*Official* Second Test at Lord's - Aug 12-16 2021

[GIMH]

Weather is set fair tomorrow. And I’ve got no meetings until 3pm. Expedient

 

[_00_deathscar]

Question to India fans here.

The "quality" of this tail has been discussed to death,,,is Ishane the worst player to ever occupy the number 8 spot?

They sent Shami out literally last innings, so no....

 

[Dissector]

India's bottom four batting is so absurd. I checked the averages of their averages and it's under 9. It has to be one of the worst tails of a major team in recent history. And when the middle order is also struggling it just puts the team under huge pressure.

 

[_00_deathscar]

India's bottom four batting is so absurd. I checked the averages of their averages and it's under 9. It has to be one of the worst tails of a major team in recent history. And when the middle order is also struggling it just puts the team under huge pressure.

We have a perfectly good number 8 sitting on the bench too...

 

[Dissector]

If you are thinking of Ashwin, obviously playing two spinners on this pitch would have been risky. India needs a pace bowler who can bat. They need to rethink the strategy of keeping Pandya out of the tests at least for important tours.

 

[shashy]

And Bhuvi, who can do a job at #8

 

[Calm_profit]

And Bhuvi, who can do a job at #8

Bhuvi hasn't played a test match for last 3 years,I don't think he will be seen in whites again.

 

[Dissector]

Yeah Bhuvi averages 22 in tests and could be an option. What's happened to him?

 

[Manee]

Watched pretty much the whole day - still convinced this is a road. It was admirable to see Pujara and Rahane battle in awful form to score some good runs. I think this is very much England's game but Rishabh Pant has the capability to completely turn the game if he can get his eye around the new ball. Pant will probably edge off early but if he can get a 50 or an 80 then this could be very interesting.

 

[Manee]

Yeah Bhuvi averages 22 in tests and could be an option. What's happened to him?

There is no faith he can get through a Test match. He's quite injury prone and needs to be fully-fit to be able to be an acceptable pace for Test cricket.

 

[Anil]

so we get bowled out in the 1st hour tomorrow and then sometime between lunch and tea, england knock off the required runs...that sounds about right...

 

[BoyBrumby]

There's only been three successful chases at Lord's of more than 200 ever, and only six of 150+.

Even if India do capitulate for eff all tomorrow the chase is far from a given, especially given the comedy stylings of our batting order.

If Pant can marshal another 50 with the tail the visitors are favs, IMHO.

 

[GIMH]

If India bat long enough to make the target challenging we can easily play for the draw though.

I say easily, this is England and our lineup is fond of folding. But you get my point.

 

[White Ball]

If India collapse it may almost be worth bowling negatively and keeping the openers in before trying to take wickets.

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

If India collapse it may almost be worth keeping the openers in

Not an easy task I'm afraid.

 

[Jack1]

That was a beauty from Ali to Jadeja. England did well today.

 

[Jack1]

There's only been three successful chases at Lord's of more than 200 ever, and only six of 150+.

Even if India do capitulate for eff all tomorrow the chase is far from a given, especially given the comedy stylings of our batting order.

If Pant can marshal another 50 with the tail the visitors are favs, IMHO.

If the bottom part happens the draw is favourite. There’s only a day left.

Once India get bowled out England need to keep it solid first and foremost all things considered. Build a platform.

 

[Burgey]

Been a really good fightback from England considering where things were at stumps day 1. Pant will need to shepherd the tail pretty artfully and have a bit of luck for India to get too many more. Really well poised. England favourites atm, just going by the scorecard. Can't say I've watched enough to know how the deck is playing.

 

[DriveClub]

Don't expect India to add more than 10-15 runs with that ridiculous tail, England's game to lose

 

[Niall]

If you are thinking of Ashwin, obviously playing two spinners on this pitch would have been risky. India needs a pace bowler who can bat. They need to rethink the strategy of keeping Pandya out of the tests at least for important tours.

I think Pandya is not able to bowl long enough spells for test cricket.

He did not bowl in the IPL . Kohli likes him so I would assume if he was good to go he'd be in the squad at least.

Sadly they don't want Bhuvi anymore, shame as a 5 test tour in England he surely would have offered plenty even if only played once or twice.