*Official* England Tour of Sri Lanka 2018

[Second Spitter]

Crazy that England could have 4 wicket-keepers in their line-up next Test.

 

[fredfertang]

That scorecard is a most unexpected and pleasant surprise

 

[harsh.ag]

This England side is such a pain in the ass

 

[StephenZA]

That scorecard is a most unexpected and pleasant surprise

? 7/8 scoring all the runs is not unexpected for Eng is it?

 

[StephenZA]

The most pissed off person should be Ali giving up his runs scoring position at 7/8 to take one for the team at 3 (even got a decent ball!)

 

[theegyptian]

Surrey saving England again.

 

[BSM]

I would possibly be inclined to think the game is about even at the moment. Great recovery from England but it only serves to evidence the fact that it weren't a 112/5 pitch at all. I think the average at Galle in the last few years is about 450 for the first innings. However, given how seemingly advantageous it is for teams to bat first I think we will do well to get to 350 and maybe get a narrow first innings lead with that.

Really hoping that Foakes does bits with the gloves as well so Bairstow can just bat 3 and then we'll finally have a quality batsman in that position

 

[fredfertang]

? 7/8 scoring all the runs is not unexpected for Eng is it?

No indeed, but having left the house when Buttler was out I thought we'd do well to get to 200

 

[hazsa19]

Really hoping that Foakes does bits with the gloves as well so Bairstow can just bat 3 and then we'll finally have a quality batsman in that position

Bairstow is so dumb he’ll get himself bent out of shape over not keeping wicket then play ludicrously with the bat, almost on purpose to show everyone he’s not a specialist batsman. Just like he did in Southampton.

I agree with you. He’s so talented and I reckon could be a 40+ avg test match batsman, but he comes across as a really stupid cricketer.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Good score or not. Seen none of it.

Surrey can kiss goodbye to their chances of retaining title, all be in England side.

 

[ImpatientLime]

its almost like you don't have to bat like a ****ing idiot with lots of intent and york yourself to make test match runs.

 

[Bijed]

Well, it was a poor start and a number of the dismissals were poor, but on the whole the day's play was distinctly

I would possibly be inclined to think the game is about even at the moment. Great recovery from England but it only serves to evidence the fact that it weren't a 112/5 pitch at all. I think the average at Galle in the last few years is about 450 for the first innings. However, given how seemingly advantageous it is for teams to bat first I think we will do well to get to 350 and maybe get a narrow first innings lead with that.

Really hoping that Foakes does bits with the gloves as well so Bairstow can just bat 3 and then we'll finally have a quality batsman in that position

Bairstow is so dumb he’ll get himself bent out of shape over not keeping wicket then play ludicrously with the bat, almost on purpose to show everyone he’s not a specialist batsman. Just like he did in Southampton.

I agree with you. He’s so talented and I reckon could be a 40+ avg test match batsman, but he comes across as a really stupid cricketer.

Regardless as to whether he approaches it with the right attitude or not, I'm not sure Bairstow is at all technically suited to No. 3. Mind you, neither's Moeen, so for this tour swapping them around would probably benefit the team.

 

[91Jmay]

Yeah, from what i've read this pitch certainly isn't the type the Aussies or Saffers got.

 

[theegyptian]

Bairstow is so dumb he’ll get himself bent out of shape over not keeping wicket then play ludicrously with the bat, almost on purpose to show everyone he’s not a specialist batsman. Just like he did in Southampton.

I agree with you. He’s so talented and I reckon could be a 40+ avg test match batsman, but he comes across as a really stupid cricketer.

I agree with some of the sentiment. I don't really see him be good enough to bat in the top 4 and average 40+ though. Would be nice if he could though.

I think in the past he may have been annoyed with the clamour for the gloves to goto Buttler - and as you say play reckless with the bat. I rather think now he might actually see the possibility of being dropped completely and so knuckle down as a result and work in the best interests of the team.

England could do with a trading game of sorts. Swap some of these middle order options for some genuine top order options. Ali, Woakes, Stokes, Foakes, Bairstow, S Curran, Buttler. All are test quality.

 

[Starfighter]

Another typically English innings I see.

 

[wpdavid]

England could do with a trading game of sorts. Swap some of these middle order options for some genuine top order options. Ali, Woakes, Stokes, Foakes, Bairstow, S Curran, Buttler. All are test quality.

In the long term, you could see nearly all of them playing once Jimmy and Broad have gone. Woakes at number 11 would be quite something.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

In the long term, you could see nearly all of them playing once Jimmy and Broad have gone. Woakes at number 11 would be quite something.

Just send your rabbit out at 3, not like it'll make a difference

 

[Daemon]

Once you internalise the fact that most of England's batting will come from down the order, it starts hurting less. Soldier on Migara/Maximas/randycricfreak and keep faith.

 

[trundler]

Root's dismissal showed extraordinary presence of mind from Fatteh. Just watching the highlights. Poor from Stokes.

 

[trundler]

Woakes has shown balls. But can he keep?