England - the winter tours thread

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

First topic message reminder :

After the perfect ending to the summer, with Alastair Cook riding into the sunset with a hundred and James Anderson breaking Glenn McGrath's record to wrap up a 4-1 series win over the #1 side in the world...England head into a brave new world (in a mere 3 weeks time!) post Cook

Tour of Sri Lanka (Oct-Nov)
5 ODI's played between 10th October and 23rd October
1 T20i played on 27th October
3 Test matches played between 6th November and 23rd November

Tour of West Indies (Jan-Mar)
3 Test matches played between 23rd January and 9th February
5 ODI's played between 20th February and 2nd March
3 T20i's played between 5th March and 10th March

As ever there are many rumblings in the media on potential selections ahead of the Sri Lanka tour...

Rory Burns seems set to take Cook's spot
Will Jennings keep his place? Or will a Vince/Denly or complete wildcard be picked to open with him?
Which spinners do England take along with Moeen/Rashid?
Do Anderson/Broad get rested?
What pace options will be taken?

All questions that will be debated and answered in the coming weeks...so I start with a little competition between us selectors on v2...

Name your test squad for the series in Sri Lanka. Whoever gets the nearest to the actual squad, gets a pair of Ed Smith approved sunglasses

[alfie]

Not wishing to jinx anyone but...with Rashid settling in and Foakes on 79 that 300 isn't so far away now...

Whatever they finish with it's been a good recovery from 100/5. And whatever they make we won't know how good it is until they bowl.

Rashid chancing his arm a bit ...fours and sixes ! Who does he think he is ? Sam Curran ?

[Gooseberry]

Blimey blink and it 296/7 ...excellent fight back for England and they are back in the game.

[LondonTiger]

300 now up, great recovery.

[CaledonianCraig]

300 up for England. Foakes marches on to 84 and Rashid playing aggressively. From a disastrous morning this has turned into a decent day for England.

[alfie]

300 up and still three in hand...England's day ?

Remains to be seen how they'll do with the ball , I suppose. But I imagine if you'd offered Joe Root this score line at the toss he'd have accepted it.

Couple of hours later he'd have bitten your hand off for it

[LondonTiger]

Nice cameo from Dilly comes to an end. Will Foakes run out of partners, or can he get to a debut ton?

[alfie]

Rashid gone with a couple of overs left...a very useful - and quite enterprising - 35

Looking as if Foakes may be left with a nervous night contemplating what might come tomorrow...not that he's shown too many nerves so far.

Leach needs to stay with him

[Gooseberry]

Leach needs to stay with him

well he does have a test batting average of 30

[alfie]

A rare sight : an extra over !

Leach has his outside edge working nicely

[alfie]

321/8. Leach scoring freely at the end.

Entertaining day !

Hope Foakes can make the hundred in the morning . Hope the rain stays away...

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

What a bloody good day of test cricket that was - and a great fightback from England in the final two sessions.

Also a massive fan of Leach edging literally every ball and not getting out.

Highlight of the day - Lakmal making a great diving stop, then picking the ball up whilst stood over the rope. Great stuff

[Gooseberry]

This is so typically England! Even a non batter like Leach is getting more runs than most of the top order did.

321 is pretty amazing from where they were, and Foakes has really made a point regarding his years of exclusion from the test side. How competitive it is remains to be seen, as does how much rain will come in the remaining days.

All in the same old familiar issues, and strengths, for England on display. Good value for drama at least.

[LondonTiger]

Great debut from the Colchester lad. Unless his glove work fails him, surely in for the rest of this series.

[Duty281]

Superb fight back from England. Still expecting a draw, mind you. Will be very interesting to see how England’s bowlers do tomorrow.

[guildfordbat]

Great debut from the Colchester lad. Unless his glove work fails him, surely in for the rest of this series.

Yes, great work as well from Stewie and all at the Surrey club in spotting and bringing on the potential in someone playing for Essex stiffs.

[CaledonianCraig]

England are being left with a poser. Foakes obviously is making a strong case for a place in the side. However, when Bairstow is fully fit then what? Do you play both with Foakes taking over the gloves and force Bairstow to bat further up the order at No 3 perhaps? Or do you keep the gloves with Bairstow and play Foakes as a batsman?

