*Official* 3rd Test at Edgbaston

[Hurricane]

"Consistency-wise, I think I am in my best form and striking the ball well and, hopefully, this will continue," Bairstow said.

"I have been very positive at the crease this season and will try and take that into the Ashes series."

I would just not give an interview if I were him. It is good to be positive and everything, but his strategies need to be firmly in his own mind and discussed at most with the batting coach. That is just me though, I tend to play my cards close to my chest. I realise he hasn't given away any secrets, but why reveal anything, what does he hope to gain. A state of mind for either a debutant or a recallee is a fragile thing. Why open up to reporters during the build up. Let your batting do the talking during the game and then hopefully do an interview afterwards.

 

[Swingpanzee]

I would just not give an interview if I were him. It is good to be positive and everything, but his strategies need to be firmly in his own mind and discussed at most with the batting coach. That is just me though, I tend to play my cards close to my chest. I realise he hasn't given away any secrets, but why reveal anything, what does he hope to gain. A state of mind for either a debutant or a recallee is a fragile thing. Why open up to reporters during the build up. Let your batting do the talking during the game and then hopefully do an interview afterwards.

agree completely

 

[aussie tragic]

Smith could become the 3rd fastest aussie to score 3000 runs (Bradman and Harvey quicker). He needs 76 runs in the next 2 innings

 

[Furball]

I'd rather have seen Bell replaced with a potentially more productive player. Struggling to think of anyone who wouldn't contribute more than Bell's combo of no runs plus dropped catches over the last six months.

Careful, you'll attract the ire of Cabinet.

 

[Dan]

If someone were to create an Ashes drinking game, I genuinely believe 'Ian Bell drops a catch off Ben Stokes' ought to be a 'finish your drink' requirement.

For something so specific, it happens ridiculously often.

 

[Gnske]

If someone were to create an Ashes drinking game, I genuinely believe 'Ian Bell drops a catch off Ben Stokes' ought to be a 'finish your drink' requirement.

For something so specific, it happens ridiculously often.

Professional jealousy, if I'd been replaced as the superior ginger of the team i'd be just as filthy and two-faced.

 

[TumTum]

Smith could become the 3rd fastest aussie to score 3000 runs (Bradman and Harvey quicker). He needs 76 runs in the next 2 innings

How many does he need to get past Ponting's or Bradman's ICC batting rating? Incredible how much he has transformed last couple years, so solid and patient.

 

[91Jmay]

74* off 51 balls in a small chase to celebrate call up for Bairstow. He really couldn't be in better form.

 

[Howe_zat]

Who would come in if Rogers is out? Watson or Shaun Marsh?

 

[Compton]

Who would come in if Rogers is out? Watson or Shaun Marsh?

Marsh I'd think. Don't see the value in picking Watson in a side that already has 4 seamers.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Watson as an opener, an not bowling, is an entirely different kettle of fish IMO

Would still probably go with Marsh though

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Careful, you'll attract the ire of Cabinet.

Why's that?

Anyway, Bell should be sent to the knackers yard and turned into glue.

 

[Tangles]

Anyone been to Edgebaston? How early should I get there on day 1 to get in before play starts?

 

[Howe_zat]

Anyone been to Edgebaston? How early should I get there on day 1 to get in before play starts?

I went for the 2011 test and it was a piece of cake. Day 1 is easiest anyway because a lot of people will try and get there for the toss, jerusalem, etc rather than SOP

 

[Tangles]

I went for the 2011 test and it was a piece of cake. Day 1 is easiest anyway because a lot of people will try and get there for the toss, jerusalem, etc rather than SOP

An hour before should be enough then?

 

[Howe_zat]

Oh yeah plenty. Tbf the Ashes may be busier than games I've been to but I can't really see it taking an hour to get in

 

[Tangles]

Oh yeah plenty. Tbf the Ashes may be busier than games I've been to but I can't really see it taking an hour to get in

Nice. Thanks.

 

[Burgey]

Anyone been to Edgebaston? How early should I get there on day 1 to get in before play starts?

You know it's in Birmingham, don't you mate? I know schedules are determined by work and other commitments, but it's a shame you have to go to that **** hole instead of to some of the other towns around the joint

 

[Burgey]

Who would come in if Rogers is out? Watson or Shaun Marsh?

Nev to opener, Haddin back in at seven

 

[Spikey]

Nev to opener, Haddin back in at seven

better yet haddin to opener and nev at seven #intent