Re: England v Australia, 3rd Test, Edgbaston, 29 July - 3 August, 2015

by Brass Monkey Thu 30 Jul 2015, 20:58

Has to be Mark Footitt. Plain and simple

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:06

Henry wrote:This is dreadful stuff. It's hard to believe how bad England can be at times.

FMD Trev.
What's so dreadful?!
Have some patience for gawds sake.
3.5 days to go, still a deficit of some 100+ and you whinge on how " England can be so bad at times."
Give them a break FFS ... unless your desire is to see an Aussie wicket an over ..!

Like I said patience .... as has (at COP) subsequently been proven ....
Especially to all those on here who questioned Finn's selection from day 1.
All that sh*t about him bowling in the low 80's?
Get a grip FFS ... top speed 93 mph slowest ball 79 mph.
Sure he's a four ball an over man ... but deadly with it.

Bad news about Jimmeh though ... let's hope Woodsy's fit for TB.

Carn England, tie it all up before lunch.

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:14

Lindsay no.2 wrote:How much does Ponting sweat under studio lights.

He's got the pallor of a guy who's pumping out the previous night's 12 pinter.

Dreadful permanent glow under the spotlights has poor old Punter ...
But him and Warne have certainly swung my preferences in the comm box.
Hilarious the pair of them ...

Off to watch the 3rd day at Edgbaston with a mate (Bears supporter yuk),
so an early departure for the train from Beaconsfield to Brum.
Hope to be there in time to watch Warne bowling at Ponting with Healy keeping wicket
scheduled for 10am ...
More than that however, I hope I'm back home for an early shower after seeing England triumph.

by Lindsay no.2 Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:15

Dello wrote:What Anderson's injury has highlighted in this game is that England basically have a three man bowling attack. Stokes hasn't looked like taking a wicket all series, and the difference between Moeen and Lyon as spinners is like night and day. He hasn't turned a thing, beaten the bat, nothing.

If Finn and Broad don't take the three wickets required tomorrow, no-one will.

Agree that the onus is pretty much 100% on Broad and Finn. If Nev and Starc can see those 2 off then a decent lead of 100+ is on and a nerve shredding run chase is in the offing.

Slightly disagree on Stokes - I think he bowled some good deliveries today, beat the bat a few times and also managed at one stage to get late inswing that made Neville look decidedly uncomfortable for a short while. He is far from a genuine and consistent threat with the ball - but he's been a touch unlucky whereas others seem to have had things go their way.

Moeen is looking very ordinary with the ball. Lyon made it jump and spit yet Moeen, on a pitch which is slightly older and has more wear on it, has done pretty much nowt. Maybe in time he'll develop some guile.

by beamer Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:16

Merlin wrote:
Henry wrote:This is dreadful stuff. It's hard to believe how bad England can be at times.

FMD Trev.
What's so dreadful?!
Have some patience for gawds sake.
3.5 days to go, still a deficit of some 100+ and you whinge on how " England can be so bad at times."
Give them a break FFS ... unless your desire is to see an Aussie wicket an over ..!

Like I said patience .... as has (at COP) subsequently been proven ....
Especially to all those on here who questioned Finn's selection from day 1.
All that sh*t about him bowling in the low 80's?
Get a grip FFS ... top speed 93 mph slowest ball 79 mph.
Sure he's a four ball an over man ... but deadly with it.

Bad news about Jimmeh though ... let's hope Woodsy's fit for TB.

Carn England, tie it all up before lunch.

Well I was just going by what I saw in the Snoozer ODIs, where Finn showed little pace or indication he was going to be a threat in Test cricket. Just seemed they'd coached him into mediocre trundler territory, good to see that one proved wrong anyway.

by Lindsay no.2 Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:20

Holy f*ck they're talking about Woakes on TV.

Am I having a bad trip?

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:26

@ Beams ....

His ODI m o is a whole different ball game.
He slows it down a shed load (low 80's down to 75 for his slower delivery) and targets the off stump.
Rarely bowls a bouncer but holds his line.

He is a much improved bowler since the return of Otis Gibson to the fold.

