England's Summer of Cricket 2022 as Joe Root Steps Down

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Must be assuming Southee can't be as ineffective again.

Oh dear....

Boult just too good for Pope !

This has all the hallmarks of a massacre...going to go hide behind the furniture...

Boult is bloody good ain't he

for the love of god zak don't run out root

Zak Crawley is still too tall to open.

Duty281 wrote:Leach has 5!

329ao. Time for England's reply and quite frankly your guess is as good as mine. 450 wouldn't surprise me, neither would 150.

I'd take 150 at this rate!

Can't tell me there isn't space somewhere for Jos Buttler in this Frak of a line up

kingraf wrote:Can't tell me there isn't space somewhere for Jos Buttler in this Frak of a line up

What in the top four?

Soul Requiem wrote:

kingraf wrote:Can't tell me there isn't space somewhere for Jos Buttler in this Frak of a line up

What in the top four?

Couldn't possibly be worse than Pope or Crawley

Had to pop out for a brief while, it appears England's top order have also popped out.

55/5. Did worry about this. This is the type of pitch that requires discipline and effort, not aggressive cricket. As I said last week, England's new attacking approach will probably yield more failures than successes.

And Wagner gets another. Will require another huge chase to make it 3-0...

Foakes is having a stinker so far this game

That innings from Stokes was pathetic, you have to earn the right to attack in test cricket as he and Bairstow did at Trent Bridge.

I did say this looked like a massacre

Follow on still a way off. Saving comments for the Clear Light of Tomorrow...

I think Vic Marks is right on TMS - Stokes is trying to lead the way like Morgan did post the 2015 WC in that ODI series vs NZ where England were posting 300+ but being bowled out in 45 overs. And they trusted themselves to find the balance eventually

The difference being this isn’t ODI cricket and Stokes is 31 and has played 80 Tests. He knows the correct tempo already.

JDizzle wrote:I think Vic Marks is right on TMS - Stokes is trying to lead the way like Morgan did post the 2015 WC in that ODI series vs NZ where England were posting 300+ but being bowled out in 45 overs. And they trusted themselves to find the balance eventually

The difference being this isn’t ODI cricket and Stokes is 31 and has played 80 Tests. He knows the correct tempo already.

I would concur JDizzle - in fact, I think Bairstow/Root have shown the way in this series better, both I would say are being positive without being reckless.
Stokes has been pretty reckless...when we all know he scores quickly enough without being that way! Bizarre knock today.

Soul Requiem wrote:That innings from Stokes was pathetic, you have to earn the right to attack in test cricket as he and Bairstow did at Trent Bridge.

Wasn't he attempting a counter assault ???...Ever since I have been in this Country I've seen plenty of Botham smashing the Australians when England were down and out...

To be fair you can't applaud this new aggressive approach and then get on Stokes case when it doesn't work..

Would England be 2-0 under Root ??

Has been easier, though not easy, for Overton and Bairstow in these conditions, further showing the folly of the top order approach, especially as the Kiwis don't have much bowling depth.

124/6. Big deficit of 205 to chip away at.

Talking of Botham, if this was the mid 90s, Joverton's returns so far would definitely see him anointed as a new one. Genuinely remember Darren Gough being termed "the new Botham"

Duty281 wrote:Has been easier, though not easy, for Overton and Bairstow in these conditions, further showing the folly of the top order approach, especially as the Kiwis don't have much bowling depth.

124/6. Big deficit of 205 to chip away at.

Really only Stokes who was reckless though , was it not ? The rest of them were just not good enough on the day to combat some excellent swing bowling. Boult was terrific , as he's been throughout the Tests.

More footwork faults than foolish shots , I think.

At least these two have just about saved the follow on ...

alfie wrote:

Duty281 wrote:Has been easier, though not easy, for Overton and Bairstow in these conditions, further showing the folly of the top order approach, especially as the Kiwis don't have much bowling depth.

124/6. Big deficit of 205 to chip away at.

Really only Stokes who was reckless though , was it not ? The rest of them were just not good enough on the day to combat some excellent swing bowling. Boult was terrific , as he's been throughout the Tests.

