1st Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham

[Starfighter]

Starc for one frequently kisses the return crease with his back foot when bowling around the poles

So it was a no-ball? Weird that it wasn't called then considering they showed the replay on tv.

I believe from the laws that it is at the moment of landing only in the current version, but this was touching then. So in my non-expert opinion that was a no-ball.

Starc I think tends to drag it across.

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Denley not getting much is he

 

[91Jmay]

Only because Smith hasn’t had the misfortune to be out on the squirt with him

Smith doesn’t strike me as a homophobe so he should be alright.

 

[Prince EWS]

Is there a reason Woakes isn't bowling here?

 

[lordscc]

Is there a reason Woakes isn't bowling here?

Seems strange, but maybe he has a knock?

 

[TheJediBrah]

I'm going to be up all night watching this unless the poms can nab a few quick wickets

 

[Stowford Mess]

Only because Smith hasn’t had the misfortune to be out on the squirt with him

Ben Stokes is the cricketing Mark Wahlberg. He will stand and bang to defend his mates. Smith needs an enforcer with him when out on the ciders

 

[Starfighter]

Good to see they are bringing it up.

 

[Gob]

Wade should look to be aggressive here

 

[Burgey]

Don’t mind this at all tbh. Wade obviously has a licence here and imo it’s the right move. He can take the game completely away from England in an hour if he gets away with it, and he’s not the sort of bloke to grind successfully.

Big chance to play a perfect number six knock here.

 

[morgieb]

Is there a reason Woakes isn't bowling here?

I'm suspecting an injury, yeah. Though I don't think he's bowled at all today so it's even more confusing.

 

[TheJediBrah]

I believe from the laws that it is at the moment of landing only in the current version, but this was touching then. So in my non-expert opinion that was a no-ball.

Starc I think tends to drag it across.

huh commentators seem to agree with you

yet another umpiring blunder?

 

[mr_mister]

Clear no ball now with that evidence

 

[Starfighter]

huh commentators seem to agree with you

yet another umpiring blunder?

You can tell Gower wants to say it is but is making excuses because he needs to on TV.

 

[morgieb]

I have a bit of sympathy with the umpire's for not realising the rule. I didn't know it existed for example.

It looks 50/50-ish anyway on the freeze frame.

 

[Burgey]

Smith doesn’t strike me as a homophobe so he should be alright.

Stokes strikes me as more an “assault occasioning actual/ grievous in company” type to me, but you’re the Master of the Rolls here, so cheers for your input as always.

 

[mr_mister]

Okay, side on makes it look a fair delivery

 

[TheJediBrah]

I think it was the right call tbh. It was touch and go either way and would have been a very big call to bring Head back and call it a no-ball.

 

[Spikey]

I missed the end of it, what was said that made Gower say 'that makes it clear then'

 

[morgieb]

I missed the end of it, what was said that made Gower say 'that makes it clear then'

Freeze frame suggesting his back foot didn't touch the line.