Cricket 2025.

[Geoff Parkstone]

rA "Brilliant comeback after what looked to be a lost cause after day one"

To some ☺️☺️

Still think if they had had Kuldeep Yadav in the team we may have seen a different result. Thakurs 4 runs were not result defining!

[macstheman]

A test full of action, hardly a session without drama. Test cricket at its best, for me you can stick the manufactured versions where the Sun don't shine!
Bring on the next instalment!

[ramAnag]

Hmmm, 608 to win and about 45 minutes of the new ball to survive. Any bets?

England can’t win, but can they survive and protect their 1-0 lead till the 3rd Test?

[macstheman]

With 3 down and fresh bowlers in the morning it's highly unlikely rA.
Tbf they've batted better and their bowlers (without Bumrah) have got more out of this pitch.
I see a deserved win for India.

[Geoff Parkstone]

Need more rain.....

[macstheman]

Need more rain.....

Your garden dry as well?? 😉

[ramAnag]

With 3 down and fresh bowlers in the morning it's highly unlikely rA.
Tbf they've batted better and their bowlers (without Bumrah) have got more out of this pitch.
I see a deserved win for India.

Outplayed basically. With the exception of the Brook-Smith first innings partnership I think we lost every session.
Take some coming back from in just four days time. Changes or stick with those who did so well in the first Test?

[Geoff Parkstone]

Well I'm sure we may have a fast bowler or two to come back....but don't see Crawley gotting dropped unless Bethell can open!

[macstheman]

As far as openers are concerned we're not over blessed with test talent, Crawley has always been inconsistent getting the odd big score but numerous low numbers, an average in the low 30's doesn't really cut it. Having said that there is little competition with no Cook or Strauss on the horizon.
Lower down Rooty has also become a bit either/or as well, he's still class but is showing signs of brittleness.
On the bowling front both Wood and Archer have the pace but are in the sicknote category. Otherwise we're a bit woolly in that area with the spin department also average.
Smith has picked up the gloves brilliantly and is looking like a permanent for years to come.

Have enjoyed both Tests and the series is nicely set up.

[Geoff Parkstone]

Atkinson might be ready but dont think Wood will until maybe 5th: in which case wrap him up in cotton wool for the Ashes. if Atkinson fir then he can come in for Woakes who was efficient but not really effective. Archer for Tongue.

[ramAnag]

Atkinson might be ready but dont think Wood will until maybe 5th: in which case wrap him up in cotton wool for the Ashes. if Atkinson fir then he can come in for Woakes who was efficient but not really effective. Archer for Tongue.

But Carse is injury prone too. Even considered having his big toe amputated apparently!
I suspect Archer is in contention for the next Test but he?s about as injury prone as Joe Ward so who knows.
I?d stick with Crawley for a little longer if for no other reason other than I can?t think of an alternative.

[Geoff Parkstone]

dom Sibley perhaps, his form is a bit better and he has found some shots playing in T20. Alex Lees who was perhaps unfairly dropped originally. Keaton Jennings - but they are all regressive picks

[ramAnag]

Seems like Archer will be starting. Good luck to him.

[MadAmster]

Seems like Archer will be starting. Good luck to him.

Good bowler but a bit Ozoh-ish with his glass body and limbs.

[macstheman]

Seems like Archer will be starting. Good luck to him.

Deffo 🤞for him, not played much cricket so hope Stokesy tells him to ease himself in. An injured Archer is no good to us!