On the one hand, NZ are getting over the line in tight games (three times out of three now). Fair play. On the other hand, their only decent wins have been over Afghanistan and SL. They are very, very reliant on Williamson, Ferguson and Boult. Yes we've lost twice, yes Australia have lost once. But I'm more convinced by the two of us (and India of course) than I am by NZ, despite them being unbeaten.
It's wasn't just the fact that he took WI so close to winning that match by himself, but also because it would have kept their SF hopes alive. That's them out of the WC now. Pakistan's turn to face the last chance saloon club tomorrow.
Some epic games today. Gutted for Afghanistan who did incredibly to take it to the last over against India of all sides. And of course the west indies and New Zealand game, what a finally. Heartbreaking for Braithwaite, who'd have won it if the ball had been a few inches further, instead that was the moment west indies lost. A great advert for cricket today and also reaffirms my belief that 50 over cricket is the best form of cricket.
Amazing what has happened to Surrey this season. After their dominance last season, you just thought they'd continue it on this season.
And the fact they've been thrashed by Warwickshire already who really are average (apart from Patel and Hain). And Patel only bowled 3.3 overs today!
In the seven opposition innings at Chelmsford so far this season, 224 is the highest score - and the only one above 200. And that was before all the bad weather! 182, 224, 187, 158, 118, 88, 131
Somerset were quite correctly warned about substandard pitches last year, I can’t understand why Essex haven’t been as well.
They have given us a chance here - after that start in these conditions they should have been away and posting 350.