England seem to have decided to invest in Bess and Leach. Neither are obvious test standard yet but presumably the hope is that they will mature and improve on the job…
I am a bit more positive than that. I think there is some good young England batting talent (Pope and Crawley are classy, and Lawrence is a prospect albeit early days) to balance the older players. There are some good pace bowlers around too and the selectors are going to have to rotate the old boys so they get a chance.
Spinners since Swann however…
Bruce
Just go to using the Dukes!
Spot on, the players that have replaced injured players have made a huge difference. Years ago Indian teams would have just folded but they have developed a great fighting spirit and teamwork. Great stuff.
Bring back proper Readers!
? Please explain.
Bruce - I’m not so concerned re the batting save I think Stokes & Root need to coach some of them how to play through the off side, and play with spin instead of against and across it. Some have severe dominant bottom hand disease.
The bowling - where will we be without Anderson, Broad and perhaps Woody - big boots to fill.
Of course, as Pete observes, when playing conditions return to normal and the ball can be worked on, things may be different…but England will still be looking for a high quality spinner
Tests in England used to use Reader cricket balls. They moved to Dukes a number of years ago.
Played with a Readers ball at school. Managed to break the cheekbone of my PE teacher with one. Back when I bowled a bit.
Earned me serious kudos for a while.
Bruce
You’ve certainly gone up in my books.
Pete
With regard to all rounders I guess Gilchrist changed the game for 'keepers. They are all expected to be batsmen now, and some great technicians like Foakes cannot get a game!
Bruce
Maybe but the Aussies always seem to have a reasonable wicket keeper/batsman. Rod Marsh, Ian Healey etc.
Although it’s obviously nice to see your team win, much nicer is to see a competitive game. Well done to Sri Lanka for grafting some way back into this match. Whilst an England victory still looks to be the most likely outcome, a target of 100+ to chase could produce some entertainment!
… and some nerves.
Bruce
Yes, substitute ‘challenging target’ for ‘slender lead of around 60 runs’ when England bat on a worn and spinning D4/5 wicket!
And with Angelo M still there it could be a few more yet.
Indians continue to make a contest out of the 4th test. After the Aussies were cruising at 0/89 4 quick wickets have them now at 4/124 with a lead of 157. Not sure if the pitch is playing tricks or just stupid batting as I’m only half watching while working.
With a day and 3/4 to go it’s still anyone’s to win or lose.
The pitch is starting to play up, Smith was out from a ball that seemed to have hit a crack and bounced up.
The Aussie bowlers would have loved watching that (although Smith wasn’t that impressed). Might be a great last day and will definitely test the Indian batsmen.
As you say Pete it looks like a good last day to round off the series. Just by their attitude in adversity I would like India to salvage a draw. I just hope the forecast improves as Cricinfo are suggesting it is not great.
England did polish off Sri Lanka and maybe some of the rust too. After the alarms of last night no disasters this morning. Sri Lanka definitely regained some pride and will be surely be better in the second match.
Bruce
Of course I’d like us to win but I wouldn’t begrudge India a draw.
India continues to play well and an Aus win is looking less likely. Anyone who doubts how interesting test cricket can be just need to watch the highlights of the last 2 testes.
With around 15 overs to go India I’d 3/213 and need 115 runs to win.
Even I’m starting to (almost) barrack for them.