The Cricket Thread.

[Oswald]

Well, in the end after a video conference with an Australian judge, who was presiding in Melbourne, Anderson was found not guilty. In reality this entire scenario was a storm in a teacup. Some have suggested that the Indians deliberately attempted to get England's best bowler, Anderson, removed from the remaining test series by exaggerating what really occurred in the tunnel between the two dressing rooms during the first test.

[pierrelm]

Originally Posted by Oswald

Some have suggested that the Indians deliberately attempted to get England's best bowler, Anderson, removed from the remaining test series by exaggerating what really occurred in the tunnel between the two dressing rooms during the first test.

After the last, thoroughly enjoyable test, I suspect we may see a real spinner in the Indian side rather than spectating. And as someone who played the game at a reasonable level I'd just like to say that Joe Root is a frightening talent. Oh, to have had that sort of footwork at the crease. The greats can always make time for themselves. He's got a huge career in front of him.

Butler looked very comfortable - dare we be optimistic again? Perhaps that depends on getting a settled attack once more. Woakes looks promising but I've not seen much of Jordan and he looked sort of potentially competent enough to hold and end down, but not mean nor inspired enough to cause the batsment too many problems

[pierrelm]

Well Old Trafford came and went pdq! Great performance by England and especially Jimmy, given the reports of how ill he was.

I'm not convinced that Robson is going to be a true long term opening option though and would like to see a change for the next test; and we need to find better options than Woakes and Jordan - the latter sort of gambols up to the wicket in one of the oddest approaches I've seen. Both are decent bowlers but never look like potential match winners and the rapidly improving and hugely likable Moeen Ali is providing the real support. Against a decent batting side we'll struggle.

And I'd like to see Stokes given a place in the side.

Isn't it nice to have an England side winning Tests with ease though - India looked very ordinary though at best. They appear to want to be anywhere else but here at the moment.

[old alal]

Really enjoyed two days at this test went Thursday and Saturday (Lucky boy!) Agree with pierrelm re Robson. He had a couple of technique issues, but time at the crease will help. I am not sure who we can replace him with though given who we have tried recently. We should definitely not move Root back up the order (yet) he has his position and should score a couple of thousand runs there before moving. Remember he has scored only 600 odd runs so far and 200 of them came in one knock.

We need to stick with woakes for now with what has happened to Broad, and by the way a ball should not get through a visor no matter what angle it is coming from. This indecent might have been avoided if he was not wearing the helmet. Sure he would still have worn one in the face but it MIGHT have been a more glancing blow.

Finn in for Broad I think, same as otherwise.

Well done England nice to win and win easy, and I think thanks to Matt Merchant for producing the best wicket so far this series.

[Oswald]

The Indian supporters have been noticeable in their lack of appearances during this test series. No doubt when the ODI's and T20 come along they'll be turning out in full numbers.

[stardust2003]

Ironic is nt it, Old Traff spend millions on the
stadium and media centre

then along comes a shower at 2.30 and thats it... no
play for the rest of the day ! even though it was sunny by 3 pm

Boyks was nt best pleased !

[buttsie]

Theres bad and then theres India in the 3rd to 5th tests in England

148 & 94 all out in 90 overs after the other team had amassed 486 in 116 overs

http://www.sportinglife.com/cricket/...ngland-v-india

Lucky the first test was on a dud of a pitch and England were off their game in the 2nd

England inflicted a second consecutive three-day defeat on India to seal the Investec Test series 3-1 at the Oval.

I'll bet they dont plan too many more 4-5 test series with them away
from now on.With Tendulkar & Dravid you could understand that number but with this lot more than 3 is over the top.

[stardust2003]

Come on, the guys beat India... the hub of world cricket
a team with massive support
The guys outplayed them and ended up with a series win .

After humiliation in Australia ... a series defeat by Sri Lanka
the guys needed that win to end the season on a high...

a high that might just
last until the Aussies touch down at Heathrow next June !

But hang on a minute.. its Aug 18th and thats the end of test cricket for the year when they could be playing tests and filling grounds
till the end of September !

I think cricket fans feel a bit short changed !

[Oswald]

What a very strange series indeed. England were completely outplayed in the second test - but came roaring back in the next three to register a comprehensive 3-1 series victory with another thumping win at the Oval. India were bowled out for their lowest score at this ground.

Yes, the test series is over - already. Now there are the seemingly endless parade of ODI's and T20's which are very popular in India and especially to their massive TV audience. TV money from ODI's brings in huge revenue and India call the shots with regards to this as they are the major (prime) financial powerhouse in world cricket.

[old alal]

Originally Posted by stardust2003

But hang on a minute.. its Aug 18th and thats the end of test cricket for the year when they could be playing tests and filling grounds
till the end of September !

I think cricket fans feel a bit short changed !

Quite!

Something to do with one day games now all being played on the bounce. Why can't we mix the games up throughout the summer. Perhaps it is something to do with different squads etc.