The International Cricket Thread

[Colhint]

No team has ever won the next test series after winning the one day world cup. I think all our focus has been on that. It also fell in the period of losing Cook Trott and Bell.  No of whom would have played in that.
So we have gone into this without Cook and Anderson our top run scorer and wicket taker.

I think most of our players look knackered.

[Risso]

Most of them haven't batted for long enough to be knackered.

[Colhint]

I know what you mean but they have had about 4 months solid of high pressure cricket.

[hilts_coolerking]

If we had a half decent top order we’d have been tough to beat at home. Smith aside, this Australian side isn’t all that. But we’ve the poorest top 4 in living memory and our all time leading wicket taker missing.

We just good enough.

You don't rate Hazlewood, Lyon and Cummins?

[OzVilla]

Yes I do but they’ll always have a good attack. Compare this attack to McGrath, Warne, Lee era or Johnson, Harris, Lyon. Then look at their batting, how many tests would Warner (in this form), Harris, Bancroft, Head, Laberscagne and Wade played in previous era’s - not many. That’s is their top order excluding Smith.

[Villan For Life]

No team has ever won the next test series after winning the one day world cup. I think all our focus has been on that. It also fell in the period of losing Cook Trott and Bell.  No of whom would have played in that.
So we have gone into this without Cook and Anderson our top run scorer and wicket taker.

I think most of our players look knackered.

You can’t compare World Cup winners who lost the next test series anymore because the squads are so different. Yes there are players that play all formats who may be jaded but it doesn’t stack up.

Trott retired four years ago and Bell was dropped two years ago, we can’t keep blaming their retirement. The simple fact is our system isn’t producing adequate replacements.

Now we might pull off something miraculous tomorrow which I doubt but this series has been closer than you think. All test sides are struggling to score runs, it’s the global effect of T20. Now India have Kohli and the Aussies Smith but in the main test cricket is being dominated by bowlers. Quite ironic considering that white ball cricket is dominated by the batsmen.

[PaulWinch again]

Roy did well tonight. Hopefully he can kick on and demonstrate value as a future player tomorrow.

[taylorsworkrate]

Broad has been a real positive. He's bowling as well as he ever has and has really taken the responsibility after Andersons injury.

One thing I do dislike, is Broads knack for celebraring LBWs, not bothering to appeal and almost daring the umpire to give it not out. Glenn Mcgrath used to do that and its a bellend move.

[Meanwood Villa]

Been a funny old series really. There seem to have been so many occasions where it looks like we're completely out of it then we're given another chance. The same's been true vice versa but it does feel like they've been on top more often. I guess that's a sign that neither of the teams are truly great.

Ultimately the difference in the series is going to be Smith. Personally I can't wait for the prick to retire already. I don't get this "privilege to watch him" bollocks. I much prefer my Aussies to be shit and on the end of thrashings and humiliation. 

[PaulWinch again]

No issue with Roy there he dug in and it took a cracker to get him out. If we get 8 (7 more) balls like that there’s nothing we can do, but we have to dig in and make them deliver 7 more of those. Roy is clearly not in nick, but he has a future if he plays like that.

[PaulWinch again]

That’s the game, Stokes gone.

[taylorsworkrate]

Yep, all over before tea now.

That was really poor from Stokes. If you are going to leave the ball then leave it properly

[taylorsworkrate]

80/4 on what is still a good pitch to bat on is another pathetic effort.

[Monty]

Yes I do but they’ll always have a good attack. Compare this attack to McGrath, Warne, Lee era or Johnson, Harris, Lyon. Then look at their batting, how many tests would Warner (in this form), Harris, Bancroft, Head, Laberscagne and Wade played in previous era’s - not many. That’s is their top order excluding Smith.

I think this attack is better than Johnson and Harris. Less likely to blow you away with 7fer, but more relentless and consistent. And Labuschagne is clearly real class. Other than that though I do agree with your point - but I also wouldn't understate the effect of Smith. He's a monster.

[Chris Smith]

Yes I do but they’ll always have a good attack. Compare this attack to McGrath, Warne, Lee era or Johnson, Harris, Lyon. Then look at their batting, how many tests would Warner (in this form), Harris, Bancroft, Head, Laberscagne and Wade played in previous era’s - not many. That’s is their top order excluding Smith.

I think this attack is better than Johnson and Harris. Less likely to blow you away with 7fer, but more relentless and consistent. And Labuschagne is clearly real class. Other than that though I do agree with your point - but I also wouldn't understate the effect of Smith. He's a monster.

If Smith was English we would be winning this series, other than him the two sides are fairly evenly matched