Cricket Thread

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paul the builder Jul 2016 1:28pm, 25 Jul 2016 5,702 posts	0 paul the builder I didn't keep up with reading this thread over the weekend, but crikey you lot came down on side of the argument on the follow-on there. Wake up, sheeple! Seriously though - first of all if you lead by 400 on 1st innings, it really isn't going to matter either way. There's only one result, unless the weather takes loads of time out of the game. Pretty sure Cook had checked the forecast to cover off that one. Secondly - agree that 63 overs doesn't sound much of a work load (or 56 amongst the 4 seamers, being the more relevant number). But if Pakistan had( managed to dig in, then (say) 120 overs plus* the 63 starts to sounds like hard work. Third - psychological. 391 is (just about, technically) an achievable goal. It gives Pakistan something to play for. But 565? Never gonna happen, they know it, everyone knows it.
Doctor K Jul 2016 1:42pm, 25 Jul 2016 3,831 posts	0 Doctor K I think that one effect of not following on was that it worked the Pakistani bowlers and fielders a bit more. They had one less bowler too.
FenlandRunner Jul 2016 1:43pm, 25 Jul 2016 9,551 posts	0 FenlandRunner If you have five days. Why not use all five. And look how easy Cook and Root made batting look because they were under no pressure.
Wriggling Snake Jul 2016 1:50pm, 25 Jul 2016 12,544 posts	0 Wriggling Snake ah yes, of course, the sponsors, tv, ticket sales, bar takings......
Cheg Jul 2016 1:55pm, 25 Jul 2016 1,241 posts	0 Cheg I'm reading Ricky Pointing's monster Autobiography at the minute, it's a really good read. I'm sure he would have enforced the follow on. Not to worry Root and Cook got their averages up, the Pakistan bowlers will be mentally shot for the third test and as long as we bring it home alls well that ends well.
Ceratonia Jul 2016 2:10pm, 25 Jul 2016 3,969 posts	0 Ceratonia Ricky Ponting was one of the instigators of the modern trend not to enforce the follow on. He didn't enforce it on at least 10 occasions - only times were when the weather forecast made it look like a draw was most likely outcome. Michael Clarke has only made the other side follow on once in his time as Australia captain.
Cheg Jul 2016 2:21pm, 25 Jul 2016 1,242 posts	0 Cheg I'm still at the bit where he isn't captain. I did read a follow on stat in his book though, only 3 teams have ever lost when they enforce the follow on. If my memory serves and the book was probably published in 2012 so that stat may be out of date.
Cheg Jul 2016 2:24pm, 25 Jul 2016 1,243 posts	0 Cheg Here is a quick little article about the England game and The India game both currently going on and the use of the follow on or not. It does mention the Australians getting stung in 2001 which is the one Ponting wrote about. It also backs up what you say about Australia now being more cautious. cricwizz.com
postieboy Jul 2016 2:52pm, 25 Jul 2016 3,554 posts	0 postieboy That was the Steve Waugh era with the Aussie team at it's absolute peak. He only had one instinct and that was to go for the jugular quickly and that was one of the rare occasions it backfired. Why do batsman underestimate Moeen Ali? I know he's a bit expensive but has enough skill to make them look stupid if they don't play him sensibly. All the better for us though.
FenlandRunner Jul 2016 3:09pm, 25 Jul 2016 9,552 posts	0 FenlandRunner Yep, four down. Looking more and more unlikely Pakistan will see the day out.