The Cricket Thread 2016

[Risso]

Shame Bell fell, he could have done with a really big score.  My worry is now that we'll struggle to get past 200.

[cheltenhamlion]

Nah, Root will fire and we will knock around 350.

[paul_e]

Shame Bell fell, he could have done with a really big score.  My worry is now that we'll struggle to get past 200.

Given that our middle order is where our strength and form is I think that's unlikely.  It's also supposed to be much more batting friendly conditions tomorrow, I think they'll be eyeing up a lead of 200-300 right now.

[Risso]

Shame Bell fell, he could have done with a really big score.  My worry is now that we'll struggle to get past 200.

Given that our middle order is where our strength and form is I think that's unlikely.  It's also supposed to be much more batting friendly conditions tomorrow, I think they'll be eyeing up a lead of 200-300 right now.

It's the England cricket team, it's not THAT unlikely.  You don't have to go very far back into the annals of history to see a shit score from the middle order!

[Chris Jameson]

We need to make sure our resident worrier stays in Vietnam for the rest of the series!

[paul_e]

Shame Bell fell, he could have done with a really big score.  My worry is now that we'll struggle to get past 200.

Given that our middle order is where our strength and form is I think that's unlikely.  It's also supposed to be much more batting friendly conditions tomorrow, I think they'll be eyeing up a lead of 200-300 right now.

It's the England cricket team, it's not THAT unlikely.  You don't have to go very far back into the annals of history to see a shit score from the middle order!

True, but Root, Bairstow and Stokes are all in the form of their life and Buttler and Moeen are good for a decent knock as well.  I agree that it's possible but it would be a massive shock.

[cheltenhamlion]

Blue sky and glorious sunshine in Stourbridge at the moment.

[PaulWinch again]

We need to make sure our resident worrier stays in Vietnam for the rest of the series!

Ha yes! Very good day yesterday, shame about Cook getting out very unluckily and Bell getting out right at the end. But we should hopefully be able to get a 150-200 lead if we bat well. Fingers crossed.

[Villan For Life]

Today's play will give us an indication of where the Urn will end up this year. If we bat sensibly and bat well then we can bat them out of the game and give ourselves an opportunity to go 2-1 up with two to play. If we don't and we let them back into the match then I fear they will go on and win the series.

It's been a fascinating series so far. The results in the first two tests were heavily influenced by the toss. This test is different because I'm sure Cook would have batted if he'd have won the toss. 

It's vital that we bat well and give ourselves a big chance of regaining the Ashes. There will be a few more twists and turns still to come but come on England!

[aev]

Michael Holding looks to have a claret and blue tie on today.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Michael Holding looks to have a claret and blue tie on today.

Is his middle name Jordan?
Is he doing anything on August 8th?

[UK Redsox]

It's been a fascinating series so far. The results in the first two tests were heavily influenced by the toss. This test is different because I'm sure Cook would have batted if he'd have won the toss. 

Listening to TMS yesterday, I think that the only person who would have considered putting the opposition in was Geoffrey

[Villan For Life]

Good start by the Aussies, those deliveries from Johnson were brutal.

[PaulWinch again]

Christ what a diabolical start for us. We need Buttler to turn up now.

[simon ward 50]

Good start by the Aussies, those deliveries from Johnson were brutal.

Just get out the way!