The Cricket Thread 2016

[Villan For Life]

Luke Wright and Tymal Mills looked good for Sussex against Middlesex last night.

Wright has generally flattered to deceive and perhaps his chance has gone. That said he is one of the handful of English-qualified players who regularly gets an IPL/BBL contract so he must still have something to offer. They should stick with the squad that they used for the one day series against NZ but he would be a good reserve to have on call.

Mills is a different proposition. He has a back condition that may force him to give up the game completely. He is only playing T20 cricket this year and is resting between games. He bowled with skill and intelligence, taking 4-22 off his 4 overs with 14 dots. If he can overcome his back complaint he will be quite some bowler. A left arm quick can be lethal in a game that is heavy with right handers.

[PaulWinch again]

Problem is I don't think he will overcome his back problem. He might be able to play Twenty20, but the longer forms put too much strain on him. It's a congenital issue with his spine I think.

[Villan For Life]

Problem is I don't think he will overcome his back problem. He might be able to play Twenty20, but the longer forms put too much strain on him. It's a congenital issue with his spine I think.

That is a real pity. He had real potential. His long-term health and mobility must come first though.

[aj2k77]

Really enjoyed listening to the Aussies get smashed all over Essex this afternoon.

Me too, second division batting line up giving them some treatment.

Everything about the Aussies I dislike cricket wise. The baggy green caps, team full of gobshites, Johnsons tache, Warner the tubby wanker, Clarkes whining, Nathan Lyon Australias version of Robert Croft, can someone please just smash him out of the attack, Glenn Mcgraths stupid predictions.. 10-0 ? You haven't won over here for 14 years, don't forget that.

I hope we pummel them this summer and the fans and media react with as much dignity as their mob did.

[PaulWinch again]

Problem is I don't think he will overcome his back problem. He might be able to play Twenty20, but the longer forms put too much strain on him. It's a congenital issue with his spine I think.

That is a real pity. He had real potential. His long-term health and mobility must come first though.

Yeah it's very sad, but hopefully he can have a future in Twenty20.

[PaulWinch again]

The Aussies are a pretty unpleasant team for the most part. Actually they remind me a bit of the England team in 2013, there's a real arrogance about them. Haddin's behaviour in World Cup final being a prime example.

[PaulWinch again]

Ryan Harris has retired. He was a fantastic bowler and also a good bloke.

[Whiney MacWhineface]

And Bob Taylor's had a heart attack. Can't believe he's 73!

[olaftab]

Bob Taylor was a gentleman cricketer. I wish him full recovery and a long life ahead.

[tomd2103]

Ryan Harris has retired. He was a fantastic bowler and also a good bloke.

Seemed very sudden as well.  In a few weeks he has gone from preparing for an Ashes series to having to retire.  Must be hard to take.

[PaulWinch again]

If you can access NowTV they're giving Sky's coverage of the first day of the Ashes tomorrow free of charge.

[olaftab]

Great test match over in Sri Lanka ended this morning on the fifth day with a win for Pakistan by 7 wickets. 382-3 being the sixth highest fourth innings score to win and old dog Younis Khan hits 171 NO.

Let's hope we get some matches like that in the Ashes series.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm really looking forward to the Ashes, but for me it starting in Cardiff takes a little bit of the edge off.

[Villan For Life]

I'm really looking forward to the Ashes, but for me it starting in Cardiff takes a little bit of the edge off.

If the Cardiff test is as good as the one in 2009 then I won't complain. The last wicket stand between Jimmy & Monty Panesar was great.

[cheltenhamlion]

If you can access NowTV they're giving Sky's coverage of the first day of the Ashes tomorrow free of charge.

What is Now TV and can I get it free with Virgin?