1st Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham

[hazsa19]

Oh, and Root isn’t fit to captain an under-11s game. I’m astonished he’s doesn’t get more stick on comms or in the media.

 

[Gob]

The forecast currently offers little chance of rain.

Yeah looks clear. That being said apparently it was wrong throughout the test so you never know

 

[Uppercut]

Yep, wickets often fall as a direct result of a brief stall in run-scoring. Saying that, his absence obviously wouldn't take anything away from a potential Australia win because England's TM should have been more cautious before risking him. But it's silly to pretend they didn't benefit significantly from his absence.

Also he only would have needed one or two wickets early on to make a huge difference. Wade, Paine, Cummins and Patto probably aren't making so many runs if they come in earlier.

 

[Spikey]

as always, i believe the team batting should be able to bat it out for a draw

 

[vcs]

A Smith vs. Anderson battle with both at their best would have been great. Maybe later in the series.

 

[Burgey]

Any suggestion Anderson missing had little to no impact is silly. Of course it did.

But if england loses this game, they did so with the second half of their fist innings batting and then the ill discipline with the ball in the second dig. The game was still capable of being won at both those junctures.

Anderson missing doesn’t detract from the looseness of the other bowlers and the ease with which they let Australia score. Nor the bizarre tactic to not bowl Woakes session one when the farm was in the balance, but letting him have a trundle after the break. Just horrendous captaincy.

 

[NotMcKenzie]

I'm tipping a draw here, because I don't see our bowlers being able to pick up wickets at a fast enough rate on that pitch

 

[Test_Fan_Only]

If Burns and Roy can survive for a while then Roy's probably quick scoring might even give them a chance of a win provided they do not lose too many wickets by tea but it is a long shot.

A draw probably favourite unless Lyon can take a bag or the batting is poor

 

[Test_Fan_Only]

A Smith vs. Anderson battle with both at their best would have been great. Maybe later in the series.

Yes, that would be good, Anderson was a huge loss to the England attack in this match. We might have to wait a few tests to see him come back into the side. Until then we might have an Archer Smith battle as a small consolation.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Oh, and Root isn’t fit to captain an under-11s game. I’m astonished he’s doesn’t get more stick on comms or in the media.

I'm surprised this didn't get mentioned much either. I know they were a bowler down and Moeen was poo but the field settings seemed to give away singles every time the ball got past the close catchers. Aus were effectively 3/30 at the start of play and there didn't seem to be any pressure with the field placings.

 

[harsh.ag]

Who else could be captain though? Buttler the only other viable option.

 

[Burgey]

If Burns and Roy can survive for a while then Roy's probably quick scoring might even give them a chance of a win provided they do not lose too many wickets by tea but it is a long shot.

A draw probably favourite unless Lyon can take a bag or the batting is poor

Genuinely can’t see england winning against this attack unless two of them melt down completely.

 

[King Pietersen]

Yep, basically no chance of England winning it. It's an Australia win or a Draw. Just hope we show some application and don't just capitulate.

 

[slippy888]

Australia should have declared around 370 and given themselves a chance with 2nd new ball

 

[slippy888]

Australia not got the Jason Gillespie or Brett Lee type bowlers in this current team that could bowl out a team in 70 overs

 

[Burgey]

Australia should have declared around 370 and given themselves a chance with 2nd new ball

They’ll have 17 overs minimum with it as it stands

 

[Groundking]

Who else could be captain though? Buttler the only other viable option.

Buttler would be a lot better of a captain than Root imo. Just do it and tell Root to concentrate on his batting.

 

[Burgey]

Buttler needs to cement his place in the side, surely?

 

[slippy888]

1 down 9 to go

 

[duffer]

****ing a, getin there