More footwork faults than foolish shots , I think.

At least these two have just about saved the follow on ...

Would concur Alfie - don't think any of the top order were reckless, just quite easily outclassed.

alfie wrote:

Duty281 wrote:Has been easier, though not easy, for Overton and Bairstow in these conditions, further showing the folly of the top order approach, especially as the Kiwis don't have much bowling depth.

124/6. Big deficit of 205 to chip away at.

Really only Stokes who was reckless though , was it not ? The rest of them were just not good enough on the day to combat some excellent swing bowling. Boult was terrific , as he's been throughout the Tests.

More footwork faults than foolish shots , I think.

At least these two have just about saved the follow on ...

Crawley and Pope did play some attacking drives, and Lees was fortunate not to be caught second ball. It was a time for a good old-fashioned block.

100 partnership.

New Zealand have lost their discipline again.

Has been an excellent fighting stand by these two...but still a mountain to climb to get back into the game.

Not sure NZ have lost their mojo so much as the ball has got a lot older. And their pace men have put in a bit of work.

You can take the boy out of Somerset, but you can’t take the lower order runs out of the boy. Just need to get Tim Groenewald out of retirement and in the Test team to get the full Somerset lower order turning 50-6 into 320 every innings.

Fifty for Jamie Overton...couldn't have come at a better time !

Getting enthusiastic applause from teammates on the balcony ...

Bairstow stepping up yet again. it is surprising how England almost mismanaged his test career into an almost lost case. He was up for a fight in the Ashes, played the innings of his life in the last game, and stepping up and saving the side from a calamity here. The management change couldn't have come at a better time for a player like him. Don't get me wrong, he still is going to get bowled a lot as his technique has limitations. But he's miles better than the 20Something lot often hyped up big time only to show themselves up as 21st Century Ramprakash/Hick...

New Zealand's selection mistakes coming back to hurt them, not for the first time in the series. Boult upfront was outstanding, my man Wagner picked up 2 wickets in his very first over... Southee did swing a few but as has been the case throughout the series, hasn't been on his top game. And then beyond them, there has been nothing... And that is not surprising at all. You can't go into a test match with a 3 man attack.

As Guildford will attest, despite his often wayward bowling efforts, I’ve oft praised Overton’s ability as a lower order biffer - quite often gets a good 30/40, and is capable. Rode his luck a bit here at times, but a very impressive knock so far

And this Jamie lad, does seem a prospect. Has decent pace, and can be handy with the bat down the order. Seems a better bet than his military medium brother.

Mitchell and Bracewell have combined only for 6 overs so far. Yes Boult was magical at the start and Wagner assisted him well to start with. However ever since this partnership got going, New Zealand seem to have lost a sense of direction, reviewed when they shouldn't have, didn't review when they should have, missed chances in the field, and just kept on bowling the 3 bowlers even when Wagner has been unusually expensive.

Hundred for Jonny !

What a year he's been having ... Keeps coming in with the side in all sorts of trouble and producing innings like this...

Great stuff ! Be nice if he can keep it going ...

Bairstow reborn. This has been an insane test series which has appealed to neither logic nor reason. I thought J Overton would be a one test wonder, but his batting may have earned him a reprieve.

England run rate creeping up to 6 an over! Overton closing in on a debut ton. New Zealand seem to have no answers at the moment.
Time for Williamson to turn his arm over and risk that elbow a bit?

Duty281 wrote:Bairstow reborn. This has been an insane test series which has appealed to neither logic nor reason. I thought J Overton would be a one test wonder, but his batting may have earned him a reprieve.

J Overton seemed like he could be a bit wild with the ball, but if the likes of Archer and Wood wouldn't be available for long, he does offer something more than the usual English condition 80 MPH seamer that his brother happens to be. The guy doesn't seem as skilled as Sam Curran with the bat, but he surely can hold one, and give it a good thrashing too. Surely should be around the setup.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:As Guildford will attest, despite his often wayward bowling efforts, I’ve oft praised Overton’s ability as a lower order biffer - quite often gets a good 30/40, and is capable. Rode his luck a bit here at times, but a very impressive knock so far

He's looked a bit better than a lower order biffer today , I'd say . Some luck early on , yes ; but as the partnership developed he's actually chosen when to strike and when to defend rather well.

