Cricket

He bats like a number 6 rather than an opener. Every ball outside the off stump looks like a wicket ball. A horrible slash between the slips to get off the mark, almost ran his partner out before he did run his partner out. Then a terrible drive at the spinner getting nowhere near the pitch of the ball. Agree he needs to go away and learn how to bat at the top of the order in a test match.

 

I think Hussain did an excellent 3rd man on his technique. It showed his front leg locked which meant he was always stretching to get the ball. Compare that to route that plays the ball late and watches on to his bat. His technique just isn't good enough for this level but not sure who else there is. Sibley and Burns don't suit the new way of playing. Maybe Compton at Kent that's having a good summer? Is he an opener?

 

113 to win at the start of the day and allover in 15 overs. Pretty impressive stuff. India next on Friday

 

Meanwhile...*


* Great idea for a band name - Flaming Cheeks.

 

As long as Bairstow contributes 200+ of those, I think we could get it.

 

It would be nice if the top order stepped up to provide him, Root and Stokes with a decent platform to attack.

 

Indeed, and so far, surprisingly, so good.....

 

This "changing the ball when it doesn't swing" lark is getting ridiculous. They change the ball after the umpteenth request and almost immediately a wicket.

 

I thought this as well. Standard of the ball doesn't help but maybe there should be a limit to twice an innings unless ball is actually damaged

 

3 wickets in 16 balls 2 runs including a run out. That's more like the England we know and love

 

Shambles. Just as we got ourselves back to a par position. Will need a 100+ partnership plus now to restore parity.

 

well they did that, both look in good form. I think if they can put another 50 on between them then the game is ours.

 

Hi all,

I managed to get 2 tickets for tomorrows play earlier - but can’t make it.

Free to a good home if anyone wants them!

 

Yes great batting. We need to get the 120 or so from the next 3 partnerships because we will fall like a pack of cards after that. Nicely in the balance at the moment. An early wicket and we’ll be up against it again. Start with a nice 30-40 and it should get easier and easier.

 

New ball due in 23 overs, would expect us to try and knock off most of the runs needed before that becomes available. Around 5 and over which is pretty much the rate we've gone at for the rest of the innings.
I get the feeling I won't get a lot of work done this morning!

 

I thought you lived in New York?

 

Can only presume plenty of other people did the same. The ground looks about half full.

 

Back in UK for summer, been back since end of May - hence going to Elton on Sunday etc

 

Really stunning batting. A bit of luck but there has been a sea change in attitude and to successfully chase this total with such style is great to see.

 

Yet another 100 for Bairstow !

 

They were absolutely brilliant

 

Absolutely incredible summer so far. The batting in the fourth innings of all four tests has been nothing short of superb

 

Also great the way the games have swung. All 4 tests have seen fortunes swing between seemingly invincible positions and certain to lose positions. Have been brilliant for test cricket.

 

Goes to show how bad a coach silverwood was for this team in general. Root is clearly an excellent player but under Silverwood he could not get the team going.

 

Throughout life people just perform better at their jobs if they are happy, feel supported and are thinking positive thoughts.
The Silverwood /Root regime just exuded fear and negativity.

 

I’d never have described myself as a massive cricket fan, but these last few tests have been excellent entertainment and some of the best sport I’ve seen. I’m hooked.