Cricket Thread

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flanker Jul 2015 1:33am, 18 Jul 2015 15,993 posts	0 flanker Said it several times over recent month: Bell has to go. His total for the last 11 innings is not much over 100 iirc. He's been an immense batsman for England but it's time to ride off into the sunset while he still has that reputation, as it's being degraded rapidly. Never been convinced by Lyth, but never seen him play before his Test performances. I'd actually give Balance chance as I think there's a good test player lurking under there somewhere, once he finds the confidence to come out. Following on by lunchtime i reckon.
Dave A Jul 2015 8:13am, 18 Jul 2015 21,088 posts	0 Dave A I think that unless something happens to the out of form batsmen, like an injury, they will all get a run to prove themselves. Remember it was only a couple of months ago we were talking about accepting a thrashing this summer and rebuilding for the next few years.
Bru-Bru Jul 2015 11:16am, 18 Jul 2015 2,728 posts	0 Bru-Bru I would like to weigh in with the "Bell must go" comments but, last time I did that, he played the series of his life against Australia in England and we won a series we should have lost. He is SUCH a frustrating player because he has obviously got the talent but so often seems to lose concentration when he is just getting settled in, or fails to deliver when England are in trouble. Maybe he needs to spend some time on the couch with all these mental preparation experts the ECB employ....
Bru-Bru Jul 2015 11:18am, 18 Jul 2015 2,729 posts	0 Bru-Bru I was at Lord's the first two days, as it happens, with some Australian friends Impression I got was that the England bowling was too short and not straight enough in the first session, allowing the batsmen to get set. they were better in the afternoon and yesterday but, by then, it was too late. the Australian bowlers, on the other hand, were full and straight from the word go, and it has paid dividends for them.
Cheg Jul 2015 11:43am, 18 Jul 2015 304 posts	0 Cheg I wish I didn't have to do gardening or go out later for my Uncles 60th bday do. I love settling in for an England backs to the wall effort.
Crash Hamster Jul 2015 1:11pm, 18 Jul 2015 508 posts	0 Crash Hamster Afternoon, Cheggers, afternoon everyone. I have nothing to do today but watch Cook inch to his hundred. This is still an easy pitch. Buttlerfingers needs to step up; how a bloke can have a Test average of 46 and a best of (an extremely streaky, as I remember) 85 is a bit of a mystery. Sun's shining, flat pitch, chance to tire out the attack, Starc looking creaky, come on, my son!
Cheg Jul 2015 1:25pm, 18 Jul 2015 306 posts	0 Cheg Plenty of not outs after numerous England collapses I would imagine Hamster. So can we avoid the follow on?
Crash Hamster Jul 2015 1:36pm, 18 Jul 2015 509 posts	0 Crash Hamster 3 not outs plus today. 5 fifties, best of 85 was on debut. Due a big ton. We really should save the follow on easily. Normally, losing 1 wicket all session would be a big win for the batting side!
Wriggling Snake Jul 2015 1:42pm, 18 Jul 2015 9,853 posts	0 Wriggling Snake 57 overs gone already, new ball fairly soon. Even if Cook and Buttler bat well, new ball will turn up when we have around 260-270, so we need 100 more runs after the new ball, whoch I think would be difficult. I reckon it's more of a case of do Australia enforce it, the follow-on. Which will depend just how long England last....they have over 2and half days and 400 runs to play with.
Cheg Jul 2015 1:44pm, 18 Jul 2015 309 posts	0 Cheg You've got to enforce the follow on haven't u? The pitch is lifeless and isn't going to wear particarly.