Jury still out on his bowling ; but this batting effort probably lifts him up the pecking order of English pace bowling possibles...

England's first ever 200 partnership for the seventh wicket.

This is the third time in the series NZ have lost control - Root and Foakes in the first test, Stokes and Bairstow in the second, Bairstow and J Overton here.

Lead down to 68.

I was a big advocate of Bairstow coming in during the Ashes, as he’s one of few to have an outstanding domestic FC record - averaging about 50. Plus he’d clearly made the effort during the India series to try and tweak his technique to succeed in the red ball game. But he’s surpassed whatever limited expectations I had of him!

JOverton won’t ever cut it at Test level I don’t think. He’s just too loose with the ball for a four man attack. Maybe in the sub continent with some funky batting orders with lots of all rounder she could be used for shock purposes, but I can’t see it otherwise.

Overton does seem too wild for a 4-man attack. But with Stokes bowling, and with Anderson or someone with control around, he is worth investing in. He does have decent pace. Hasn't shown much else as of now, but worth a few more chances at least so long as Archer/Wood/Stone aren't available.

A quite ludicrous partnership between Bairstow and Overton - superb superb work to get England firmly back into this contest after some great new ball bowling by Boult.

Hope Overton can get that century tomorrow morning

Advantage still with New Zealand, I think, but I don't really know anymore. An utterly mad day.

I don't know what to say about that. The kind of partnership you'd only see every few years, except the last such one was all of ten days ago. Clearly it will also bring to mind the Trott and Broad partnership, which was now 12 years ago

Astonishing day of Test Cricket - again.

One of the best new ball spells we've seen from a swing bowler for a while...a crazy collapse : 55/6 in twelve overs for heaven's sake ! And then this outrageous partnership has turned the game on its head in a session...

Lord knows what will happen tomorrow !

alfie wrote:I did say this looked like a massacre

Yes, that you did

JuliusHMarx wrote:

alfie wrote:I did say this looked like a massacre

Yes, that you did

Very observant , Jules. My quotes often manage to cover all eventualities

Fourth century of the year for Bairstow now.

I still oddly think he's batting too high at five but with his technical issues being more aggressive makes sense. Note to Ben Stokes that aggression is very different to recklessness especially when you have the technique to play properly.

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:As Guildford will attest, despite his often wayward bowling efforts, I’ve oft praised Overton’s ability as a lower order biffer - quite often gets a good 30/40, and is capable. Rode his luck a bit here at times, but a very impressive knock so far

Happy to back you up there, Olly! I did also mention yesterday about his batting that if he connects, it travels! See from cricinfo that he hit two sixes along with plenty of boundaries.

I would hope - and don’t think it’s too unrealistic - that we can go on to get a lead from here. Whilst either JOve or Jonny are at the crease, the runs should keep coming.

msp83 wrote:Overton does seem too wild for a 4-man attack. But with Stokes bowling, and with Anderson or someone with control around, he is worth investing in. He does have decent pace. Hasn't shown much else as of now, but worth a few more chances at least so long as Archer/Wood/Stone aren't available.

He does swing the ball more than a lot of bowlers of his pace

Dust settled and caught up on sleep...what to make of yesterday ?

Whatever else , an extremely entertaining day of Test Cricket : I think they have finished the day some 11 overs short of the quota (some technical issues perhaps partially excusing this) ; but I don't think too many spectators will have left the ground feeling short-changed.

Ebbs and flows : NZ a bit lucky early with dropped catches , and looked to be heading for a big total until Mitchell lost his head apparently from hunger pangs and holed out on the stroke of lunch : Leach finishing it with his five immediately after only unleashed Boult to terrorise the England top order : what an opening spell of swing bowling
At 55/6 England looked to be heading for the follow on ...and then In Came J Overton

Sliding Doors : We saw yesterday what a difference a review or two can make to an innings - not to mention dropped chances. Same again the other way around...if NZ had reviewed against Overton at the right time where would this match be now ? And on another day Jonny's under-edged boundary might have clipped his stumps...or Wagner might have held a tricky c&b.  But that's cricket...

