England's Indian Summer - T20s, ODIs & Tests

First topic message reminder :

T20s

A three match series between the 2nd (India) and 4th ranked teams in the world https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/team-rankings/t20i

Fixtures

Tuesday 3rd July 2018 17:30
Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Friday 6th July 2018 17:30
Sophia Gardens Cardiff, Cardiff

Sunday 8th July 2018 14:00
The Brightside Ground, Bristol


Squads

England: Morgan, Ali, Bairstow, Ball, Buttler, Curran S, Curran T, Hales, Jordan, Plunkett, Rashid, Root, Roy, Willey (Malan in as cover for 1st game, Stokes may join for 3rd)

India: Kohli, Chahal, Chahar, Dhawan, Dhoni, Karthik, Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, Kumar, Pandey, HH Pandya, KH Pandya, Rahul, Raina, Sharma UT Yadav


Key Men

Jos Buttler - move up the order during IPL has given him much more time to have an impact. While only ranked 26 in ICC rankings, this will improve now he opens.
Alex Hales - Formerly top ranked batter in T20s, has dropped a bit (to 7) and finds his place in the England side under threat.
Rashid/Ali - Englands spinners have thrived in the one day format, but will find the Indian batting lineup a tough test.

Virat Kohli - probably the best batsmen in the world across all 3 forms of the game. Some injury issues recently.
Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav - India look like going with two wrist spinners. England often struggle to score quickly against good spin.



ODIs

Fixtures

Another 3 match series between the the top two ranked sides in the world.  Both teams will be wanting to lay down a marker before next year's world cup.


Thursday 12th July 2018 12:30
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Saturday 14th July 2018 11:00
Lord's, London

Tuesday 17th July 2018 12:30
Emerald Headingley, Leeds


Squads

England - Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Mark Wood.



Test Series

A form of cricket in which the visitors have been much better than the hosts. The series goes deep into September as India seek to avenge the series defeat in 2014. In a manner we have become used to seeing from touring teams around the world, that series India capitulated in the final 3 tests  having won the second test to take a 1-0 lead. India however look strong enough this time out to put pressure on a faltering home test team.


Fixtures

Wednesday 1st August 2018 11:00
Edgbaston, Birmingham

Thursday 9th August 2018 11:00
Lord's, London

Saturday 18th August 2018 11:00
Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Thursday 30th August 2018 11:00
Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Friday 7th September 2018 11:00
Kia Oval, London

Having said that, England may be forced to introduce Rashid or withdraw for the day, as the clouds have come over again and the floodlights are on.

India need to bat another 40 overs to win.

Kohli looks alarmingly secure despite some handy bowling...

You have to believe he's only human ; but like Smith last year he is threatening to convince England that they have no hope of getting him out.

Anderson back to test that theory ...and his first ball so nearly draws the edge ! This spell from Jimmy is going to be vital.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Yeah this is the last time we’ll see Malan in the test side

You would think so. But if England somehow manage to win can see them keeping the same batting line up. Especially as the next teat is next week.

Duty281 wrote:Having said that, England may be forced to introduce Rashid or withdraw for the day, as the clouds have come over again and the floodlights are on.

India need to bat another 40 overs to win.

Might not need 40 overs if Rashid bowls.

I know that's not fair. He might get important wickets : but he does bowl a lot of full tosses...

Oh that was close....but as I feared it was going over. Review wasted ...probably can't blame them though as it was The Man.

Oh, thank god, that was high.

Luke wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Yeah this is the last time we’ll see Malan in the test side

You would think so. But if England somehow manage to win can see them keeping the same batting line up. Especially as the next teat is next week.

If they keep the same batting lineup they're nuts. It is not just Malan doesn't look quite good enough - they have to find at least two new bats sooner rather than later ; so introducing a new prospect is a matter of some urgency.

Match is over, India will lose by about 50 runs.

Curran nabs Rahane...low catch , but clean for YJB.

Kohli still the roadblock. But game on...

Why on earth did they check that? Clearly caught.

Ashwin gets a promotion. Innovative thinking. Still make India favourites, but if Kohli goes, it's England's for the taking.

Have to remember, England have already been in two positions of great strength in the game, and they failed to exploit both.

subhranshu.kumar.5 wrote:Match is over, India will lose by about 50 runs.

Cannot call it yet. While Kohli is there , India remain favorites I think. He is that good.

Ashwin up to six ? Is he going to launch a counter attack ? Interesting tactical change...

