[Cricket] *** England v India *** 2nd Spicy Test at Lords 17th -21st SS2 11am

[pasty]

Oh dear, here we go...

SD Robson c Dhoni b Kumar 17

31/2

You can bet your bottom dollar that if India get us to something like 145/7 as we had them, we won't get anywhere near 300

 

[Bold Seagull]

It's a cracking pitch, really good match. India getting the ball in good areas, but areas you can score off. Just need to get the shine of this cherry and someone to dig in here.

 

[spring hall convert]

The difference - India are bowling disciplined and to a plan. England's batting just can't help itself playing at balls they should be leaving.

We let them have about 100 too many on first innings through ill-disciplined bowling.

 

[Mellotron]

Right, Ian Bell. No pressure, but ALL the pressure is on you now for a big score. C'mon fella.

 

[Zebedee]

Cook -

 

[Medwayseagull]

Is Ballance really wearing a sleeveless jumper in this weather ? He obviously isn't expecting to get hot by running.

 

[Mr Icicle Boots]

Is Ballance really wearing a sleeveless jumper in this weather ? He obviously isn't expecting to get hot by running.

Shame he wasn't wearing it the other night.

 

[nwgull]

Oh dear, here we go...

SD Robson c Dhoni b Kumar 17

31/2

You can bet your bottom dollar that if India get us to something like 145/7 as we had them, we won't get anywhere near 300

I wouldn't bet any dollar. India's recent record of bowling our tail out cheaply is poor, to say the least!

 

[crodonilson]

Cook worries me, he looks ill. He needs someone to put him out of his misery and let him go back to County Cricket and regain his confidence.

 

[banjo]

Oh dear, here we go...

SD Robson c Dhoni b Kumar 17

31/2

You can bet your bottom dollar that if India get us to something like 145/7 as we had them, we won't get anywhere near 300

Come come have you forgotten about our fine batsmen Jimmy Anderson.

 

[pasty]

Not getting any better...

IR Bell c Jadeja b Kumar 16

Eng 70/3

 

[Badger]

Oh FFS, have we got to rely on the tail AGAIN?

 

[Mr Icicle Boots]

Cook worries me, he looks ill. He needs someone to put him out of his misery and let him go back to County Cricket and regain his confidence.

Absolutely this. We are ruining a world class batsmen with the burdens of captaincy. He cleary won't admit it himself so it needs to be done for him. Remember he's only 29 and still has many years as a test batsmen ahead but he needs to be removed as captain to acheive it. The argument that there's no viable alternative is just plain ridiculous purely as a reason to continue with Cook. In all seriousness would Broad be any worse? Or even someone like Morgan, who at least has captained the one day side?
Rant over. I just feel that the upshot of the current situation is that England have neither a captain nor a world class opening batsmen.

 

[spring hall convert]

Or even someone like Morgan, who at least has captained the one day side?

Morgan's tactically naive and has a totally flawed technique. He should fit right in.

 

[Badger]

Avoided the follow-on

 

[Bold Seagull]

Maybe we've even got to look at an experienced county captain like Chris Read who would have the respect to come straight into the job. Drop Prior and Cook, get an experienced opener in the side. Australia went with the 35 yr old Chris Rogers and it really worked for them. We obsess too much about age sometimes I think.

 

[Braggfan]

Maybe we've even got to look at an experienced county captain like Chris Read who would have the respect to come straight into the job. Drop Prior and Cook, get an experienced opener in the side. Australia went with the 35 yr old Chris Rogers and it really worked for them. We obsess too much about age sometimes I think.

I agree the age thing is an issue we obsess about. I really like the idea of having an old pro mentoring a new captain.

 

[Taybha]

Root gone lbw 113-4 huuuuge inside edge

 

[pasty]

Root gone lbw 113-4 huuuuge inside edge

OUTRAGEOUS DECISION! Massive inside edge on that

JE Root lbw b Jadeja 13

Eng 113/4

 

[Luke93]

This is why DRS must be compulsory.