close it'll have been a good knock.

Its 31 tests since he got a 50, against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in January 2012.

[curiousorange]

Broad really owes us an innings. He's been far too ordinary with the bat for too long.

When was his last big score? In fact, I don't think we necessarily need a 'big' score from Broad as much as we need him to hang around and have Bell go on to get his century. But either way, if he's still there at the close it'll have been a good knock.

Its 31 tests since he got a 50, against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in January 2012.

Jeez, that's crap for his role in the order. But it's also shocking how that's 18 months ago and we've played 31 Tests since.

[Ads]

We're 100 shy of having enough to knock them over in my opinion.

[curiousorange]

Of that 100, I think we'll get seventy or so.