just read mccallum is new red ball coach, appointed by 'cricket chief' rob key who appointed captain stokes

now, i get that i must be asleep and never see a paper, but fucking hell, ive missed all this happening

Well, this is some start by England this morning.

We're playing test cricket in a way that has never been seen before ... and it's brilliant to watch.

Rocket runs.

 

Nothing resolved. 300 might.

Some poor shots might cost; Root, Brooks, Bairstow.

38 minutes ago, globaldiver said:

Some poor shots might cost; Root, Brooks, Bairstow.

Could well do.

Can't help feeling they need 300 or so to defend.

28 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Could well do.

Can't help feeling they need 300 or so to defend.

Australia would be happy with a draw, I reckon.

33 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Could well do.

Can't help feeling they need 300 or so to defend.

And Robinson the 4th Yorkshireman out to an unnecessary shot!*

 

*not really a Yorkshireman 

Edited June 19, 20233 yr by globaldiver

Bairstow shouldn't be keeping wicket.

20 minutes ago, mickbrown said:

Bairstow shouldn't be keeping wicket.

Play your best keeper.

1 minute ago, globaldiver said:

Play your best keeper.

Definitely 

Now then….

It's the hope that kills ya

Johnny caught all 3!

Still, let some get by him.

Can we still do it? Rain will effect the morning session. Hopefully it may also bite into the afternoon session. We’ve got to hope that Australia still want to go for the win in the overs that are left, which could create opportunities. I think removing Boland this evening would have been a huge boost for us - but on the flip-side its worked well in their favour - they’ve won that little battle.

Moeen gets nearly 2 weeks to rest after this to get his finger sorted. There’s far more experienced folk than me on here - could we go to Lords with 4 seamers (+ Stokes) and just Root as our spinner?

22 minutes ago, Smiley said:

Can we still do it? Rain will effect the morning session. Hopefully it may also bite into the afternoon session. We’ve got to hope that Australia still want to go for the win in the overs that are left, which could create opportunities. I think removing Boland this evening would have been a huge boost for us - but on the flip-side its worked well in their favour - they’ve won that little battle.

Moeen gets nearly 2 weeks to rest after this to get his finger sorted. There’s far more experienced folk than me on here - could we go to Lords with 4 seamers (+ Stokes) and just Root as our spinner?

We could but hopefully won’t. Stokes might bring in Rehan Ahmed or Will Jacks.

I'm thinking the Aussies are favourites tomorrow.

One thing is for certain. I won't be getting much work done tomorrow.

It’s been an enthralling contest.

It’s ebbed and flowed throughout.

A win would be marvellous, a reward for bravery and innovation. 

Controversial opinion, but a defeat in this manner shouldn’t be viewed too negatively.

Although the likelihood with the rain around is a draw, unless it dries up quickly and theres enough dry spells spells in between the showers. 

Whatever happens, it’s set the series up fantastically well. We are in for a swashbuckling 6 weeks! 

Praying the Old Trafford test makes it to day 4!

Running through scenarios with weather. Likely to start around 1.30pm. We will get an extra hour added for lost overs (today and Sunday). Alistair Cook reckons Aussies will need around 4.5 hours to score 170 runs. So there WILL be a result today. 

Can’t see England winning this.

Aussies are just plodding their way to the total and will get there barring better bowling or a shit weather.

 

We need 2 more wickets quick style and then it becomes a bit more exciting. Still think Cummins will lash out.

Be amazed if England win this now though.

Well then

Going to the last over, this

Squeaky bum time

What a test.

I’m hoping, rather than expecting, there will be little criticism after that.

I genuinely don’t know what point criticism will have after that. Do you not think all the  risky moments/decisions are obvious and will have been considered and will be analysed by Stokes/McCullum?  Bairstow selection, declaration, bowling selections, missed catches, not taking new ball etc 

They don’t need Amateurs on their back with shoulda, coulda, woulda’s. Easy as fuck from your arm chair/seat/press box 

This approach will win us and lose us tests .

What entertainment - it’s set up to be a memorable series.