WTC 2025 Final : Qualifying scenario

[Molehill]

It's a common consensus that that WTC is flawed in its implementation but I like the context. I don't think it's right for an international captain to say he doesn't care about it though. Teams outside of the big 3 need context to Tests. If SA vs SL didn't have some sort of WTC context would it have even been a blip on people's radar? I dont think so. Stokes is obviously talking from the perspective that the Ashes is the pinnacle for him and his English team. Well, what's the pinnacle for SA then?

The problem is, you look at the crowd (or complete lack of) for SA v SL and it would appear it really only was a blip on people's radar. I don't think the WTC had any impact in that at all.

Stokes is just being petty at being forced to bowl their overs sooner. Every other team is doing a far better job of this than England. Maybe the problem is not the rules, huh?

The thing is, I'm not sure he really is bowling them any slower. I'm not sure how Aus/Ind escaped penalties in Perth. On Day 1, less than 78 overs were bowled. On Day 2, Aus only bowled 57 overs in the final 2 sessions (plus half an hour) and not a single wicket fell.

How is he expected to take it seriously with inconsistent **** like this happening? Also, the 160 over rule is totally daft too.....either you're bowling slow or you're not.

 

[honestbharani]

The thing is, I'm not sure he really is bowling them any slower. I'm not sure how Aus/Ind escaped penalties in Perth. On Day 1, less than 78 overs were bowled. On Day 2, Aus only bowled 57 overs in the final 2 sessions (plus half an hour) and not a single wicket fell.

I have no idea how Aus escaped the penalty but India did not get penalized as Aus were bowled out within 80 overs both innings. Same now for Australia in Adelaide as India did not last 80 overs either innings against them.

My point is, we can see India (and maybe Australia did at times, I cant remember) actually make an effort to get through their overs faster. England keep changing fields wasting minutes during overs all the time and it, along with their penchant for bowlers taking breaks often etc., is what is costing them as far as I can tell. And you gotta remember I am a massive fan and supporter of Bazball and the Baz-Stokes combo.

 

[Molehill]

I have no idea how Aus escaped the penalty but India did not get penalized as Aus were bowled out within 80 overs both innings. Same now for Australia in Adelaide as India did not last 80 overs either innings against them.

My point is, we can see India (and maybe Australia did at times, I cant remember) actually make an effort to get through their overs faster. England keep changing fields wasting minutes during overs all the time and it, along with their penchant for bowlers taking breaks often etc., is what is costing them as far as I can tell. And you gotta remember I am a massive fan and supporter of Bazball and the Baz-Stokes combo.

I wonder if he might change a bit for the next WTC Cycle (probably not). But the penalties in the Ashes were so daft that he clearly couldn't give a **** for the rest of this cycle.