The Cricket Thread. - Page 554

**DB83** · August 15th, 2018, 12:05 PM

Twas interesting to read the press today and, as ever, one gets mixed reaction.

Some are quite critical of the ECB in allowing Stokes back in to the squad as if they have jumped the gun. They still appear worried that there will be an action against them for restraint of trade. But has Stokes actually lost any income of his central contract during this business ? True he has lost some sponsorship but that is entirely another matter.

But there is also criticism of the CPS's handling of the matter. They went for, it appears, quite a hard indictement to prove and only rather late in the day, too late for the judge, to introduce another charge - actual bodily harm - that would have been far easier to prove. In that respect Stokes got lucky.

The other discussion is whether having been brought in to the squad he should play. The 'experts' argue that there would be little point in creating the furore and then not selecting him. But someone would have to stand aside. Imagine Curran's thought, and he seems the most likely if they go for pace, if he his told thank you for your work and we'll think of you some other time.

**countjimmoriarty** · August 15th, 2018, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welderman

Bring back Tim Ambrose..

Funniest thing I've read in years!

**victor meldrew** · August 15th, 2018, 04:54 PM

Had Joe Bloggs from the baked bean factory been done I suspect the lesser charge would have been issued but the authorities saw a celeb and thought lets do the nameless fatherless scum and it all went horribly wrong.

The ECB will play Stokes and the XI who played at Lords will draw lots and the one who draws the short straw gets the drinks tray.

Once the test is over the ECB will hold its own enquiry and find Stokes guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and ban him for at least six months.

The farce continues.

**DB83** · August 15th, 2018, 05:58 PM

Now I would rather have a double lobotomy than watch - think I was forced back last October when I spent some days in hospital (after the lobotomy

) - Strictly Come Dancing.

And the latest 'Celeb' to be announced who will sure know a few spins is.....

Graeme Swann

**scoundrel** · August 15th, 2018, 07:53 PM

Truthfully, I don't think there is an instant vacancy in the England team and no one should be dropped solely for the purpose of making a space. On one level it is a rather nice problem to have, that there are more players of calibre available than we have room for in the side. I reckon Ben Stokes should wait until a vacancy arises.

We have Oliver Pope at No.4 with only one innings played, 28 in rather challenging conditions. We should definitely see how he gets on for at least two more games and probably three; I suspect he will play a very respectable innings in that time. Our most questionable player is Keaton Jennings and I doubt if Ben Stokes fancies opening the innings. Likewise he is not an obvious stand in for Adil Rashid.

I foresee a spell for Ben Stokes as the drinks waiter.

**DB83** · August 15th, 2018, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoundrel

I foresee a spell for Ben Stokes as the drinks waiter.

Can just imagine the scene.

Mid-afternoon on Saturday. Crowd well oiled. Stokes carrying the 'tray' and some idiot shouts out "Make mine 4 pints, 5 vodkas and a couple a Jagerbombs"

**DB83** · August 17th, 2018, 01:22 PM

Well I got that selection right. Stokes in. Curran out.

Now for the Lottery numbers.

Hikarufan · August 18th, 2018, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DB83

Well I got that selection right. Stokes in. Curran out.

Now for the Lottery numbers.

Was that Curran, knocked out? Basher Stokes downs another!

**DB83** · August 18th, 2018, 06:28 PM

Quite IMO an absorbing 1st day at the test.

Who claims the day ? Even-Stephens methinks. One session each and a draw for the last (ok slightly with England for Cook's catch and Rashid - after the pie-throwing.......)

India will be relieved that with application they finally have some runs on the board. England will be relieved that Kohli is no longer at the crease.

**Welderman** · August 18th, 2018, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welderman

Not sure about that, Buttler is as good keeper/Batsman as Bairstow.

Bring back Tim Ambrose..

Quote:

Originally Posted by countjimmoriarty

Funniest thing I've read in years!

Jeez mate, you're easily amused,

August 15th, 2018, 07:53 PM	#5535
scoundrel Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: England Posts: 26,239 Thanks: 162,401 Thanked 278,548 Times in 26,184 Posts	Truthfully, I don't think there is an instant vacancy in the England team and no one should be dropped solely for the purpose of making a space. On one level it is a rather nice problem to have, that there are more players of calibre available than we have room for in the side. I reckon Ben Stokes should wait until a vacancy arises. We have Oliver Pope at No.4 with only one innings played, 28 in rather challenging conditions. We should definitely see how he gets on for at least two more games and probably three; I suspect he will play a very respectable innings in that time. Our most questionable player is Keaton Jennings and I doubt if Ben Stokes fancies opening the innings. Likewise he is not an obvious stand in for Adil Rashid. I foresee a spell for Ben Stokes as the drinks waiter. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

August 15th, 2018, 12:05 PM	#5531
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,019 Times in 1,458 Posts	Twas interesting to read the press today and, as ever, one gets mixed reaction. Some are quite critical of the ECB in allowing Stokes back in to the squad as if they have jumped the gun. They still appear worried that there will be an action against them for restraint of trade. But has Stokes actually lost any income of his central contract during this business ? True he has lost some sponsorship but that is entirely another matter. But there is also criticism of the CPS's handling of the matter. They went for, it appears, quite a hard indictement to prove and only rather late in the day, too late for the judge, to introduce another charge - actual bodily harm - that would have been far easier to prove. In that respect Stokes got lucky. The other discussion is whether having been brought in to the squad he should play. The 'experts' argue that there would be little point in creating the furore and then not selecting him. But someone would have to stand aside. Imagine Curran's thought, and he seems the most likely if they go for pace, if he his told thank you for your work and we'll think of you some other time.

August 15th, 2018, 04:54 PM	#5533
victor meldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: At the bottom of an empty glass Posts: 15,778 Thanks: 531,920 Thanked 180,035 Times in 15,766 Posts	Had Joe Bloggs from the baked bean factory been done I suspect the lesser charge would have been issued but the authorities saw a celeb and thought lets do the nameless fatherless scum and it all went horribly wrong. The ECB will play Stokes and the XI who played at Lords will draw lots and the one who draws the short straw gets the drinks tray. Once the test is over the ECB will hold its own enquiry and find Stokes guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and ban him for at least six months. The farce continues.

August 15th, 2018, 05:58 PM	#5534
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,019 Times in 1,458 Posts	Now I would rather have a double lobotomy than watch - think I was forced back last October when I spent some days in hospital (after the lobotomy ) - Strictly Come Dancing. And the latest 'Celeb' to be announced who will sure know a few spins is..... Graeme Swann

August 17th, 2018, 01:22 PM	#5537
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,019 Times in 1,458 Posts	Well I got that selection right. Stokes in. Curran out. Now for the Lottery numbers.

August 18th, 2018, 06:28 PM	#5539
DB83 Vintage Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,472 Thanks: 1,948 Thanked 12,019 Times in 1,458 Posts	Quite IMO an absorbing 1st day at the test. Who claims the day ? Even-Stephens methinks. One session each and a draw for the last (ok slightly with England for Cook's catch and Rashid - after the pie-throwing.......) India will be relieved that with application they finally have some runs on the board. England will be relieved that Kohli is no longer at the crease.