The International Cricket Thread

[Beard82]

Test cricket is the greatest form of any sport.

I think the fear of the other formats is they will detract from the more established methods. I dont think that is the case personally - although dont really see the point of the 100.

I think the way TV have evolved is over the years also stop people from watching it.  I remember as a kid being able to watch test cricket on the bbc, when we didnt have sky etc.  That's when I got into it, but I the concept of watching something for a whole day seems pretty alien to my kids.  To much instant gratification offered elsewhere.     

[Lastfootstamper]

In my opinion, Test cricket is the pinnacle of all abstract invention. Its persistence and indefatigable capability of generating scenes and emotions like those seen and felt already this summer is as close as you'll ever get to proof of existence of the human soul. Ergo, anybody that doesn't 'get' it is, frankly, dead inside.

[Rory]

In my opinion, Test cricket is the pinnacle of all abstract invention. Its persistence and indefatigable capability of generating scenes and emotions like those seen and felt already this summer is as close as you'll ever get to proof of existence of the human soul. Ergo, anybody that doesn't 'get' it is, frankly, dead inside.

Beautifully put.

[Nev]

Long form sport weaves a thread through our lives. It's all but impossible to actually watch it all but we keep in touch with it throughout It's duration and that's where the drama and tension builds. The Open, Ryder Cup and particularly Test Cricket have this magic. Through radio, TV and online we keep up to date while we go about our daily business until the inevitable climax, then we might stop what we're doing to really focus on the outcome, even then we may be elsewhere.

I was taking a walk along a towpath when we struggled to rescue the Lords test, a man operating a lock bought me the news of Stokes, and eventually, England's demise. That shared disappointment is something almost unique, both of us had spent the previous 4 days living the ebb and flow only to be let down. Strangers, briefly united in grief, parting with polite acknowledgement, never to meet again but forever bonded by our love of sport.

Nothing can beat that.

[olaftab]

Perfect Nev. Sometimes I pinch myself and remember how lucky I am that I understand and appreciate the game.

[PaulWinch again]

Shame England lost that and Aus retain the Ashes, but hopefully they can still win the ODIs.

[Jon Crofts]

Anderson recalled.

[UK Redsox]

Great game today. A century from NSB, but England couldn’t quite get there.

Aus win the W-Ashes

[Meanwood Villa]

Great game today. A century from NSB, but England couldn’t quite get there.

Aus win the W-Ashes

Retain. They haven't won it yet.

[edgysatsuma89]

I didn't see any of the Aussies overs but hearing they hit 26 in the last over ended up being a killer.

[taylorsworkrate]

Shame England lost that and Aus retain the Ashes, but hopefully they can still win the ODIs.

It's an excellent Australian team in fairness. England have done well to be as competitive as they have been

[PaulWinch again]

This is a very big game for Jimmy. We can’t be picking on sentiment, he has to turn up and there’s no excuses really.

[paul_e]

If Jimmy Anderson can't find some form bowling from the Jimmy Anderson End after being dropped for under-performing then I suspect we might be witnessing his last test or 2.

[Villan For Life]

I hope that he does, if he bowls well then with that attack we should win the test but on the flip side our record against the Aussies at Old Trafford is shocking, I don’t think we’ve beaten them there since Botham’s Ashes in 1981.

[Rory]

I hope that he does, if he bowls well then with that attack we should win the test but on the flip side our record against the Aussies at Old Trafford is shocking, I don’t think we’ve beaten them there since Botham’s Ashes in 1981.

Botham & Willis's Ashes 🙂