Either a counter-attack - and try and put England on the defensive - or maybe India are thinking there won't be much play left with the light fading, so get someone to occupy the crease.

Anderson bowling beautifully, but no reward yet.

alfie wrote:

subhranshu.kumar.5 wrote:Match is over, India will lose by about 50 runs.

Cannot call it yet.  While Kohli is there , India remain favorites I think. He is that good.

Ashwin up to six ?  Is he going to launch a counter attack ?  Interesting tactical change...

What a trash, the Indian Batting lineup. None of them are reliable to play on these conditions. Once again its Kohli vs England. Very disappointed.

Another great test at this venue was against South Africa in 2008 (Vaughan's last as captain).

South Africa needed an unlikely 281 to win and England, at one stage, had them reeling at 93/4. But they just couldn't dismiss G Smith, who struck a masterful 154* to lead his side to victory.

Same here with Kohli?

Anderson gets the wicket he so deserved. Ashwin, not Kohli, but important nonetheless.

116 to go. Five wickets remaining.

England favourites...? Deary me it's close.

Duty281 wrote:Another great test at this venue was against South Africa in 2008 (Vaughan's last as captain).

South Africa needed an unlikely 281 to win and England, at one stage, had them reeling at 93/4. But they just couldn't dismiss G Smith, who struck a masterful 154* to lead his side to victory.

Same here with Kohli?

A big hope man, but that will not be fulfilled here. India will lose by 60+ runs now.

The Ashwin gambit didn't really work...Jimmy finds an edge and that's four catches for YJB

Does Kohli have any nerves ? It looks as if he has to win it off his own bat...

What the hell they are trying to touch the one going outside? All needs training from someone like Dravid.

Kohli, Khartik and Pandya will have to be the ones to score the bulk of the 111 remaining.

Can't expect much from Shami, Yadav or Sharma (who managed 8 between them in the first innings).

England would happily have them batting top 3 if they can score that many Duty

Duty281 wrote:Kohli, Khartik and Pandya will have to be the ones to score the bulk of the 111 remaining.

Can't expect much from Shami, Yadav or Sharma (who managed 8 between them in the first innings).

True. But the last two stayed with Kohli while he scored about a hundred ...

As long as he's in , this is still India's to lose.

Early, but Karthik looking in good touch. Timing well, leaving well.

Ominous, perhaps. England need at least one more before stumps...

Yes , Karthik looks better than first innings ...not that that is a high bar

But it seems to have gone bit quiet at the moment. Not quite the same air of menace ; Kohli content to pick up runs as they come.

Think England need one more tonight.

Very tidy this partnership so far. 25 crucial runs at just under 4 an over.

Need Kohli he stays there India win, get him and the others roll over! Doubt we will see Rashid tonight now

Not sure why they’ve decided to have a tired Stokes bang it in short....surely given Curran a go again?

Curran? Anderson? No...Rashid.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Not sure why they’ve decided to have a tired Stokes bang it in short....surely given Curran a go again?

Root appears to have little clue as to how to manage his bowlers.

He's overbowled Anderson and Stokes at various times in this test.

Duty281 wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Not sure why they’ve decided to have a tired Stokes bang it in short....surely given Curran a go again?

Root appears to have little clue as to how to manage his bowlers.

He's overbowled Anderson and Stokes at various times in this test.

Don’t get it - balls been swinging, why bang it in short and take life out of it? Why Curran only bowled five overs this session when he got the wicket of Rahane and troubled Kohli also. Strange

Karthik and Kohli combined for the largest partnership of the innings so far: 32 and counting. It has taken the sting out of England's attack, and ensured India are strong favourites going into day four.

84 needed with 5 wickets left. You'd expect India to get there 8 times in every 10.

Another superb day of test cricket. Magnificent start to the series.

Honours even IMO.,.. get Kohli game over, if he stays in and adds amother 30-40 then India win

*Kohli vs England , Birmingham 2018*
is what this test will be remembered

50-50 it stands now and I think the game is almost at the point where conditions and skills become less relevant....it's largely just nerves

If Kohli stays not-out Ind will guaranteed win.
It's if he gets out, is when Eng will have a chance and the earlier they get him greater the chance, and even if he falls within 20 runs of victory, Eng will still be with a chance.

Curran gave Eng 30 more than they looked like at one time....but Ind would have accepted a 194 fourth inning chase anytime in this game.

