The Cricket Thread 2014

[SoccerHQ]

It's a funny old game. All the calls for Cook to be rested are resisted and he comes good with the bat and his bowling changes all see to produce results.

One test. I'm pleased for him but let's see if England can kick on now and win the series. The changes in the line up were long overdue.

I was quite happy England didn't enforce the follow on. I still remember Trent Bridge 2005 when England made Aussies follow on, they built a lead of 120 and England just about scraped to that with two wickets left.

Too much can go wrong so better to built an insurmountable lead and then have a day and a quarter to bowl India out.

[PaulWinch again]

Good to see Jordan bowl much better this evening.

[tomd2103]

Cook's innings was good as well as he got important runs and allowed the other players to tee off. We just need to finish it off tomorrow.

Just need to be patient tomorrow and take chances when they come.  Feel a bit sorry for Hampshire as watching the review show on Sky, it looks like they have made a real effort and have been done a bit with crowds by the scheduling.

Changing tack a little, while we are on the subject of teeing off and looking a bit further forward to the World Cup in the winter, a top 7 of Hales, Bell, Balance, Root, Morgan, Bopara and Buttler could be interesting. 

[peter w]

Tests regularly are played on a Wednesday. I'm still struggling to find any reason to see why the public have not turned up. Shouldn't give them a test again.

[paul_e]

Tests regularly are played on a Wednesday. I'm still struggling to find any reason to see why the public have not turned up. Shouldn't give them a test again.

Starting on a sunday is really poor regardless of anything else, Thursday, Friday or at a push Saturday for me

[tomd2103]

Tests regularly are played on a Wednesday. I'm still struggling to find any reason to see why the public have not turned up. Shouldn't give them a test again.

You're a hard man Peter!!  As I said above, the piece they did on the review show tonight showed that they had put a real effort into hosting the test (offering free coaching and activities for kids on the grounds etc) and seemed a bit disappointed with the scheduling.  The crowd today looked very sparse.   

[UK Redsox]

Its not Hampshire's fault that the crowds have been small.

If the ECB had to have a midweek test against India, it should have been in London (I suggest the extra match that Lord's now has due to the seven test summer) or maybe at Edgbaston

[peter w]

I understand that it's not ideal and you can't fault Hampshire for their efforts.

But that still does not explain why poeple are not turning up on 1) A Sunday when every test is played on a Sunday 2) A Wednesday - middle of the week. No excuse for the sparse crowd.

Maybe the ECB have had them over a bnarrel with the scheduling but the Hants crowd have really let the County down. Why should the ECB bring a test there again if they don't come out and support England? Especially as they don't see tests down there?

[olaftab]

ECB have no problem (other than a nearly empty ground looks bad) as they have already extorted about £2M(?) from the County for "awarding" them a Test match. It's Hamps who are left with a problem to breakeven!
Lucky for them that Cooky didn't enforce the follow on and they have 5th days  revenue to help!

[Villan For Life]

I understand that it's not ideal and you can't fault Hampshire for their efforts.

But that still does not explain why poeple are not turning up on 1) A Sunday when every test is played on a Sunday 2) A Wednesday - middle of the week. No excuse for the sparse crowd.

Maybe the ECB have had them over a bnarrel with the scheduling but the Hants crowd have really let the County down. Why should the ECB bring a test there again if they don't come out and support England? Especially as they don't see tests down there?

The bidding process for the next group of test matches is about to start. I reckon Hampshire will get more tests because Bransgrove is a shrewd operator and well respected within the ECB.

It would have made more sense for tests to be played in areas where Indian supporters will attend. A full Edgbaston or Headingley swells the ECB's coffers much more than a half empty Rose Bowl.

[UK Redsox]

Daggers is already in full local-radio drive time mode today with the way he says "here's an email from..............."

[Villan For Life]

Great start this morning by Jimmy

[Dr Butler]

blimey went off for a brew and two wickets are down.....put the kettle on !! 

just been for a tea break and another two !!!  "as Bumble would say....Start the tea trolley

 

[Villan For Life]

And the legend in the making that is Moeen Ali gets another!

152-7

[taylorsworkrate]

And another!!