The Cricket Thread

Crawley's scores are going in one direction (the good direction!). I would imagine that Denly might be starting to feel Zak breathing down his neck, given that Burns will be back in the team in the summer and so someone will need to make way. Indeed, if we recall Jennings for the SL series (due to his record against spin) it might be that the second innings of this match is Denly's last chance to finally make that notable score.

 

I think you are right about Denly.
As a Kent fan i am a Denly fan and near neighbour too. He has done well to a certain extent consistently scoring 20 plus and using up time at the crease paving the way for the likes of Stokes. In his recent England career he has opened or come in at 3. It's frustrating that he bats himself in but doesn't go on to get a big score.

Personally I would keep Denly in for Sri Lanka, even if burns and Jennings come in. Maybe put Denly down the order as a replacement for Buttler and pope to keep wicket. Denlys part time spin could come in handy.

 

Rain delays start .

 

100 partnership between Root and Pope before Ollie chops one on.

 

269-7 . Curran out first ball .

 

300-7 at lunch .

 

Really interesting innings. We keep on taking the initiative, SA keep on wrestling it back.

We will want over 350. They will want under 320. We'd probably both take something in between.

 

318-9 .

 

Well this is fun.

 

400 up
Great last wicket stand from Wood and Broad.

All out

 

And all out for 400.

Fabulous from Wood and Broad!

That’s at least 80 more than I was expecting...

 

I'd like to think that this series has ended any future thoughts of ever again going in with a tail which is something akin to Jofra, Broad, Leach and Jimmy. Lower runs can, quite literally, be game changing.

 

SA finding it hard to get runs. 11-0 at Tea

 

Malan caught behind off Wood

29-1

 

Don't boil the water

 

Van der Dussen gone, 37-2

 

Elgar Gone . 44-3

 

Threw his wicket away!

 

63-4

 

74-5