The Cricket Thread 2017

[PaulWinch again]

I agree if it does it's our best chance, but I think the Aussie attack will also benefit, especially Starc.

[tomd2103]

After a few days of sulking, I'm back up for the next test.  As has been mentioned, it has been said that the day/night game might suit us more if the ball swings.  Get it back to 1-1 and you never know. 

[spangley1812]

From the BEEB

Police have completed their investigation into the incident involving England cricketer Ben Stokes and are now "seeking charging advice".

Stokes, 26, was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm after an incident outside a Bristol nightclub on 25 September in which a man suffered a fractured eye socket.

He was released under investigation.

On Wednesday, Avon & Somerset Police said they had passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Stokes did not fly to Australia with the England squad in October for the current Ashes series.
At that time, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the Durham player would not be selected "at this stage".

On Wednesday, Stokes landed in New Zealand and is expected to play for Canterbury in their domestic competition this weekend.

England trail 1-0 in the Ashes after a 10-wicket defeat in Brisbane.

[PaulWinch again]

So police are seeking charging advice from CPS.

[OzVilla]

So basically as you were but the report i read said it'll be drawn out for 'several weeks' more. That's pretty much the end of the series you'd imagine.

The ECB now have a decision to make, they either continue on with their no selection policy on Stokes and we all accept he's not playing in this series or release him to play immediately.

Personally, I'm not sure he can play now given their previous stance and I'd be fine with that.

[PaulWinch again]

Plunkett or Wood to join the squad please.

[tomd2103]

Plunkett or Wood to join the squad please.

Maybe both Paul to put a bit of pressure on to perform.   

[JD]

So basically as you were but the report i read said it'll be drawn out for 'several weeks' more. That's pretty much the end of the series you'd imagine.

The ECB now have a decision to make, they either continue on with their no selection policy on Stokes and we all accept he's not playing in this series or release him to play immediately.

Personally, I'm not sure he can play now given their previous stance and I'd be fine with that.

He's been accepted to play for Canterbury and joins the squad for a one dayer this Sunday.

[taylorsworkrate]

Plunkett or Wood to join the squad please.

I'd look to get both into the team ahead of Woakes and Ball.

[PaulWinch again]

I wouldn't ditch Woakes, although he was poor in the 1st Test. He's the sort of player who can work out a way to succeed.

[taylorsworkrate]

I wouldn't ditch Woakes, although he was poor in the 1st Test. He's the sort of player who can work out a way to succeed.

I like Woakes as a cricketer, but his test record away from England so far is shockingly bad.

I really think we need to get some pace into the attack, and Plunkett and Wood could provide something close to that

[OzVilla]

I wouldn't ditch Woakes, although he was poor in the 1st Test. He's the sort of player who can work out a way to succeed.

In the absence of Stokes I'd give him another Test but if he's underwhelming again he'd be out for Perth. The WACA is an absolute graveyard for anybody bowling under 138kph as it neither seams or swings in their dry heat. They'll hit a bower like Woakes out of sight over there.

[PaulWinch again]

Jimmy doing his bit to get in the umpires heads about Australia's bowling at the tail. I think he has a point 5 consecutive bouncers at Ball was out of order.

[paul_e]

Jimmy doing his bit to get in the umpires heads about Australia's bowling at the tail. I think he has a point 5 consecutive bouncers at Ball was out of order.

There was definitely a spell where they took it too far, I don't know if the umpires said something at the time though.

[PaulWinch again]

Apparently not.

Neither Jimmy or Mo bowled today, which is a concern.