Cricket

Jofra's broken again... oh well, no Ashes. Proper shame for the fella.

Oh crap

Don't even need him with Broad, Anderson, Robinson tbh. Wood is also likely available, and unlike previous times appears to have the worst of his injury issues behind him...

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/may/16/climate-crisis-kashmir-willow-wood-shortage-threat-cricket-bat-industry

Stokes also doubtful for Ireland Test. Who's going to take the wickets once Murtagh's blitzkrieged you out?

(I know he's not playing anymore, but still...)

I am too pissed off at Foakes being dropped to care about anything else

I am too pissed off at Foakes being dropped to care about anything else

He's dropped for Ireland to get a look at some others.
They'll reinstate him for the important* tests (Ashes)

*sorry Irish fans

So Vaughan skulks back in after his slap on the wrist...

I've picked a pretty good season to become a member at the Oval and therefore a Surrey fan.

Come on the Rey!

What streamer are the summer tests broadcast?

Sky/Now
BT
?

Still Sky

Seeing Sean Abbott tonk the ball around to all parts this evening was very fun

Seeing Sean Abbott tonk the ball around to all parts this evening was very fun

Yes indeed. It was a great game.

Were you at the Oval?

No chat about the Lords Test vs Ireland?

David vs Goliath

Odds on Goliath

Tounge is promising

Sadly unable to keep in touch with it regularly.

Looks bleak for Ireland's first innings on the scorecard though. Would have liked to see Stirling still in - great to watch. Can be brutal.

^ sounds good about Tongue, given his battles with injury

So, err, Bazball

Hopefully get to catch the highlights this evening but I see Crawley got 50 so that's his place guaranteed for the next 20 tests.

No chat about the Lords Test vs Ireland?

I'm not going til tomorrow as I've been camping down in Dorset. No spoilers please, but hope today went well.

It's not 2019 anymore, Tonto.

Just catching up with the BBC highlights.
The intro is full of flashy batting.
While it has been eye opening to see English batsmen playing without fear, racking up formidable totals, and chasing down formerly intimidating targets, it is the regularity of taking 20 wickets in a Test that is the real change.
Stokes' willingness to be always attacking when bowling has meant that opposition batsmen had little respite and wickets have been manufactured rather than bought.

Yeah but the good day in 2019 was the day I was there (*taps nose)

How's the atmosphere?

Might be over today at this rate

Depends if any if the England squad have got Cup Final tickets.

Subdued…

Greatest risk of excitement is absolutely shitfaced out of boredom.