The Cricket Thread

[LeSoupeKitchen]

My worry is that we've got Marnus and Smith cheap in both innings; that is VERY unlikely to happen again, so we simply have to make the most of this.

I think it's a flip of a coin right now, the pitch doesn't have many demons in it, the weather will take some time out of the day, and if Khawaja bats for a session they probably win the match.

I think Boland is key too. If he gets a few quick runs, even some streaky fours, it could really change it.

Enabling bowlers to bat with freedom with proper batsmen to come after is a good tactic. It's only a matter of time before Baz opens with Robinson and Anderson.

 

[jazz15c]

I think Boland is key too. If he gets a few quick runs, even some streaky fours, it could really change it.

Enabling bowlers to bat with freedom with proper batsmen to come after is a good tactic. It's only a matter of time before Baz opens with Robinson and Anderson.

That would be such a head-fuck for the opposition, but we are through the looking glass now, so fuck it...let's do it!

 

[southlondonyiddo]

Real shame that Stokes is clearly nowhere near 100%, would have bowled himself yesterday if he was

Big blow moving forward….

 

[LeSoupeKitchen]

I tried to tempt a buddy to sack off work and go to Edgbaston today.

He said he couldn't because he's taking the "Life in the UK Test".... in Birmingham.... at 11am. Has to be some irony there.

Ditching it to go to the Ashes should be an automatic pass.

 

[Impspur1]

My worry is that we've got Marnus and Smith cheap in both innings; that is VERY unlikely to happen again, so we simply have to make the most of this.

I think it's a flip of a coin right now, the pitch doesn't have many demons in it, the weather will take some time out of the day, and if Khawaja bats for a session they probably win the match.

Perfect bowling conditions for our seam attack.

 

[aussiespursguy]

Perfect bowling conditions for our seam attack.

That is my worry, and why you are the in the box seat right now.
Heady is more than capable of taking a big hold of the game quickly but i worry about the movement that will be there today with the clouds.
Would love reversal of 2005 with us being 9 for and Nathan Lyon scoring the winning run!

 

[thebenjamin]

Surely a bit of swing around today. Sir James can come to the party

 

[Impspur1]

That is my worry, and why you are the in the box seat right now.
Heady is more than capable of taking a big hold of the game quickly but i worry about the movement that will be there today with the clouds.
Would love reversal of 2005 with us being 9 for and Nathan Lyon scoring the winning run!

Yeah, I think we saw in that 20 mins on day 3 just how much the cloud cover can change things. We lack pace and a decent spinner in our attack but our seamers are as good as anyone in these conditions. If we get 60 overs I really fancy England to bowl Oz out. It’s a 2 wicket game for me, get Kawaja and or Head then that’s one end open.

 

[jazz15c]

Whatever happens today, it's been compelling viewing, absolutely loved it, and long may that continue

 

[Gingernut]

As long as it stops, the longer it rains, the more attacking risks Stokes can take with his field placements - could be an interesting afternoon

 

[jimbo]

That is my worry, and why you are the in the box seat right now.
Heady is more than capable of taking a big hold of the game quickly but i worry about the movement that will be there today with the clouds.
Would love reversal of 2005 with us being 9 for and Nathan Lyon scoring the winning run!

I think it's finely balanced, and would probably make Oz slight favourites on what has been a flat pitch and still with plenty of batting to come.

If the conditions hang around and make the ball hoop about then England will be right in it but will still need a couple of early wickets I think. Get Khawaja early, get Travis Head early and cheaply - then I'd have England in the box seat.

 

[jimbo]

Whenever they happen, the first couple of overs will probably give us a good idea of how this is likely to play out.

 

[Trix]

Any forecast for when play starts? Trying to get a few bits done before sticking it on.

 

[southlondonyiddo]

Could you imagine the best Test side in the world needing 60 to win with 15 overs left and 3 wickets in hand blocking out grimly for a draw…..

There has become a huge chasm between how this England side wants to play and the rest….

 

[Gingernut]

Any forecast for when play starts? Trying to get a few bits done before sticking it on.

not yet - lunch being taken at 12.30....

 

[dagraham]

Any forecast for when play starts? Trying to get a few bits done before sticking it on.

On Sky earlier they said they are taking early lunch and play won’t start until at least 1:10pm.

 

[Cel]

On Sky earlier they said they are taking early lunch and play won’t start until at least 1:10pm.

Yea, that's just been confirmed a couple of minutes ago as well, no play until at least 1.10

 

[Gingernut]

Inspection at 1.20pm

 

[dvdhopeful]

2 15 start, plenty of time yet

 

[Oh Teddy Teddy]

2 15 start, plenty of time yet

hmmm, not sure enough time for either team to win it