The Cricket Thread 2017

[manic-road]

Stokes is getting back into form, he's just hit 93 off 47 balls for Canterbury.

[PaulWinch again]

This is a 400 + pitch by the sounds of it.

[Risso]

Not for England it won’t be. Cook fails, again. You can’t keep picking him on this form, beaten by a straight ball again.

[PaulWinch again]

Cook has been a fantastic player for England, but I do wonder whether he has lost that fire.

[PaulWinch again]

Come on England the Australian body language is starting to slip.

[paul_e]

I know Smith is a good batsman but he's a terrible captain at times, why waste a over with a ball that has been used through a 150ish partnership, they should've been desperate to get the new ball and try to force a break through late in the day.

On the flip side this has been an excellent recovery from Malan and Bairstow, this is the sort of spell that we should be able to rely on from our middle order.

[Risso]

Well played indeed Malan, well played.

[Risso]

I know Smith is a good batsman but he's a terrible captain at times, why waste a over with a ball that has been used through a 150ish partnership, they should've been desperate to get the new ball and try to force a break through late in the day.

On the flip side this has been an excellent recovery from Malan and Bairstow, this is the sort of spell that we should be able to rely on from our middle order.

Indeed, and just a shame that we haven't got Stokes to add to it.  Such a difference when we've got him and Moeen, as usually at least one of them gets a score.  Once Ali has gone, that's usually it at the moment, game over.  Just hope Malan goes on to make a really big score now, and doesn't get out for 105 or something.  If we do get 400+, then it's game on.

[PaulWinch again]

Excellent stuff Malan definitely has something about him. Now keep going boys we need some scoreboard pressure on the Aussies.

[Proposition Joe]

Get in! This is great work from Malan and Bairstow. And Malan gets his first test century and what could well be the most difficult test venue for England players in the world.

[PaulWinch again]

That is an excellent effort from Malan and Bairstow. We are in front in the game after the first day for the first time. Need to make it count now. Malan has shown signs of his ability and grit, really pleased for him.

[Villan For Life]

Nice to be on top after a days play.

Malan played beautifully and Bairstow dealt with the negative publicity in the most positive way.

The Aussies were clueless and at times looked leaderless and devoid of ideas since lunch. Long may that continue.

[olaftab]

That is an excellent effort from Malan and Bairstow. We are in front in the game after the first day for the first time. Need to make it count now. Malan has shown signs of his ability and grit, really pleased for him.

Yes totally agree. Well done Malan and Bairstow.

[manic-road]

Nice to be on top after a days play.

Malan played beautifully and Bairstow dealt with the negative publicity in the most positive way.

The Aussies were clueless and at times looked leaderless and devoid of ideas since lunch. Long may that continue.

Yes it's nice to be on top after the first day, bit of a rare occurrence against the Aussies at the WACA.

[olaftab]

If only Cook and Root can get their game going😟