***Official*** 4th Test @ The Oval, London - 2nd-6th September

[honestbharani]

If the ball isn't turning, wouldn't you be better off having a short leg for Jadeja to right-handers? Seems like captains too often premeditate field settings based on how things should be rather than how they are.

They had the short leg for Pope and silly point for Bairstow. Apparently some planning has gone in.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

I can see the tour being amended somewhat but I think at least some of the states will be at the 80% mark. I think the Ashes will still go ahead, there's too much to lose for it to not go ahead.

The fact the wives and kids aren't allowed to tour is the big problem. The players don't want to be away for 4 months with no contact.

If the Aussie rugby team can pull out of the world cup then we can pull out of the ashes.

 

[silentstriker]

The fact the wives and kids aren't allowed to tour is the big problem. The players don't want to be away for 4 months with no contact.

If the Aussie rugby team can pull out of the world cup then we can pull out of the ashes.

What is the thought process? If they are vaccinated, tested, and quarantined - the chance of them bringing the disease into the country is basically zero.

 

[Arachnodouche]

Jadeja's no-balls are an embarrassment. Fix the darned thing already.

 

[Adders]

The Ashes shouldn't go ahead this year.......but it will for sure. ECB and CA just see $ signs where this series is concerned.

 

[honestbharani]

What is the thought process?

Expecting too much there.

 

[morgieb]

What is the thought process? If they are vaccinated, tested, and quarantined - the chance of them bringing the disease into the country is basically zero.

Australia, especially certain states, are just hideously conservative when it comes to fighting Covid. Many people in power think that no measure should be left unturned in order to prevent the spread of Covid.

 

[silentstriker]

Australia, especially certain states, are just hideously conservative when it comes to fighting Covid. Many people in power think that no measure should be left unturned in order to prevent the spread of Covid.

Sure. I am not getting into that politically - but wondering how this particular measure would possibly prevent covid.

 

[honestbharani]

Sure. I am not getting into that politically - but wondering how this particular measure would possibly prevent covid.

As with many other countries, covid is primarily being used as a political issue in Australia, from what I can tell.

 

[morgieb]

Sure. I am not getting into that politically - but wondering how this particular measure would possibly prevent covid.

The primary factor is that there's just very tough caps for people to quarantine. It was originally bought in because Victoria had a massive outbreak last year and couldn't carry their load in bringing back Australias left "stranded" overseas. Then governments just kept it because hotel quaratine wasn't trusted and they liked the political advantages that a hard border policy gave.

Would it prevent Covid? Probably not, but the logic is less people in quarantine = less chance of leaks.

 

[Manee]

Very demoralising session but truth be told, this is a flat pitch so India don't really have much that they can do other than perhaps wait for an unforced error. I think India will do very well to keep England beneath 250 and I think England are very capable of turning this one into a 300+.

 

[karan_fromthestands]

You should hear the Hindi comms. They sound like your neighborhood chanawallahs come hawking.

I know, and am pretty sure these guys get their jobs through connections. So many deserving people can do a much better job.

 

[91Jmay]

Match finally balanced. Some honking batters on display, this partnership carries on an hour we will be in a great position with Woakes the great still to bat

 

[Manee]

Exhibit 59 why five bowlers are bad (unless you’ve got no choice cause they all suck) - the fifth bowler has sent down zero overs so far.

We're not swimming in people who can score more runs than Thakur and Jadeja.

 

[honestbharani]

5 bowlers is not the bad part. Neither is 5 batsmen. But who those 5 are is definitely a problem.

 

[honestbharani]

Gotta hope Jaddu can keep it tight and avoid bowling no balls while we rotate the seamers at the other end. Maybe Lord can provide some spark for India next session.

 

[Manee]

Gotta hope Jaddu can keep it tight and avoid bowling no balls while we rotate the seamers at the other end. Maybe Lord can provide some spark for India next session.

Honestly - we just need some swing. Without swing, Thakur is like a part-timer.

 

[Manee]

Pope and Bairstow have shown that 190 a/o is unacceptable on this pitch, especially with intermittent sunny spells. India need to be bold next Test and understand that Pujara and Rahane are just not good enough.

 

[Manee]

Pope and Bairstow have solidified the case for India bringing the likes of Shaw, Agarwal or SKY into the side - batsmen who can score at a good rate and put on pressure rather than just taking the punches, Pujara and Rahane style.

 

[silentstriker]

5 bowlers is not the bad part. Neither is 5 batsmen. But who those 5 are is definitely a problem.

I disagree. In this bowler friendly era, plus India having an attack that can take 20 wickets with four bowlers, plus Indian lineup struggling, four bowlers is clearly superior.