CRICKET

[Michael Rolls]

unchanged squad announced - so Bairstow keeps the gloves which I reckon to be a mistake - he's missed at least four regulation catches and two stumpings - just not good enough at this level. Hopefully, the fact that he is in the squad means that Wood is fit

[Cassandra]

unchanged squad announced - so Bairstow keeps the gloves which I reckon to be a mistake - he's missed at least four regulation catches and two stumpings - just not good enough at this level. Hopefully, the fact that he is in the squad means that Wood is fit

They must have Rishi Sunak as an adviser, you know the 'what can we do today to become more unpopular' reasoning. If they play Anderson I won't bother to watch.

[Michael Rolls]

must say I am not impressed. There was an intersting article by Michael Vaughan saying he understood the decision - that Bairstow's batting, and especially his strike rate, compensated for his lapses with the gloves, and that he had the same dilemma between Geraint Thomas and Chris Read. Well, I still think that they are wrong. All the matches have been pretty close and glove lapses aren't helpful

[Cassandra]

must say I am not impressed. There was an intersting article by Michael Vaughan saying he understood the decision - that Bairstow's batting, and especially his strike rate, compensated for his lapses with the gloves, and that he had the same dilemma between Geraint Thomas and Chris Read. Well, I still think that they are wrong. All the matches have been pretty close and glove lapses aren't helpful

A perfect explanation Mike, its all about JB, not wanting to go 3. I think at present Foakes, the world's best keeper is also better batting choice too and keep Moeen (a superb and unselfish team player) at number 3.

My pal over here (who actually did all this for a living) convinces me that Jimmy is a much better bet than Robinson - even as a 'stock' bowler. Also if it clouds over at his home ground, a real handful still, even post 40 years of age.

[Michael Rolls]

I believe that Robinson is still an injury doubt anyway - but Jimmy's figures in his two tests are 3-226, average 72.33 - hardly inspiring

[1955vintage]

Anderson has been unlucky with the catching support, and his runs per over has put the Australian team under pressure.

[Michael Rolls]

fair point - and the last time I dared to say that he was past it - a couple of years ago - he promptly took a fifer in the very next innings

[1955vintage]

Switching channels between the cricket and the golf, enjoying the golf more because there seems to be more skill and finesse involved.

Crash ,bang wallop batting and short pitch bowling is not proper cricket.

[Michael Rolls]

well, Bairstow took a brilliant catch yesterday, but one swallow......

[Michael Rolls]

SITTING HERE PINCHING MYSELF - England have taken the lead with 8 wickets still in hand - mind you, apparently the weather forecast isn't good

[GrannyMac]

I've been watching with my OH, great stuff! 

[JBR]

Yes.  England have performed absolutely brilliantly today.
Well ahead already, with plenty of wickets in hand.

I said to Marge just now, as the programme came to an end, I sincerely hope our stupid captain doesn't declare again too soon just as he did on the very first match at Edgbaston.
If we can just keep it up, we can make it 2-2.

Then at The Oval, if we don't lose our skills today, we could actually win the Ashes after being 2-0 down.

[Michael Rolls]

edge of the seat stuff - but the weather forecast is a worry. Like you - I think that day ine declaration was a big mistake and effectively left England playing catch up

[Michael Rolls]

oh sod it! The weather has the last word, so Australia retain the Ashes, even if England win at the Oval. The guys must be totally gutted - Australia were there for the taking

[GrannyMac]

Very disappointing for England.