1st Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham

[Burgey]

The Grade Cricketer does it again...

https://twitter.com/gradecricketer/status/1157683568321019904?s=21

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Steven Smith is arguably the most natural batsman since Lara.

By natural I mean they have unique techniques that cannot be imitated.

Completely different players.

 

[morgieb]

Moeen could be losing his place unless he starts bowling better. Leach would give more control and is probably a better bat right now.

His bowling has always been pretty **** against Australia for some reason. He probably gets another Test but yeah I'd be far from surprised if Leach overtakes him by the end of the series (and even if he wasn't a better bat with Anderson likely out for the rest of the series does the batting really matter?)

If Smith ends up with 10K @ 60-62 but time he retires can we officially call him 2nd greatest test batsmen ever?

Yes, though I suspect his average will decline somewhat by that point. Just a matter of how high can he get it before he declines.

 

[morgieb]

Still can't really call us favourites. If these two go the way they have though it might not be long before we are.

Next two days forecasting a fair bit of rain. So we'll likely lose a fair bit of overs. Probably makes the draw a much better deal than what it otherwise might look.

 

[Adders]

While Steve Smith is at the crease with someone at the other end Australia are in front IMO. Balance doesn't tip England's way unless he's out early.

 

[Starfighter]

Still feels like a 'better than it could have been but worse than it needs to be' situation. If Smith gets out early it's over.

It would be nice if Paine would stand up with the bat for once.

 

[social]

1.5 innings into the series and England virtually gave up trying to get Smith out

 

[TheJediBrah]

Was there any controversy dropping Leach for Moeen? Because in hindsight it looks a very dubious selection. Moeen's always been pretty terrible against Aus IIRC and Leach definitely earned his spot by winning the game against Ireland.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Also I heard that Matty Wade bowled another over and was appropriately bad. Hopefully this puts an end to all the laughable opinions that he can actually bowl.

 

[the big bambino]

Also I heard that Matty Wade bowled another over and was appropriately bad. Hopefully this puts an end to all the laughable opinions that he can actually bowl.

Let’s wait until he’s had more than one or two overs before writing him off shall we.

 

[Starfighter]

Did anyone catch what the over rate was during England's innings? With all the field adjustments it felt like things got very slow.

 

[Kirkut]

Completely different players.

That's exactly what I meant. Steve Smith's overall approach to batting directly reflects his personality. Same for Lara, with that massive bat lift and too much jumping around.

 

[the big bambino]

I think our chances depend on Head and Wade actually scoring the runs they were selected to make. Its great having Smith but we can't get away relying on him all the time. England are a bowler down, and not just any bowler either. Here is the chance for the other batsmen to take the opportunity and the match.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Let’s wait until he’s had more than one or two overs before writing him off shall we.

well, no. He's always been a bad bowler. I don't why he would magically become good just because it's a Test match.

I think our chances depend on Head and Wade actually scoring the runs they were selected to make. Its great having Smith but we can't get away relying on him all the time. England are a bowler down, and not just any bowler either. Here is the chance for the other batsmen to take the opportunity and the match.

Yes, and the rest really need to stand up and do what Siddle did in the first innings. Paine needs to be less useless. We know Cummins can bat time in Test cricket, and we've all heard about how Pattinson is an "all-rounder". Let's see it happen. They won't get a better chance than this, with a tired Broad and Woakes, and a couple of out-of-form all-rounders making up England's attack.

 

[Adders]

Really don't fancy having to win at Lords to get back into this series, England simply have to win this one.

 

[Test_Fan_Only]

Only caught a small amount of the test due to being in hospital.

England look to be well on top but with Smith there anything is possible. Head and/or Wade need to make a significant contribution on day 4.

I don't agree with Siddle playing but he has done okay.

England opening with Roy and batting Denly at 4 when Denly is an opener and Roy a middle order batsman in FC cricket. Swapping them would make more sense. However I still have large doubts about there abilities to succeed at test level.

 

[mr_mister]

Google makes it seem theyl only get one session in today before a thunderstorm will hit

 

[Xuhaib]

Apparently Ponting was also averaging near 60 at one stage quite late in his career so a decline is not out of question but it's ridiculous Smith is only few short of Greg Chappel while averaging almost 10 runs more and he is considered universally an ATG.

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Let’s wait until he’s had more than one or two overs before writing him off shall we.

Usually I think TJB is a bit on the impulsive side, but he is dead right on this one. Wade isn't a worthwhile or reliable option with the ball, expecting him to bowl a fair few overs is never going to be a viable option.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Only caught a small amount of the test due to being in hospital.

England look to be well on top but with Smith there anything is possible. Head and/or Wade need to make a significant contribution on day 4.

I don't agree with Siddle playing but he has done okay.

England opening with Roy and batting Denly at 4 when Denly is an opener and Roy a middle order batsman in FC cricket. Swapping them would make more sense. However I still have large doubts about there abilities to succeed at test level.

Hope you have a quick recovery m8