India in England Aug-Sep 2021 (& July 2022)

[Arthur Crabtree]

He was complaining they weren't playing enough shots when Sibley and Crawley were together.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Forecast ain't great. Starting to brighten up though.

[sussexpob]

Vaughan has gone from a very insightful commentator, to probably now by some distance the worst around. His social media output is flat out horrendous, I cant understand how he can represent the BBC while effing and blinding at people or calling them idiots on SM. Literally seems to spend all his time engaging in troll battles on the twitter machine - and that attitude of combative verbal spamming has worked its way into the box.

Actually he spends a large part of his time repping his brand of Gin...

[sussexpob]

My point exactly. If cricket nerds like us on these boards can't muster any real enthusiasm for this series, which should be marquee behind only the Ashes, something is deeply rotten in the state of the MCC.

I have thoughts on the Ashes administration, but not sure if here or the health thread is better for them.

I think contrary to what a lot of people think, test match batting has taken a step towards thee right direction. In recent times you do see a lot of batters really digging in and trying, even if technique fails them. Id have said 5-10 years ago that wasnt the case, and everyone was playing ODI style innings and not really bothered batting in a test match style with grit.

Id be lying if I didnt think that cricket is lowered in my passions, but there is simply too many games to show dedication towards. Less is more....

[Arthur Crabtree]

Vaughany will be pleased. Pant lobs a catch into the covers.

[Durhamfootman]

3 drops seemingly

and according to the match summary 5 missed run out opportunities too

not good in a low scoring game

[Arthur Crabtree]

Handy lead for a low scoring game too.

I guess Robinson's Test bowling average must be decent.

[sussexpob]

That 30-40 runs for the last wicket is a killer for England

[bigfluffylemon]

Geez, you can't miss that opportunities when playing against India and expect to be in contention.

England need to make at least 300 to have any chance here. Seems unlikely.

Forecast suggests that there will be more interruptions.

[sussexpob]

Here comes Crawley.... whats the bet we see a few picture perfect drives on the way to a lowish score.

Didnt even get one classic picture perfect stroke this time, a choppy edge brings a boundary, then he's snagged behind playing at something he shouldnt.

I will give Crawley his due, he is an insanely talented player when bringing out his array of strokes, but there is a reason he averaged 30 in CC before his call up; he cannot defend his wickets (nor play spin if the winter is any indication).

Average of 10 in the last calendar year from 7 tests..... If he has a future in the team, its not going to be playing his way into form against this quality of bowling. They have to get him out and working on his defensive technique. He could be good enough, but right now, he is not.

[sussexpob]

Root aint sitting around here, playing a few drives to balls that arent half volley's.... and while he has creamed a few, he's already edge on right in front of slip.

Might want to settle down if he wants to stay there

[Arthur Crabtree]

Root must be looking at the other ten batters and fearing the worst. But if they can get a 180 lead, you never know. Maybe Curran should be batting higher.

Could do with a spinner in the fourth innings.

[sussexpob]

Root cracks a quick 50. England need him to turn this into a matchwinner. If anything the pitch looks easier to bat on now than at the start, but India really have thrown a lot at these two. England doing better this morning.

[Arthur Crabtree]

It seems English grounds usually flatten out a bit since the drainage overhauls. Looks like the cloud cover has broken up too.

Plenty to do, but England's morning. Maybe all square now.

[sussexpob]

Sibley throws away his start. 133 balls for 28.... eventually loses concentration and chases one.

England now essentially 40/3. They need a partnership or two here to swing the game. 1 or 2 quick Indian wickets might win the game from here.