Ishant, Yadav and Ashwin all bowled well and Shami did so in first innings......so bowlers came to party and pitch looked much more menacing today.
Sadly no batsman has stood up other than Kohli and that's a big worry for rest of series.
Pandya better scores 35 runs if needed tomm or delivers a 10 not-out to win..... else he will make way for Pujara in next test

alfie wrote:

Luke wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Yeah this is the last time we’ll see Malan in the test side

You would think so. But if England somehow manage to win can see them keeping the same batting line up. Especially as the next teat is next week.

If they keep the same batting lineup they're nuts.  It is not just Malan doesn't look quite good enough - they have to find at least two new bats sooner rather than later ; so introducing a new prospect is a matter of some urgency.

Oh I don't disagree, would also go as far as to say they need to sort out 4/5/6. In at least getting players into the right order.
But because the 1st 3 tests are back to back it just can't see them doing this. And think it will be more to do with the tours rather than this series.

The odds don't have it a 50-50, so if you think it is, or if you fancy England, then go lump on.

Curran is a lovely little player. Very happy to see the gamble on him is paying off so far, and he's something a bit different too. His development is crucial, he looks the heir apparent. And he can bat, which means he can be a bit more like Broad once was.

Gives England some time to develop a few more for when Jimmy calls it a day.

Nice to see Broad consistently shove the middle finger up to people like me who thought he was done. Got a lot of time for the way he goes and works on his game.

Luke wrote:

alfie wrote:

Luke wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Yeah this is the last time we’ll see Malan in the test side

You would think so. But if England somehow manage to win can see them keeping the same batting line up. Especially as the next teat is next week.

If they keep the same batting lineup they're nuts.  It is not just Malan doesn't look quite good enough - they have to find at least two new bats sooner rather than later ; so introducing a new prospect is a matter of some urgency.

Oh I don't disagree, would also go as far as to say they need to sort out 4/5/6. In at least getting players into the right order.
But because the 1st 3 tests are back to back it just can't see them doing this. And think it will be more to do with the tours rather than this series.

I'm a little unsure as to why Buttler gets to come in and be the counter attack, carefree player and Vince gets dropped altogether because he was making too many 30s and playing too lazily. Vince could easily play down the order and score much needed runs, and score in a quick fashion.

Although that does highlight the problem: there's too many players in this England team who don't bat with any discipline, or don't want to.

There's surgery to do to nearly every aspect of the batting. Wonder if Alli might get another chance.

Lots of grey cloud around this morning and a biy of moisture in the air. Should be some aid for the county style bowlers.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Luke wrote:

alfie wrote:

Luke wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Yeah this is the last time we’ll see Malan in the test side

You would think so. But if England somehow manage to win can see them keeping the same batting line up. Especially as the next teat is next week.

If they keep the same batting lineup they're nuts.  It is not just Malan doesn't look quite good enough - they have to find at least two new bats sooner rather than later ; so introducing a new prospect is a matter of some urgency.

Oh I don't disagree, would also go as far as to say they need to sort out 4/5/6. In at least getting players into the right order.
But because the 1st 3 tests are back to back it just can't see them doing this. And think it will be more to do with the tours rather than this series.

I'm a little unsure as to why Buttler gets to come in and be the counter attack, carefree player and Vince gets dropped altogether because he was making too many 30s and playing too lazily. Vince could easily play down the order and score much needed runs, and score in a quick fashion.

Although that does highlight the problem: there's too many players in this England team who don't bat with any discipline, or don't want to.

There's surgery to do to nearly every aspect of the batting. Wonder if Alli might get another chance.

It's an interesting point. Certain players seem to get away with more, or certainly get more chances than others. When Compton 1st got in, he didn't let anyone down and got a couple of hundreds in Newcastle Zealand. But because he wasn't scoring quickly enough was dropped. Meanwhile Cook who just isn't scoring apart from the odd test is still a mainstay.
I think because of the other forms of the game, batters just don't have the patience anymore. And already go out with a plan, rather than watching and respecting the ball on merit. Hence the number of soft dismissals we get.
Part of the problem with the batting is Root, who should be at 4. But your right, we do need major surgery.

