The Cricket Thread 2017

[passitsideways]

First of all, the rankings are a massive pile of shit and not really indicative of anything, about as useful as FIFA's rankings.

Secondly, Australia's problems generally have more to do with the batting beyond Warner and Smith - they generally kept India to manageable scores earlier this year, but lacked anyone to support Smith who scored three centuries in that series while Kohli did fuck-all before pulling out of the decider with an injury.

[passitsideways]

Wish England had players who could stick around, got plenty who can come in and hit a few boundaries, shame the young lad from Lancashire had a poor season that wasn't helped by injury.

Is Root being written off again?

Root not being written off, just a realisation that whilst he's a wonderfully talented player, he doesn't possess the mindset that the best like Smith and Kohli have. He should really be making big scores much more consistently with his ability. Too many times he gets to 50/60 playing beautifully, then gives it away.

I think this is just a case of having a more complete view of Root compared to the others but there are a few things to remember:

Root is 18 months younger than Smith and 2 years younger than Kohli, given he's nearly 27 he's just about reaching his physical peak, they've both been there for a while, that will have an effect.
Root has made 50+ more often than either of them but has got out in the 80s and 90s too often, a problem he's open about but his top score is better than both so he can bat long.
Root doesn't travel as well which is the problem I spoke about a couple of days ago.  Smith has played IPL and for Worcestershire and even though it's only t20 it does make a difference.

I personally think there's not much between Root and Kohli and Smith is a step ahead currently, largely because people haven't worked out how to bowl at him because he's so unusual at the crease.

Interesting points Paul, but Smith struggled badly the last time the Aussies were up here.

He literally topped the runscoring charts in that series. Overall, he still didn't have a great series because it was all rather boom and bust, and I know I'm coming off as overly defensive about him, but I don't think I've ever seen a cricketer who receives more unwarranted criticism relative to his actual abilities than Smith.

[passitsideways]

Very impressive bowling (and fielding) performance by England, will be very interested to see how much of it they can translate over to the next three tests.

Seems quite likely that Maxwell will be in for Handscomb for Perth, a move which could go in all kinds of funny directions.

[manic-road]

At least we bowled them out, it's a big ask to chase the runs needed.

[PaulWinch again]

It's the hope that kills you.

[PaulWinch again]

Keeping the run rate going is important here, because clearly sooner or later we'll lose a wicket and we just need to take it in our stride.

[rob_bridge]

Lyon is key man. Clearly

[PaulWinch again]

Bloody hell thanks Agnew, made it sound like there was no chance he was out.

[Risso]

Fucking Cook, again.

[PaulWinch again]

Come on boys keep getting partnerships.

[rob_bridge]

Bloody hell thanks Agnew, made it sound like there was no chance he was out.

To be fair Gilchrist and Boycott thought the same

[PaulWinch again]

For fuck's sake, here we go.

[PaulWinch again]

Root we need you to get a double hundred here.

[Risso]

There we go. Probably all over now. Match and the Ashes.

[Chris Smith]

If we are going to do anything in this match and the series then we have to find a way to play against Nathan Lyon. At the moment we look terrified with each delivery.