*Official* Australia in Sri Lanka 2016

[Adders]

So what is the story with SOK?? Will he bat if required or are the Aussies essentially batting with 10 men?

 

[Dan Jamson]

That's sometimes all it takes to end a career at his age



Who cares. I'm more interested in finding out whether Australia doctor their home pitches or not.

Pakistan will struggle on flat batting paradises with a bit of bounce that don't take any spin. I imagine cricket Aus will prepare pitches just like that to keep the bloated averages of their batsmen up and avoid them having to play any swing or spin.

 

[OverratedSanity]

I am a bit more hopeful about YK simply because he managed to survive that early uncomfortable phase in 2 innings. In both, he started looking a bit more comfortable as the he occupied the crease, and gave away his wicket to Moeen Ali which you can call error in judgement rather than technique or ability. Having watched YK for his entire career, this is not the first time I have seen him struggle like this. His first morning against Australia in the 2014 series was bad. I saw him struggle like this in South Africa and still manage a hundred. What he is going through is not unique.. I have read various great batsmen express similar kind of situations in their careers where they felt they did not quite belong there. Whether YK will come out on top or not, I don't know and yes you are right, his age is against him and he is not going to get 3 more years, probably the end of current season. There is already talk about moving Shafiq up the order.

Quite true. The fact that Younis was able to graft out at least a few starts is promising. Ironically him getting those starts was what kept him at the crease long enough to show us that he wasn't batting well.

Wouldn't surprise me if he got a good score some time this series... He always seems to find a way.

 

[ImpatientLime]

#OnlyCricketInEnglandIsReal

i'm glad you're finally seeing the light.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Pakistan will struggle on flat batting paradises with a bit of bounce that don't take any spin. I imagine cricket Aus will prepare pitches just like that to keep the bloated averages of their batsmen up and avoid them having to play any swing or spin.

At least you're good comedy value, I'll give you that

 

[91Jmay]

Quite true. The fact that Younis was able to graft out at least a few starts is promising. Ironically him getting those starts was what kept him at the crease long enough to show us that he wasn't batting well.

Wouldn't surprise me if he got a good score some time this series... He always seems to find a way.

Cook did drop an absolute clanger in the 2nd dig, so I think his technique is still a bit suspect.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

So, um, what's the weather forecast like for tomorrow?

Probably need 2 full sessions for a result still

Showers, but no one has any idea where and when.

Need a Sri Lanka radar.

 

[91Jmay]

I worry they are only going to get 50 overs tops in tomorrow. Would hate this game to end in a draw, has been great. Not using the floodlights is total crap.

 

[Gnske]

So what is the story with SOK?? Will he bat if required or are the Aussies essentially batting with 10 men?

Probably less than that really, especially with Davey the FTB shitting things up.

 

[Groundking]

Younus wouldn't get into a world XI and Cook has scored the most runs at the highest average (since 2010) whilst opening in England. Cook is a clearly superior batter IMO.

 

[andruid]

Cook did drop an absolute clanger in the 2nd dig, so I think his technique is still a bit suspect.

Cook's catching or Younis' batting?

 

[Gob]

Getting excited for tommorow. Are you?

 

[Gob]

Must say Dan Jamson has brought a breath of fresh air to this forum

 

[Daemon]

More like a doner kebab fart tbh

 

[burr]

I really hope rain/bad light doesn't ruin this match. I'm not usually one of those people who supports the opposition but I think this is one of the few times I wouldn't mind an opposition win. C'mon Sri Lanka!

 

[TheJediBrah]

If it is reduced overs, I just hope Australia don't **** it up by being overly aggressive, "draw is just as bad as a loss" attitude. Wouldn't mind us playing for a draw once or twice when it's sensible. Take a leaf out of South Africa's book.

 

[Red]

If it is reduced overs, I just hope Australia don't **** it up by being overly aggressive, "draw is just as bad as a loss" attitude. Wouldn't mind us playing for a draw once or twice when it's sensible. Take a leaf out of South Africa's book.

Always play for the win. More likely to lose trying to play for the draw than trying to win.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Any news on SOK? Can he bat

 

[Adders]

I worry they are only going to get 50 overs tops in tomorrow. Would hate this game to end in a draw, has been great. Not using the floodlights is total crap.

100%. One of the very best test matches on the cards to be ruined by dumb administration............only in cricket.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Always play for the win. More likely to lose trying to play for the draw than trying to win.

Really though? Maybe if the players had such little skill in defensive batting that it as higher risk for them than going on the attack.

I'm not convinced that they'd get bowled out quicker playing defensively than aggressively.