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

[guildfordbat]

Olly - bet you just loved that boundary from Jimmy!

[LondonTiger]

And 9 down to another that could have been successfully reviewed, if of course ...........

[Duty281]

Make England about 70-30 favourites. Will be interesting to see if Sri Lanka emulate England's aggressive approach in this innings (currently 4.2 an over).

[guildfordbat]

How's your confidence, gents?

Makes for a good game

I would say 60-40 in our favour with two warnings -

1. We still need to bowl and field well, we can't expect to win with wickets being gifted; and

2. There are good reasons why I don't bet.

[guildfordbat]

Meanwhile, Atherton and Lloyd agree on it being 80-20 in England's favour.

[wisden]

We already have enough IMO, and Foakes and Anderson can put on a few here too

[alfie]

That clatter of wickets was my fault ...went away for twenty minutes and boom!
But 271 lead is way more than I'd expected a couple of hours ago ...maybe Foakes can add a few more ?

England need to bowl well ? Well , yes. But I think one important thing is they will need to be a bit more controlled than yesterday. : they should look to bowl a lot more tightly and build pressure - something neither team has done very well in this match. If wickets fall quickly , fine. But if they don't , some patience will be required. Hope they're learning as they go...

[eirebilly]

Haven't seen any of the match, how does the pitch look, will it be a hard track to bat in the fourth innings?

[alfie]

And 9 down to another that could have been successfully reviewed, if of course ...........

I know it isn't an easy job : but there have been rather a lot of rotten decisions in this match - some reviewed , some not.
And some badly chosen reviews from both teams too !

Foakes reaching fifty in Curran Style with a six over cow corner

Lead by 278...

[alfie]

And off the field for bad light and lightning danger...

Might be it for the day ?

Another wonderful day of Test Cricket

Looking forward to tomorrow...

[Duty281]

Play over for the day, in all probability. Think Sri Lanka will be relieved they don't have to start the chase tonight. Forecast for tomorrow and Sunday is pretty damn rotten, but it has been that way all through the two test matches so far!

[Marky]

I hope we win by less than 5 runs so that those penalty runs get talked about again

[dummy_half]

Nicely poised, with England's lead of 278. another 20 or so would be very helpful, but surely optimistic to think Jimmy can hang around well again in the morning.

By all accounts a fine innings by Root after a bit of a jumpy start. A pity though that on a couple of occasions we've got into potentially strong positions and then lost wickets (Buttler-Ali, then Root / Curran / Rashid).so we are only marginal favourites rather than dominating.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Morning all. Managed to watch the day's play today, so feel qualified to actually comment for a change

An intriguing, and at times hectic, day's play. England clearly decided that they would be aggressive, and try to score quickly and not let the SL bowlers settle. It worked reasonably well all things considered, since they scored more than 300 runs at 4+ runs per over, but it also led to some ordinary-ish dismissals.

Individually, Root played superbly after being incredibly fidgety for his first 15 runs or so. It almost felt as if he calmed down once Buttler came in, perhaps thinking he couldn't afford to get out at that point. Burns played really well too, but will be a tad disapointed with his dismissal having done the hard work (didn't get down low enough - something he'd been doing very well to that point). Something guildford flagged was his tendency to get out when well set and not carry on to the big knocks, and if he's to be successful at Test level that's something he'll have to work on.

Foakes played really nicely I thought, barely put a foot wrong. He seems like a batsman who knows his own game inside out, and doesn't get "bored", so I can see him scoring plenty of runs at this level.

For SL, I thought the spinners didn't bowl particularly well. Part of that was England managing to knock them off their stride, but thought Pushpakumara especially was disapointing (he had the advantage of bowling almost exclusively at right-handers, and should really have kept the run rate down more than he did). I was surprised Da Silva didn't bowl a bit more, as he kept things tight quite nicely I thought in the morning

Situation-wise, England feel like they are in a strong position. The pitch is perhaps not doing as much as expected, and is still quite slow, but 280 is never an easy fourth innings chase, and there is some assistance for the spinners. They'll have to bowl well (better than they did in the first innings? didn't see any of that), but feel they're definitely favourites here.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

Great to see Foakes continuing his impressive start to international career. A calm, measured and very valuable innings. Encouraging also that Burns has made a solid contribution too. Certainly not cemented his place, but neither is he hanging on by the finger tips. Fine knock by Root. England's tactics were pretty good I thought. Poking and blocking with men hovering round the bat was always likely to result in a low score.

I'd have match poised at about 70/30 to England. Sri Lanka still in with a very reasonable chance.

[alfie]

Would be nice to get another twenty odd...get the target to 300. Not impossible , if perhaps a bit greedy...

I think 280 is a tough target , fourth innings on a pitch not getting any easier , if slow. Most balls , spinning a long way but quite possible to leave or play...but just the odd one today really did something crazy - scuttle low or leap - and I'd fancy there'll be more of those tomorrow.

