*Official* Fifth Test (The Oval, London) 27-31 July

[Shri]

given moeen's condition eng are actually 5 down here

 

[White Ball]

How likely is Moeen to bat at all?

 

[ashley bach]

222/4 @SillyCowCorner1 double Nelson strikes.

 

[morgieb]

How likely is Moeen to bat at all?

I think they said he still will.

 

[91Jmay]

given moeen's condition eng are actually 5 down here

I think him just standing still and trying to smack it ain't that much different tbh. Probably another freebie for Murphy

 

[KungFu_Kallis]

Jonny is going to do something daft I can feel it

 

[Shri]

How likely is Moeen to bat at all?

he can bat but only within his limitations atm

nowhere as bad as lyon when he got injured

possibility of lots of 6s but it won't happen. wood will probably make more than him

 

[ashley bach]

Gotta get Jonny early.

 

[Shri]

bairstow suspect under pressure. love him so hope he proves me wrong. but straight balls at a full length worth a punt

 

[Spark]

Bairstow to have a crack at Ponting later now that he's criticised his technique.

 

[Socerer 01]

Bairstow to have a crack at Ponting later now that he's criticised his technique.

you mean throw a grape?

 

[Shri]

you mean throw a grape?

throw a grape through his crack?

 

[ripper868]

I'm sure Bairstow would love to drop Ponting

 

[silentstriker]

I think the main downside for me for bazball is there NEVER seems to be a place where they can shift downward in gear. There’s a golden mean somewhere to be had. We can see how it puts other teams on the back foot when it works but surely there are situations where you have to change tactics even if it’s for like half a session. There’s so much time left and if they bat sensibly and conserve wickets for a while, they can basically guarantee a win by posting 375-400. Like not even 50-50 but even a 80-20 rule of when to go for it probably results in a better statistical outcome.

 

[TheJediBrah]

you mean throw a grape?

Bairstow hasn't been near a piece of fruit for years

 

[Darwin Award]

Bairstow hasn't been near a piece of fruit for years

Pearstow?

 

[OverratedSanity]

Bairstow to have a crack at Ponting later now that he's criticised his technique.

Going to WhatsApp him the video of Kallis knocking Ponting on his backside imo

 

[Uppercut]

I think the main downside for me for bazball is there NEVER seems to be a place where they can shift downward in gear. There’s a golden mean somewhere to be had. We can see how it puts other teams on the back foot when it works but surely there are situations where you have to change tactics even if it’s for like half a session. There’s so much time left and if they bat sensibly and conserve wickets for a while, they can basically guarantee a win by posting 375-400. Like not even 50-50 but even a 80-20 rule of when to go for it probably results in a better statistical outcome.

I mean this is obviously true in theory. But then you give up the clarity that comes from always knowing exactly how you’re going to play.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I'm sure Bairstow would love to drop Ponting

Interesting tussle, actually. Both have that kinda pugnacious welterweight build.

Have to take the younger man (Punter must be nearly 50 now), but the Ponting of 2005 would've maybe got the nod. Bloke was about 90% forearm.

 

[91Jmay]

I am fine with Bazball because I firmly believe it is making this side greater than sum of their parts but a team loaded with really good players shouldn't try it imo.