England's Winter of Cricket 2020/21

First topic message reminder :

First winter tour for England confirmed today: three T20s and three ODIs in South Africa from the 27th November-9th December.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/54537709

A possible limited-overs tour of Pakistan, which would be England's first trip to that country since 2005, as well as visits to Sri Lanka and India may also go ahead in early 2021.

Soul Requiem wrote:If we can collectively keep dismissing Broad's ability that would be great, how is he better at 34 than he's ever been before. He always had the ability to bowl those destructive spells but his consistency is on another level right now.

Dont forget he didnt originally want to play in this series when it was scheduled last year

4 for Bess ...Vaughn is reduced to laughter on TMS

ha..you have to admit Shanaka has just found one of the unluckiest ways to get out in cricket

Full blooded sweep...if Bairstow's ankle hadn't got in the way it would have raced to the boundary. Instead it's rebounded to a delighted Buttler and England have seven !  Bess having a lucky day.

Hope YJB hasn't got too badly damaged by that knock...it was a pretty solid blow.

And now four for Bess... Not a t20 , is it ?

Leach must be the unluckiest cricketer out there

Gooseberry wrote:Leach must be the unluckiest cricketer out there

Or maybe not ...freak run out?

Another unusual dismissal! What a bizarre innings.

Ridiculous. No luck for Sri Lanka (admittedly they haven't really earned much) with the 9th wicket falling to one of those deflected ro at the bowler's end.

England can hardly believe their luck after losing the toss...

Benefit of the doubt on that run out but too close for comfort

Bess with the worst 5 wicket haul in test cricket ... lets see how farcical Englands innings can be!

hmm. Bat might have been in the air ?  But fair I think to lean in the batsman's favour when in doubt...

Maybe reckons England have had enough luck today

Anyway gave Bess the chance to get his Michelle...

He will bowl better for less. But I reckon he will take it

Bess has the cheapest five-for in cricket history. Absolute rubbish from Sri Lanka, who threw away their wickets with reckless abandon after winning the toss.

Not over yet, of course, but England should be highly confident of making 200+ and solidifying their advantage.

Yeah England still have to bat. But it is certainly set up for them to do so with less scoreboard pressure than they might have expected after losing the toss.

Five for Bess but Broad was the standout bowler I think. Very poor application by Sri Lanka. So it isn't just England that lose their heads en masse in the first Test of a series...

Bess apparently decided to use all the good luck he had saved, from all the rotten luck he had during our summer. Cashed it all in at once it seems

Also the run out - that's not bad luck in my opinion. That's shocking cricket from the non striker...for me, in test cricket, there is no excuse for that type of run out. You don't need to be pushing quick singles and backing up four yards up the wicket in tests! The reward is nowhere near worth the risk!

Given there were two catches dropped in that brief innings (Lawrence is copping it for the dolly but Leach had a good chance too) and a few heaves that could easily have gone to a fielder plus the close call on a run out its pretty clear Sri Lanka are every bit as dreadful as South Africa made them look.

Still believe England are equally as capable of producing a shambolic batting performance so not counting all the egrets yet, but it would be hard to lose form here.

Last tour they started off pegging SL to 40/4 when Mathews and Chandimal put on a big stand to take SL to a respectable total. The difference this time seems to be even their competent players are out of sorts, collectively the team just isnt switched on. Possibly a loss of confidence form the slow decline in quality of players coming through over the past two decades hurting moral on the few decent players? Possibly some excuse from a lack of high level cricket for the players, theyve only had the very short SA tour in the past 11 months. But they did get a first class season in and players in T20 franchise cricket so not completely without practise, and England came into this game with one day non competitive play in the last few months looking much sharper.

Crawley should have been easily run out there, would have been some start.

I think Micky Arthur might commit a murder tonight

Couldve been an lbw given too

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:I think Micky Arthur might commit a murder tonight

For once I wish Warne was on commentary, he would be loving this!

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:Don’t think there’s anything better in cricket than a filthy long hop getting a wicket. Sensational

Been catching up during tea with the wickets - just knew you would love that one, Olly!

Some luck went England's way but terrible, terrible batting by Sri Lanka. Never seen seen or heard Kumar look or sound so frustrated and deflated.

Apologies if someone has already mentioned it but a special call out as well for the third umpire. Nothing he did but his utterly brilliant name - Lyndon Hannibal!

