The cricket thread

sixstringsupplies

Well I picked a crappy few days to have off. I’m from Wiltshire/Hampshire area originally and spent many a day at the Rose Bowl back in the day. I’ve never known a test match to be so badly affected by the weather. 

Fingers crossed for better weather for the final test of the summer. I’m assuming an unchanged team but if I was part of the coaching setup I’d give Wood or Archer a go. 

scrumhalf

Well played Zak Crawley, a fine maiden test century. 

Dopesick

Zak Crawley to get 300? Where the hell did this come from?!

Dopesick

Dopesick said:

Zak Crawley to get 300? Where the hell did this come from?!

Ten mins after I post this he gets out...well, yeah I pretty much gave it the kiss of death.

Still...267 ain’t to be scoffed at. Maybe let Buttler try and get to 200 then declare at 550 or so.

scrumhalf

I'm surprised Buttler hasn't teed off yet. Maybe when he gets to 150. I'd like us to have a good go at them with the ball this evening. 

guitars4you

Just when we think Jimmy is having to many bad days he shows he can still deliver - Hope he hits the 600 mark today - Last England test match for who knows when 

NorthernGooner

It'll be a fantastic achievement for a fast bowler when he hits 600.  Even more so when 
two of the three spinners ahead of him on the all time list were massive 'chuckers'.  

scrumhalf

Hats off to Jimmy Anderson, what a magnificent feat.

Meanwhile, Darren Stevens, at the age of 102, takes another four wickets as Kent beat Surrey. 

HerrMetal

HerrMetal said:

scrumhalf said:

Anderson out for the rest of the tour, rib injury. Bugger. 

Will he make it to 600 test victims or will injury prevent it? It's potentially only a handful of matches away. In the right conditions despite his age there is nobody better. Can still bowl quickly enough when the rhythm is there. I hope he can keep fit enough but it appears to increasingly be a struggle.

That's a resounding yes then.

Rich210

Get in the Burnley Bullet!

crunchman

Another Australian caught ball tampering:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/54379317

sixstringsupplies

Is anyone watching/enjoying (or not enjoying) the IPL.
I have always seen Twenty20 as pyjama cricket....until this season. I've watched pretty much every game so far in the background whilst working.

The standard of cricket is exceptionally high.
The entertainment is top drawer, even without the crowds. I cns ee why Morgan insisted on ECB players being allowed to play in the IPL to hone their skills.

Really does beg the question, what the ECB are even thinking about with regards to "The Hundred" when you see the success of the Big Bash League and the IPL

crunchman

Can't be bothered with the IPL.

Watched some of the Somerset Essex game last week.  Proper cricket.

20/20 isn't as bad as the Hundred though.

Stuckfast

Anyone been following the Aus vs India test series? There is some absolutely classic Test cricket being played out there. Hell of a performance by India to bat out for a draw in the third Test.

scrumhalf

I see that the spirit of the sandpaper issue has not totally gone away.

Steve Smith has been caught out trying to remove Rishab Pant's guard. Spirit of cricket?

Heartfeltdawn

Stuckfast said:

Anyone been following the Aus vs India test series? There is some absolutely classic Test cricket being played out there. Hell of a performance by India to bat out for a draw in the third Test.

Yes. It's been a hell of a series so far. Had some streams and the radio on. Outside of Jim Maxwell, there is a real dearth of good Australian commentators out there.

Considering Australia's attack were being heralded as the greatest ever in their history after the first Test, India's comeback has been remarkable. Missing their best batsman, a number of bowlers, injuries to those playing, lost the toss in this Test... when people talk of draws being boring, make them watch the Third Test highlights. 

Stuckfast

Yes indeed. Cummins and Hazlewood have been immense. I wonder if they'll rest Starc for the last Test, he doesn't seem quite as threatening.

Not sure how India are going to fill the hole left by Jadeja, either.

sixstringsupplies

really enjoyed Ashwin's retort to Tim Paine's sledging too.
It has been a long wait but finally, England test cricket returns on Thursday.

crunchman

Some strange goings on in the England match.  Bad Sri Lanka batting.  Weird dismissals.  One of the strangest 5 fors you will see.  Wrong 3rd umpiring decisions - that should have been run out just before the end of the innings as the bat was plainly in the air.  You could see the shadow of the bat on the ground.

All of it has conspired to put England in a very good position.

scrumhalf

... which we appear to be doing our best to chuck away.

I don't know if there are demons in the pitch or if it's just a lack of preparation, but it probably won't be dull viewing.