England Test tour of WI, March 1-28

[Arthur Crabtree]

Didn't think a draw might be on during the first morning.

Either side could collapse in a session though.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Fifty for Crawley. Presume the pitch has expired.

[sussexpob]

Fifty for Crawley. Presume the pitch has expired.

The ball swung for 10 odd overs, now it's dead. Booking in for breakfast.... Scores to be had

[Arthur Crabtree]

Starting to look like it's going to be a case of calculating a declaration.

[Durhamfootman]

Starting to look like it's going to be a case of calculating a declaration.

nah.... bat long, get some practice in and don't flog the remaining bowlers into the ground wilfully, needlessly and aimlessly

let the WI bowlers do all the toiling

[Arthur Crabtree]

Crawley's going to get another double ton.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Lees will be feeling a bit sick.

[sussexpob]

Flat pitch, but you still have to score and not make errors. Well played by the two, gave England a chance at the win....but the weather isn't playing ball.

I guess England will thrash it around tomorrow in the first session....try get 100-150 and leave windies two sessions

[Arthur Crabtree]

England might have a sniff. Leach has a good second innings record.

[bigfluffylemon]

Well batted. No one's doubted Crawley can make runs since that 267, he has all the shots, but needs to find some consistency. Hopefully this will be the start of something more substantial.

Result seems pretty unlikely though. There just won't be time to build, a safe lead and bowl WI out unless they collapse in a heap. On this wicket, it's going to take at least 30-40 overs to have enough to declare.

I know we criticise Joe's limited adventurousness, but given first test of the series and depleted bowling stocks, including the need to manage Stokes, I'd be tempted to bat long, tire the WI bowlers out and let my own bowlers put their feet up, rather than chasing an unlikely win.

[Durhamfootman]

I know we criticise Joe's limited adventurousness, but given first test of the series and depleted bowling stocks, including the need to manage Stokes, I'd be tempted to bat long, tire the WI bowlers out and let my own bowlers put their feet up, rather than chasing an unlikely win.

and even though that is the obviously sensible approach, there's a part of me that harks back to SP's comments about Strauss/Colly/Root's need to prove something

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think they have to work to the general end of a result otherwise it's a bit of a disregard of the crowd. Jut batting out the day in front of paying customers isn't on, even if we just end up with a draw anyway. At least bat positively and set about 250.

Crawley is out.

[yuppie]

So England maybe looking at giving WI 65 to 70 overs?

[yuppie]

Keep batting like the last 10 overs then 70 overs to attempt to bowl WI out? Or too risky

[Arthur Crabtree]

England should have a 300 lead by then. Doesn't feel that risky. Would be helpful if Wood is fit though.

Lawrence goes, which is a shame.