Must be something in the air affecting the batsmen judging by the near run out already... But the way the day has gone for Sri Lanka almost inevitable they'd mess it up.

Fernando looks tidy.

Bit of luck back to Sri Lanka there, Sibley was struggling though

Poor decision from the umpire, good review.

Time to see Bairstow at 3 again.

DRS does the job. Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

Don't want to curse him but Crawley looks like the best batsman to have played in this test so far. He's really stood up in test cricket, only a year since his unexpected debut and looks totally composed. First class average in the mid 30's, every sign he could be one of the rare players who ends up with a considerably better test average. Of Englands 3 openers he's the one that looks like he could really become a genuinely good test player.

Duty281 wrote:Crawley should have been easily run out there, would have been some start.

Poor not to achieve the run out and poor again to be so distracted by it to then be timed out in trying to review the Sibley LBW. It wouldn't have been given as umpire's call but that's not the point.

Pointless stat of the day ... Englands number 11 is their 3rd highest test run scorer and theres only 4 players in the side with more test centuries than him.

Gooseberry wrote:Don't want to curse him but Crawley looks like the best batsman to have played in this test so far.

Whoops


England in a mess ....

Gooseberry wrote:Don't want to curse him but Crawley looks like the best batsman to have played in this test so far. He's really stood up in test cricket, only a year since his unexpected debut and looks totally composed. First class average in the mid 30's, every sign he could be one of the rare players who ends up with a considerably better test average. Of Englands 3 openers he's the one that looks like he could really become a genuinely good test player.

Nice jinx, goose!

If she had been selected and batted, Boycott's nan with a stick of rhubarb would be in contention.

Oh dear, Crawley unhappy with being tied down, loses his patience and bats like a Sri Lankan.

17/2 and the hosts back in it. Embuldeniya started off really well with the ball...inches away from 17/3.

I really rate Crawley but that is poor in the 9th over responding to 135.

guildfordbat wrote:

Gooseberry wrote:Don't want to curse him but Crawley looks like the best batsman to have played in this test so far. He's really stood up in test cricket, only a year since his unexpected debut and looks totally composed. First class average in the mid 30's, every sign he could be one of the rare players who ends up with a considerably better test average. Of Englands 3 openers he's the one that looks like he could really become a genuinely good test player.

Nice jinx, goose!

If she had been selected and batted, Boycott's nan with a stick of rhubarb would be in contention.

Tin of custard to return to England top 3? Another poor shot from Bairstow couldve made it 3. No wickets from defensive strokes so far, for all the talk about players not getting bogged down it would be nice if they did try to bat for some time.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

Hi Olly - I noticed you were lining Burns up for the chop in India the other day. More seriously, I know what you meant but importantly, as you flagged, it's subject to others showing and maintaining form. Pretty sure you didn't mention Sibley then and, yeah, he's ahead of others atm, but we shouldn't take anything for granted yet as regards team selection for the India series.

guildfordbat wrote:

Good Golly I'm OllyM wrote:

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

Hi Olly - I noticed you were lining Burns up for the chop in India the other day.  More seriously, I know what you meant but importantly, as you flagged, it's subject to others showing and maintaining form. Pretty sure you didn't mention Sibley then and, yeah, he's ahead of others atm, but we shouldn't take anything for granted yet as regards team selection for the India series.

My worry is Burns getting recalled for India due to neither opener getting runs here. Still 3 innings to go so I don't want to get too pessimistic but when I see batsman playing on the front foot without getting to the pitch (Sibley) or playing aggressive shots from the get go (Crawley) I worry in the subcontinent.

When I saw Crawley leave the crease I was instinctively happier than seeing him play aggressive back foot shots. He fell into the trap that many younger batsman do against spin of using his feet to play the big shot rather than just to get to the pitch and smother the spin.

Root at his best used his feet excellently against spin without it always being an attacking option. Just getting to the pitch to reduce the threat. Hopefully he can get in and we see some of it here.

Looks like these two have learned the lessons of other dismissals and Bairstows own near miss...picking up steady runs in one and twos and ticking over nicely. Calm low risk but busy.

Oh god I need to stop posting review for lbw

Over the top phew

I thought that was out in real time!

Phew.

