Eng v WI, 2 match T20 series, The Oval, 23 & 25 Sep, 2011

Yeah ... only a twit could think this was decent bowling for a 2nd string, couldn't they?

Rav Bopara 4-10.... no comment.

Must have been a piss weak WI batting line-up. Still, haven't they all been since about 2000...

Beddy and Hales look like brothers, under the lid.

Beddy's keeping is good. That is my main thought from the first half of the game.

Beddy byes are a rarity, then...

Ooch! I've got your coat, beams, do you want it?

The openers are hardly tearing it up. Both still in though. Can't see WI winning it from here. Famous last words maybe but there's about 9 batsmen in this line-up. It seems too much from 36/0 after 4.3

No need to go apeshit (Napeshit?), it's well under control. A reasonably controlled 60 not out would be just what Hales needs to establish his credentials.

Ronnie S Bopara - Legend.

How many bluddy keepers have Englnd got out there?

beamer wrote:No need to go apeshit (Napeshit?), it's well under control. A reasonably controlled 60 not out would be just what Hales needs to establish his credentials.

Nah, may as well try and wow the crowd a bit. This is a cakewalk. 'Let someone else do it' should be the mantra.

PeterCS wrote:How many bluddy keepers have Englnd got out there?

3. That's just how it rolls now. At least we know we'll be alright on tour over the next few years

Well, Beddy's quite well established now but the likes of Hales and some of those to follow if needed know if they get out cheaply it might be a long wait for another chance. Anyway, 44 off 34 is a decent enough strike rate...

Well done Alexi Hales, still going on 54 from 37 balls. Cor, Beddy just smashed a free hit. Wowzer.

Beddy's just brought up his 50 off 41 balls.

This is the sort of line-up in which KP and Morgan aren't really missed as much as they would be in other formats.

Highest opening partnership for England in T20s beating Bopara & Wright's 102 v. The Netherlands at Lord's in June 2009.

Allan D wrote:Highest opening partnership for England in T20s beating Bopara & Wright's 102 v. The Netherlands at Lord's in June 2009.

Think that just says it all, really.

Take a bow, son - well deserved first 50, makes up for a disappointing debut earlier in the season.

After such a long search for any big hitter other than KP, as I suggested elsewhere we could have a phenomenal limited overs batting line-up if a few of the young prospects come off. We'll still pick the Bells and Trotts in the 50 over game though, no doubt...

And spinners bowling noeys, just sums up the lack of discipline in WI cricket these days.

6th 10-wicket win in T20Is and 1st by England and 1st against the Windies. England's previous best was a 9-wicket win v. NZ at Old Trafford in June 2008 (Bopara's debut in T20Is). Windies' previous worst in terms of wicket defeats was 8 wickets v. the Saffies at The Wanderers in September 2007 and Australia at the SCG in February last year.

Hales is another Joe Denly - all floppy technique and occasional good shots.

Still, got the job done. What a mismatch. Bit embarrassing really.

Dello wrote:Hales is another Joe Denly - all floppy technique and occasional good shots.

Harsh, bar a wild and wooly wahoo in the first over he was pretty controlled. As i've always said though - prime candidate for a nip-backer from a quality seamer.

Surely we should be batting first in these games though FFS....

Looks floppy to me. Nip back, bit of swing, slight turn - it'll all cabbage him up.

Pleased he made a score, though.

His county record is definitely more eye-catching than Denly's was when he was picked, and certainly has a track record of clearing the ropes on a regular basis for Notts.

JKLever wrote:

Dello wrote:Hales is another Joe Denly - all floppy technique and occasional good shots.

Harsh, bar a wild and wooly wahoo in the first over he was pretty controlled. As i've always said though - prime candidate for a nip-backer from a quality seamer.

Surely we should be batting first in these games though FFS....

Aye, I saw one gatey attempt today. Know what you're saying. But apart from that, as you say, it was a measured performance where he never looked like he was over-extending himself, yet kept his strike rate high.

Agree that Dello's being immensely harsh. I think he's jealous that he didn't get 'Trev dibs' on him. Garq off Dello, you sherbert-garquen-dibdab

I'm not the jealous type. I'm happy for the lesser lights of our esteemed scouting network to get something in their win column for a change.

Aye, you haven't Trevved **cough Sreeeeee cough** or reverse-Trevved **cough brezzylad cough** anyone have you?

I'm a proven performer over the years. I've got a track record of talent spotting. Also non-talent spotting.

I don't need to justify myself to you.