The Cricket Thread

[Billysboots]

Don't know why we don't bat properly and score 600 every time and then bowl sensibly and skittle them for 150

Surely, though, you share the frustration of others that, at 180-1, a huge total was there to be had. With Australia already having 400+ in the bank England’s priority surely had to be to score heavily enough to ensure they didn’t lose.

They could have done that. Instead they have conceded a sizeable first innings lead and the most likely result now is a defeat which all but seals our Ashes fate. This England side is far better than that.

 

[Grizzly]

Surely, though, you share the frustration of others that, at 180-1, a huge total was there to be had. With Australia already having 400+ in the bank England’s priority surely had to be to score heavily enough to ensure they didn’t lose.

The way I just explained it to my Missus is, nobody would mind if everyone got out to balls like the one that got Stokes, or if those out to the short stuff had fended balls off their throats. What we are objecting to is that at least six wickets were plain thrown away - Pope played about the worst shot I have ever seen for a test batsman, with Brook a close second and Crawley third.

 

[Billysboots]

The way I just explained it to my Missus is, nobody would mind if everyone got out to balls like the one that got Stokes, or if those out to the short stuff had fended balls off their throats. What we are objecting to is that at least six wickets were plain thrown away - Pope played about the worst shot I have ever seen for a test batsman, with Brook a close second and Crawley third.

Poor shot selection. Simple as that. We can play this fabulous new brand of attacking cricket without some of the awful dismissals we have seen.

At least make Australia work for their wickets.

 

[Whereditgo]

The way I just explained it to my Missus is, nobody would mind if everyone got out to balls like the one that got Stokes, or if those out to the short stuff had fended balls off their throats. What we are objecting to is that at least six wickets were plain thrown away - Pope played about the worst shot I have ever seen for a test batsman, with Brook a close second and Crawley third.

Pope could barely reach the ball! The England middle order were naive to say the least. England have bowled quite well in this second innings imo, Australia could easily be 4 down now.......England certainly would be batting they way they did in that first innings!

 

[sunshine]

New poster going up on the wall in the England dressing room

 

[AmandaJR]

New poster going up on the wall in the England dressing room

The thing I also don't get is when Stokes came in he ignored the trap and played very sensibly. At no point though did he seem to suggest to Brook he stopped flapping at every bouncer. The commentators suggested that is because he wants players to play their own game. That's fine to a point but a Captain's role is also surely to advise - especially when it was clear his luck would run out and he'd be caught in the deep.

 

[Billysboots]

Totally hacked off with this England approach now. I’ve come off the golf course to settle down and watch Ollie Robinson dropping it half way down the track at 75mph.

The difference between this and the Australian attack adopting the same approach is that their bowlers are 10mph quicker, and their batters not quite as naive.

 

[TimShady]

This game is confusing as hell. The Aussies probably already have a lead that won’t be chased down - so why not throw the bat, get some quick runs and then bowl England out? Both teams playing for a draw?

 

[Billysboots]

This game is confusing as hell. The Aussies probably already have a lead that won’t be chased down - so why not throw the bat, get some quick runs and then bowl England out? Both teams playing for a draw?

It’s mind numbing to watch. England clearly trying to keep the run rate down by digging it in half way down the track, Australia largely unwilling to take it on.

And as I type, Cameron Green falls into the trap pulling yet another rank short Robinson ball down Duckett’s throat.

Nice to get a wicket, but we can’t have Ollie Robinson thinking he’s Harold Larwood. He’s more Harold Lloyd.

 

[Billysboots]

Just heard on commentary that the last full delivery in this innings was bowled a staggering 2 1/2 hours ago. Every single delivery since has been short.

It’s cricket, Jim, but not as we know it………..

 

[Billysboots]

What on earth are the Australians thinking sending Nathan Lyon out to bat? The man can scarcely stand.

 

[TimShady]

What on earth are the Australians thinking sending Nathan Lyon out to bat? The man can scarcely stand.

I think both teams have agreed that every decision in this entire series will be made by coin toss.

 

[Billysboots]

Casual cricket viewer here and not really getting it. What's the chat with Lyon - why hasn't he got a runner?

Runners no longer allowed in international cricket, Kaz.

 

[AmandaJR]

Runners no longer allowed in international cricket, Kaz.

Shame as it was glorious chaos! Although this test...

 

[IanM]

Awaiting the pandemonium!

 

[AmandaJR]

They clearly knew Lyon's series was over but even so risking further damage for a few extra runs...I guess he wanted to do it.

Oh and whilst we're at it. Stop tickling at balls that are going down leg. Oh and also - Bairstow wouldn't have made that catch...grrrr...

 

[Billysboots]

13-2. Cracking start.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

It will be done by lunch tomorrow

England really need a big think

Bazball is all well and good but they also need to play the conditions and the opposition

This is another test they have thrown away and it’s prob the Ashes done

 

[AmandaJR]

I've put the golf on

 

[Billysboots]

Well, that’s The Ashes gone. 45-4.

Oh dear, oh dear.