Bairstow also isnt the answer to the middle order, his test average is quite poor, he has had long enough, but who else is there?
Just watched the highlights and a good fightback by England, though we are heavily reliant on Anderson and Root.. We really have to sort out the opening batsman, Burns is okay, but Sibley just isn't test match standard. Maybe we need to persevere with Hameed, he is an opener and that is where he should be playing. Milan at 3 wouldn't be a bad call, though I think Crawley does have a future. Pope should be playing, as he is class when in form. Still, an interesting contest, the first hour tomorrow is important, if Root and Bairstow can stay together then we might get close to their total.
As long as we can get close to their score we're in with a shout and, in theory, we've got enough batting to come to do that. But will they turn up? Feel really sorry for Hameed, he played a crap shot but still unlucky. Somebody said watching Burns bat was like watching an anglepoise lamp, brilliant!
Root century again, Bairstow out for 50-odd. Decent recovery, let's hope Root and Buttler can keep it up.
All out with a 27 run lead, pretty good given how we started, Root brilliant yet again. Two days to go, how many will India want to get and by when? Tough decisions.
Intriguingly poised. If India fail to get 200 we're in the driving seat. If they pass 300 we're beaten. Anything in between sets up a fascinating final day.
Fair comment. Had to, around at the oulaws. My brother in law was watching it. Even he was pissed off with the lack of action. 20/20 is the way forwrd. That ain't bad.
Brilliant knock by Root, a class act. Great effort to pass India's total, game on, looking forward to the last 2 days. Had a smile at the 10 ball over Jimmy had to face from Bumrah.
They've totally mismanaged him. Up and down the order, taking gloves off him, etc. All to accommodate their golden boy, Buttler. I think he's a superior test batsman and keeper. I'd give him back the gloves and bat him at 7 for the rest of the series.
Just a thought. How about Hameed opening with Burns in our second innings, it's where he bats at Notts and you never know Sibley might flourish at 3?
Funny thing cricket. I can't say I'm too fussed on way or another, but there's something soothing about having the commentary on in the background on a lazy day.
