The International Cricket Thread

[PaulWinch again]

Brook is a bit of a phenom.

[simboy]

Brilliant from Brook.

Interesting selection problems for England in the summer.

[olaftab]

Well done Ben Foakes, another 50.

[olaftab]

Babar is a bit like Joe. Great batsman but awful captain. Losing his final review after an  indecisive intervention.

[olaftab]

This is a useful lead and about 9 torturous overs for Pakistan to survive.

[tomd2103]

Another good test match in progress, Harry Brook looks a real talent.

Big day tomorrow.  Batting fourth might be a challenge on this pitch.

[LeeB]

Another good test match in progress, Harry Brook looks a real talent.

Big day tomorrow.  Batting fourth might be a challenge on this pitch.

I don't know, 4 quick wickets after tea and there might be enough time to finish it tonight.

[tomd2103]

What a debut for Rehan Ahmed and goes to show just how good it is to have a genuine spinner in the side.  No need to be too rash now, but I think they will try and finish it as quickly as possible.

[Villan For Life]

What a remarkable debut from Rehan Ahmed, a 5-for and he seemed to bowl with a maturity beyond his years.

They’re looking to finish this tonight, so far they’ve scored 21 off 2 overs.

[LeeB]

Another good test match in progress, Harry Brook looks a real talent.

Big day tomorrow.  Batting fourth might be a challenge on this pitch.

I don't know, 4 quick wickets after tea and there might be enough time to finish it tonight.

I was half joking when I posted this, lol

[tomd2103]

Unconventional stuff from Ben Stokes again in trying to finish the game tonight.  Ahmed at 3, followed by himself and leaving the usual 3 and 4 as insurance policies should it not finish tonight.

[LeeB]

Unconventional stuff from Ben Stokes again in trying to finish the game tonight.  Ahmed at 3, followed by himself and leaving the usual 3 and 4 as insurance policies should it not finish tonight.

It's just fantastic, all of it. What they've done in such a short space of time is incredible, the attitude they have bought into is lifting the whole sport with it.

[Risso]

Unconventional stuff from Ben Stokes again in trying to finish the game tonight.  Ahmed at 3, followed by himself and leaving the usual 3 and 4 as insurance policies should it not finish tonight.

It's just fantastic, all of it. What they've done in such a short space of time is incredible, the attitude they have bought into is lifting the whole sport with it.

Dead right Lee, it's brilliant to watch. Just goes to show what a complete change in attitude and approach can accomplish.

[TopDeck113]

Yes, brilliant to watch.  My concern is that as with any tactical innovation in sport, the opposition will work out ways to nullify it or decide to fight fire with fire.  This summer's Ashes series played as a bazball showdown could easily go the way of Australia.

[paul_e]

Yes, brilliant to watch.  My concern is that as with any tactical innovation in sport, the opposition will work out ways to nullify it or decide to fight fire with fire.  This summer's Ashes series played as a bazball showdown could easily go the way of Australia.

So be it, 10 months ago this team was a fucking embarrassment, having been smashed in the ashes and looked like a team in terminal decline against the West Indies. Since then big series wins over NZ and SA, a big test win against India and now a phenomenal series win (and probably whitewash) away in Pakistan. Whether it works long-term or not we've found an identity afters years of cautious mediocrity and, I suspect, we've changed test match cricket forever (and for the better).

English sport has spent years stymying itself through fear of losing and some fucked-up. self-imposed traditionalism that saw other countries overtaking us with innovation and creativity, I hope the FA and RFU get with the program and give themselves a similar kick up the arse.