Right then, the "easy" part done (and in fantastic style). Now for the hard part. Low score or not...
Yes, let’s hope England don’t try and get 224 in 20 overs. Plenty of time, needs a Test Match approach against the new ball.
We tried that against SL. And got it all wrong. Were never able to click into gear later, and the whole innings (other than Stokes) was just a mess. I'm fine with Root and Morgan taking a more patient approach, if they find themselves at the crease. But I want to the top two to play as normal.
Good performance in the field. Do England play conservatively or go for an early blast to settle their nerves in a run chase? I would go for the latter but who with - Buttler, Stokes. There is no Moeen Ali. Can one of the all rounders like Woakes be risked to go for it?
This is like Saints being 3-0 up in an FA Cup match and can't possibly lose.... As Chilco said we don't want to hit out and chase it...slowly, slowly, catchee monkey.
That´s the logic but that could increase the nervous tensión out there. I´d risk a lower order batsman with a regular opener to go for it, and who knows 30 or 40 quick runs could come from the first six overs and that would put Oz on the back foot.
The problem was that Stokes was playing a patient game, but others, particularly Moeen, were trying too hard. We only needed 1’s and 2’s, not sixes. That was our undoing in the SL game.
Everything is a risk, whether it is taking is slowly or going for it. Playing steadily as some have put it will invite Oz pressure and when they have you by the throat!!!!!!
At the point Moeen got out, yes. Absolutely. But Moeen was batting at no.7. If you've got your chasing tactic right, your no.7 isn't at the crease in the 33rd over.
A cracking inswinging yorker from Starc is a cracking inswinging yorker from Starc, regardless of whether you're looking to score or defend. It's probably going to bowl you, regardless. I'd rather go out there with the aim of being 55-1 (or none) after 10, than 27-1 (or none) after 10. You can still be 25-3 after 10 even playing tightly. Sure, if we do lose an early one, then look to reign it back in. But don't go out there from ball one with the aim of playing conservatively. Terrible strategy in my view, given the qualities of Roy and Bairstow. (People aren't advocating getting Roy into the test team, with the intention of him then batting like Cook.)
Does anyone else despise Nasser Hussain commentary? He's always talking about how England can lose rather than win.
I predict there will be at least one occasion when England fans are shouting 'You bloody idiot' or 'Moron' at the TV.
