The International Cricket Thread 2018

[PGW]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/45075720

Malan and Stokes out Pope and Woakes in for next test.

[tomd2103]

Stokes will be a big loss and the balance of the side will be upset a bit.  Guess Buttler will move up to 6 and Woakes will come in at 7. 

[TopDeck113]

Don't know much about Malan.  Can he catch a ball?

[UK Redsox]

Not surprised by the changes. Malan had to go and Pope seems the form player in County Cricket.

I expect that it'll be a game-day decision between Woakes and Moeen. I'd pick Woakes and rely on Root to provide backup spin. Given the age and injury worries of Broad and Jimmy, I don't think England can go into a test with just the three seamers.

[PaulWinch again]

Stokes will be a big loss and the balance of the side will be upset a bit.  Guess Buttler will move up to 6 and Woakes will come in at 7. 

Pope will play I suspect.

[olaftab]

I wonder if Stokes will be out or in by the time the Test match ends?

[UK Redsox]

Will India make any changes ?

Maybe Pant in for Karthik.

I'd also like to see Kuldeep in a test

[PaulWinch again]

I know he’s in poor form but I would always have Pujara in if I was India.

[tomd2103]

Not surprised by the changes. Malan had to go and Pope seems the form player in County Cricket.

I expect that it'll be a game-day decision between Woakes and Moeen. I'd pick Woakes and rely on Root to provide backup spin. Given the age and injury worries of Broad and Jimmy, I don't think England can go into a test with just the three seamers.

The general opinion on The Debate show after the test had finished was that we needed four seamers for Lord's.  I expect Pope to bat at four and Woakes at seven. 

I suppose there is a chance Ali could come in for Rashid and bat at seven, but I think that is doubtful.

[UK Redsox]

Stokes trial, day 1

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/cricketer-ben-stokes-mocked-gay-couple-before-nightclub-fight-jury-hears

I know that it's only the prosecution case so far but Stokes is being portrayed as a right nasty piece of work.

[taylorsworkrate]

Stokes trial, day 1

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/cricketer-ben-stokes-mocked-gay-couple-before-nightclub-fight-jury-hears

I know that it's only the prosecution case so far but Stokes is being portrayed as a right nasty piece of work.

Hmmm, that certainly goes against what was said about Stokes standing up for a gay couple.

If true of course.

[PaulWinch again]

Yes does conflict a bit.

[Chris Jameson]

Best to wait until both sides have had a bat.

[PaulWinch again]

Indeed.

[dave.woodhall]

One of our own writes. http://thebirminghampress.com/2018/08/edgbaston-calling/