[guildfordbat]

A rare sight : an extra over !

Leach has his outside edge working nicely

As if to celebrate MfC returning to us!

[guildfordbat]

England are being left with a poser. Foakes obviously is making a strong case for a place in the side. However, when Bairstow is fully fit then what? Do you play both with Foakes taking over the gloves and force Bairstow to bat further up the order at No 3 perhaps? Or do you keep the gloves with Bairstow and play Foakes as a batsman?

Craig - that looks like being a good poser. Part of the solution will be deciding the right time to answer it which isn't today.

[LondonTiger]

Great debut from the Colchester lad. Unless his glove work fails him, surely in for the rest of this series.

Yes, great work as well from Stewie and all at the Surrey club in spotting and bringing on the potential in someone playing for Essex stiffs.

It could be argued that Stewart's biggest input was playing on for England well into his 41st year. Had Foster played more for England he would probably have retired sooner, giving Foakes more chances. As it is he continued his progress well at the Oval. To be fair spotting the potential was the easy bit, helping his continued development the more valuable.

[Mad for Chelsea]

A rare sight : an extra over !

Leach has his outside edge working nicely

As if to celebrate MfC returning to us!

In the end a good day for England, with a decent score on the board. Only caught the last three overs, so can't really comment much on the play. Foakes obviously has done very well, and that will certainly provide a selection headache for England when Bairstow is fit again. One suspects Curran was picked ahead of Broad at least in part for his batting, and he certainly justified it on that account with a nice contribution. I suspect England will feel that if he can average 30+ with the bat and pick up a couple of wickets here and there he'll be doing his job. Leach seems to have forced his way in after being the only spinner to exert control in the warm-ups, and England will be hoping he can do the same in the Tests.

[guildfordbat]

A rare sight : an extra over !

Leach has his outside edge working nicely

As if to celebrate MfC returning to us!

In the end a good day for England, with a decent score on the board. Only caught the last three overs, so can't really comment much on the play. Foakes obviously has done very well, and that will certainly provide a selection headache for England when Bairstow is fit again. One suspects Curran was picked ahead of Broad at least in part for his batting, and he certainly justified it on that account with a nice contribution. I suspect England will feel that if he can average 30+ with the bat and pick up a couple of wickets here and there he'll be doing his job. Leach seems to have forced his way in after being the only spinner to exert control in the warm-ups, and England will be hoping he can do the same in the Tests.

Hi MfC - I think you're right there about Curran and I don't deny the value of that, particularly in this series. I just feel it's somewhat ''bits and pieces'' which I'm never keen on at Test level. If it's a problem, it's mine - at least today.

[guildfordbat]

Great debut from the Colchester lad. Unless his glove work fails him, surely in for the rest of this series.

Yes, great work as well from Stewie and all at the Surrey club in spotting and bringing on the potential in someone playing for Essex stiffs.

It could be argued that Stewart's biggest input was playing on for England well into his 41st year. Had Foster played more for England he would probably have retired sooner, giving Foakes more chances. As it is he continued his progress well at the Oval. To be fair spotting the potential was the easy bit, helping his continued development the more valuable.

Tiger - I didn't expect to land that fish in the net so easily!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

England are being left with a poser. Foakes obviously is making a strong case for a place in the side. However, when Bairstow is fully fit then what? Do you play both with Foakes taking over the gloves and force Bairstow to bat further up the order at No 3 perhaps? Or do you keep the gloves with Bairstow and play Foakes as a batsman?

Craig - that looks like being a good poser. Part of the solution will be deciding the right time to answer it which isn't today.

Should also be noted Foakes needs to actually keep well for this to become a conversation. Whilst us Surrey posters know he is an exceptional gloveman, it's no good if he goes out and drops three chances in this test...

[VTR]

Good recovery and excellent debut from Foakes so far. I am not ready to anoint him as a nailed on pick for the next ten years though. Plenty have done well initially only to level out later. As stated, we need to see his keeping in the pressure of a Test match.

[Duty281]

With the state of England's batting, Foakes is on for a knighthood, never mind ten years in the side!

