keaton
Big heart, hot blood and balls. Big balls
- Nov 18, 2004
- 9,715
Australia didn't have one of the worlds best batsmen in when they were 8 down
[Cricket] The Ashes- England v Australia- 1st Test, Birmingham, June 16 - 20, 2023
- Thread starter Eeyore
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Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 15,041
Are people STILL going to be going on about the declaration of England win?
It was a very bold declaration but with time lost to rain it may be crucial in getting a result in this game.
People are going to have to start wrapping their heads round the fact that we’d rather have a positive result one way or another, and that we back ourselves to win 3-2 or 4-1 if we lose this one. It’s got us incredible results and made Test cricket interesting again. The same people railing against Bazball would be telling De Zerbi’s Brighton not to piss about with it at the back.
- Apr 5, 2014
- 23,934
- Thread starter
- #404
De Zerbi ball is a good comparison. There are times when Brighton dick around at the back when just getting rid of it wouldn't affect the overall philosophy of the way they play. It's just a safer bet when the odds are really stacked against them. But there was the odd occasion when we put they put themselves in bad trouble by not
hoofing it.
The lack of a declaration, for me, was an unforced error. And as you know, when it comes to cricket there is no greater authority than me. Well, that's what I've been told on numerous occasions in conversation with myself.
keaton
Big heart, hot blood and balls. Big balls
- Nov 18, 2004
- 9,715
No one is railing against Bazball. It seems reasonable to be allowed to criticize certain decisions or aspects.
Debate it by all means. But Stokes would rather lose competitively than draw boringly
Change at Barnham
Well-known member
Just before the heavens opened on day 3.
- Apr 5, 2014
- 23,934
- Thread starter
- #409
Yeah, but having both lived in Australia, you and I love the place and have a great affinity with it's residents.
But when the bell goes at 11.00 there are eleven Aussies who I hate. And I hate them until stumps are called. And a match lost to Australia in the name of entertainment has me spitting blood like a blue rinse Tory waiting to cross the road at a Pride march.
There is no greater sight in English sport than an Aussie heading back to the pavilion with 16,000 folk giving them the wanker sign. But it's all friendly beers after stumps.
Give them no quarter. Do not give them a sniff.
I guess the point being made is that if we had batted to the end of the day - we would have had 6 overs with Root in giving it a bash, quite likely 20-30 runs. Then declare at close of play, and straight into the Aussies in the morning. They only had 4 overs and so the declaration wasn't likely to be a game-changer unless we got a couple of quick wickets - which we didn't. And to be honest, were not likely to given the pitch and weather at that point. And so, if the Aussies hadn't had those four overs - they would have finished their innings four overs later today (maybe) which would have meant we wouldn't have had our disastrous 22 balls.
The thing is - if he hadn't declared, there would be just the same chance of losing competitively.
But - always easy in hindsight!
- Apr 5, 2014
- 23,934
- Thread starter
- #412
Utter joy, although he made us pay on the next outing.
Mo Gosfield
Well-known member
- Aug 11, 2010
- 6,307
Pick a proper wicketkeeper ( Foakes ) rather than a stopper like Bairstow and you get a 100 run first innings lead. Most important position in the whole team and if you don't pick a specialist, you are gambling. I understand the argument about the runs that Bairstow might or might not contribute but its more important how many he might cost the side.
This has been going on for years. Brearley wanted the best keeper available ( Taylor ) stuck to his guns and was vindicated.
This has been going on for years. Brearley wanted the best keeper available ( Taylor ) stuck to his guns and was vindicated.
Me too mate, that’s exactly how I see it.
Ive been to Australia about 15 times, love the country, the people, the whole experience. Nearly moved there more than once but won’t do it now, though I have had a couple of nice work trips out there.
But when we play them at cricket, rugby and other sports, it’s a different story. I love the banter, it really means something when we beat them and vice versa. But it’s a rivalry that ends in that sense when the whistle goes.
The Wizard
Well-known member
- Jul 2, 2009
- 18,383
Pivotal first hour coming up you have to feel, Root and Pope need to stick around… rain threatening tomorrow will be interesting to see what way England go about it?
I’m guessing in the most aggressive way possible which probably means having a biff, getting a 300 lead then putting them in later today?
Conditions on Day 5 look questionable but also could be tricky to bat in with interruptions and cloud cover.
I’m guessing in the most aggressive way possible which probably means having a biff, getting a 300 lead then putting them in later today?
Conditions on Day 5 look questionable but also could be tricky to bat in with interruptions and cloud cover.
5Ways Gull
È quello che è
Think Bairstow is a great batsman who can really take a game by the scruff of the neck but surely someone who has recently had a double leg break is going to feel some discomfort crouching down behind the wicket for hours on end which will impact their performance.
Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
Maybe not.🫣
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 7,287
I agree with the comparisons with the way England are playing cricket to De Zerbi has got Brighton playing.
From the leadership comes innovation, positivity and a complete lack of fear. The result is compelling enthralling viewing. Sometimes it won't come off. But over the long term, you get the impression it will win us more than it loses.
This is why I won't criticise the declaration, even though it may cost us the match. You can't look at it in isolation, it's part of a wider way of thinking.
From the leadership comes innovation, positivity and a complete lack of fear. The result is compelling enthralling viewing. Sometimes it won't come off. But over the long term, you get the impression it will win us more than it loses.
This is why I won't criticise the declaration, even though it may cost us the match. You can't look at it in isolation, it's part of a wider way of thinking.