The Cricket Thread 2013

[olaftab]

In that case the "neutral umpire' requirement is a problem. As far as I know England and Australia are the only countries that play 5 test series. This means busy time for the "four" and no chance of "rest" due to poor form. I firmly believe in neutral officials but ICC do need to do something about this in order to make it workable. More training that  will  lead to a bigger panel with better representation from all countries is required.

[olaftab]

And by the way well done Ian Bell. The man is up there now with the elite.

[PaulWinch again]

In that ICC need to step up selection process for Elite panel.

I agree with that, the elite panel needs a wider spread if they're going to be neutral.

[PaulWinch again]

And by the way well done Ian Bell. The man is up there now with the elite.

Him along with a couple of excellent bowling displays has retained the Ashes. Bell has been excellent and should be lorded for it.

[tomd2103]

I'm happy enough for Bres to go in when he did, he's meant to be there to bat. Overall our day thanks to Bell, who played a wonderful innings. Worryingly the top 3 failed once again, and it's time for a change. I reckon we need to set 250-300 and Jimmy to turn up.

Agree, but aside from the obvious re-selection of Compton, what other options are out there? 

[DrGonzo]

Ian Bell....Ian fucking Bell....brilliant....

[cheltenhamlion]

Well played Bell. It will be interesting how how we go about our batting today. Will they try and play sensibly for a bit or come out swinging from the off?

[KevinGage]

Bresnan has a crucial role to play here.  If he can hang around and see off the first 10 or so overs, it sets it up nicely for Prior, Broad and Swann to have a dart as the ball gets older. Doesn't particularly need to get a big score, but batting time and seeing off the new ball would be a massive contribution.

[paul_e]

Bresnan has a crucial role to play here.  If he can hang around and see off the first 10 or so overs, it sets it up nicely for Prior, Broad and Swann to have a dart as the ball gets older. Doesn't particularly need to get a big score, but batting time and seeing off the new ball would be a massive contribution.

I agree, if he can do that and get the lead up to 230-240 with Bell he'll have vindicated the decision to send him in and then the rest can come out and swing freely and push us to 300+.

I firmly believe a lead of 250 is advantage England, 300 and I think the game is ours.  This mornings session will be very important.

[Monty]

I'm happy enough for Bres to go in when he did, he's meant to be there to bat. Overall our day thanks to Bell, who played a wonderful innings. Worryingly the top 3 failed once again, and it's time for a change. I reckon we need to set 250-300 and Jimmy to turn up.

Agree, but aside from the obvious re-selection of Compton, what other options are out there? 

I think that would do a lot of good. Compton has a few years' experience against the new ball, whereas Root looks better down the order. Bairstow clearly isn't ready and needs to go back to county cricket to score some runs and learn his trade.

[Meanwood Villa]

We're going to win this today

[paul_e]

I'm happy enough for Bres to go in when he did, he's meant to be there to bat. Overall our day thanks to Bell, who played a wonderful innings. Worryingly the top 3 failed once again, and it's time for a change. I reckon we need to set 250-300 and Jimmy to turn up.

Agree, but aside from the obvious re-selection of Compton, what other options are out there? 

I think that would do a lot of good. Compton has a few years' experience against the new ball, whereas Root looks better down the order. Bairstow clearly isn't ready and needs to go back to county cricket to score some runs and learn his trade.

As someone in the commentary mentioned yesterday (Atherton I think) the biggest issue is that players like Root and Bairstow have got into the squad based on the way they play at club level but then try to change their game for tests.  Compton was doing the same so I'm not sure if he's the right person.  The issue is Root has had his big breakthrough score at the top of the order, and then gone back to playing the same way as he was before that innings.  It's frustrating because he has everything to make it as a test match opener but he just doesn't seem to have the belief.  Bairstow has the same issue but the difference is Bairstow hasn't really had a standout innings where he's shown his class at this level like Root did at Lords.  Which is why Root is safe in the side but Bairstow is clinging to his place.

The frustrating thing with Bairstow is that he's had 5-6 good starts but he's tthrown them all away.  Yesterday was a great example, he came in with a great positive attitude, hit a few really nice shots and looked well capable of a big stand with Bell and then he gave his wicket away.  The 28 he got were very important, and were part of a big partnership which put the game in our control (in my opinion) but for him personally he'll be massively disappointed he didn't get at least another 20-30 and really make a statement that he can come in and score important runs when we need them.

[paul_e]

My favourite thing about Ian Bell is how easy on the eye his shots are.  He should be the poster child of English cricket, he just has such immaculate technique when he's on form.  The 4 just is a great example, looks simple and clean, I can't think of a batsman who is better to watch on form.

[Monty]

Huge wicket for the Australians that. They could win today if they can rattle through the tail.

[DrGonzo]

Why can we never just get to a comfortable position?  Every time I begin to think we are getting ahead....