[guildfordbat]

England are being left with a poser. Foakes obviously is making a strong case for a place in the side. However, when Bairstow is fully fit then what? Do you play both with Foakes taking over the gloves and force Bairstow to bat further up the order at No 3 perhaps? Or do you keep the gloves with Bairstow and play Foakes as a batsman?

Craig - that looks like being a good poser. Part of the solution will be deciding the right time to answer it which isn't today.

Should also be noted Foakes needs to actually keep well for this to become a conversation. Whilst us Surrey posters know he is an exceptional gloveman, it's no good if he goes out and drops three chances in this test...

Spot on. Foakes is the best gloveman in the county game but as of now still untried at Test level.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Very pleased indeed for Foakes to have scored so heavily on his debut.  No doubt that he's a calm and thoughtful batsman, as well as a good one.  Really hope that his keeping matches the outstanding standard he's shown for Surrey.  I continue to be somewhat surprised, but delighted, with how well Sam Curran has batted for England.  Maybe he will turn out to be one of the select breed that performs better at international than at county level.  He's still yet to score a first class century.

[king_carlos]

Delighted for Foakes. I really hope he gets his century tomorrow to earn a run in the side.

If given time his keeping should excel. He was after all mentored by James Foster for his early career and it certainly shows in his fantastic glove work. As with all players that will mean little if he doesn't translate it to the bigger stage and higher pressure but if his batting justifies a run of starts then I'd back his keeping to shine through very soon.

A very useful cameo from Rashid as well.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Foakes Foakes Foakes Foakes

[LondonTiger]

3 early wickets for England makes this game interesting.

[LondonTiger]

Make that 4. Could we be batting again today? Is it now the home team who are praying for rain? Gotta love how test cricket can shift from one side to another.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Well this is going rather well so far

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Couldn't have gone better, really. Success for the seamers and the spinners already

[Gooseberry]

Never trust a weatherman

Or a top order batsman in an England game

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

This is the crucial partnership now - after these you'll get a dash and hit from Dickwella, and a few who can hold the bat - but obviously not to the class of these two.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Rashid unlucky there - just just bounced in front of Stokes, looked out in real time but think they got it right on review and overturned to not out. He's causing Chandimal some issues.

I'd be tempted to give Stokes a burst from the other end - Ali has looked unthreatening since lunch

[guildfordbat]

Just been catching up on today's play. Belated congratulations to Foakes for a really wonderful innings and much deserved century displaying excellent temperament and shot selection. Good as well for him to get his first catch in Test cricket soon afterwards. A bread and butter one for him off Anderson's bowling but important he does the regulation stuff effectively as well.

Sri Lanka's batting seems similar to how England started yesterday. Losing a few early on but now rebuilding. De Silva's dismissal to Moeen was very poor and just like Stokes' as he recklessly got too far across when he should have been concentrating on preserving his wicket with too many already back in the hutch and lunch beckoning.

I did like the wicket that Curran got. Typical of his most effective work at the Oval. Full and swinging in with only a batsman's pad preventing it clattering the stumps. As previously posted, I wasn't that sold on his selection for this Test but he's so far well justified his place.

Some suggestions on Sky - from the ground and particularly Marcus Tresco in the studio - that Leach had an overly defensive field. I haven't had proper chance to assess that from the highlights and the little I've seen of him in real time. Any thoughts?

[alfie]

Just got in - in time to see Rashid break the vital stand...lots of turn , easy - but smartly done - stumping for Foakes Important wicket ...that pair threatening to repair the innings much as the England late middle did yesterday. As we know from that innings it is a bit easier as the ball gets softer...although there may be more spin already ?
You'd think one more now and England will have their foot firmly on the home team's neck...

[guildfordbat]

A lot better than regulation stuff from Foakes to stump Chandimal. Impressive work and combo between him and Rashid. Flight and a lot of spin followed by a smooth take to see the batsman off.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Just been catching up on today's play. Belated congratulations to Foakes for a really wonderful innings and much deserved century displaying excellent temperament and shot selection.      Good as well for him to get his first catch in Test cricket soon afterwards. A bread and butter one for him off Anderson's bowling but important he does the regulation stuff effectively as well.

