The summer of cricket 2020

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A very strong position for England with runs on the board and a series lead in hand.

Pakistan going to have to produce something special from here to rescue the series

Duty281 wrote:It's another tough scoring pitch, as expected. 260 will be competitive, 280+ could be match-winning. These two have dug in really well and and established a decent platform after a tough start. Australia, again, have been tight and disciplined with consistent line and length.

Wonder if Root will bowl a few overs later, with no Moeen in the attack?

Oh dear, Zampa strikes in his first over again.

I'd fancy defending 250 on this , if they bowl and field well. Long way to get that from here though.

One thing the Aussies have that England don't : lots of bowling options. And I have to say Finch has used them well...

Even longer now with Buttler out for 3.

Billings or bust again?

Buttler gone ...looked plumb. Actually umpires call on height , surprisingly ; but that didn't save him. Good bowling from Cummins and at 107/4 this is looking decidedly grim for the hone team.

Billings should be seeing it well after Friday. Hope he can keep his form going...

Duty281 wrote:Even longer now with Buttler out for 3.

Billings or bust again?

Well Woakes and the Curran lads can all handle the bat. But yes , you'd want this pair to put on a few. Have to get something defendable on the board somehow.

Really has been terrific pressure from the Australians , despite a number of ground fielding errors.

alfie wrote:

Duty281 wrote:It's another tough scoring pitch, as expected. 260 will be competitive, 280+ could be match-winning. These two have dug in really well and and established a decent platform after a tough start. Australia, again, have been tight and disciplined with consistent line and length.

Wonder if Root will bowl a few overs later, with no Moeen in the attack?

Oh dear, Zampa strikes in his first over again.

I'd fancy defending 250 on this  , if they bowl and field well.  Long way to get that from here though.

One thing the Aussies have that England don't  : lots of bowling options. And I have to say Finch has used them well...

Incredibly well. Root's wicket was down to some very good play by Australia. The ball with slight turn from Zampa, Finch's low slip catch but most of all Finch giving Zampa a slip and positioning himself there.

And now Cummins returns and bags Buttler.

Many of the comms have spoken about England having a stronger batting line up for this ODI. However, Broad questioned that and I'm with him. Moeen (certainly a Moeen anywhere near to being in good shape) and Wood would trump 2 Currans imo.

Currently 110/4 going into the 28th. I would happily settle for 260 from here.

Was confident it pitched outside leg in real time...but nope, in line and Morgan has to go. Zampa again doing severe damage.

Might be difficult to make 200 now!

That looked good from the armchair ... and, yep, overruled on review. Morgan lbw to Zampa.

England in heaps of trouble ....

I'd settle for 240 with Morgan now gone !

Excellent review from Finch who is doing everything right. Like Duty , I'd thought it pitched outside leg but no...

Hope you are wrong about down grading the two Currans , guildford  

alfie wrote:I'd settle for 240 with Morgan now gone !

Excellent review from Finch who is doing everything right. Like Duty , I'd thought it pitched outside leg but no...

Hope you are wrong about down grading the two Currans , guildford  

I'm not trying to do the brothers down. Just feel an in form Moeen is a fair bit better than both with the bat and that Wood, as we said after the last ODI, is a biffer who can come off and is underrated by this England management.

However, Warne was just saying our bowling was weakened by them coming in and I don't agree with that. We've obviously lost the extra pace of Wood but Moeen's not been bowling well. All in all, the 2 Currans should bring a greater reliability. I particularly rate Tom's death bowling and the temperament he brings to it.

Think we are in agreement there , guildford. I also rate Tom in the death overs. Not quite so sure about Sam with the white ball ? Haven't seen him so much.

I take your point about Moeen ; but he's been rather unreliable of late and I've a hunch that Sam might be able to add a few in the late overs ...but perhaps I'm just being hopeful/desperate...

More good stuff from Zamba to put Billings back in the hutch.

About to find out about Sam ....

Oh dear ! That was a poor choice from Billings. Way too full to play that. Bad time to get out , just as Woakes was starting to score a bit...

He'd struggled (as he did early on the other night ) and I guess he felt under pressure to get on with it. But good bowling again from Zampa

Can they get 220 from here ?

Sam gone already!

Hard to tell if it carried behind but, as Wardy said, it was a nothing shot.

Now for Tom ....

No joy for Sam... 143/7

Think England are just about cooked. Aussies have been all over them and it's hard to see them getting anything remotely defendable from here ... Will they even bat out the overs ?

alfie wrote:Oh dear !
Can they get 2020 from here ?

...possibly the auestion they are asking themselves right now!

