The Cricket Thread 2016

[PaulWinch again]

Brilliant from Stokes and Cook today.

[tomd2103]

Brilliant from Stokes and Cook today.

Would add Root to that as well.  Despite questions about his captaincy, Cook on form is a very good batsman and was superb today.  As well as getting runs, he has occupied the crease and taken time out of the game.

What a good test this has been so far. Real shame it is only a two match series as the two sides look quite evenly matched and a five test series could have been intriguing.

[tomd2103]

I enjoy the competitive nature of the Ashes but at the same time the snarling, in your face, aggressive behaviour from the Aussies reminds me why it's hard to like them but it's noticeable in this Test what a good spirit it's being played in. Plenty of smiles from players on both sides but still an enjoyable and competitive Test, I like the New Zealand team.

Agree.  All ifs and buts, but if Vettori was still playing for them, this New Zealand side would be an even better outfit.  Their spinner has struggled a bit. 

[Andy Poole]

Up early and off to queue at the North Gate.

Bargain price on the train from Eastleigh of £24 return for the two of us instead of the usual £115.
Twenty quid in to watch a whole days Cricket. My partners first time at the home of Cricket.

Sandwiches and homemade lemonade. Can't wait and the result is largely irrelevant. This is what I love about this game.

[PaulWinch again]

Good luck Andy, which I was going today.

[PaulWinch again]

Cook has returned to be a quality batsman. Root continues to be brilliant and Stokes is starting to show his ability.

[Villan For Life]

I thought Sunday was the best day of test cricket from England for a long time. It's been an absorbing test so far.

[PaulWinch again]

I'll be disappointed if they appoint Bayliss and not Gillespie.

[Monty]

They're clearly scoring as quickly as they can this morning. Is the plan to get a lead of 350, dangle the carrot a bit and have nearly a day to bowl the Kiwis out? It would be out of character for Cook, but it might be fun.

[PaulWinch again]

I do really like the axis of Stokes, Buttler and Ali.

[Whiney MacWhineface]

What is the effing point of batting on now? What?

[tomd2103]

I do really like the axis of Stokes, Buttler and Ali.

My only concern would be that Moeen becomes a bit disillusioned batting as low as 8.  As they yave said in commentary, Broad's batting is now a problem.

[UK Redsox]

What is the effing point of batting on now? What?

That's Cook for you.

Even Sir Geoffrey was hoping that Jimmy got knocked over quickly.

Luckily for the hope of an entertaining finish, he was

[Villan For Life]

What a wasted hour of cricket.

Time for Jimmy to arrive in the match.

[Villan For Life]

What a wasted hour of cricket.

Time for Jimmy to arrive in the match.

Perfect start. Guptill can do some damage.