PS He was absolutely gutted - badly so - after being dropped out of the England set up 2 years ago,
but his determination and sensible coaching has pulled him through.
Miss him at Middlesex though!

by Lindsay no.2 Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:27

Merlin wrote:
Henry wrote:This is dreadful stuff. It's hard to believe how bad England can be at times.

FMD Trev.
What's so dreadful?!
Have some patience for gawds sake.
3.5 days to go, still a deficit of some 100+ and you whinge on how " England can be so bad at times."
Give them a break FFS ... unless your desire is to see an Aussie wicket an over ..!

Like I said patience .... as has (at COP) subsequently been proven ....
Especially to all those on here who questioned Finn's selection from day 1.
All that sh*t about him bowling in the low 80's?
Get a grip FFS ... top speed 93 mph slowest ball 79 mph.
Sure he's a four ball an over man ... but deadly with it.

Bad news about Jimmeh though ... let's hope Woodsy's fit for TB.

Carn England, tie it all up before lunch.

I have to eat a big slice of humble pie regarding Finn as I have been one of the loudest critics of him.

I'm still not convinced he is the absolute deal - but he has certainly looked pretty good this game. He even managed to come back from getting tonked for 14 in his first over today. When I saw that I thought 'Uh oh they're onto him here and it's going to get ugly' but he didn't panic and came back with some serious stuff (once Smith had given his wicket away).

One thing I noticed with him is that his bowling arm seems to be much more developed/chunky than his left arm. Is that my eyes playing tricks on me or anyone else see that? I just wondered if his right arm is too chunky and that is what contributes to his relative inconsistency in terms of pace and direction?

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:38

Lindsay no.2 wrote:

I have to eat a big slice of humble pie regarding Finn as I have been one of the loudest critics of him.

I'm still not convinced he is the absolute deal - but he has certainly looked pretty good this game. He even managed to come back from getting tonked for 14 in his first over today. When I saw that I thought 'Uh oh they're onto him here and it's going to get ugly' but he didn't panic and came back with some serious stuff (once Smith had given his wicket away).

One thing I noticed with him is that his bowling arm seems to be much more developed/chunky than his left arm. Is that my eyes playing tricks on me or anyone else see that? I just wondered if his right arm is too chunky and that is what contributes to his relative inconsistency in terms of pace and direction?

As you can tell, (like Holding) I have always rated Huck since he first walked into the Middlesex squad.
In the early days he ragged it around a bit, but his pace was always evident.
As Beams pointed out earlier, he was badly coached by the England set up to the point where he stopped believing
in himself and his own ability and he rapidly went downhill in both his action and also mentally.

His sojourn away from England certainly made him more determined to get back in, and ironically, he came back
via the ODI's ... not his favourite pastime it has to be said!

Huck has pace and height from which to deliver it - and yes, his right arm has muscled up more thanhis left!
Since his wicket-hitting idiosyncrasy was ironed out, he has a straighter run up and a last second leap away
from the stumps which can be quite disconcerting to a batsman.

I hope he stays in the England set up now ... he's only 26 and could have a good few years ahead of him.
But like Johnson, Finn should only be used in 5 or 6 over bursts.
Let's hope he adds to his 5 fer tomorrow.

by Brass Monkey Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:39

Lindsay no.2 wrote:Holy f*ck they're talking about Woakes on TV.

Am I having a bad trip?

Maybe - I just chonged a couple of doobs and heard something similar... No mention of Footitt and how he swings the ball... don't think any of these has seen any county cricket for years.

by Brass Monkey Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:46

Some humble pie from me too, but not a massive slice... he's been bowling chutney almost every time I've seen him in the last 18 months, his pace was notably down enough for him to come out and lie that he was never express.... it didn't bode well. Especially as he used to pants it - like the other two - when they get clattered a bit. Whatevs. I said I hope he does well, he did do well, I'm happy. If this is his usual thing now, it's like we've got a real third bowler for the first time in a while.

by Big Dog Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:58

This game will be over sometime after lunch today. Time to start talking changes?
Voges would have to be in the firing line & by rights, so should Clarke however his Koala status will save him. Have Marsh & Neville done enough to stay?
The selectors have some thinking to do.

by Lindsay no.2 Thu 30 Jul 2015, 21:59

To get across how bad this trip is becoming I'm sitting here seriously considering that Watson is in line for a recall.

