Cricket

Trying to sell the game to 90s indy band fans/festival goers?

Realistically, I'd have taken a first innings deficit of 12 after being put into bat. That’s pretty good going from where we were this morning. Just a bit annoying their tail wagged (with some assistance from our bowlers).

Would be nice if we can set a stiff target and keep the 'moral victory' intact, but I suspect they'll make it more exciting than that.

As a side note, Australia's batting was pisspoor for most of the day. The kind of negative shite we used to excel at. A dismal showing.

Need to bat the day out first. Bowlers need a decent break especially without Mo.

Need to bat the day out

I'd love it, etc. /Keegan

Hell, dare to dream... four sessions! No Mo, though, so we'll need some more of that Aussie first innings catching.

I hate to say it, particularly as I have tickets for both, but the weather looks not great for days four and five....

That man Stokes. How does he do it? Such immaculate footwork he could be a ballet dancer.

Yep, that catch was absolutely incredible. It's the kind of thing one used to speak about in terms of "Imagine if you..." but now it is done in real life, in an Ashes test of all arenas..!

definitely. first toss loss of the series. I'd take a 12 run deficit and two innings finished by stumps on day 2.

how's everyone feeling about today?

Crawley's inside edge alone will match Australia's run rate in their first two sessions.

But how long can England bat for before being a/o? 2 sessions, longer?

i can't see Eng batting 4 sessions! and with an eye on the weather, that's probably for the best

Currently chucking it down in Streatham. Hopefully blowing through soon.

They'll need to last longer than that with the 2 old codgers needing a rest. Give themselves 45mins at the aussies end of the day, maybe.

Beautiful

exactly. 2 sessions may well be enough runs on the board at this RR. but drag it out a bit fot the poor bowlers. especially with Moeen and all of his overs missing

I'm familiar with the (supposed) benefit of the righty/lefty combination of openers to ensure opposition bowlers have to keep adjusting their line.
Observing the height difference between Crawley & Duckett is there a similar benefit for messing with the opposition bowlers' length?

No idea but it's always hilarious watching them chat in the middle. Look like father and son.

I would think definitely there is, though IANAinternationalbowler.

Stokes at number three is an interesting move.

No one else seems to be able to do it. Hope he can stick around for a couple of hours.

Does seem to be a problematic position for us. Pope putting his shoulder out hasn't helped, but there appears to be a dearth of number threes in England. Which is worrying.

As per TMS, Stokes was padded up as Crawley & Duckett walked onto the pitch to start the innings.
Agnew 'won' the sweepstake.
Commentators have stated that Stokes has the technique to bat higher, but previously needed the additional lower order rest after bowling.

Yeah, definitely has the technique and timing. Temperament I'm less sure about.

The first 70-odd balls Stokes faced at Headingley 2019 showed flawless temperament.
I can only guess Stokes enjoys cricket so much, he prefers biffing a quick 20/30(?), especially if he only has the tail with him,
or,
the pressure of bowling at Test level left him drained of the required concentration.
A slow 50+ here, as the anchor to Crawley, Root, Brook & Bairstow will be a fine bookend to this series.

I know he can do the patient innings building thing. I just don't think he really likes doing it.

Would take a slow, steady 50+ here definitely. There's plenty of time left in the game despite the threatened weather.

Not going to be able to watch owt today so lovely to see 130-1 at lunch. Has it been full baz?

What's the chatter about targets and declerations with the shit weather coming over the next couple of days?

.... the Oracle had spoken this morning

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