So explain Leach’s figures of 3-83 so far. How do you know that he would have got a wicket with that ball if he hadn’t overstepped? You’re showing that your ignorance of spin bowling matches that of playing football.
I don't think his foot being an inch or so too far forward impacted how the ball played out. Obviously your Somerset bias has meant he is free from criticism.
It’s just that the fact that only 83 of Australia’s 497 runs were conceded by Leach makes Tom’s vitriol a bit puzzling!
You're completely missing the point. If Smith was out on 118, then Australia would have been most likely been bowled for a lot less than 497. Leach's overstep cost more than the 83 runs he conceded.
Maybe if the other bowlers had bowled a little bit better, they might have got Smith out sooner........ It is STILL a team game, isn’t it? Edit. Maybe Leach deserves some praise for actually getting Smith “out”, even if it didn’t count in that instance.
Because I didn't know about that. I've been working all day. And to be fair to Leach, he's done more in this series than Roy has.
At the risk of incurring Chilco's wrath, I agree with Tom about overstepping as a spinner. What Australia might have got if he was out at that stage is conjecture but you just cannot give Smith unnecessary chances. Archer should have taken the catch also, really poor by England again.
Perhaps you could direct some of your ridiculous anger towards the other England bowlers, including Somerset’s Craig Overton, who also failed to get Smith out!
Not worth focusing on stuff like that. You could be picky about any delivery a bowler bowls. It's a team game and the players picked can only do their best - I can't realistically ask for more. Sometimes pushing the line is better for a spinner as they are bowling much slower, the millimetres or centimetres gained can be more relevant if the surface is slow / turning slowly. The faster the surface the more a pacer will push the front line. DENO out for 4, at least Burns makes it to the close. I can't help thinking Denly just isn't up to it for this level. The thing I worry about is the guy seems of really sound mind and temperament. Sadly the natural talent just isn't there, but I admire him for his effort.
I could hope for another miracle, but I'll settle for the Test Match being rained off and move onto the final match #sheoflittlefaith
Agreed - the weather doing its bit so far it would seem. We will get play today but every over missed slightly increases our chances. If we can get to midway on day 3 with 19 wickets in hand then that will put us in good shape. Especially if our first innings score is enough to make then bat for a few hours.
He is the sort of player you hate as an opposition fan. If I was an Aussie I might like him, but since I'm not I hate Wade and Warner hahaha. Just checked the score and seen it's raining. Was hoping Burns would be on a few right now, I probably prefer him out the English players. He just plays his own game and isn't fussy about it.