*Official* Second Test at Lord's

[Goughy]

Well, hard to know what to make of that. Root batted well. Australia didnt offer anything and England didnt push it. It isnt my favourite style of cricket -- I would have enforced the follow on -- but we all know by now that England have this strategy of making sure that the game is impossible to lose, not just get into a great position, and trying to demoralise the opposition, It isnt daring but it is effective and without emotion.

 

[91Jmay]

Well, hard to know what to make of that. Root batted well. Australia didnt offer anything and England didnt push it. It isnt my favourite style of cricket -- I would have enforced the follow on -- but we all know by now that England have this strategy of making sure that the game is impossible to lose, not just get into a great position, and trying to demoralise the opposition, It isnt daring but it is effective and without emotion.

To be fair if we set them 600 that is pretty demoralising. Batting with no chance to win never feels good.

 

[Goughy]

To be fair if we set them 600 that is pretty demoralising. Batting with no chance to win never feels good.

Im not criticizing it. I dont personally agree with it or like it much but I understand it and this mentality is now part of England's team character.

 

[Pothas]

There was really no good reason that I could see to enforce the follow on.

 

[Pothas]

Im not criticizing it. I dont personally agree with it or like it much but I understand it and this mentality is now part of England's team character.

Don't think it is just England. Can't think any side in the world would have enforced the follow on.

 

[91Jmay]

Yeah enforcing the follow on is the only way you can lose the game. Makes little sense to do it.

 

[grecian]

Hmmm, Interesting.......

 

[LegionOfBrad]

Hmmm, Interesting.......

Unlikely for OT i would think.

 

[Cabinet96]

Would bring in Compton myself.

 

[grecian]

Would bring in Compton myself.

Nah, time for fun-and-games. Monty and Swann playing, Bop, Woakes or Stokes to be at number 6. or just throw in Adil Rashid. It's what I'd do.

But this is England, so expect them to just bring in James Taylor, or something dull like that, they won't go back to Compo, he's done after Root's innings today.

 

[luckyeddie]

Roooooot... go Yorkshire

Joe Root was born in Dore.

Until 1934, that was in Derbyshire - until Sheffield got fat and ate it.

I'm claiming him back.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Still unconvinced by Taylor, tbh. Way too bottom handed and on-sideish to convince at the highest level, IMHO.

Plus Compo's only a pretend opener, anyway. Slot him in at five (Bell to four) and ley him play some of his shots.

 

[luckyeddie]

Still unconvinced by Taylor, tbh. Way too bottom handed and on-sideish to convince at the highest level, IMHO.

Plus Compo's only a pretend opener, anyway. Slot him in at five (Bell to four) and ley him play some of his shots.

I think England's opening pairing is nailed on for the next 5 years now, barring injury. It'll be interesting to see who they do bring in if KP isn't fit though. Perm any one from 5 or 6.

 

[fredfertang]

I fear England will take the piss tomorrow and bat for two sessions with a view to winning by more than 600, and get the fifth day crowd of course

Kerrigan to come in for Bresnan at OT

 

[grecian]

I fear England will take the piss tomorrow and bat for two sessions with a view to winning by more than 600, and get the fifth day crowd of course

Kerrigan to come in for Bresnan at OT

Gotta be monty, his record at OT is incredible.

 

[Garson007]

Go out there for 10 overs, get a lead of 600 and a double ton. Make sure that you can possibly get the third new ball on the last day for 5 overs or so.

 

[LegionOfBrad]

If KP is only going to miss say one match I doubt they will blood someone new as they're on a hiding to nothing (unless they can usurp Bairstow {please!}) Which means its either Compo or Taylor surely.

Or they go crazy and play two spinners. Lol

 

[flibbertyjibber]

So the KP place is between Compo, Taylor, Morgan, Bopara or a debutant. I'd go Compo at 5.

 

[fredfertang]

Gotta be monty, his record at OT is incredible.

With 16 wickets at all but 50 to show for his season's work - I hope not!

 

[centurymaker]

I think England's opening pairing is nailed on for the next 5 years now, barring injury. It'll be interesting to see who they do bring in if KP isn't fit though. Perm any one from 5 or 6.

Being rather optimistic