The International Cricket Thread

[Dr Butler]

made hard work of that last wicket, that is for sure...

well played England

UTV
The Doc

[paul_e]

Joe Root unbelievably greedy and selfish this morning in the Trumpesque style.

To be fair to him, with that many runs to spare and the game pretty much in the bag I'm ok with him giving himself a chance for his fifth, I think he earned that yesterday.

[olaftab]

I could agree Paul e in my weakest sentimental moment but it was not professional. Can’t see an Aussie skipper doing that specially as threat of rain was there.

[olaftab]

made hard work of that last wicket, that is for sure...

well played England

UTV
The Doc

It was brilliant entertainment though specially Joe’s 28 runs over.

[paul_e]

I could agree Paul e in my weakest sentimental moment but it was not professional. Can’t see an Aussie skipper doing that specially as threat of rain was there.

If there was no chance of him taking a wicket I'd agree but he'd bene very dangerous in the previous session so I can forgive him for giving it a go, especially when it happened during one of our most impressive away performances in years.

[PaulWinch again]

I’m guessing someone has had a word with Root about being a bit more positive about Jof.

[Steve67]

if Archer comes in, who is left out?  Not Wood, surely?

[Villan For Life]

if Archer comes in, who is left out?  Not Wood, surely?

Joberg is probably the fastest pitch in SA, I think they will sacrifice spin so as well as Bess bowled in the first innings of the last test, Archer will come in for him. An attack of Wood, Archer, Broad, Curran & Stokes will be handy on a fast pitch. Root and Crawley will offer any slow bowling options to use up overs.

It’s horses for courses really, we are in Sri Lanka in March where we will play three or four spinners at the expense of the quicker bowlers.

[LeeB]

Looks like Archer has injured himself warming up.

[manic-road]

After the rain delay it's a decent start with the bat for England, 54 - 0.

[paul_e]

The comment about the pace and conditions was insightful I think. Suggesting this is almost exactly the same bowling that Sibley and Crawley would face in the county game. If it carries on like this I think Woakes might have a big part to play.

[paul_e]

Aside from that I really like this opening pair, along with Burns we seem to finally have found some proper openers who are able to consistently deal with the new ball. With Denly looking more settled at 3 (and offering a decent bowling option) we're actually facing a big decision of 3 from 4 at the top now.

[tomd2103]

Aside from that I really like this opening pair, along with Burns we seem to finally have found some proper openers who are able to consistently deal with the new ball. With Denly looking more settled at 3 (and offering a decent bowling option) we're actually facing a big decision of 3 from 4 at the top now.

Agree Paul.  Been possibly the most positive part of the tour so far.

[olaftab]

Ben Stokes:

[PaulWinch again]

This is a big innings for Buttler.