The International Cricket Thread

[dcdavecollett]

I thought Stokes should have batted on for twenty minutes after tea, which means we probably wouldn't have scored this brilliant win.

[UK Redsox]

I thought Stokes should have batted on for twenty minutes after tea, which means we probably wouldn't have scored this brilliant win.

As much as they might like us to think that all series are as important as the others, it'll be interesting to see what happens if they're in a declaration situation during the Ashes.

As great as Babar is, would they take the same risk against Warner, Smith and Labuschagne

[Dave Cooper please]

I thought Stokes should have batted on for twenty minutes after tea, which means we probably wouldn't have scored this brilliant win.

As much as they might like us to think that all series are as important as the others, it'll be interesting to see what happens if they're in a declaration situation during the Ashes.

As great as Babar is, would they take the same risk against Warner, Smith and Labuschagne

I reckon Stokes would, I honestly think he would rather lose a game rather than draw it. Maybe he will be reigned in by his team mates and coaches if the scenario comes up but if it comes down to his decision I think he'd go for the win.

[UK Redsox]

I agree, I think that Stokes will go for it.

Whether he'll go for it a second time if it goes very wrong the first time, is probably a better question.

[olaftab]

I thought Stokes should have batted on for twenty minutes after tea, which means we probably wouldn't have scored this brilliant win.

As much as they might like us to think that all series are as important as the others, it'll be interesting to see what happens if they're in a declaration situation during the Ashes.

As great as Babar is, would they take the same risk against Warner, Smith and Labuschagne

Yes because other Captains have done that and came up good against Australia on the subcontinent. The thing that will impact Stokes decision is not Smith & Co but the overall situation. For  example is it a first test in the series, does he  need to win to save series, or by losing does he let them back into the series etc etc. 

[Drummond]

I'm really looking forward to the Ashes now.... Got tickets for a day at The Oval, Old Trafford and Headingley....

[olaftab]

Well done Drummond. I have not yet managed to secure Oval but have 4 other days including 2 at Edgbaston. That's £314. Cricket fans get royally rogered by ECB. As contrast a friend who was at the Pindi test match said he was trying to upgrade his 250 Rupee ticket to a 500 Rupee ticket. That's roughly going from £1 to 2 :'(

[Dave Cooper please]

I agree, I think that Stokes will go for it.

Whether he'll go for it a second time if it goes very wrong the first time, is probably a better question.

Yes, at some point statistics tell us that it will go badly wrong, but I reckon that is factored in, Stokes and McCullum know they will get stuffed eventually, but I can't see that altering the mindset unless it happens 3 or 4 times in a row.

[tomd2103]

I thought Stokes should have batted on for twenty minutes after tea, which means we probably wouldn't have scored this brilliant win.

As much as they might like us to think that all series are as important as the others, it'll be interesting to see what happens if they're in a declaration situation during the Ashes.

As great as Babar is, would they take the same risk against Warner, Smith and Labuschagne

I do think the conditions in Pakistan played a lot into that decision.  Declaring 380 odd ahead would be a pretty secure position in most conditions.

[PaulWinch again]

Not sure on the decision not to play Foakes. It’s pretty harsh from a personal point of view, but also I think relying on Pope for a game is probably ok but it’s a pretty big burden batting 3 and keeping.

[UK Redsox]

Surprising decision after the way Stokes praised Foakes when he was appointed captain.

Probably wanted a bit more bowling cover if Wood breaks down

[Villan For Life]

Surprising decision after the way Stokes praised Foakes when he was appointed captain.

Probably wanted a bit more bowling cover if Wood breaks down

I think they want Wood in the team and Livingstone’s injury has allowed them to do that. As you say playing six bowlers gives cover for Wood and gives variety/depth. It’s the kind of decision that only gets made in the subcontinent, I expect Foakes to be back behind the stumps in New Zealand early next year.

Bizarrely Duckett has been practicing his keeping skills in case Pope’s workload takes it’s toll.

[PaulWinch again]

Spinner is running through us here.

[PaulWinch again]

Might be new England but a spinner on debut ripping through us is very traditional.

[manic-road]

5 already for Ahmed