The Ashes & Hampshire Cricket Summer Thread

But you'd have dropped him in a flash for Colly.

 

I would have dropped Jimmy and used Colly as our front-line bowler! I'd also have got Dimi in for Broad and opened our attack with Dimi's dobblers and Colly's wobblers, probably get Bopara in as first-change too. That'd get the fear of God in those Aussie bastards!

 

I very much enjoyed the way that last 4 from Root bounced off the boundary and bumped the Aussie fielder on the head. Most satisfactory.

 

Looks like they're teeing off now

 

Without being stupid or really taking any risks, there's no doubt that these two have stepped it up post tea. And there's the first real big shot, as I type.

 

I can't see us declaring if it leaves Bell, say, 80 not out. The opportunity to make a century in four straight ashes matches is not something I think they will want Bell to miss out on.

 

Would be quite irritating so can't imagine you'll see a Bell end this side of tomorrow......





.....sorry

 

He might be able to bat Agar, but i can't see it being too long before Australia try out their 635th different Shane-Warne-replacement-hopeful.

 

I will never happen, and totally fair enough, but if either if these two were to get out and the declaration isn't instantly called, then I would be tempted to send Swann out on bat.

 

He got one first innings didn't he?

 

This game has moved on so much, I was thinking that was a different match!

 

I don't think you can really lose with our next four, Bairstow, Prior, Broad and Swann can all give it a smack. I'd be most tempted to stick with Bairstow as a little quick 30 or 40 would do him the most good, the more knocks he can get the better. Would definitely promote Swann over Broad though.

 

Root's 200 at the Rose Bowl a couple of years ago was slightly similar to this one, in that the first 100 was fairly steady, but he then motored through the second 100.

Not that here's there right now though.

 

Another advantage of batting on for a bit tomorrow is getting more miles on the clock of the Aussie bowlers. There's a break after this test but it never hurts to run the opposition bowlers into the ground. Siddle, Pattinson and Harris really won't want to have to get up tomorrow, go through their warm ups, pull on their bowling boots and get back out in the field.

 

I have to say, I fancy getting the Aussies in to have a go at them, but the prospect of a Root double hundred with Bell getting a century in both innings is tempting.

No chance we'll bat through to 600 though of course, people would lose their **** haha.

 

Slight Twitter cock up from Cricket Australia...

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To be fair, it did!

I chuckled heartily when I saw that.

 

Should declare now.

 

Nightwatchman in...no chance of declaration tonight.


Nope...it's Bairstow.

 

Bell is Smith's bunny!...second time he's got him in the match.