Attack at all Costs : England talked the talk ; they are walking - or galloping , rather - so far , in spite of the inevitable spills.  Can it last ? Can it succeed often enough ? Stay tuned...going to be fun to watch anyway.

Fails and triumphs : NZ will perhaps be regretting going in bowler-light - although at one stage it didn't seem to matter. Bracewell was exposed ; and Southee (apart from the good piece of bowling to grab the vital wicket of Root - who is human after all ! ) looked a bit tired. Mitchell and Boult have been fantastic all series and nothing has changed there.
England top three , despite some good efforts last match , still look a bit fragile . Terrific bowling from Boult ; but the footwork of both Lees and Pope needs sharpening ; and Crawley's bat angled like that is asking for trouble. Won't shoot them for failing here ; but the batting coach might have some videos to study. Stokes set out to counter attack which is fair enough : but surely just a little more respect for the bowling could be slipped in to the game plan Ben ? Bairstow - again - and debutant Overton were just bloody brilliant.

Where stands the contest ? : Duty says NZ just ahead : well they are , technically - still by 65 runs . If batting last is difficult then England will want a lead - but is Bracewell going to be able to exploit late match spin ? Will he dare bowl ? And can their pace trio keep backing up... Guess a lot depends on whether England's overnight heroes and the tail can take advantage of the current position (old ball , long way to a new one ; and a presumably chastened NZ attack) or whether a new day will bring a quick fold . But either way , the third innings may be crucial once again.

How's the weather forecast ? Hope it stays fair as this match deserves more good days for everyone to enjoy , whatever the result

guildfordbat wrote:

Good Golly I'm Olly wrote:As Guildford will attest, despite his often wayward bowling efforts, I’ve oft praised Overton’s ability as a lower order biffer - quite often gets a good 30/40, and is capable. Rode his luck a bit here at times, but a very impressive knock so far

Happy to back you up there, Olly! I did also mention yesterday about his batting that if he connects, it travels! See from cricinfo that he hit two sixes along with plenty of boundaries.

I would hope - and don’t think it’s too unrealistic - that we can go on to get a lead from here. Whilst either JOve or Jonny are at the crease, the runs should keep coming.

Hey you two Surrey chaps : would you agree that Overton has actually exceeded your expectations with the bat here ? First game , in at a perilous stage : would it be fair to say this surpasses anything he's done in the CC so far ?

I certainly note what you both warned about his sometimes wayward bowling (and I did look at his CC bowling figures from last year !) so agree his ongoing value as a pace option remains unclear : but as others have noted he does possess both pace and swing so will be very interested to see what he can do in the second innings...hopefully with a century under his belt to add confidence ?

By the way , guildford : perhaps you had better get back from your Grecian Odyssey before Surrey's Blast campaign derails

Alfie - ha!
JOverton hit about 90 earlier this season at a run a ball (or thereabouts) in a CC match against Kent at Beckenham. That was where we made the highest ever innings score (approaching 700) without anyone scoring a century. Stewart and Batty got stick from Surrey supporters for not declaring earlier but not me with my “make the opposition suffer and wonder” mantra.
He’s also batted very effectively in the Blast going up the order to 5 or 6 and turning at least one game in Surrey’s favour.
All in all, I am surprised by his score yesterday but not amazed. He’s the sort of player who, if he stays in, will get runs. He definitely won’t be poking around for 75 minutes to end with 5 not out!
Partly because he can do something unexpected and partly because I sensed he wasn’t (too) highly rated here, I went for him as an early first choice in Joey’s comp. Mind you and tbh, I was hoping for a Starc like expensive threefer and a 30 odd!

Btw, has any proper explanation been given for Stokes not bowling? Did he show any signs of injury when batting? Thanks.