Looking forward to New Zealand game at Chester le Street next month

Too True Baz. Under Strauss's captaincy his policy was not to enforce follows on and set record breaking second innings targets that wouldnt be chased. Leaving little time to bowl the opposition out. He blew a Test series in the WIndies using those tactics. Looks like nothing will change as Cook seems to follow the same policy.:MyEmoticons-com__sm

I've just bought Sir Geoffrey's new book which as ever I'm sure will be a good read.

20/20 started last night but I've no time for it

The internet is alive with the story that Trevor Bayliss has got the English coach's job.


I always hated that prick!!!


And the shame with it all is that he comes from New South Wales!!!



:bigfinger:bigfinger:bigfinger

First Test England v. New Zealand at Lords.

When England were 30 for 4 on the First Day my fears about being whitewashed looked about right. Then the Young Guns stood up and England posted a reasonable total of 389. Kiwis responded positively with 523. Second Innings England were under the cosh at 74 for 3 until Cook and Root started a comeback, then it happened. Root was out for 84 and Stokes came in and went on a rampage of 101 runs off 92 balls fastest ton in a Test at Lords. Cook went on and weighed in with 162. End result was England all out for 478 which was a good thing as Cook would have probably batted on until the lead was around 500 runs and declared at 4.45PM.

Bowlers responded brilliantly and had the Kiwis 12 for 3 which was a turnaround as they were 0 for 2 at one point. Kiwis were on the backfoot, the run chase was never on, especially when Stokes got McCullum first ball.:surrender:

This was a great Test Match that had everything and a great turnaround after such a lacklustre performance against the WIndies in the Caribbean. So the only whitewashing in this mini Test Series will be done by England. Still some issues for England to address but after this win its BRING ON THE AUSSIES!!:maddance:

Great assessment frankie and I figure this could be a turning point for England they were fired up today !! Watched the first session at home before driving back down south and managed to catch the end of the game down here

Bayliss confirmed as the new coach, interesting to see how that works out.

Next test starts in a couple of days and we need to keep momentum up ready for the Ashes

This one looks set up to be a good test too , runs , wickets and rain on the first day was more like a one day innings by the kiwi's

Aye. It’s now the end of day 2. The Kiwi tailenders threw the bat early this morning and posted a decent total of 350 all out especially considering the mess they were in at the start of the innings. Then Lyth and Cook dominated with the bat, but once Lyth was out for a maiden ton of 107, down to a stupid run out, the Kiwis took control, got the new ball and dominated. England were 215 for 2 when Lyth was out but at stumps are 247 for 5.

So England trail by 97 runs with 5 wickets in hand. Kiwis ahead at this stage after spending long periods toiling in the field today. England could struggle here if they don’t get a decent lead and it’s always difficult batting last at Headingley. But the weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow morning so that may be the deciding factor in the outcome of this Test Match.

I was quite impressed with Lyth today after he struggled at Lords. IMO the best candidate to open the batting with Cook since Strauss’s retirement, early days yet though. Ballance is struggling but still averages 50+ so no need to panic yet.

Poor cricket at the end by England, threw away a good position