Dont think we need to worry about rain other than having to wake earlier to catch what little of the game will remain for future days. Doesnt look like anyones going to hang around Vihari Ashwin style in this test. England at least consistently scoring runs and still ticking over despite the scares after a slow start

It's a slow outfield due to the rain as well as the pitch early turning so scoring runs isn't going to be easy at any point, particularly when you factor in the Sri Lanka humidity and heat. I always remember KP talking about Sri Lanka being the toughest place to bat just because it takes so much out of you. Gloves and pads feeling heavier by the over as you sweat into them!

This is a very valuable partnership building.

Is indeed. 10 overs since the last maiden, both players scoring all round the pitch. Great stuff. England will need a 100 plus lead to feel comfortable but theres no reason they cant get that from here.

Root and Bairstow are running very well between the wickets. Putting a bit more pressure on the bowlers, already pushed short leg away.

Gooseberry wrote:Is indeed. 10 overs since the last maiden, both players scoring all round the pitch. Great stuff. England will need a 100 plus lead to feel comfortable but theres no reason they cant get that from here.

I was thinking 250ish as a target when chatting with my dad earlier.

The deficit down below 50 already. Losing the openers early put a dampener on things but this is shaping into a very fine first day for England.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

I tend to think that Sibley is more vulnerable to getting dropped in India than Burns. The latter at least scores against the spinners before getting out whereas the former has no out shot whatsoever which is fine outside of the subcontinent where you can accumulate against the pace men.

That's a fluent, deserved and important half century for Root. Hopefully he's there at close and goes big tomorrow.

Soul Requiem wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

I tend to think that Sibley is more vulnerable to getting dropped in India than Burns. The latter at least scores against the spinners before getting out whereas the former has no out shot whatsoever which is fine outside of the subcontinent where you can accumulate against the pace men.

The literal ball is in Sibleys metaphorical court over his next 3 innings (assuming England have to bat again here!). If he makes runs it will be hard for Burns to force a way in playing no cricket.

Bairstows making it very unlikely we will see the three openers picked, Pope also a strong option at 3 as hinted in his recovery warmup here. England could end up witha real headache in who to leave out as much as they could have a problem with openers.


Highest partnership for England here, 6th 100+ stand for this pair. Things looking as good as could have been hoped for so far, dont mess up the last few minutes!

97% control for Root. Almost flawless play.

Gooseberry wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:

alfie wrote:DRS does the job.  Sibley didn't look too confident of dodging that one.

If he's going to spend the winter prodding out in front in defence to the spinners, like he did in his brief stay here...he isn't going to have many long stays. Especially to the left arm orthodox (Embuldinya here, Jadeja in India)...who will be spinning away from his natural shape to hit to leg.

I tend to think that Sibley is more vulnerable to getting dropped in India than Burns. The latter at least scores against the spinners before getting out whereas the former has no out shot whatsoever which is fine outside of the subcontinent where you can accumulate against the pace men.

The literal ball is in Sibleys metaphorical court over his next 3 innings (assuming England have to bat again here!). If he makes runs it will be hard for Burns to force a way in playing no cricket.

Bairstows making it very unlikely we will see the three openers picked, Pope also a strong option at 3 as hinted in his recovery warmup here. England could end up witha  real headache in who to leave out as much as they could have a problem with openers.


Highest partnership for England here, 6th 100+ stand for this pair. Things looking as good as could have been hoped for so far, dont mess up the last few minutes!

3.Bairstow
4.Root
5.Stokes
6.Pope
7.Foakes

If Bairstow converts that start tomorrow, Pope is fully fit and Buttler is indeed rested then I reckon that would be the coaches first choice 3-7 for India. On paper that's a good looking middle order on turning wickets as well.

Lawrence potentially has 4 innings ahead of him to make a case of course but I think you are right about the opening situation, it will probably be 2 from 3 between Sibley, Burns and Crawley in February.

A good day from England, capitalising on some abysmal batting from Sri Lanka.

Root batted near flawlessly and was well backed up by Bairstow. Their ability to rotate the strike and run so well between the wickets could be valuable as a 3/4 partnership this winter.

I'm still far from convinced that Bairstow has ironed out his issues against top quality pace but he plays spin well and batted determinedly today.

That was a superb partnership from Root/Bairstow, a clinic in how to bat in these conditions. Root's ability to manipulate the field against spin is just brilliant, and their running between the wickets obviously is very strong as shown throughout all formats.

Obviously not a game winning one yet, there's always a chance England could lose 8-70 in the morning session tomorrow morning...but they've given themselves the platform to really get a match defining first innings lead here.