The batting looks very inexperienced without him - Voges and Marsh at 5 and 6 aren't inspiring much confidence in the ranks I'd wager. With a bit of battle hardened veteran about him I think Watto could be a better call than either of them at the moment.

Maybe Shaun Marsh comes in too...or how about a real left field choice, Haddin as a specialist batsman.

Now I'm off to sit in the dark and try and keep it together.

by taipan Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:04

So this is why the flat tracks. The game will be over tomorrow. I assume all the Saturday and Sunday ticket holders will be refunded in full.

by PeterCS Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:04

Lindsay no.2 wrote:Think Moeen should get a bowl now.

Didn't turn a thing today, did he?

Odd. Lyon was getting a fair bit of rip on occasion.

by PeterCS Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:06

Cricket can be a crazy game.

by Brass Monkey Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:08

Lindsay no.2 wrote:To get across how bad this trip is becoming I'm sitting here seriously considering that Watson is in line for a recall.

The batting looks very inexperienced without him - Voges and Marsh at 5 and 6 aren't inspiring much confidence in the ranks I'd wager. With a bit of battle hardened veteran about him I think Watto could be a better call than either of them at the moment.

Maybe Shaun Marsh comes in too...or how about a real left field choice, Haddin as a specialist batsman.

Now I'm off to sit in the dark and try and keep it together.

Yeah man, Australia have definitely been missing Shane Watson. Definitely. Not so much Brad Haddin. Not so much... Voges averages 45+ at Trent Bridge, but I'd be tempted to drop him. Probably for Marsh, who I'd stick at 3... Probably with 'Watto' at 6. What's Starc doing? He's been bobbins for major parts of the series. Where's my man Poider Siddle? He'd do a job. He'd do a f*cking job......

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:11

Lindsay no.2 wrote:To get across how bad this trip is becoming I'm sitting here seriously considering that Watson is in line for a recall.

The batting looks very inexperienced without him - Voges and Marsh at 5 and 6 aren't inspiring much confidence in the ranks I'd wager. With a bit of battle hardened veteran about him I think Watto could be a better call than either of them at the moment.

Maybe Shaun Marsh comes in too...or how about a real left field choice, Haddin as a specialist batsman.

Now I'm off to sit in the dark and try and keep it together...... mushroom like.

by PeterCS Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:11

Big Dog wrote:This game will be over sometime after lunch today. Time to start talking changes?
Voges would have to be in the firing line & by rights, so should Clarke however his Koala status will save him. Have Marsh & Neville done enough to stay?
The selectors have some thinking to do.

I think it's unlikely - and probably also a mistake - to start doing a "1990s England", with lots of musical chairs.

It would be tempting to get S Marsh in. Voges in particular looks shot at the mo. And even though he's v familiar w TB, it might be more of a gamble to keep him in than replace him. (Now watch him score matchwinning tons from this point.)

Not sure what to make of Clarke. Also all at sea. Would allowing him back to his favourite #5 help??

by beamer Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:12

And England? Another Lyth failure could force their hand, if it's a small target he has little to gain and a lot to lose. Obviously it's likely a Jimmy replacement will be needed, then there's the Buttler issue, he's struggling but who's next in line, Bairstow could keep and bring another batsman in, don't know who else is in their thoughts.

Then we have two all-rounders not pulling their weight with the ball, so the question is, is the balance (struggle to type that word with one 'l' now!) of the side right?

Then again, you don't change a (presumably) winning team, other than through injury, especially with back to back tests... do you?

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:16

Brass Monkey wrote:
Lindsay no.2 wrote:To get across how bad this trip is becoming I'm sitting here seriously considering that Watson is in line for a recall.

The batting looks very inexperienced without him - Voges and Marsh at 5 and 6 aren't inspiring much confidence in the ranks I'd wager. With a bit of battle hardened veteran about him I think Watto could be a better call than either of them at the moment.

Maybe Shaun Marsh comes in too...or how about a real left field choice, Haddin as a specialist batsman.

Now I'm off to sit in the dark and try and keep it together.

