The International Cricket Thread

[paul_e]

I didn't take it that way, I was just saying that despite not being an advocate for it I can see why it exists.

[tomd2103]

I didn't take it that way, I was just saying that despite not being an advocate for it I can see why it exists.

Fair enough Paul.  It's interesting that Key, Goulding and Thompson all changed their tune on it when they stepped on board the ECB gravy train. 

Back to on the field matters and South Africa are still looking very strong.  De Kock has been in red hot form so far, but the big question about them is whether they have peaked and whether they can maintain the form.  I still think their tail looks a bit long if they are needed for closer games.

It might be because England have been so poor, but it is starting to drag a bit now.  The finalists will have played 11 games by the time it has finished which seems an awful lot really.

[Gareth]

It always drags because of the broadcasters having only 1 game most days - would be so much more sensible to play 2 games a day for the first 6/7 rounds of fixtures then go 1 game a day for the last 2/3 rounds where it should matter for the table

[Gareth]

Sri Lanka were 14-6….on fire now up to 22-6

[manic-road]

Sri Lanka were 14-6….on fire now up to 22-6

The tail wagged a tiny bit, all out for 55.

[Gareth]

Wasn’t the best decision to win toss and field :-)

[PaulWinch again]

Very hot again and we choose to field…

[PaulWinch again]

Well done Jonny top effort.

[PaulWinch again]

Another top start - Root woeful. That’s the game.

[olaftab]

Sri Lanka were 14-6….on fire now up to 22-6

The tail wagged a tiny bit, all out for 55.

Sign of a top team, when you are in trouble the tail Enders more than double the score. 👌🏽

[paul_e]

I hate to be 'this guy' but this partnership is exactly what England have needed for a while.

We will obviously need to go for it at some point but even a small acceleration for the next 10 without losing wickets would see us going into th elast 20 with a good ahcnace of taking something. I'd also have a lot more faith in Buttler and Livingstone if they're coming in for 15-20overs and need to add quick runs than them needing to anchor an innings for 30-40overs.

[paul_e]

and that's why I was reluctant to make the last post. What a stupid shot to play straight after getting to 50.

[PaulWinch again]

Livingstone is just a waste of time.

[paul_e]

Buttler and Livingstone have really let us down in a game where the batters above them had come much closer to doing the job they're in for.

[PaulWinch again]

Buttler, Root, Bairstow, and Livingstone have been utterly disastrous this tournament. That’s 4 of the top 6, I know Livingstone has flipped between 6 and 7, but he’s starting as a 6 which is too high. But the reality is it’s the top order that has failed in all bar one game. They’ve been dreadful.