The Cricket Thread 2017

[UK Redsox]

TMS 60th Anniversary Game draft about to start

EDIT: Geoffrey is already moaning

[UK Redsox]

Bidding war over Daggers

[UK Redsox]

"the rhubarb is never-ending" - Alison Mitchell

[tomd2103]

Once again Jennings fails. He really doen't do himself any favours! There just didn't seem to be any conviction in that shot, he was half forward and suffered as a result.

Just had a look at his dismissal on the BBC website.  Almost a carbon copy of a number of dismissals in the series and points at a serious technical flaw. 

[paul_e]

Awful shot from Malan given the time.  It's fairly clear that he likes playing his shots to deliveries out there but you ignore those when it's an over or 2 until a break.

[paul_e]

We need to put some runs on the board this afternoon if the conditions stay like they are, it's very possible it'll be the best batting session in the match.  If this pair can get at them a little and get a partnership going I think we should be able to able to push for 350ish on this and I think that's a decent total.  Monday and Tuesday look pretty ropey on the forecast so it's probably going to just be a draw but if we want to try to win it we need to score quick and then skittle them cheaply.

[tomd2103]

We need to put some runs on the board this afternoon if the conditions stay like they are, it's very possible it'll be the best batting session in the match.  If this pair can get at them a little and get a partnership going I think we should be able to able to push for 350ish on this and I think that's a decent total.  Monday and Tuesday look pretty ropey on the forecast so it's probably going to just be a draw but if we want to try to win it we need to score quick and then skittle them cheaply.

Down to Root and Stokes again really.  Probably need one of these two to go big with contributions from Bairstow and Ali. 

[PaulWinch again]

Decent battling effort if we can get 350 ish I think we're in front.

[taylorsworkrate]

Frustrating day with all the batsmen getting starts but not converting. Conditions weren't easy in fairness.

I cannot fathom the use of the nightwatchman today. He didn't face a ball

[manic-road]

Early wicket down for England, could do with them getting to about 350.

[manic-road]

Ali out now for 14. 303-8

[tomd2103]

What a shame for Bairstow.  Great knock though and has put us in a strong position. 

[KevinGage]

That little spell from Bairstow is just about the first time the batters looked truly on top in the contest so far - and Maharaj was still able to provide the aggravation factor right at the death.

The SA bowling attack has looked good even minus Philander, but England have to be in the box seat with 360+ runs on this wicket.

[Villan For Life]

Marvellous innings by Bairstow, what a player! Jimmy has struck in the first over too.

I must admit that Bairstow was unlucky and the victim of technology. He got a huge stride in so there's no way he should have been given out. Pre-technology he'd have been given not out.

[Chris Jameson]

Didn't see his innings but love Bairstow, easily my favourite cricketer. He's a lovely fella too.