*Official* First Test (Edgbaston, Birmingham) 16–20 June

[trundler]

I hope Barstool gets some runs here because he's fun when he gets going but mostly because that would make him undroppable for the whole series regardless of how many he drops. Clearly no one remembers Sarfraz Ahmed against NZ last winter.

 

[The Sean]

If we win this it's going to be down to the difference in the quality of keeping, particularly to spin. Carey hasn't dropped one of gaz and bairstow has dropped 3 off the spinners. If bairstow kept better England have an extra 50-100 lead.

You know how else they could have an extra 50-100?

 

[Michelle Fivefer]

We don't need to keep saying "that's a good shot by Root" because it's kind of what we expect from such a good batsman. An exceptional shot, certainly.

Seems I jinxed him. Apologies.

 

[Burgey]

Lyon is such a confidence bowler when he first comes on. Been absolute trash but now he's got a lefty in he's dropping them on a dime.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Brook has such a punchable face. It's a miracle he survives in the same team as Ben Stokes.

 

[mackembhoy]

We've only lost 2 wickets to decent bowling in this test match from 14 wickets.

It's mental cricket really

 

[Burgey]

Brook has such a punchable face. It's a miracle he survives in the same team as Ben Stokes.

The profile pic of him in the partnership photo they put up between overs was the first time I've realized he has a chin. Thought he had a touch of the Vaughans about him up til then.

 

[Nintendo]

England where 3 down on a road at lunch on day 1 and shortly after 150-5. Wtf are the comms on about.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Root probably forgot that keepers catch the ball

Well ours doesn't.

 

[Croadymeister]

Well that came from nowhere.

Careless Root,oh and Bairstow that's how you stump someone instead of letting them off

 

[Nintendo]

You know how else they could have an extra 50-100?

I doubt a later declaration gets them an extra 100. Would have been 30-50 and I reckon a two chances to bowl at the openers when they weren't set with the new rock was worth that risk.

 

[Croadymeister]

England where 3 down on a road at lunch on day 1 and shortly after 150-5. Wtf are the comms on about.

Sadly pressure totally different on day 4

 

[Gob]

Brook has such a punchable face. It's a miracle he survives in the same team as Ben Stokes.

Which one of them doesn't have a one? Honestly take your time and go through the line up. It's only Moeen

 

[The Sean]

I doubt a later declaration gets them an extra 100. Would have been 30-50 and I reckon a two chances to bowl at the openers when they weren't set with the new rock was worth that risk.

Yeah, definitely more 50 than 100, agreed.

 

[Gnske]

Fun fact, a third of Carey's career stumpings have come in this match alone

 

[flibbertyjibber]

England where 3 down on a road at lunch on day 1 and shortly after 150-5. Wtf are the comms on about.

Australia got bowled out on same road. We haven't been.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Here's a thought. Should England ever select anyone born south of the Trent? Ever!

So would you go back to Root as captain?

 

[Nintendo]

Anyone remember when Wagner tried bouncing England and he went at 10 an over? He got a few wickets with it in the next test but it's not a sudden solution to the problem.

 

[Croadymeister]

We just haven't got the patience to build middle order partnerships like they have unfortunately

 

[trundler]

Brook attacking Lyon pictured above