The Cricket Thread

[Junior]

I was thinking that the declaration on day 1 was poor but on reflection don’t mind it. I can see the we might have got another 30 runs which might prove critical, but I love the message it sends.

Let’s face it, if Bairstow had taken one of the two easy stumping chances (let alone the one that went through first slip off Anderson earlier) and broad hadn’t overstepped when bowling khawaja, we’d be in a great position now and people wouldn’t be talking about the declaration so much.

I thought Eng were unlucky to lose the wickets last evening when the clouds rolled in. Let's hope it does the same tomorrow and hoops around!

 

[Mudball]

On many levels I like the new English approach. It has made Test more interesting and watchable on all 5 days. Declaration was bold, and then Roots reverse scoop - who would have thought. It’s a shame that there are not enuf runs.

I love it… but only when we win..

 

[D-S]

Nice weather description

https://twitter.com/x/status/1671048225166376960

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Let's hope it is nice and muggy for our bowlers. A few quick and early wickets are essential today. Wicket still looks sound.

 

[TimShady]

Swing conditions and a slightly deteriorating pitch on a fifth day chase with Anderson and Broad bowling at some of the best batsmen in the world. It should be a brilliant day.

 

[TimShady]

Such a shame if this game ends in a draw because of weather.

 

[AmandaJR]

Such a shame if this game ends in a draw because of weather.

Agreed. Hoping for a few hours play at least and that might be enough

Says she hoping for rain when it looked like things were slipping away from us

 

[AmandaJR]

Covers off...

 

[Imurg]

Play from 2.15..
Go get 'em Boys..

 

[Dando]

let's hope the ball swings like Austin Powers at a swingers convention

 

[Deleted member 15717]

Could be a hell of an afternoon.

let’s hope for plenty of movement and a lot of cheering

 

[TimShady]

Advantage England. Australia have been much too defensive in their batting, mirroring their fielding in the first innings, and it’s going to be the difference of Australia don’t try to shift the momentum.

 

[GB72]

Advantage England. Australia have been much too defensive in their batting, mirroring their fielding in the first innings, and it’s going to be the difference of Australia don’t try to shift the momentum.

That was always going to be a risk and sums up the difference in the 2 teams. 170 odd runs needed on a shortened day, England would go into full T20 mode and play to win, Australia have come out to try and not lose.

 

[TimShady]

I can’t agree with the commentary here. Khajawa has had a multitude of balls he could score from and he’s not doing. There comes a point where he must be told to press for runs as they approach the tail.

 

[ColchesterFC]

Rain tomorrow morning in Birmingham. Warm, humid and overcast in the afternoon.
England to win by 100 runs.

I think you typed one too many zeroes in your score prediction.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

If you merge Mark Roe, Paul McGinley and Hennie whatsit into one commentator they still wouldn't ruin the game as much as Pietersen does . Thank heavens he has just finished his stint.

Fabulous fielding display from England, fighting to save every run.

 

[AmandaJR]

Great final over with the old ball from Stokes.

Come on England...

 

[AmandaJR]

But then what do I know

 

[IanM]

Stuffy old Test Cricket... Twenty20 is the way forward!

 

[IanM]

Anyone's game still