England Cricket 2023

Addick Addict said:

kentaddick said:

Mental that a bloke who I’ve always thought scores at a good rate for a test batsman (root) could be described as the blocker/grafter in this team. 

North Lower Neil said:

Addick Addict said:

There's not a lot more that can be said about Brook that hasn't been said already. The challenge will be him trying to balance his career as he will become THE most sought after player in all forms of the game. 

Another word about Root. It's great to see him go back to playing as Root can. The glue. The one that wears the opposition bowlers down but who still has the ability to rotate. He doesn't need to play the way that the hitters do because he presents at different challenge to bowlers. 

So, 550 or even 600 by tea tomorrow and we then put them in? Then we will see what this wicket has to offer and we won't have the pink ball under lights to aid us. 

And he ticks along at a really good rate anyway usually.

And that's why I used the word "rotate" and not "blocker". Root hit 7 boundaries from 182 balls but still scored at more than 3 an over whereas Brook hit 29 of them from 169 balls. He is someone who keeps the good balls out but who doesn't get stuck, a la Sibley for example and does get the hitter on strike. That is a skill in itself. Circumstances such as today dictated that we didn't need two batsmen going hard from the off. Root doesn't need to try and play like Brook, Stokes, Bairstow, Duckett, Pope etc and bring out the reverse sweep that has got him out twice recently. He's too good a player to do have to do that in Test cricket. When we need kick on and have the comfort of runs behind us then by all means go for it.  

killerandflash said:

North Lower Neil said:

Never thought I'd see a declaration barely into day 2 with a player there on 150

I can understand it in this situation, as the pitch at the moment is still helpful with the new ball. Another hour and the pitch might be less green.

Callumcafc said:

JIMMY!