The International Cricket Thread

[taylorsworkrate]

The pitch has completely died. No seam, no swing, no pace in it at all. Little to no spin.

[Ad@m]

The pitch has completely died. No seam, no swing, no pace in it at all. Little to no spin.

I bet Nathan Lyon will get something out of it...

[OzVilla]

This is shit. Moeen a club cricketer right now.

[PaulWinch again]

This game is going away from us fast.

[PaulWinch again]

This is shit. Moeen a club cricketer right now.

Yep he looks completely shot at the moment. We’re basically two bowlers down. I’d have a look at Denly.

[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.

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.

Exactly. If Smith stays in Australia will be 200 infront by mid-afternoon  If they're ballsy they could let loose for half an hour and stick us in at tea chasing 250+.

We're more than capable of collapsing under cloudy skies in a session.

[olaftab]

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.

As a senior player Anderson has to take the responsibility for this. He wasn't honest to himself or the team. Selectors MUST now discount him for the rest of the series and look to Curren and/or Archer.

[garyshawsknee]

Bring on the rain.

[PaulWinch again]

This is shite. Really poor.

[hilts_coolerking]

I can't watch this.  I know it's dispiriting to bowl against someone like Smith and I know there's nothing in it for the quicks but we just don't look like taking a wicket.

[PaulWinch again]

Bairstow is also not helping. Him missing Moeen’s one good ball and letting it go for 4 doesn’t help.

[tricky59]

I'm getting the same vibe as Trent Bridge 1989.

[hilts_coolerking]

Moeen's the one who's fucked us.  Second innings is when the spinner is supposed to come to the party but he's taken 1 for 71 at nearly 4.5 per over on a wicket takes definitely taking spin. 

[PaulWinch again]

This is quality from Denny.

[olaftab]

The match will not finish today. Australia are not likely to declare before they have a lead of 320 plus and no more than 1 hour of play  left today. The unlikely scenario of Australia being bowled out mid afternoon with a lead of 250 is now  not going to happen. Play time will be lost this afternoon and also tomorrow. A draw  is now the most  favourable result.