England's Summer test matches, 2012

[spikeyhead]

A satisfactory conclusion.

Whilst we could debate ad infinitum the bowling options, I'm largely of the opinion that it makes so little difference then it's an exercise for those with more spare time than I have.

I'm still a little concerned over our batting. I'd heard so much good about Bairstow, however unless he can be taught how to deal with the short ball in the next few days then it'd be worth giving Taylor his slot in the next test. Far better to blood him against the WIndies in a dead rubber than against the Saffers.

[spikeyhead]

I'd far rather we trued new blood than bring back Bopara.

[spikeyhead]

we're underway at last, hopefully we'll get three days play but a draw is the only likely result.

It'll be interesting to see how Finn and Onions get on, and how Bairstow gets on with the short ball.

[spikeyhead]

5 down now, it'd be close to the end if Bell could catch

[spikeyhead]

It's not exactly been England's Best day of test cricket. Has the potential to be a good match had we not lost the first two days to the weather.

[spikeyhead]

It's been a long while since we lost three full days of a test to rain.

Another series win and another series that the WIndies haven't won a test on Englands green and pleasant and cold and wet land.

I'm happy that Strauss has found some form, happy that we've still got three excellent bowlers and more excellent back up bowlers.

I'm less happy that Trott and Cook aren't in form, but they're both class players and will come good again, hopefully in time to thwack the Saffers.

I'm also happy that the WIndies are starting to show some potential again, and importantly for them, also some flair. If only they could find another Greenwich and Haynes at the top of the order.

[spikeyhead]

I would far rather five tests.

I've also started to warm to 20 Twenty as a limited over format over the 50 over game, especially as it can be squeezed into an evening after work thus getting a far better audience.

[spikeyhead]

djstevec said:

Cant understand how there's still tickets available for both Oval and Lords Tests.

I suspect that a lot of corporate pennies will be spent at the Olympics instead.

[spikeyhead]

Gargamel said:

England to bat - I predict 357 for 6 by stumps....

I'd be amazed if we're above 300 unless the sun shines brightly all day and the Saffers forget how to bowl. Whilst our batmen are very good at accumulating runs, they're not that good at putting a lot of runs on the board early on.

I also suspect that we've learnt that whilst you can't win a test match on the first day it's easy enough to lose one. Plod, plod and plod some more, accumulate until their bowlers are worn out then put some more on the board.

[spikeyhead]

johnfm said:

Seems like you guys value winning over who does the winning.

If you guys think it is 'old fashioned' to expect a national team to comprise a country's nationals, then I'm old fashioned. Which is why I don't bother supporting 'Australian' rugby or any other of their 'national' teams staffed with imports.

Anyway, we have covered all this before. You guys are immensely proud of your hybrid team which is 'English' according to the selection criteria. I choose to remind you regularly that your team isn't an English national team. No big deal.

John, I'm not sure what the retail opportunities are like where you are, but with the advent of online shopping is there any chance of you buying another record. Just one? you needn't even play it all the time, just occasionally, otherwise you just sound like a whinger with only one thing to whinge about and nothing at all to contribute.

Meanwhile, I'm looking forwards to some excellent cricket from two very good teams.

[spikeyhead]

Gargamel said:

Marvellous - just the 357 runs and only five more wickets to make my prediction true

getting closer

I'll go for 290 for 6 at close.

£20 to the winners choice of charity?

[spikeyhead]

time to concentrate on the TdF for a few hours

[spikeyhead]

Lunch after 23 overs, that's slower than the WIndies ever managed

[spikeyhead]

158 / 1 at tea with 37 overs to come.

Keep grinding

[spikeyhead]

Gargamel said:

spikeyhead said:

I'll go for 290 for 6 at close.

£20 to the winners choice of charity?

Yep I will take that action, sorry not have come back quicker - although the scoring so far suggests you are probably a marginal favourite

Woohoo

http://www.keech.org.uk/donate/ways_to_donate

[spikeyhead]

Overall a satisfactory day. If we can see off the new ball and build from where we are then 500 is attainable and 600 possible. If Steyn's ankle gets any worse then the Saffers really will be lacking in bowling power and I didn't expect that before today.

I think we need to get past 500 to make the game safe, it's an easy pitch to bat on now but it will break up as it gets older.

[spikeyhead]

Gargamel said:

Cook gone, that is not the start we wanted.

I wonder what mood Bopara is in ?

an untalented one

[spikeyhead]

Ahhh, Boycs is now on TMS, wonder what gems he'll come out with today?

[spikeyhead]

DJRC said:

Not sure if Prior and Lucky-Tim are launching a counter attack or batting like suicidal rabbits...

I think that approach was started by Ravi. Listening to TMS suggests that it's swinging heavily. I'm looking forwards to finding out how well the Saffas play Jimmy

[spikeyhead]

A poor session from England, hopefully nine ten Jack can put a few more on the boards.

Is Steyn's ankle playing up? he's only bowled five this morning which took two wickets.

I suspect we'll end up at about 370, though could be a lot less or a few more. It'll then depend on whether the weather is good for swing how well the Saffas reply.