Half way through the 2nd innings of the 5 th match, and we're about to reach 3000 runs for the series. Like so many cricket records, its more a curiosity than anything significant.
But are the wickets more placid than they should be, or has T20 taught the batsmen that no shot is impossible? Especially with these Jumbo bats.

I've enjoyed the Aussie T20 series this year. The huge run chases in the 50/50 have seemed quite clinical by comparison. Only five games now, when we used to have 18 or 20.

Still, its better than wanker fucking tennis.

Don’t think it’s solely down to the wickets but more to do with younger players being brought up on T/20 cricket and carrying that mentality over into Test Matches. Plus those massive bats they now use, but you still have to hit the ball. Years ago in limited 50 overs cricket a side chasing would consider 4 runs an over as par and 6 runs per over as practically impossible. On a decent wicket 6 runs an over is usually par now.

A good example is Joe Root. When he bats in a Test Match if the first ball he faces is slightly overpitched or widish he is straight on to it and, on occasion, puts it away for 4. The traditional method of test batting would be wait until you’ve got your eye in before attacking the ball, but that doesn’t seem to apply anymore. Until a batsman uppishly square cuts the first ball faced and is caught at cover point and, on commentary, it’s over to Geoffrey Boycott for his “opinion”.:ohmy:

Sad news


Tony Cozier :rip:



Tony Cozier Dead at 75




:sad:

Geezus, Mitch Marsh is still being picked for Test cricket


Aust Test Cricket Squad for Sri Lanka Tour




He is useless!!!



:faint:

So are Sri Lanka

They better stay that way for the one-dayers too. Part of my attempt to convert the missus to cricket is dragging her to the 2 one-dayers in Cardiff in the summer. Sri Lanka first then Pakistan. A bit of sunshine and a couple of wins (plus plenty of cider) and I reckon I'll be well on the way to being able to watch a whole series at home without her moaning about losing access to the TV for days at a time.

I'm off to Durham Monday for 4th day of 2nd test but that is in doubt the way we skittled them last week

I'm off to Durham Saturday for 2nd day of 2nd test so it will probably piss down or "bad light", despite floodlights, will come into it. Would like to see Cookie score his 10,000th. I was at Headingley all those years ago when Borecott "accumulated" his 100th First Class Ton. So its payback time.

Hell of a day to watch, hope you enjoyed it. Not looking good for Reg though.

There was a bit of a debate in the Cherry bar about a week ago (the night England wrapped up the First Test against Sri Lanka) with some knowledgeable English gents who knew a bit more than me about English & Test cricket.




I posed a few questions to seek their views.

1. Could England go to #1 in the ICC Test rankings if they won all the upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan (6 Tests in total)?

2. Could Cook go to past Tendulker's Test run total as he is only 31 and has plenty of years in him yet?

3. Could Jimmy Anderson go on to pass Glen McGrath's total of 563 Test wickets?







Nobody knew the answer to the first question and most doubted that Cook and Anderson could do it.


So I had a look at all the upcoming international fixture list released by the ICC which goes up to the end of Feb 2017 and found it interesting.


When the international games conclude for England on September 8th 2016, that's it for them. No more games in any format.


India play 3 ODI's and 3 T20 games in Zimbabwe in June 2016 and that's it for them as well. I found that one really strange as we all know the popularity of the game there.


Australia on the other hand play 6 ODI's in the West Indies next month, 3 Tests 5 ODI's and 2 T20 games in Sri Lanka in July/August, a ODI game against Ireland in Sept, 5 ODI's in South Africa in October. Then back to Australia to start a 3 Test series versus South Africa in November, 3 ODI's against the Kiwis in December, 3 Tests, 5 ODI's against the Paki's in Dec/Jan, 3 more ODI's against the Kiwis and 2 T20's against Sri Lanka all in February.


Throw in the IPL and other T20 leagues and some blokes (like Warner) are playing all year round


Good for Aussie supporters but I can't understand the disparity in scheduling. :dunno:



Not sure about Cook and Anderson now either. They have to play Tests to rack up the statistics. At least they will get a good break.


Maybe Australia will get a decent break next year to be nice and fresh for the Ashes series in Australia



dancing