Sri Lanka's batting seems similar to how England started yesterday. Losing a few early on but now rebuilding. De Silva's dismissal to Moeen was very poor and just like Stokes' as he recklessly got too far across when he should have been concentrating on preserving his wicket with too many already back in the hutch and lunch beckoning.

I did like the wicket that Curran got. Typical of his most effective work at the Oval. Full and swinging in with only a batsman's pad preventing it clattering the stumps. As previously posted, I wasn't that sold on his selection for this Test but he's so far well justified his place.

Some suggestions on Sky - from the ground and particularly Marcus Tresco in the studio - that Leach had an overly defensive field. I haven't had proper chance to assess that from the highlights and the little I've seen of him in real time. Any thoughts?

I think re: the field for Leach they had a long off right away, which seemed a little overly defensive to me - but Leach and Root were in long conversation even before he came on, so it must be something they agreed on. Maybe they thought they could get the batsman pushing at the ball for a single and hoping to take an edge? Either way he bowled well and kept it tight - so not too much to moan about!

Also good now that all five main bowlers have a wicket - and all have bowled well so far. Rashid took an over or two, but is really getting good spin and drift on it now. And as Guildford notes, a smart stumping from Foakes.

Dickwella can be dangerous if he's in for a while - he scores quickly. Would be good if England can get him sharpish

[alfie]

And echoing guildford's congrats for Foakes on completing his hundred this morning ...was a very composed and mature innings. And one that has transformed this match

Sri Lanka have battled well this afternoon , it appears : the two experienced campaigners adding 75 in good time...Chandimal despite being presumably somewhat handicapped by his injury...England needed that wicket.
Matthews isn't likely to throw it away so still work for England to do ; but good to see all the bowlers playing a useful part in this effort. Attack certainly has a bit of variety - something England sides are often accused of lacking !

[guildfordbat]

Alfie - yes, Chandimal was somewhat handicapped by his injury. Atherton commented with characteristic astuteness that at times it also caused difficulty for Matthews and hindered him getting into a groove. Sometimes Matthews was looking for and expecting to run two and get back on strike to immediately continue his knock but had to get back and settle for a single.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Worrying blow for Burns at the end of that session - albeit he walked off and seems ok according to reporters at the ground.

Sri Lanka 206 runs behind - England are in a fantastic position, but this is a crucial session. If they can get a lead of 100+ on first innings, they will have to go some to lose this game. If Sri Lanka can get towards parity between 0-50 runs then it's a much more even affair. Mathews obviously the key wicket for both sides here.

Also must say I think Key/Trescothick have been brilliant in the studio - great actual analysis rather than the cliched nonsense you get from some. Really good piece looking at the action of the England spinners here

[LondonTiger]

Rashid was bowling really well, getting dip and a lot of turn, yet removed from the attack as soon as he got his wicket and not been seen in the 16 overs since.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Two very smart catches - Buttler in the covers, and then three balls later from Foakes to get Dananjaya caught behind - both off Moeen.

England firmly in control now

[LondonTiger]

One wicket left. Wonder who opens if Burns failed his HIA

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Not sure how that LBW for Rashid against Herath was overturned - thought it was clearly bat hitting ground not glove?

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Rashid gets a well deserved 2nd wicket to wrap up the innings - agree with Tiger, he was harshly whipped out of the attack earlier.

Lead of 139 runs - think as much as runs, it's crucial England bat time. Weather forecast is much better, if they bat out another day - let the pitch continue to crumble, they are set for days 4 and 5.

[guildfordbat]

Not sure how that LBW for Rashid against Herath was overturned - thought it was clearly bat hitting ground not glove?

Olly, just looked again - I'm sure you're right. One of the clips shows the ball dipping below the glove and not flicking it.

Anyway, Sri Lanka all out now and Rashid (plus Tiger) will be pleased he still ended up with the last wicket. A good team bowling and fielding performance. I didn't think of Root too much which probably reflects well of his captaincy.

Burns sufficiently recovered to open and already off the mark. Interesting question as to who would have opened in his place today, fortunately only academic.

[guildfordbat]

21/0, a lead of 160 and 5 overs left. Get through those unscathed and it'll have been a tremendous day for England.

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