The International Cricket Thread

[dcdavecollett]

Yes, well done to Mo after a long and successful international career.

As for England, the word 'brainless' might have been coined for their performance over the last two days, taking then from a position of dominance to one where they need a series of miracles to even get close. Throwing multiple wickets away, giving Sri Lanka cheap runs on Saturday, then demonstrating they have learnt absolutely nothing by collapsing in double-quick time, allowing the fast bowlers no time to rest their legs before having to run in again.

Whatever happened to understanding match situations?

They may as well put Gower back in charge, it was that bad!

[PaulWinch again]

It’s been a bad game from England, whether it’s complacency, sloppiness, or something else I’m not sure. But I’m not going to be overly harsh, it’s been a pretty dominant summer (as was expected) and generally there have been some real positives. The emergence of Smith and Atkinson chief among those positives.

[dcdavecollett]

And this year you can add Bashir to that. That's three players who will probably go on to play a significant role in the next Ashes series. Excellent selections.

My complaint is that, in this Test, we have gone back to the must-attack-at-all-times approach of last year's self-inflicted Lord's defeat.

I like what the Sri Lankan lad shouted at Lawrence after his truly lamentable effort on the Sunday: "What! Do you think this is T20?!"

No, it's Test cricket.

[cdbearsfan]

Day three of Afghanistan vs New Zealand test completed. Zero balls bowled.

If Warwickshire were playing, they'd still find a way to lose.

[paul_e]

Sam Curran, for all the good things about him, seems to have too many spells where he's so poor it gives a game away and today is no different. Going for 30 in an over just isn't good enough.

[paul_e]

Back-to-back wickets on review that should have been given out immediately, no idea what the Umpire thought he saw to not give them in either case.

[PaulWinch again]

Day three of Afghanistan vs New Zealand test completed. Zero balls bowled.

If Warwickshire were playing, they'd still find a way to lose.

They cancelled after 2 didn’t they?

[paul_e]

If you aren't watchnig this do try to find a replay of the Bartlett wicket, absolute peach from Archer that was far too good for a number 9.

[paul_e]

Keepnig them under 180 after that powerplay is exceptional bowling, Livingstone, Rashid and Archer were all superb. Not often you see 3 hattrick balls in an innings.

[PaulWinch again]

I’ve just seen the team - that is a seriously long tail for a Twenty20 team.

[Steve67]

I’ve just seen the team - that is a seriously long tail for a Twenty20 team.

Agreed, England are going to rue not having that extra batter.  These two going well though.

[PaulWinch again]

Was always going to fade away given the start we got. Hopefully a learning experience for Cox and Bethall. I also hope the side is a bit better balanced in future.

[paul_e]

Livingstone was a couple of spots too high as well.

[Richard]

Difficult to strengthen the batting with the inadequate looking squad picked - maybe Mousley and Carse for Overton and Topley?

[paul_e]

Difficult to strengthen the batting with the inadequate looking squad picked - maybe Mousley and Carse for Overton and Topley?

Someone in for Overton makes sense given he didn't bowl.