I can’t recall too many of the England Tests going to 5 days since bazball.
Two teams with better batters than bowlers. In English conditions certainly.
England have tended to win series at home to India, as in English conditions Anderson and Broad were dominant. Without them or the various injured quicks, that advantage isn't there now.
Lancashire, in their game against Kent are playing three spinners - Luke Wells (opening bat), Chris Green (Australia) and Ashton Turner (Australia). Last season they had Nathan Lyon (Australia). Meanwhile, Tom Hartley, having played the first half of the season when wickets would not have suited spin as much as they are doing now, is in their 2s. This is the Bashir situation re-visited although, in the case of Somerset, their two spinning alternatives are both English.
Lancashire, in their game against Kent are playing three spinners - Luke Wells (opening bat), Chris Green (Australia) and Ashton Turner (Australia). Last season they had Nathan Lyon (Australia). Meanwhile, Tom Hartley, having played the first half of the season when wickets would not have suited spin as much as they are doing now, is in their 2s. This is the Bashir situation re-visited although, in the case of Somerset, their two spinning alternatives are both English.
Lancashire, in their game against Kent are playing three spinners - Luke Wells (opening bat), Chris Green (Australia) and Ashton Turner (Australia). Last season they had Nathan Lyon (Australia). Meanwhile, Tom Hartley, having played the first half of the season when wickets would not have suited spin as much as they are doing now, is in their 2s. This is the Bashir situation re-visited although, in the case of Somerset, their two spinning alternatives are both English.
Hartley isn't county standard anyway tbh
One could argue the same about Bashir but until they get an opportunity to learn their trade, we'll never know.
The facts are that Hartley has taken 14 wickets at 41.28 with an E/R of 2.98 and Green has 1-72 with an E/R of 3.13. Green is a white ball spinner who has, at the age of 31, just 45 FC wickets at 36.44. Lyon I totally get. Green I don't especially when Hartley has had to do the hard yards in April and May.
England's attack a little powder puff but am a bit curious about our tactics at lunch.I thought our field placings were far too negative and we are now reduced to waiting for India to declare. The best way of staying in this game is to take wickets. As I type this Pant is out !
Yes, it's a bit strange how we appear to have moved from extreme bazball/attack in all situations, to more like a normal Test set up. In fact as said above, we've reverted to the ultra negative (at times) Cook tactics.
You would assume at this stage, that we need to hold out tomorrow, against Bumrah for a draw.
Lancashire, in their game against Kent are playing three spinners - Luke Wells (opening bat), Chris Green (Australia) and Ashton Turner (Australia). Last season they had Nathan Lyon (Australia). Meanwhile, Tom Hartley, having played the first half of the season when wickets would not have suited spin as much as they are doing now, is in their 2s. This is the Bashir situation re-visited although, in the case of Somerset, their two spinning alternatives are both English.
Considering I am a cricket geek and the career he’s had I’m surprised Ashton Turner’s name has slipped me by.
No way they'll settle for the draw , they'll come out in ODI mode and try and chase this as quickly as possible, see off Bumrah early and then try and hit Siraj to all parts.
If we want to win we've got to score at over 4.5 an over, to knock off the runs before the second new ball. India have to be clear favorites, but any result is possible.
Inevitably, England's approach will have to change according to the situation they find themselves in. If they are, say, 175-2 with 40 overs to go, it's game on but if they are 175-5 it would be professional suicide to then try to win the game from there. There again, with Jadedja bowling on a 5th day pitch, I'm not sure that you can just try and block him out because there are sure to be three or four around the bat at that stage.
It's certainly all to play for and tomorrow will be a very intriguing day.
Comments
England have tended to win series at home to India, as in English conditions Anderson and Broad were dominant. Without them or the various injured quicks, that advantage isn't there now.
Time for the return of Jofra Archer!
The facts are that Hartley has taken 14 wickets at 41.28 with an E/R of 2.98 and Green has 1-72 with an E/R of 3.13. Green is a white ball spinner who has, at the age of 31, just 45 FC wickets at 36.44. Lyon I totally get. Green I don't especially when Hartley has had to do the hard yards in April and May.
In fact as said above, we've reverted to the ultra negative (at times) Cook tactics.
You would assume at this stage, that we need to hold out tomorrow, against Bumrah for a draw.
3 wickets in 4 balls for Tongue.
371 to win.
I really hope England don't go full Bazball.
Bat sensibly and get the draw.
As I post this India are all out.
I still think trying to chase this target is stupid, bat sensibly and walk off tomorrow with a draw.
But they shouldn't
If England go for the draw, it will be a draw.
That's how I see it.
It's certainly all to play for and tomorrow will be a very intriguing day.
Couldn’t really get much closer to an ideal fifth day of a Test match.