Super Eight

[Prince EWS]

Strangest looking pitch I've ever seen. Can't pick out the ball from it properly. Seems to be carrying well though.

 

[pup11]

The pitch is looking a bit damp, there seems to be some moisture beneath this surface which would certainly help the English seamers for atleast the first 10 overs.



So all in all a good toss to win for England.

 

[chalky]

A bit of swing for Anderson first over.

England look pretty pumped for this with Vaughan giving the team a real Lecture in the pre match huddle.

 

[Prince EWS]

England look pretty pumped for this with Vaughan giving the team a real Lecture in the pre match huddle.[/QUOTE]
Mahmood!?! Again!?!?

Seriously, is there something I'm missing with him? There has to be something strange going on with his continued selection over Lewis and Plunkett..

 

[chalky]

England look pretty pumped for this with Vaughan giving the team a real Lecture in the pre match huddle
Mahmood!?! Again!?!?

Seriously, is there something I'm missing with him? There has to be something strange going on with his continued selection over Lewis and Plunkett..

I believe Lewis & Plunkett were two of the players who went out drinking with Flintoff the other week.

Another belief is that with the nature of the pictures reverse swing in the last 10 overs of an innings is going to be key as seen by the seuccess of Tait & Malinga.

A bit short sighted though from the England management I think.

 

[pasag]

Strangest looking pitch I've ever seen. Can't pick out the ball from it properly. Seems to be carrying well though.

Yeah wtf.

Engalnd starting off well here.

 

[Prince EWS]

I believe Lewis & Plunkett were two of the players who went out drinking with Flintoff the other week.

Well yeah, but going by that logic, Flintoff should be dropped for Dalrymple. You can't have a lesser punishment for him just because he is Flintoff. Lewis is infinitely better than Mahmood at one day cricket - can't believe he isn't playing.

 

[pup11]

Yeah, both Plunkett and Lewis are being punished for their late-night drinking episode with Freddie leading them of course.

 

[pup11]

I completly agree with Princey, why have different yardsticks for Freddie just because he is a big star and Plunkett and Lewis aren't thats doesn't mean he should be treated any differently.

 

[chalky]

Well yeah, but going by that logic, Flintoff should be dropped for Dalrymple. You can't have a lesser punishment for him just because he is Flintoff. Lewis is infinitely better than Mahmood at one day cricket - can't believe he isn't playing.

I don't think that was the only reason Mahmood is playing ahead of Lewis, although listining to some of the English commentators it has certainly contributed. As I said earlier England are looking for another death bowler to partner Flintoff and that is the role they see for Mahmood.

 

[superkingdave]

Looking pretty comfortable for SL already.

My prediction - SL 318-4 England 207

 

[Beleg]

The pitch definitely has some juice in it; excellent pace and carry.

skd,

Are we watching the same game?

 

[Barney Rubble]

Looking pretty comfortable for SL already.

My prediction - SL 318-4 England 207

SL 284-7, England 244-8 for mine. KP to ton up in vain.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

The pitch looks as if it still has the hessian cloth cover over it

 

[chalky]

Although the pitch looks strange it seems to be playing quite well with a bit of pace and bounce, no seam movement, quick outfield and sun shining it looks like a good day to bat.

If England don't get early wickets can see them chasing plenty.

Time to get Freddy on I think whilst the ball is still new to try and rough Jayasuria up a bit.

 

[GIMH]

SKD, why did you go and say that? I'm yet to see you get a prediction wrong

 

[chalky]

**** fielding by Mahmood cost two runs there

 

[Beleg]

Anderson is trying to best gift away runs to Sri Lanka.

 

[Beleg]

Haha, Jayasuria is awesome - made Vaughan look like a fool for setting a field like this.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Gah, I hate this. I'm stuck at work til five with only cricinfo for company. Sounds as if Sanath is taking a liking to Jimmy.

& Saj again. I mean, wtf? If he's average v Kenya & Ireland he'll suddenly become a world-beater v Sri Lanka because....?