I'd say that the dissproportion between batting and bowling from both sides in this series could be the greatest of all time, tbh. I don't think we've ever seen something like this and as such, 0-0. Plus England's dire weather is a factor as well.
Possibly England vs WI in 2004. NZ didn't lose many before tea that year either, although it was probably more than one. Not too many in England vs Pak last year, IIRC. Or vs WI this year. It's usually a pretty easy track nowadays, with the obvious exception of the 2005 Ashes game.
You might well be right. Given that the next two games are at Old Trafford & The Oval respectively, you can see the 2nd test being the decider.
I doubt that this series has the greatest disproportion. Even if it is very big, the factor leading to draws is strike rates of bowlers and batsmen more than averages a lot of the times. The modern game has players with much highest strike rates than earlier. So if a batsman had a strike rate of 30 in the 60s or 70s and has a s/r of 55 now, the current batsman would require a much higher average than the batsman from the bast to compete for how his style leaned a match towards a draw.
Haha, I guess I have to put the money where the mouth is now. How does 2 weeks sound after I complete my challenge with Prince? (although if this has a result I can start immediately if I lose).
I have an earlier challenge with Goughy too. Good stuff. You are on!
Key and Strauss indeed took England to 233/1 at tea in 2004 vs Windies.
Thanks. That should make the Indian supporters feel better!
I didn't watch it as I have switched off from cricket over the past 10 minutes but Kumble and Zaheer (if he reverses it) are always likely to be dangerous in this session with an older ball. Wouldn't surprise me if 2-3 wickets fall in this session.
Me too. Kumble bowled beautifully in response to Strauss trying to hurry to his 100, which is never a good idea. Credit the bowler for taking advantage, but Strauss should never have given him the chance.
