England v India

We have Indias last 3 batsmen to bowl at who are shockingly bad and have consistently struggled against pace bowling. What does Root do? Gives them slow bowlers on a wicket not turning much to play themselves in and easily push the scoreboard along

 

Credit to India who batted superbly and all the way down the order. There's enough time to chase the total down but Root is usually cautious in these situations, so we'll probably come out and bat for the draw first and foremost.

 

Burns and Hameed batted really well to see the day out. I thought Burns looked a little troubled by Jadeja but nothing major and we never looked like losing a wicket.

291 to win with all our wickets remaining.

 

Or not…

 

What a cracking test match mind. Gutted I’m working tomorrow

 

So far so good for England’s reply. I hope they prove me wrong?

 

Nobody can forecast this one, a result either way or a draw its all in the balance, a wonderful advert for test cricket.

 

I think the most likely outcome is draw. If it does go one way or the other though, I don't think we'll lose...

Excellent entertainment whatever happens, now.

 

Gutted I have work tomorrow but delighted it’s from home so I can have it on in the background. Strategically booked my only half hour meeting at 13:00!! Better not change

 

Tell them you are next available at 15:40 if that needs to be cancelled

 

Set up for a fascinating day

India will win before Tea like, but still it's potentially a fascinating day

 

It’s one of those “countdown “ days. Under 300 already. Just tick off each 50 runs as a success. It’s not a proper 5th day pitch by any stretch

think you’re right though and a Kholi the kunt will be smarmy and his bad winner self which he undoubtedly is.

 

On paper, it's gettable - flat wicket and RR of less than 3 an over.
However, this batting line up is fragile and the stats don't lie - it's the rarest of occasions when a team chases a total this high on the final day.

What is more likely is that we lose a couple of early wickets then go into defend mode. We'll lose wickets steadily through the day and probs get bowled out for around 200 around tea time

 

Runs on the board create pressure. But I’d probably rate our batting line up very similarly to India’s. Best test batsman in the world with some who are capable around him. Just gave to think “30 partnership “ fir each pair from here with a couple of 50+ thrown in. Easy see???

 

Gutted I’m at work today, would love to watch it. I think it’ll be an England win or a draw. Surely we won’t lose all 10 wickets in a day on that pitch?!

 

This is England.

 

I feel a meatloaf song coming on!!!

 

I suspect we'll fall further behind the run rate at the start here as the lads play themselves back in. The odd wicket happening will again slow the game down and I think it will fizzle out into a draw. I'll be a little surprised if India bowl us out in a day on this wicket. It seems to be playing in reverse, the first 2 days were great for bowling on and now it seems like it's a perfect batting wicket on the last day!

 

If we got to say 200-2 at tea then I could see us having a go at it. Unlikely of course. Draw is the most likely outcome

 

Fair play. That delivery was unplayable.