The International Cricket Thread

[taylorsworkrate]

The pitch has nothing in it for the seamers now. Its too slow. Theres a bit of turn but no more than that.

[hilts_coolerking]

It's all set up for Mo but he just isn't up to it at the moment.  At the very least he should offer control but he's going at 4 an over in what's a relatively low scoring game.

[paul_e]

Yep, Moeen really should've been rested for this one, Leach had just put in a top performance and deserved a chance.

[hilts_coolerking]

Especially since I heard today that Smith's average against left arm spin is relatively low, whereas his average against Moeen is 90-odd.

[Villan For Life]

I’ve had a good day today but it was the flattest atmosphere that I can remember for a Saturday of a test at Edgbaston against the Crims. I wasn’t in the Hollies but they were undoubtedly having a good time amongst themselves and weren’t inspired by events on the pitch.

It was quite attritional at times today but it was proper test cricket. An interesting couple of days ahead.

[Lastfootstamper]

I’ve had a good day today but it was the flattest atmosphere that I can remember for a Saturday of a test at Edgbaston against the Crims. I wasn’t in the Hollies but they were undoubtedly having a good time amongst themselves and weren’t inspired by events on the pitch.

It was quite attritional at times today but it was proper test cricket. An interesting couple of days ahead.

For a fair while now, we've pretty much battered all-comers at Edgbaston. With your observations in your last paragraph, I wonder were those watching "flat", or maybe engrossed in a tight game?

Fwiw, I think it's been a brilliant third day. Game on.

[olaftab]

Regardless of Smith there are only two results possible from here as time will be reduced due to rain over the next two days. It's either an England win or a draw.

[taylorsworkrate]

Regardless of Smith there are only two results possible from here as time will be reduced due to rain over the next two days. It's either an England win or a draw.

Our test batting line up are more than capable.of collapsing in a heap.30 overs would be enoigh for us to do that

[Ad@m]

Regardless of Smith there are only two results possible from here as time will be reduced due to rain over the next two days. It's either an England win or a draw.

Our test batting line up are more than capable.of collapsing in a heap.30 overs would be enoigh for us to do that

Exactly. Even if we lose all of Monday to the weather (which is possible given the forecast) we're not out of the woods as long as Smith's in.

[Holte132]

Regardless of Smith there are only two results possible from here as time will be reduced due to rain over the next two days. It's either an England win or a draw.

Our test batting line up are more than capable.of collapsing in a heap.30 overs would be enoigh for us to do that

Exactly. Even if we lose all of Monday to the weather (which is possible given the forecast) we're not out of the woods as long as Smith's in.

Monday is the 5th day anyway, so if we lose the day to the weather then it will be a draw - unless the match finishes today.

[PaulWinch again]

Regardless of Smith there are only two results possible from here as time will be reduced due to rain over the next two days. It's either an England win or a draw.

I support your optimism but that is definitely not true. An Australia win is still very much a possibility.

[Drummond]

This really is a great test match. Could go either way. Couple of early wickets needed this morning though I think.

[Villan For Life]

K

This really is a great test match. Could go either way. Couple of early wickets needed this morning though I think.

If one of these early wickets is Smith then I think the rest of their batsmen will fold quite easily. If the early wicket is Head then Smith will dig in and become almost immovable. He’s like a wall when he’s in that kind of mood and will easily rotate the strike against our weakened attack on a dead pitch.

[OzVilla]

Interesting to open with Moeen, a huge vote of confidence. Needs to bowl well or else.

Anderson’s stuffed us. Carrying a calf injury, declares himself fit and can only bowl 4 overs in the match.

[tricky59]

Looking devoid of inspiration this morning.