The Cricket Thread

I think West Indies have more right to feel aggrieved if I'm honest - all the close decisions are going England's way.

 

They did yesterday too, but they were all wrong! Today at least they’re getting them right, with the exception of totally missing Archer’s no ball.

 

Either Brooks is wearing 20 pairs of gloves and can’t actually feel his bat handle or he’s a twat.

 

Into the tail now...

 

Decent chance of us batting again tonight now, if the light holds (not that we would want to!).

 

Says a lot about the decision to pick Archer and Wood together, that Ben himself is having to help out Jimmy.

 

Please could one of you Southampton residents explain why the area in which the Ageas Bowl is located is called West End?Is it because it is west of Hedge End?

 

Not Hedge End specifically. More that it is at the west end of a wider area in general (including Hedge End).

 

West end of the east end then?

 

Hmm, pitch is starting to misbehave. Maybe not such a brain fart to bat first. BUT we are still behind. Need to get a 200 plus lead to make things interesting.

 

The openers have batted perfectly so far, but I hope the rate increases considerably when they have their eye in after lunch. I agree batting first might turn out fine if the pitch deteriorates later today and tomorrow.

 

Buggeration

 

Last chance for Denly? If Crawley gets a decent score, but he doesn't, it could well be. Someome will make way for Root. And at Denly's age, if it's him, you wouldn't expect a recall later.

 

Sibley gets a 50, then is bowled by a no ball next ball!

 

And then is caught behind...

 

My fault I shouldn't have had a look .

 

Potentially have our answer

 

If we don't avoid a batting collapse, we could be looking at maybe a lead of 230 at the close (assuming play goes onto 7pm). Would probably still mean having to bat on until lunch tomorrow (maybe pull out half an hour before), at which point there shouldn't be time to bowl them out.

 

Ben Stokes is hitting the ball beautifully.

 

Less of a concern now about this drifting into a draw. Better chance of winning now...and of losing.