I know stokes is stokes but that can't explain just how much Australia have dominated england in these two games following a sustained period of taking a kicking from them.

Something is very right in the Australia camp

As soon as a pitch offers anything to the bowlers this England team fall apart, they look great on flat pitches but ultimately the team is full of players with little technique.

Apparently the 7 maidens in this innings are the most bowled to England in an ODI since 2009.

Bring back Cook and Trott

Australia are indeed turning it on with the ball this week. 149/7 ...ten overs left.

Or maybe less...eight gone now and I think they'll be bowled out now...

Soul Requiem wrote:As soon as a pitch offers anything to the bowlers this England team fall apart, they look great on flat pitches but ultimately the team is full of players with little technique.

Yes they’ve only won numerous series across the globe, and a World Cup, on pitches that offered something...

This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

alfie wrote:Apparently the 7 maidens in this innings are the most bowled to England in an ODI since 2009.

Bring back Cook and Trott

Australia are indeed turning it on with the ball this week. 149/7 ...ten overs left.

Or maybe less...eight gone now and I think they'll be bowled out now...

Always very disappointing and a massive boost for the opposition when you don't use up all your overs. [Olly - that should be in the book of sayings too! ]

Another splendid Hazlewood spell ended ...1/27.

Can any of the England bowlers match that sort of consistency ? Going to need to...

I think that Archer and Tom Curran may get something out of this pitch yet alfie. They may not be as consistent as a Hazelwood but they should take wickets out there and Rashid will be dangerous. Not all over as yet

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:As soon as a pitch offers anything to the bowlers this England team fall apart, they look great on flat pitches but ultimately the team is full of players with little technique.

Yes they’ve only won numerous series across the globe, and a World Cup, on pitches that offered something...

Yes I think Soul is being a little harsh there. Sure they are better on flat decks - who isn't ? But although they have failed now and then on pitches that do a bit , I doubt they are the only team to do so. And as you say , Olly : they have won the odd series along the way

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:As soon as a pitch offers anything to the bowlers this England team fall apart, they look great on flat pitches but ultimately the team is full of players with little technique.

Yes they’ve only won numerous series across the globe, and a World Cup, on pitches that offered something...

Yes they pretty much did Olly you're right.

eirebilly wrote:I think that Archer and Tom Curran may get something out of this pitch yet alfie. They may not be as consistent as a Hazelwood but they should take wickets out there and Rashid will be dangerous. Not all over as yet

Hope you're right Eirebilly ! Trouble is if Australia are only chasing 180 or so it's going to be hard to pressure them. Even if they get early wickets Australia will be confident that they bat down to seven at least - as we saw on Friday.

Ironically I think batting first worked well for Australia the other day ; but England may have been better off chasing this time as it looks a lower scoring surface . At least it looks that way with England batting

Zampa finished...3/36 . Will need Rashid to at least match that.

eirebilly wrote:This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

He’s in terrible nick sure, but moving on from Root in ODIs should be the last thing England do. Averages 51!

I just live in hope there alfie

If England can get to 200 (still a possibility) i think that the bowlers can exert some pressure on the Aussie batters. Will need an Archer special though i feel.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

He’s in terrible nick sure, but moving on from Root in ODIs should be the last thing England do. Averages 51!

I really like Joe Root Olly but i never have seen him as a ODI batter myself. He is that good anchor when required but those innings' are getting rare. I honestly would keep him in and around the ODI squad but would prefer a Banton or A N Other young player to be given a decent run.

England can still get 200 here

I don't think England have adjusted their mentality to these slower pitches with the bat, and have paid the price. Bit too early to panic though as, if England do lose here, it will be the first lost ODI series since early 2017...albeit, results since the World Cup win haven't been awe-inspiring!

And England haven't lost this one yet. Won't be a cakewalk to chase 200 on this.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

He’s in terrible nick sure, but moving on from Root in ODIs should be the last thing England do. Averages 51!

He might need a short break from international cricket, with his form as bad as it is and looking like a long-term problem.

thank the heavens for this little partnership, its been excellent and is giving the England bowlers something to defend

eirebilly wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

He’s in terrible nick sure, but moving on from Root in ODIs should be the last thing England do. Averages 51!

I really like Joe Root Olly but i never have seen him as a ODI batter myself. He is that good anchor when required but those innings' are getting rare. I honestly would keep him in and around the ODI squad but would prefer a Banton or A N Other young player to be given a decent run.

England can still get 200 here

Banton over Root?

Makes my tongue in cheek comment look slightly sane.

If you asked me what Tom Curran brings to the team I'd struggle to give you a specific answer but he gets results.

