The Cricket Thread 2016

[Villan For Life]

The batting performance off the last 20 overs against what is no better than an average county attack was poor. No momentum and no-one pressing for a big target. We were set for 300 almost from the start. It was as if they sensed that 300 was there for the taking and rested on their laurels. Surely we should have seized the opportunity to set 350 plus and send a message out to our future opponents? There's also the small matter of net run rate too which after two defeats is very poor.

This approach has to stem from the team management. It's a negative mindset which has to change.

[tomd2103]

The batting performance off the last 20 overs against what is no better than an average county attack was poor. No momentum and no-one pressing for a big target. We were set for 300 almost from the start. It was as if they sensed that 300 was there for the taking and rested on their laurels. Surely we should have seized the opportunity to set 350 plus and send a message out to our future opponents? There's also the small matter of net run rate too which after two defeats is very poor.

This approach has to stem from the team management. It's a negative mindset which has to change.

Taylor should have come in at three as he would have been able to keep the momentum going when Bell got out.  I would play him at three with Bopara coming back in further down the order.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd bring Hales in for Ballance. But either way we have to be a lot more flexible depending on the situation.

[tomd2103]

I'd bring Hales in for Ballance. But either way we have to be a lot more flexible depending on the situation.

Would you bat Hales at 3 Paul or would have him opening with either Bell or Moeen moving down?

[OCD]

There's been calls for more flexibility in the line-up for many years and several different set-ups but nobody listens. Probably because the team's so data driven that it's left no room for reactionary decisions.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Brave Scotland falter against England.

Noticed that Warwickshire now have a Scot in the squad.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd bring Hales in for Ballance. But either way we have to be a lot more flexible depending on the situation.

Would you bat Hales at 3 Paul or would have him opening with either Bell or Moeen moving down?

I think I'd have Hales open with Bell dropping to three.

[tomd2103]

I'd bring Hales in for Ballance. But either way we have to be a lot more flexible depending on the situation.

Would you bat Hales at 3 Paul or would have him opening with either Bell or Moeen moving down?

I think I'd have Hales open with Bell dropping to three.

I could see that, but I fear that Hales and Moeen looks quite a flimsy opening partnership at international level. 

I've always said that we've never replaced Marcus Trescothick at the top of the order in the limited overs game and it also doesn't help   when our most natural option at 3 is sat at home probably still sulking about how little he went for in the IPL auction!!

[tomd2103]

There's been calls for more flexibility in the line-up for many years and several different set-ups but nobody listens. Probably because the team's so data driven that it's left no room for reactionary decisions.

Yep the old "let's try and get to 35 overs with only a few down and we can have a go from there" attitude which was last successful in the early 90's.

[JD]

Great day yesterday and a wonderful atmosphere. Thought England would score between 350-400 but lost their way after Moeen & Bell were out. Ballance doesn't offer anything to the team and I agree that Hales should be given a chance and Bell come in at 3.
Scotland tried hard but they were a lot slower in the field and they were always struggling when batting (after the first 4 or so overs).
The best bit of action was the stumping of Taylor. Brilliant wicket keeping.
Met Boycs before the game going into the ground and some of my friends had photos taken with him.
Overall a good day out, but I'm still not convinced with England. If they lose to Sri Lanka on Sunday I can see them in big trouble when they play Bangladesh.     

[JD]

Watching Chris Gayle going nuts for WI against Zimbabwe. A truly amazing innings. Currently on 190 not out.

Wow and there's the 200, highest world cup score and (so far) equalling the record 16 sixes.

[olaftab]

It's all very well getting 215 against minnows but this man mosly lets his country down when they need him most. I will judge him v India or South  Africa. It's always about Gayle as far as he is concerned.

[Villan For Life]

It's all very well getting 215 against minnows but this man mosly lets his country down when they need him most. I will judge him v India or South  Africa. It's always about Gayle as far as he is concerned.

He does let his country down and was probably the first "mercenary" cricketer of the moidern era who put his bank balance before representing his country.

That said, he's now the first batsman to score a century in a T20 International, a double-century in an ODI and a triple century in a test. That is some record.

I never thought Sir Viv's 189 against England all those years ago would ever be bettered. Each year that goes by anaother record is smashed and as good as Gayle's innings was, it's still 49 runs behind Rohit Sharma's record.

[PaulWinch again]

Sri Lanka could pose a serious problem on Saturday.

[Dave Cooper please]

The two closest finishes and most exciting games so far have been between Associate sides, you know, the sides that they want to all but banish from the next World Cup.