If England don't bowl too many loose balls I think they'll win this. But they sent down a fair bit of rubbish yesterday so there are no guarantees. Coaches - and team leaders - need to have them well drilled this time.

Good team effort today , by and large. And Root was quite outstanding...his best innings as Captain.

[guildfordbat]

For anyone in the UK with Sky, you might do well and be surprised if you watch/record The Cricket Debate at 12 noon on Saturday.

Typically, Colvile and Willis review the day's play with a guest. Tomorrow's is Jade Dernbach - I've heard him speak a couple of times at the Oval when he impressed coming across as thoughtful and considerate.

[VTR]

Was fully expecting the collapse when Stokes departed. Excellent from Root, very good support from Buttler and Foakes. Didn't need Sam Curran to rescue us for once. 280 is a hell of a target in any conditions, but does give Sri Lanka a chance. Will be a good day of cricket tomorrow

[LondonTiger]

For anyone in the UK with Sky, you might do well and be surprised if you watch/record The Cricket Debate at 12 noon on Saturday.

Typically, Colvile and Willis review the day's play with a guest. Tomorrow's is Jade Dernbach - I've heard him speak a couple of times at the Oval when he impressed coming across as thoughtful and considerate.

Not sure I could sit through an hour of Charles Colville without breaking the TV. As I will be at my brother's house then perhaps not a sensible thing to do.

[guildfordbat]

For anyone in the UK with Sky, you might do well and be surprised if you watch/record The Cricket Debate at 12 noon on Saturday.

Typically, Colvile and Willis review the day's play with a guest. Tomorrow's is Jade Dernbach - I've heard him speak a couple of times at the Oval when he impressed coming across as thoughtful and considerate.

Not sure I could sit through an hour of Charles Colville without breaking the TV. As I will be at my brother's house then perhaps not a sensible thing to do.

Programme is only 30 minutes. I find Colville a bit full of himself but can take him better than many others, obviously including yourself.

[LondonTiger]

Aye I struggle with him - perhaps also in teh same way that many struggle with Boycott and used to struggle with Trueman.


On a separate note I believe that was Joe Roots 28th international century and thus moves him up level with Graham Gooch and behind just Cook (38) and Pietersen (32).

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;orderby=hundreds;team=1;template=results;type=batting


He is also the 6th highest run scorer for England, and should overtake all bar Cook next year.

[guildfordbat]

Aye I struggle with him - perhaps also in teh same way that many struggle with Boycott and used to struggle with Trueman.


On a separate note I believe that was Joe Roots 28th international century and thus moves him up level with Graham Gooch and behind just Cook (38) and Pietersen (32).

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;orderby=hundreds;team=1;template=results;type=batting


He is also the 6th highest run scorer for England, and should overtake all bar Cook next year.

I don't think Theresa May likening herself to Boycott is going to her win her many new friends from cricket watchers and listeners on the Brexit debate - but, hey, let's leave that to the Off Topic section!

On today's Cricket Debate, my man Stewart was the guest and full of praise for Root's innings. He commented upon the importance of an innings being influential (a regular theme with him) and emphasised ''how influential'' Root's was today, equating it to a double-century in many games.

You, Tiger, mentioned in a recent post about Stewart's previously expressed high regard of Bairstow's keeping and wondered whether he was playing to his audience then. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I'm supportive of Stewart and think he's been consistent there. On today's programme, he commented on how very well Bairstow judged from behind the stumps whether to call for a review or not and contrasted that with the overexcitable and poor judgement of Dickwella. I've also heard Stewart comment at Surrey meetings about the great improvement in Bairstow's keeping. I believe Stewart's comments (up to the last week anyway) have been along the lines that Foakes is a world class wicket keeper, certainly good enough to play for England and should be involved with the squad but I'm not aware of Stewart calling for Bairstow to make way for him.

[Corporalhumblebucket]

I don't think Theresa May likening herself to Boycott is going to her win her many new friends from cricket watchers and listeners on the Brexit debate - but, hey, let's leave that to the Off Topic section!

Whatever his cricketing knowledge and dogged merits as a batsman, Boycs has often been a crushing bore as an analyst repeating the same slogans over and again! Fair to say also that Boycs also will probably not go down as one of the all time great captains. (As I somewhat dimly recall, he was controversial and hugely divisive as a captain). But, as Guildford implies, maybe not take that analogy too far on this thread!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Just saw the Rashid dismissal - how on Earth did the umpire give that out? He’s smashed the face off it and going down leg! Awful umpiring (too often now umpires awful decisions are overlooked because of reviews)

[VTR]

The bad umpiring brings back memories of the last time England won in Sri Lanka in 2001. That was comically awful stuff, Nasser Hussain made a hundred where he was out about ten times

[Duty281]

The bad umpiring brings back memories of the last time England won in Sri Lanka in 2001. That was comically awful stuff, Nasser Hussain made a hundred where he was out about ten times

http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/521543.html

Good times. Turned out to be Cooray's last test (unsurprisingly!).

