Cricket Thread

[waspish]

Some cricketers just don't seem to be able to take their county form into the Test arena. Crawley's still got age on his side so he could yet get better (although I note his first class batting average is surprisingly low at just over 30), but 2 players from years gone by who always spring to mind and really should've done better for England are Graeme Hick and Mark Ramprakash. Hick's first-class batting average was an impressive 52.23 but in test matches it was only 31.32. Ramprakash's first-class batting average was even better at 53.14, yet his test match batting average was a woeful 27.32. I think anyone averaging over 50 in first-class cricket should be more than capable of averaging over 40 in test cricket so both those players massively underperformed in test matches IMO.

Crawley in the England side for me is better than Ramprakash hick though in this set up would be an unbelievable player..

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Perhaps it’s time to stop stepping down the wicket to Lyon. :/

 

[Gabriel]

Correct. But it's just a start. It'll count for precious little if we lose 2 or 3 quick wickets. Time to knuckle down now, and try to see the evening session out with as little further damage as is possible (one more wicket, max).

Never agreed much with Boycott, but his adage holds about not judging until both side have had an innings. That said, given how yesterday's plan went so far awry and given the apparent deadness of the pitch, I currently think a draw wouldn't be a bad result for England. Certainly a good opportunity for Duckett, Pope, and Root to bat long.

 

[Postman Pep]

You're not forgetting the legend that is Adam Lyth, are you?

Or Haseeb Hameed or Alex Lees ....
We haven't had a class opener emerge since Cook ... and we've tried a fair few.
Not sure trying to find another one half way through a series is the answer.

 

[jimharri]

Never agreed much with Boycott, but his adage holds about not judging until both side have had an innings. That said, given how yesterday's plan went so far awry and given the apparent deadness of the pitch, I currently think a draw wouldn't be a bad result for England. Certainly a good opportunity for Duckett, Pope, and Root to bat long.

Or the old saying about adding two wickets to any score.

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

Never agreed much with Boycott, but his adage holds about not judging until both side have had an innings. That said, given how yesterday's plan went so far awry and given the apparent deadness of the pitch, I currently think a draw wouldn't be a bad result for England. Certainly a good opportunity for Duckett, Pope, and Root to bat long.

Have been busy last 2 days but if I'd have been posting I would have been saying that our bowlers aren't good enough and that this is a shit show.

Still think a draw may be a good result in the end though.

 

[Gabriel]

Or the old saying about adding two wickets to any score.

Indeed. The Australians were 198 went they lost their third wicket. Duckett is nearing his century and that might be when confidence lapses, but he's already scored 182 (vs Ireland) and 177 (vs Middlesex) this summer at Lord's, so he seems to enjoy it there.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Duckett needs to put the hook shot away.

 

[BringBackSwales]

Never found Strauss a particularly inspirational captain, but fair play to him with what his done with the charity in his late wife’s name, very inspiring

 

[Dr Jacoby]

Duckett needs to put the hook shot away.

And Pope.