November 1, 20214 yr We really have been brilliant so far. Today probably the most impressive out of the 4 despite the battering of the Aussies Saturday. Batting first, finding it hard to score in first 10 overs, unbelievable innings from Butler, runs and a measured innings from Morgan - who probably deserves a place just for his captaincy. Then some good bowling in very tricky conditions and circumstances. As we get to the semis I’m hoping the influence of winning the toss and batting first isn’t weighted too heavy as an advantage in making it an even contest of bat v ball. While Pakistan have looked good in the other group I think we’ve been head and shoulders above everyone so far. Hard to discount New Zealand too, very competitive in every form of the game at the moment. Edited November 1, 20214 yr by desperado
November 7, 20214 yr Off day yesterday for England. But we still came close after an under par (especially bowling/in the field) performance. Shame about Roy. What do we reckon, push up Bairstow to open, bring in Billings? Still did enough to finish top of the group, to play 2nd in Group 2. Big game today, New Zealand just I reckon. Would rather it be them we play in the Semi, than the Indians who have just found their form.
November 7, 20214 yr It took us forever to get buttler too of the order, so i doubt they will do it, but id stick livingstone up top Think itll be moeen
November 8, 20214 yr 17 hours ago, Casino said: It took us forever to get buttler too of the order, so i doubt they will do it, but id stick livingstone up top Think itll be moeen Livingstone would be a good idea Has he done before? How is he against spin?
November 10, 20214 yr On 07/11/2021 at 08:14, desperado said: Off day yesterday for England. But we still came close after an under par (especially bowling/in the field) performance. Shame about Roy. What do we reckon, push up Bairstow to open, bring in Billings? Still did enough to finish top of the group, to play 2nd in Group 2. Big game today, New Zealand just I reckon. Would rather it be them we play in the Semi, than the Indians who have just found their form. Called it right. Bairstow opening. Billings in.
November 10, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, Smiley said: Called it right. Bairstow opening. Billings in. I was thinking 166 might have been too short (still might), but great start with the ball from England 🏴
November 10, 20214 yr 19 minutes ago, L/H White said: bottle jobs? One thing that really pisses me off this Sometimes teams can just lose to a better team on the day Today is one of those days Just go and win it now, NZ
November 10, 20214 yr I agree, especially in a format as volatile as this and against quality opposition. Also bear in mind we were without Archer, Stokes, Curran, Mills and Roy. I still think we're the best in the world with everyone fit.
November 10, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, Casino said: One thing that really pisses me off this Sometimes teams can just lose to a better team on the day Today is one of those days Just go and win it now, NZ 19 minutes ago, Lt. Aldo Raine said: I agree, especially in a format as volatile as this and against quality opposition. Also bear in mind we were without Archer, Stokes, Curran, Mills and Roy. I still think we're the best in the world with everyone fit. Agree with you both here. 20/20 with good international sides can be finely balanced. NZ just had the edge in their favour today. Great sport, played by great sportsmen with a great attitude. Lots of humility and respect from England in their post match interviews
November 10, 20214 yr Made for great entertainment. Such as shame for Jordan. It mirrored that over from Stokes last time around. If he’d have only gone for 12-14. We’d have had a final over of tense excitement. I’d have actually fancied him to bowl it out for us. I did think Moeen trundled along far too long before letting go. That probably sounds like harsh criticism. But with Morgan and Billings in the wings, I felt we lost a bit of ground in pushing on earlier. Well done to NZ. I just knew when Neesham came in, that he was going to use the WC defeat to inspire him and his team to a great win. Good luck to NZ in the final. Edited November 10, 20214 yr by Smiley
November 11, 20214 yr Fair play to new Zealand. Our score I thought was possibly a bit low, but they were well behind. A tremendous innings from a single player can easily make all the difference and that's what happened. Not sure anyone can be blamed. We are a fine side in the short form and can be proud of them.
November 14, 20214 yr Williamson spraying Mitchell Starc to all parts of the ground is a joy to watch on a Sunday afternoon
November 14, 20214 yr Too dependent on who wins the toss - definitely not a level playing field. Spoiled the whole event for me....
Deserves its own thread
Amazing knock from Butler today