The Cricket Thread 2014

[PaulWinch again]

I've got to say Plunkett hasn't bowled at the pace I expected since he came back. The majority of the time he's in the mid 80s.

[paul_e]

This looks like a draw to me but it can all change in a session, if we let these 2 build a partnership towards tea they'll start to fancy their chances of knocking us around in the final session.  Another wicket early after lunch is really important for me.

[PaulWinch again]

Yep I agree, and I like Jordan but he's been poor today. I've not seen a lot from Plunkett to suggest he's noticeably better than he was when he last played for England.

[Villan For Life]

This looks like a draw to me but it can all change in a session, if we let these 2 build a partnership towards tea they'll start to fancy their chances of knocking us around in the final session.  Another wicket early after lunch is really important for me.

I can't see them getting 390 in a day to win a test.

[paul_e]

As I said, I think they'd have had a look if they'd got to tea at 200-1 (ish) - the wicket just has removed any possibility of them going for it (in my opinion) .  We need to see if we can put together a really aggressive spell and get 2-3 close together.

[PaulWinch again]

258 off 45 overs is certainly doable, with these two in we're not safe.

[paul_e]

I can't see either of these being willing to risk giving away their wicket on the chase though, I think they'll accept the draw from here, before they could take a risk safe in the knowledge that they had the genuinely world class Jayawardene on the balcony if it went wrong, now there's only really Mathews with any great pedigree to come in if one of these falls.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd say it's unlikely but not impossible. I think the greater concern is that the fact that Sri Lanka had a 100 - 5 on this pitch yesterday.

[Villan For Life]

It's going to take a very special performance from our attack to take the 7 wickets that we need to win this one and it's unlikely to happen. Sri Lanka aren't interested in a win so this one will peter out as a draw. The worst kind of test cricket.

Edit.....Jimmy just bagged Sangha so who knows!

Edit # 2 another wicket for Jimmy 170 - 5

[Dave Cooper please]

Two in the over from Jimmy, the Sri Lankan tail doesn't wag that often and a new ball due before the end. Game on!

[aj2k77]

Might regret not declaring earlier last night now.

[adrenachrome]

Two in the over from Jimmy, the Sri Lankan tail doesn't wag that often and a new ball due before the end. Game on!

If they are still getting reverse swing they might not even take the new ball for the 10 odd overs.

[Villan For Life]

Two in the over from Jimmy, the Sri Lankan tail doesn't wag that often and a new ball due before the end. Game on!

If they are still getting reverse swing they might not even take the new ball for the 10 odd overs.

I'm following the game on Cricinfo at work. They're suggesting that the ball has only just started to reverse. That's incredible for a ball that is 63 overs old.

[adrenachrome]

Two in the over from Jimmy, the Sri Lankan tail doesn't wag that often and a new ball due before the end. Game on!

If they are still getting reverse swing they might not even take the new ball for the 10 odd overs.

I'm following the game on Cricinfo at work. They're suggesting that the ball has only just started to reverse. That's incredible for a ball that is 63 overs old.

Very unusual. I am listening on TMS and Tuffers says they are now polishing the ball with renewed vigour.

[paul_e]

Jordan's first 3 overs of the day went for 22.  The next 14 gave 9 maidens and 2 for 12.  Anderson will get all the plaudits but that's a very good bowling performance for a debutant.