Test Cricket returns to these shores next week, and in front of spectators, with a two match series against New Zealand followed by a five match series against India (if they can come) from August. Lots of ODI’s in between too. Newcomers to the England side are batsman James Bracey and seamer Ollie Robinson, but there are a lot of absences of the usual suspects due to either injury or through participating in the IPL. I hope Foakes is able to cement his position in the Test side. I assume the squad have been in a bubble for some while. Lord’s will look rather different from usual next week, being less than a quarter full due to social distancing, and with the newly rebuilt stands at the Nursery End that successfully complement the Media Centre and enhance the ground.
-
-
Sorry to start on a negative note, but Foakes has injured his hamstring and will be out of action for most of the summer. That's why Bracey will make his debut (in all probability) and why Billings was brought into the squad as cover.
NZ are a very good side nowadays and will be a real test, even at home. I don't recognise Lords in places nowadays, but certainly vastly better facilities now than when I went there regularly in the mid/late 1980s. -
Thanks for the update about Foakes, but how very sad for him. I see Hameed has also joined the squad. I agree that NZ are a good and attractive side to watch. A pity the series is not a longer one.Comment
-
Yes, the Kiwis are definitely worth three tests at least: two is not really one thing or the other. However, the powers that be try to pack in so much cricket, compromises have to be made. England, India and Australia are the biggest money-spinners and those three countries dominate the rest. NZ are one of the sides that suffers as a result.Originally posted by Belgrove View Post
Agreed Foakes is talented but unlucky. Very good to see Hameed back as I had feared that he would join the list of short-lived successes who disappeared into cricketing obscurity (perhaps call it Mark Lathwell syndrome).Comment
-
Does anyone know where the TV coverage can be found? Not free-to-air, I bet...Comment
-
Live coverage Sky Sports Cricket/NOW, highlights BBC2Originally posted by Rcartes View PostComment
-
What a disappointing end to the first Test in over a year to take place in this country with spectators in attendance. Losing an entire day to bad weather didn’t help, but the challenge set by the Kiwi’s sporting declaration was ignored by Root (or his masters) and condemned the spectators to endure a display of turgid batting that only the likes of Boycott would have thought appropriate. The weakness in the England side exposed by the absence of Stokes and Buttler was all too apparent. Highlights of the match were debutant Conway’s double century, Burns’ 100 and Southee’s 6 wickets. Let’s hope England show rather more ambition at Edgbaston, New Zealand and the spectators deserve it.
The over rate was dismal. I thought Jeremy Coney’s idea that the fielding side should lose a man until the rate returned to par is worthy of further consideration. The threat itself would mean the sanction would hardly ever be imposed. But it’s the umpires who should chivvy things along - maybe fine them if the rate is too low.Comment
-
Bang on money! Dismal.Comment
-
.
Good to see Boult returning to conduct the opening bars of the 2nd Test match at Birmingham, a city close to his heart.
.Comment
-
Root’s lack of confidence in the abilities of his side at Lord’s were entirely justified by the dismal performance at Edgbaston. Outplayed in every department by the Kiwi’s, who are certainly better placed to compete with India next week than are England later in the summer. England’s bowling selections was unbalanced in both games, bring back Ed Smith?Comment
-
Bet Oz are already rubbing collective hands!Comment
-
Let's get the trampling by India out of the way first, shall we? Hope I'm wrong but your forecast seems likely at the moment.Originally posted by DracoM View Post
That said, Stokes and Buttler are absent and their return should help the batting: same with Archer and the bowling (if he regains fitness). Never really like going in without a spinner, especially this time of year and with Leach having done well over the winter. At least Burns has done well and there are signs of hope in the bowling re. the post-Anderson/Broad world. Do like Wood's attitude, for example. Wonder if Robinson will play again after such a good debut? Also, maybe they could remember that they do have Woakes available...Comment
-
Not Test Cricket no, but don't forget the very intriguing The 100 begins tonight at 1830 with Oval Invincibles v Manchester Originals (Women tonight, Men tomorrow)... on BBC2, Sky Sports etc....
Still studying the Guardian piece, trying to get my head around the rules..... wait a minute.... there'll be a DJ? OK I just have to see this!
AS for pay grades.... Oh for Gods Sake, its 2021....
Comment
-
I might be won over but I never really got into the IPL for similar reasons that I think will apply here - manufactured team A v manufactured team B. Full of sound and fury (a DJ?) and signifying nothing. 20-20 at least has established team loyalty on its side and basic adherence to the normal rules of cricket. It won't help them that so many high profile overseas men and women have withdrawn.Originally posted by jayne lee wilson View PostNot Test Cricket no, but don't forget the very intriguing The 100 begins tonight at 1830 with Oval Invincibles v Manchester Originals (Women tonight, Men tomorrow)... on BBC2, Sky Sports etc....
Still studying the Guardian piece, trying to get my head around the rules..... wait a minute.... there'll be a DJ? OK I just have to see this!
AS for pay grades.... Oh for Gods Sake, its 2021....Comment
-
It it's a success, perhaps they'll squeeze in an additional, 50-ball, competition next season!Originally posted by gurnemanz View PostComment
Comment