Ali will get another chance, but all that does to me is paper over the cracks. He shouldn't be thought of because his forms been poor for a while. Let him get some forms in County cricket , and if he's to comeback it's because he's found former in County cricket ala Bairstow.
The one which interests me is weather they'll continue with Rashid at Trent Bridge. If they don't there was just no point picking him for this test.

wisden wrote:Honours even IMO.,.. get Kohli game over, if he stays in and adds amother 30-40 then India win

Can't say I agree. 84 runs with 6 players should be a doddle. Even if Kohli goes early, India should still get over the line; Khartik looked in good touch yesterday.

You also have to factor in that: a) England's bowlers are tiring and b) the closer India get, the more defensive Root's field placings will be.

Duty281 wrote:

wisden wrote:Honours even IMO.,.. get Kohli game over, if he stays in and adds amother 30-40 then India win

Can't say I agree.  84 runs with 6 players should be a doddle. Even if Kohli goes early, India should still get over the line; Khartik looked in good touch yesterday.

You also have to factor in that: a) England's bowlers are tiring and b) the closer India get, the more defensive Root's field placings will be.

I am amazed to see, you have negated your trust for England. 84 run is a big margin and we are gonna see a good competition between bat and bowl.

For me even the 360 degree shots of ADB can't match the excitement of the current match. Test cricket is always boss.

Regarding Indian batting line up in the next test, there is going to be a lots of changes. I think Dhawan will make in roads for Pujara with Rahul opening with Vijay. Even Karun Nair may get a chance. If I am to suggest Karthick should play as a full fledged batsman as he did in 2007 series and Pant should keep the wickets. For me the line up should go like this

Vijay
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli(c)
Karthick
Karun Nair
R Pant(wk)
Ashwin
Shami
Ishant
Umesh.

I am eagerly waiting for Bumrah to be back. Pant made some crucial runs in both the un-official test matches for India-A here in England.

If India were to win , would they really make three changes ?

Agree Dhawan looks on thin ice ; not sure Rahul as opener inspires much confidence !

Might be two spinners , no ?

subhranshu.kumar.5 wrote:

Duty281 wrote:

wisden wrote:Honours even IMO.,.. get Kohli game over, if he stays in and adds amother 30-40 then India win

Can't say I agree.  84 runs with 6 players should be a doddle. Even if Kohli goes early, India should still get over the line; Khartik looked in good touch yesterday.

You also have to factor in that: a) England's bowlers are tiring and b) the closer India get, the more defensive Root's field placings will be.

I am amazed to see, you have negated your trust for England. 84 run is a big margin and we are gonna see a good competition between bat and bowl.

For me even the 360 degree shots of ADB can't match the excitement of the current match. Test cricket is always boss.

You'd expect India to get there 8 out of every 10 times. They just need one batsman to get in, get settled, and score 50% or more of the remaining runs - then they're home. England are reliant on one inspirational spell of bowling and the need to deliver 5 wickets inside 25 overs - not impossible, not beyond them, just highly unlikely.

It is an obvious thing to say I know but I will say it anyway. England get Kohli out and they win the test. If they don't they lose.

Duty281 wrote:

wisden wrote:Honours even IMO.,.. get Kohli game over, if he stays in and adds amother 30-40 then India win

Can't say I agree.  84 runs with 6 players should be a doddle. Even if Kohli goes early, India should still get over the line; Khartik looked in good touch yesterday.

You also have to factor in that: a) England's bowlers are tiring and b) the closer India get, the more defensive Root's field placings will be.

You really have taken up the mantle of "England's No 1 Pessimist " , haven't you , Duty

I do hope Root resists the temptation to be too defensive ...Kohli will happily "get 'em in singles " if he's allowed to....England need to keep pressing as a couple of wickets at any stage will have this on the edge. Nerves are likely to play a big part - unless of course India simply storm away in the first hour (which is possible ; but unlikely , I'd say , given the pattern of this match)

You're right it isn't just "get Kohli" : but if they can get him in the first half hour or so then I think England will fancy their chances. Reckon this one will go down to the wire...

I try not to be a pessimist, only a realist, haha.

Five wickets in 25 overs is a huge ask. Particularly when one end is occupied with Kohli who looks, often, as though he's batting on a completely different wicket.

Weather is gorgeous. Precious little cloud cover.

The weather looks to be just what India would have wanted...

Hope Jimmy can get some luck to go with the movement he is getting...he hasn't had much in this match.

Wonder who else opens up today ? Curran , perhaps ?

Agree with Holding here - mad not to have a third man with the amount of runs that have gone down there

JIMMYYYYYYY

Jimmy

Nice catch ?..Malan

Great start...