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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 12:50:40 GMT
The toss I'd say. Wouldn't say they're anything like 7/1, but would say that England are favourites based on toss and Old Trafford-ness.
Good morning thus far, just waiting for one of them to lose concentration and then we're 120/4.
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Post by belleoftheredball on Jul 22, 2016 13:43:03 GMT
Sick of calls to drop Hales AGAIN, it's not like there's a wealth of replacements for him, and most of the calls seem to be focussing on temperament which he showed he had in the Sri Lanka series. That may not have been a test of technique, but it was of temperament. He has it. I quite like Alex Hales and wasn't in any way, shape or form calling for him to be dropped in my post. My admiration for his work ethic and temperament can be found in the Sri Lanka thread. My comment was directed only at his play today. Which is why I said "seemed to be living on borrowed time" not "seems to be living on borrowed time". His head just seemingly wasn't in this game. Agree with you on the rest. Still think the coaches blame themselves for Mo (rightfully so in some respects) and that if he, Vince and/or Ballance don't perform in this game Mo will continue to get a respite and one or both of the other two will be axed. Though for whom, I haven't the foggiest notion. This Rashid/Moeen twin spin with Rashid at 5 is just absolute nonsense by the cricket writers in my opinion. You might as well bring in Plunkett at 5 because he's better at batting & bowling than Rashid!
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 13:55:39 GMT
Apologies then Belle, but if you had been, you wouldn't be the only one. And I am sick of them. Poor lad, really in-form, give him a break!
Didn't think Rashid was too bad a batsman, plays number 6/7 for Yorkshire at times dunnee? Plunkett's a slogger in the style of Southee, not sure I'd trust him to get runs.
Moe has been messed about. I would give him a break. But agree with what was said earlier, Rashid's no saviour.
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 14:25:28 GMT
Brilliant century. Brilliant word games on the live text as well. Brilliant for England.
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Post by belleoftheredball on Jul 22, 2016 14:34:48 GMT
Indeed. Loving this Cookie Root thing too. They really seem to get it on together. I'm coming around on this Root to 3 thing and hope it sticks.
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Post by Mattzo on Jul 22, 2016 14:36:46 GMT
Nice positive innings by Cook since lunch. He's raced along. (Relatively)
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 14:44:00 GMT
Cook for ODIs! Agreed that Cook and Root seem to work well together. But then so do Root and Stokes... maybe it's just Root? Mr. Dynamo? Let's see if he can inspire England's 4 and 5... as he'll get the chance to now.
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Post by Mattzo on Jul 22, 2016 14:47:13 GMT
Cook getting out is rather less upsetting when he's already scored 105.
Also one of the more impressive Cook hundreds I've seen. He looked so assured and in command.
Good luck Vincey, great chance to be 50 not out at close.
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Post by belleoftheredball on Jul 22, 2016 14:58:39 GMT
If Stokesy were in a band it would be the Libertines. Which is awesome. He don't need no Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity. Cooky on the other hand seems to relish a little Marvin Gaye....ie Let's Get It On. He needs someone to light that fire and push him. That's why I like him with Root
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 15:13:13 GMT
There's yer chance Vince, don't much it up.
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Post by Mattzo on Jul 22, 2016 15:15:49 GMT
Great comment Balladeer.
That Vince shot was sadly predictable. Let's hope for both his and England's sake that he makes the most of his life.
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 15:19:57 GMT
It's catching, Root's fishing now.
He's terrible. He's terrible! He's averaging in the teens in his fifth Test match, and has not once looked like he's learning. Get him out the side.
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Post by Mattzo on Jul 22, 2016 15:40:04 GMT
Well, there we go. Vince has the talent for sure, but needs to use that drive rather more sparingly. Hopefully he can go away and work that out. In the meantime, who bats 4?
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Post by Balladeer on Jul 22, 2016 15:41:31 GMT
Borthwick, surely? Surely Robson is the only other possible choice, and he fits into the top three and doesn't really have that "aggression" Bayliss prizes so much. That or they'll blindside us with Westley or Northeast or somebody. At least Root is quite good. Double please. Gosh I wonder which Matt that was in the live text.
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Post by nickcricket on Jul 22, 2016 16:00:11 GMT
Afternoon Everyone,
Doesn't look good for Vince, he has the second innings enough of course but as I said on the liveblog recently I think we have seen enough to say you know that you need to work on so go and do it at Hampshire. I wonder how much damage Vince has done to the selectors view of Second tier runs, It should be Borthwick or Hildreth in for me.
Add Daniel Bell-Drummond to that list of possible wildcards as England have always rated him even when his numbers weren't great he has been in and around the Lions stuff
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