I forgot England were playing an ODI today. Not on TMS or on Sky so a bit invisible for me. I guess it is on Talksport 2.
On TNT , sound is lousy .
Crawley out.
He didn’t play a single ODI in 2024 or 2025. In 2023 he played 5 at an average of 20. Not hard to see why he was picked.
Bruce
Listening to the match on the Radio. England seem keen on giving it away. Charging the bowler when the ball is turning?
Hopefully Buttler and the lower order can get there.
1 Like
Not sure which I enjoyed less; the predictable failure of most of the batters, or the thuddingly dull contributions of Darren Gough on commentary.
Anyway yet another ODI defeat. At least they are consistent.
Bruce
1 Like
“There are consequences to this ODI series and the three T20s that follow. England need ODI wins to ensure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup,”
BBC. Stephan Shemilt
2 Likes
This made me smile.
“Steve Smith was booed by the Gabba crowd during Sydney Sixers’ win over Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, after complaining about spectators near the sight screen.
Smith walked straight down the wicket, visibly irritated, before pointing towards the crowd who waved back in response.”
2 Likes
He wasn’t happy - I saw it.
Definitely at home to Mr Grumpy drawers
1 Like
Whilst listening to TMS this morning I was musing about the old days before specialist coaches. One team member would take responsibility for catching and/or fielding practice. Perhaps Bethel should volunteer to do just that? Of course a fielding coach has been reappointed but it would show player buy-in and leadership, and show a modicum of initiative.
2 Likes
I thought Paul Collingwood was the fielding coach at one point …
England bowled six different spinners this morning. We will now see, or in my case hear, how our batsmen get on facing it.
…and Rehan Ahmed opened the batting which is interesting.
Oooh. A win!
1 Like
Brook faced 75 balls, 41 dot balls and only 2 boundaries. Maybe he has been listening at last.
2 Likes
Brook says it is the ‘ probably worst wicket he has ever played on’. I am not sure their Sri Lankan hosts would appreciate his candour.
Should the captain maybe be a touch more diplomatic with the media and save such comments for more private feedback?
Anyway, not every ODI wicket should be a ‘road’ in my opinion.
Bruce
3 Likes
Like buses…another ODI win. Good performance with the bat especially. I think top 8 qualification for the next ODI WC is secure now, no risk of requiring qualification.
3xT20 now completes the T20WC build up.
Bruce
4 Likes
I see the ECB has learnt from the Ashes debacle and are taking Test preparation seriously again. “England players involved in the Hundred final face the prospect of a single training session before the start of their Test series against Pakistan next summer as a two-day turnaround limits their preparation.”
2 Likes
As many as that??
1 Like
Well, now the franchises have been sold, England players are expected/contracted to play. I think this was one of the bones of contention previously i.e. that so many weren’t playing in the (supposed!!) flagship white ball tournament.
At one stage, I thought it was part of the ‘central contract’ commitments, but with so much over-lapping cricket, many never did appear, or if they did, fleetingly.
Interesting.
It will be good for Stokes to see some of the younger players outside of the seemingly closed England squad. James Coles who was in the SA20 tournament and the Rew brothers look good players. I was watching the younger Rew in the U19 World Cup in the last couple of weeks and he looks really good, as did Ben Mayes and a few others.
2 Likes