The Crisp Crack Of Leather On Willow

[Bagpuss 8,030]

Disappointing from England today, they should only have be batting once in this match but that now looks unlikely. Generally speaking we just don’t have the bowlers necessary to make life easier away from hone. 

[The Cheese 1,630]

Which idiot mentioned something about a comfortable win? 

On this evidence the India series is going to be a disaster. Don't think anyone here has the rights for TV coverage so at least most people won't be able to see it!

edit;

I'll take credit for that Leach wicket 

Edited January 16, 2021 by The Cheese

[CrystalCastles 222]

Not the best day today, hopefully tomorrow they will bowl better and seal the win.

 

[orion 7,013]

Never easy ..going to have to  grind it  out tomorrow as the pitch i has gone quite flat . Hoping the patch up india side can hang on for a draw in oz 

[The Cheese 1,630]

Wtf is Bairstow doing here? 

Absolute torture this!

[Bagpuss 8,030]

Bloody hell England.....

[orion 7,013]

Should be ok thou if Bairstow had got run out after Root had been it might have been another story , Lucky it was not 120-150 we were chasing or Sri Lanka had a decent second spinner .

[CrystalCastles 222]

Least they got through this morning relatively easily.

Glad Bairstow got some runs in both innings as like Buttler was completely out of form last year. Sometimes you need to stick with players in a tough period, other times they need a break and to come back in at a different time.

Meanwhile Australia v India will be an exciting final day. They looked to have sorted out a consistent team following the Ashes, but all the problems that they had when Langer came in seem to be returning. 

Openers, weak middle order, batting collapses, and a world class bowling attack not delivering when in strong positions.

[Bagpuss 8,030]

What a win by India to wrap up the series down under (the Aussies’ first test defeat at the Gabba since 1988) 

Edited January 19, 2021 by Bagpuss

[dontforgetthefueltapsbruv 9,328]

What a great chase by India 

[CrystalCastles 222]

14 minutes ago, Bagpuss said:

What a win by India to wrap up the series down under (the Aussies’ first test defeat at the Gabba since 1988) 

Brilliant chase and performance from India. Only played badly in one test in the series.

Winning missing Kohli, Bumrah & Ashwin this test shows the depth in Indian cricket now.

Australia sticking with Starc after the last test was a mistake. Starc was ineffective and expensive in the last test and got whacked even more at the Gabba especially in the 2nd innings.

Combined with selecting Green but not really bowling him. Left them light as a bowling attack.

[orion 7,013]

i wonder if Paine still can't wait to get India to the Gabba   As cc says in above post Starc is a poor choice for test cricket .. Must be bitter Sweet for Kohil not really sure he's a good captain at all .

[The Cheese 1,630]

Outstanding from India, you look at the side that finished the series compared to the start and that makes it even more impressive. Sundar was only there as a net bowler to replicate Lyon and hadn't played a first class game for more than 3 years!

Pujara's bizarrely had some criticism during this series but an important innings from him again

[Midland Red 2,200]

Great day for PROPER CRICKET 

[The Cheese 1,630]

Anderson replaces Broad for the 2nd Test. Was hoping to see Stone get an opportunity but Wood keeps his place. 

Squad for the first two Tests in India also announced. Burns, Stokes and Archer return with Bairstow, Curran and Wood rested. Buttler will go home after the first Test so Foakes will get a chance. Pope will travel but not officially in the squad yet, he seems to be concerned about being fit enough to field.