The Cricket Thread

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

I really don't want to have to put a poster on ignore in the cricket thread, it's one of the better ones on here, but the faux outrage every time there's bump in the road is really grating.
I'm not sure if you're trying to play up to your chief knee jerker role but not making it like a match day thread would be appreciated

Put me on ignore if you like fella, I could not care less. Being constantly scolded for offering my opinion is equally becoming incredibly tiresome especially as nothing I’ve said is particularly controversial.

Stokes getting out has opened the door to Australia, especially with Moeen likely batting last. It’s only Day 3 and the wicket looks decent. They’ll fancy chasing anything around 300-350. Me being upset that Stokes got out playing an unnecessary shot doesn’t warrant being told to “give it a rest.”

 

[PCozzie]

Funny isn't it? And I've felt this a number of times in the series; England seem to have been entirely on top in this 2nd innings. I don't think there's been a maiden and I can count on one hand the number of genuinely unplayable deliveries, the ball has regularly hit the boundary rope or gone over it and singles are available nearly every ball. Every batsman (except Brook) has come in and looked immediately set. Yet 240-4 is a score that you'd say is firmly in 'this could go either way' territory.

Australia look both in real trouble, and also on the verge of bowling England out for 280.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Funny isn't it? And I've felt this a number of times in the series; England seem to have been entirely on top in this 2nd innings. I don't think there's been a maiden and I can count of one hand the number of genuinely unplayable deliveries, the ball has regularly hit the boundary rope or gone over it and singles are available nearly every ball. Every batsman (except Brook) has come in and looked immediately set. Yet 240-4 is a score that you'd say is firmly in 'this could go either way' territory.

I think that’s what is so frustrating about us chasing a series draw and not a comprehensive win. Australia have played sensibly without doing anything special. At no point have I felt England were under the cosh or being massively outplayed at all this series.

Had we selected better (Foakes, Wood, Woakes) from the get go, and not made so many unforced errors through rash shot selections, bad declarations and poor fielding, I genuinely think this could’ve been 4-0.

With that said, it bodes well going forward. Australia are the top test team in the world and we’ve made them look ordinary. The India series will be a huge test, mind.

 

[PCozzie]

I think that’s what is so frustrating about us chasing a series draw and not a comprehensive win. Australia have played sensibly without doing anything special. At no point have I felt England were under the cosh or being massively outplayed at all this series.

Had we selected better (Foakes, Wood, Woakes) from the get go, and not made so many unforced errors through rash shot selections, bad declarations and poor fielding, I genuinely think this could’ve been 4-0.

With that said, it bodes well going forward. Australia are the top test team in the world and we’ve made them look ordinary. The India series will be a huge test, mind.

I just want those 10 mad overs at Lords back. Play those better and we're playing for the win today.

 

[Impspur1]

Excellent 2 sessions and a perfect example of how to set up a total. Not sure what’s not to be happy with. Already have a total that is challenging and one I don’t see this Aussie team getting,ideally by close of play close to 400 ahead

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Excellent 2 sessions and a perfect example of how to set up a total. Not sure what’s not to be happy with. Already have a total that is challenging and one I don’t see this Aussie team getting,ideally by close of play close to 400 ahead

I'd have bitten your hand off for 265-4 if offered. They've done amazing and moved the game on superbly

 

[Impspur1]

I'd have bitten your hand off for 265-4 if offered. They've done amazing and moved the game on superbly

It’s an indicator of how this team has progressed that some aren’t entirely happy with how it’s gone. 18 months ago we were absolutely no where near being in this position. we were 2-0 down, incredible turnaround. Nothing will ever convince me that we haven’t dominated the best side in the world and should be on the verge of retaking the Ashes.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

It’s an indicator of how this team has progressed that some aren’t entirely happy with how it’s gone. 18 months ago we were absolutely no where near being in this position. we were 2-0 down, incredible turnaround. Nothing will ever convince me that we haven’t dominated the best side in the world and should be on the verge of retaking the Ashes.

It's a shame we were undercooked in the first few matches but now we've hit our groove we look like the best team.

 

[Impspur1]

It's a shame we were undercooked in the first few matches but now we've hit our groove we look like the best team.

Comfortably the best side, they look out on their feet! Indian tour is going to be a belter on those batsmen friendly wickets.

 

[Yiddo100]

What lead do we want 450 should be plenty and probably leaves us with at least 5 sessions to get 10 wickets, just hope he doesn’t declare too early again.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

What lead do we want 450 should be plenty and probably leaves us with at least 5 sessions to get 10 wickets, just hope he doesn’t declare too early again.

I think 450 just to remove all doubt although 400 should be enough.

Australia will still have 2 days to bat on a pitch which looks as flat as a pancake. They have some of the best batters in the world. We need to remove any chance of them chasing successfully imo.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

This is why they were so keen to get YJB in. The counter punch is not only good score wise it demoralises as well. They had a sniff and it's gone within an hour. Root has been able to dial it back as well

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

Awwwww what a shame

 

[Monkeyman]

Looked like that kept pretty low as well as turned.

 

[stonecolddeanaustin]

I think 450 just to remove all doubt although 400 should be enough.

Australia will still have 2 days to bat on a pitch which looks as flat as a pancake. They have some of the best batters in the world. We need to remove any chance of them chasing successfully imo.

There's no way we're getting 2 full days play in with the weather forecast. We have to win or else they're heading for the spawniest series win ever. Really wouldn't mind a slightly early declaration. Probably not gonna quite manage putting them in for twenty minutes tonight though thanks to their ridiculous over rate.

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

This Murphy bloke looks half decent at times. You’d think he’ll improve for the experience and maybe take over from Lyon when he goes.

 

[tommo84]

There should be a lot of play tomorrow but Monday could lose a couple of sessions. Should be very different bowling conditions tomorrow with more cloud around and a bit of moisture in the air. Another 50 runs and a target of 380+ should be enough so bat through until close, and then put them in straight away tomorrow.

Any declaration tonight would be foolish in my opinion, even with an iffy forecast for Monday.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Wouldn’t be shocked if YJB gets into the 80s then tries to accelerate his century.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Wouldn’t be shocked if YJB gets into the 80s then tries to accelerate his century.

My fault

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Anything under 400 with 2 days to chase it is pretty dangerous imo