What a partnership this has been. best of the innings (Root and Morgan scored more but this has been by far the most important one given the situation)

eirebilly wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

eirebilly wrote:This is desperate now, absolutely dire.

Fair play to the Aussie bowlers who have been absolutely superb and Finch has been excellent in his deployment of them. The Aussies always go for the throat, simply relentless.

On the batting, it really is time for Morgen to simply move on from Root in ODI's. Banton in for the third and final ODI ahead of him?

He’s in terrible nick sure, but moving on from Root in ODIs should be the last thing England do. Averages 51!

I really like Joe Root Olly but i never have seen him as a ODI batter myself. He is that good anchor when required but those innings' are getting rare. I honestly would keep him in and around the ODI squad but would prefer a Banton or A N Other young player to be given a decent run.

England can still get 200 here

Thing is ,though , they really need an anchor type player at three. One of their big strengths has been the Roy and Bairstow opening pair , as you generally expect one if not both to fire and get them off to a flying start. But the way they play there is always the risk of losing two early on ; and when that happens - like today - you really need some consolidation. Morgan and Buttler are there to - ideally - blaze away later.
I think Root still has a lot to offer , even though he's battled this week.

Really good from Rashid and Curran

Good runs. Vital in fact. Not just over 200 ...down to the last over at 216/8 . They've both batted with spirit and intelligence.

Marsh to bowl number fifty...

Fair enough alfie but i just do not think that Rot can anchor an innings in ODI's as good as he used to be able too.

Even as an anchor in ODI's, you do need to score at a decent rate to prevent pressure being put on the other batsmen.

As i said, i really like Root but i would certainly give others a chance and a decent run in the team. Plenty can also anchor an innings.

This is a total the England bowlers can defend. This is by no means over. Well done Curran and Rashid

76 run stand ended. Curran gone for 37 ...two balls left for Archer ...tap and run ? No : firm drive...two more.

And a four ! 231 that's a lot more than I expected half an hour ago !

Rashid has surprised me with that knock - was excellent. Momentum shift ?

Aussies still favourites I think. Expect the openers to come out hard.

But that late flurry has given England a sniff. Couple of early wickets and anything is possible...

Worth staying up to see.

That's a top comeback from T Curran and Rashid. 59 off the last five overs.

Aussies still favourites, but not overwhelmingly so. If England can nab a few wickets in the opening ten overs, it's certainly game on.

eirebilly wrote:Fair enough alfie but i just do not think that Rot can anchor an innings in ODI's as good as he used to be able too.

Even as an anchor in ODI's, you do need to score at a decent rate to prevent pressure being put on the other batsmen.

As i said, i really like Root but i would certainly give others a chance and a decent run in the team. Plenty can also anchor an innings.

You're basing that on two innings this Summer in which the players have had far from ideal preparation, Root was superb during the world cup which were the last meaningful ODI's he's played. You do need an anchor in the side whether that is at 3 or 4, for me the players pushing Root in that position are Malan who may be too old and Sam Hain who the selectors seemingly don't rate but it certainly isn't Banton.

I'll admit i'm fairly critical of Banton based on what i've seen so far, he may have a future in the T20 side but it has to be said he has a mediocre 50 over record.

Soul Requiem wrote:If you asked me what Tom Curran brings to the team I'd struggle to give you a specific answer but he gets results.

Soul - he's got a calmness about him and never ducks responsibility. That alone doesn't make a cricketer but it sure helps build on what is already there.

guildfordbat wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:If you asked me what Tom Curran brings to the team I'd struggle to give you a specific answer but he gets results.

Soul - he's got a calmness about him and never ducks responsibility. That alone doesn't make a cricketer but it sure helps build on what is already there.

Just noticed that before the match he held one of the more bizarre averages wherein it was higher than his highest score.

James Anderson on BBC saying he thinks they can defend this...but he makes the sound point that they'll need to field really well (which they've not really been doing lately). For all the excellence of the Australian bowlers , they were let down a bit by some sloppy groundfielding today. England can't afford similar errors.

Field well, eh? Misfield on the first ball from Curran!

Now a missed run-out chance from Morgan.

Duty281 wrote:Field well, eh? Misfield on the first ball from Curran!

Now a missed run-out chance from Morgan.

Ha I fear I must have jinxed them !

Not what we were hoping for. But early yet.

That would have been a nice gift if Morgan had hit !

One gone ! Archer gets his bunny...

Would be nice if they could pick up Stoinis early...he was good the other day.

Australia shouldn't pick Warner ever again against England because Archer and Broad have an iron-hold over him.