Yeah man, Australia have definitely been missing Shane Watson. Definitely. Not so much Brad Haddin. Not so much... Voges averages 45+ at Trent Bridge, but I'd be tempted to drop him. Probably for Marsh, who I'd stick at 3... Probably with 'Watto' at 6. What's Starc doing? He's been bobbins for major parts of the series. Where's my man Poider Siddle? He'd do a job. He'd do a f*cking job......

Yeah, I'd definitely back a Watto return (for Voges)
One Marsh for the other ... swings and roundabouts.
And deffo Siddle for the flat-lined Starc raving looney.
WTF was he (Starc) "bowling" today?!
Worse than Pringle on a very off day!

Clarke has to be top of the hit list too ... but who do they replace him with?
Ah yes, Punter might still do a job providing his gig with Warne and Heals goes well tomorrow morning !! couch

by PeterCS Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:18

Brass Monkey wrote:One thing Lyth is good at is slips catching.

Now all he has to do is to get some clue when it's willow and not leather & cork he has to handle.

I said - in unfair exasperation - his fly-swatting flail at a very wide one at Lord's was almost a sacking offence in itself.

And he went and did the exact same *EPIC FLAIL* in this match.

It wouldn't be so bad, except the odd sweet shot aside, he's looked pretty bloody awful most of the time. A tottering wicket.

I suppose it IS nerves - but that's not enough of an excuse if you keep repeating the offence. At least Ramps and Hick often got a few before pantsing it.

Okay, I've got it: Specialist Fielder. Non-playing 12th Man.

by lardbucket Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:19

Hopeless - extremely hopeless - Australian batting. Only the English doom-mongering from pages 17 through 20 comes close to its extremity.

Little was made of it at the time but Neville missed a stumping off Moeen early in his innings; and Rogers could have run Broad out from short leg a few balls later. I knew we were fecked at that stage and went to bed.

by Merlin Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:21

beamer wrote:And England? Another Lyth failure could force their hand, if it's a small target he has little to gain and a lot to lose. Obviously it's likely a Jimmy replacement will be needed, then there's the Buttler issue, he's struggling but who's next in line, Bairstow could keep and bring another batsman in, don't know who else is in their thoughts.

Then we have two all-rounders not pulling their weight with the ball, so the question is, is the balance (struggle to type that word with one 'l' now!) of the side right?

Then again, you don't change a (presumably) winning team, other than through injury, especially with back to back tests... do you?

Can't see them changing a winning team Beams (okay, they haven't won yet, but England should close it off tomorrow).
It is not Chef's way ....
Unless Bayliss has strong views that contradict Chef's, of course.
Which case ... for me, Hales for Lyth and Woodsy for Jimmeh.
Buttler is a concern, yes (WTF didn't he review this morning?!) ... but give him another trot
because he is keeping well these days.

by beamer Thu 30 Jul 2015, 22:25

Merlin wrote:
Brass Monkey wrote:
Lindsay no.2 wrote:To get across how bad this trip is becoming I'm sitting here seriously considering that Watson is in line for a recall.

The batting looks very inexperienced without him - Voges and Marsh at 5 and 6 aren't inspiring much confidence in the ranks I'd wager. With a bit of battle hardened veteran about him I think Watto could be a better call than either of them at the moment.

Maybe Shaun Marsh comes in too...or how about a real left field choice, Haddin as a specialist batsman.

Now I'm off to sit in the dark and try and keep it together.

Yeah man, Australia have definitely been missing Shane Watson. Definitely. Not so much Brad Haddin. Not so much... Voges averages 45+ at Trent Bridge, but I'd be tempted to drop him. Probably for Marsh, who I'd stick at 3... Probably with 'Watto' at 6. What's Starc doing? He's been bobbins for major parts of the series. Where's my man Poider Siddle? He'd do a job. He'd do a f*cking job......

Yeah, I'd definitely back a Watto return (for Voges)
One Marsh for the other ... swings and roundabouts.
And deffo Siddle for the flat-lined Starc raving looney.
WTF was he (Starc) "bowling" today?!
Worse than Pringle on a very off day!

Derek? Chris? Meyrick? Ryan? The manufacturer of stackable crisps or patterned jumpers?

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