[VTR]

Good find and an entertaining article. The poor bloke was hounded into retirement, probably a bit harsh as no one could suggest he was biased, just having a shocking few days at the office

[alfie]

300 lead achieved - very briskly this afternoon. All gone now but that is about what they wanted - or had any right to expect. Top effort from Foakes

Now for the bowling...

[alfie]

Really ought to defend 300. Not impossible for Sri Lanka ; but I think if they were to get it questions will be asked about England's bowlers.

Hopefully Root's fine batting form will flow through to his captaincy in the field : these fourth innings have found him out once or twice ; but I thought he was better in Galle. This will be a good further examination.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

That Anderson dismissal kept low - and there were a few yesterday that did that too. Encouraging sign for england.

Need to control the run rate better than the Sri Lankan’s did

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Gonna need to bowl better than that if you’re gonna get many overs Jimmy...two leg side half trackers. Yuck

[alfie]

Both bowlers much better second overs...and a lovely bit of flight gets Leach the early break

[alfie]

Sri Lanka starting as if they mean to try and put the pressure back on the England bowlers - sound enough plan. But losing Kaushal so early probably wasn't in the script. Anderson follows a loose first over with two maidens which is what England will want from the pace men.

Spinners going to do most of the bowling so the injury that has Sam Curran off the field might not be too much of a concern...for this match anyway.

[alfie]

Two for Leach ! Great reflex catch by Jennings

[alfie]

Good week for my team to have a bye so I can watch this important session

Enjoying the chance to have a good look at Leach. He could be on for a profitable day here...

[alfie]

Excellent review ! Always looked good...three for Leach ; goodbye Mendis - and Sri Lanka in tatters at 26/3...

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Another shocking decision from Ravi - absolutely plumb in front! Fortunately england have their reviews left today...

[Dolphin Ziggler]

This winning away lark is a piece of piss

[alfie]

Another shocking decision from Ravi - absolutely plumb in front! Fortunately england have their reviews left today...

Umpires really have had a poor match ...albeit a difficult task on this sort of pitch with a lot of lbw shouts.

Actually I thought from his body language Ravi was very close to giving that one - he was clearly thinking hard about it and eventually elected to leave it : the fact that umpires know teams have reviews to use must influence them a bit on these close calls , no ?

Glad England chose to go for it : better judgement than they've shown when batting !

[alfie]

Moeen into the game now. Glad they didn't rush him on too early...this feels about right with ten overs gone. He needs to just relax and bowl - sometimes he seems to get over anxious and loses the plot.
The fact that Leach has three already might help him stay cool...

This partnership really is vital if Sri Lanka are to have any hope.

Missed chance ! Big edge off Moeen bisects Foakes and Stokes...

Where is Woakes when you need him

[Gooseberry]

Well its pretty much all over already thanks to Leach ...hard to see Sri Lanka coming back from this position
50/3 currently

[VTR]

This isn't over. None of the England spinners are likely to run through a side. The hour after lunch could decide where this match is going

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Another stinker from umpire Ravi - clearly going down leg and Karaunartne rightly reviews. Rashid causing issues for him early however

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Leach has bowled like a drain since lunch

[alfie]

OK , been off down the club for a bit and missed some play : seems Sri Lanka are fighting back ?
Only one more gone and they're 125 , up at three and a half per over...Matthews well set. Game not over then...

Olly unimpressed with Leach lately I see. Moeen was certainly unlucky early in his spell : he didn't maintain it ?

With first innings hero Roshen in with the former skipper you'd think this is the key partnership.

Looks like a chance just went begging then as Foakes just didn't see where that ball went as it ballooned up off bat and pad ?

[alfie]

Ah no ...looks like it hit ground anyway so wouldn't have been out.

But England do need a break here. These spinners seem to be offering too many pressure-relieving loose balls at the moment. Might be time for a burst from Stokes ?

[alfie]

Saw a replay of that combination Jennings-Foakes catch : quite remarkable ! And good to see off the dangerous Karunaratne...

But this partnership is making me a bit nervous , I have to say

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Not entirely sure how Rashid only has one wicket in this spell - he’s bamboozled Roshen and now Mathews too - just no luck so far!

[alfie]

The odd ball from Rashid is absolutely exploding ! Matter of time : the worry is that runs are coming rather quickly ...3.5 per over with little risk. Need to tighten up or this could be done in another forty overs.

I know Leach has three and still looks dangerous ; but I'd like to see his end held tighter while Rashid is threatening so much. Just a few overs of seam ?

[alfie]

This is close ! Review ...aargh but it's pitched outside leg...review gone.

But Rashid looking very dangerous.

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