The Cricket Thread 2016

[Villan For Life]

Good performance with the ball in the warm up match against the Windies. Quite a comeback by Woakes with 5-19 off 7.3.

With the Windies all out for 122 it's not providing much practice for the batsmen.

[PaulWinch again]

I was going to say for a practice match it's a bit annoying really, but I guess still a confidence boost to give a side a hammering.

[PaulWinch again]

Morgan's lack of form is a big worry.

[PaulWinch again]

That result should be a timely reminder that scores of 250 generally aren't enough.

[peter w]

Morgan's lack of form is a big worry.

Well it kind of is but I'm still happier with him in as captain than Cook. The problem with Cook was that he was setting the tone at the top of the order that led to us struggling for any momentum. With Morgan being in the middle order momentum is hopefully already been set before he comes in. It would preferable to be getting runs but at least his failures doesn't set the tone for the team every game.

[tomd2103]

Morgan's lack of form is a big worry.

Well it kind of is but I'm still happier with him in as captain than Cook. The problem with Cook was that he was setting the tone at the top of the order that led to us struggling for any momentum. With Morgan being in the middle order momentum is hopefully already been set before he comes in. It would preferable to be getting runs but at least his failures doesn't set the tone for the team every game.

There's also the flexibility to move him around the batting order. 

[PaulWinch again]

Oh I agree, I'm happy with him as captain but it would be nice if he could start getting some runs.

[Villan For Life]

Oh I agree, I'm happy with him as captain but it would be nice if he could start getting some runs.

Particularly as Bopara is so out of form.

[Villan For Life]

The World Cup starts in a few hours. We seem to have a decent draw and think we could scrape a semi final place. We need some big performances and all players need to contribute.

I don't think we will win it and predict a Crims v Saffers final with the Saffers winning it.

India will struggle and the Windies and Pakistan are good 50 over teams. My dark horse bet is the Kiwis, they are a good side and should do well.

[PGW]

WC off and running Sri Lanka won the toss in the first match and inderted New Zealand and looking rather ominous currently
for SL, NZ 44-0 off 6.3 overs, no real movement currently for bowlers in cold overcast conditions.

[PGW]

10 overs NZ 77-0
Incidentally Malinga 0-42 off 4 overs

[bertlambshank]

Put the cricket on Long Wave BBC you bastards.

[PaulWinch again]

If England can't win the World Cup I hope NZ do.

[tomd2103]

Decided to stay up to watch the first few overs.  Yet again we enter a major tournament and decide it is the right time to try something different with Ballance coming in. 

I maybe wrong, but the decision to bowl first after winning the toss just seemed a bit of a negative one really and I fear for us a bit as that Australian batting line up looks really strong, even without Clarke.   

[OzVilla]

93-3 after 16 overs. Started poorly but turned it round with some good bowling from Broad.

Another one now and England are well in the hunt. Fielding is a concern though.