Since about 2013, this is at least the 6th time we've lost to Kent in the final over. And I'm almost certainly forgetting some other occasions, so it's probably more like 8 or 9 times. Although this might be the first time where it's not been Blake with the bat, or Claydon with the ball. I'm struggling to recall a time where we beat them in the final over.
Top three all win. Three of the bottom four lose (with the fourth not playing). South group just beginning to take shape. We're still right in the mix, but it looks like that if we're to qualify, it'll be by squeezing out one side (or more) in the final round of matches. What's handy for us is that five of our last seven are against sides below us (and we don't have any more matches against Kent or Sussex).
The two form teams in the competition are the Lancashire Lightning and Kent Spitfires. Not sure if Kent have won this competiton, but if they haven´t good luck to them. I like to see the trophies spread around.
Interesting to see Oz gave the new ball to Pattison and Lyon. I suppose partly due to the poor light. Anyone think Oz might regret not declaring much earlier and giving themselves a full 90 minutes at England´s batsmen? OK, they would have set a target around 50 runs less, but they could have whittled out a few English batsmen in the process.
With no hope for an England win, I was hoping for rain (sorry to those with tickets) but looks like that won't be an issue...mainly overcast today in Birmingham.
Let´s hope there is a full day´s play. At least England have 10 wickets in hand. It is not often a test match has gone to the 5th in recent tiimes on these shores.
Not often that a batsman bats on all 5 days of a Test Match, as Rory Burns will have in a few minutes!
The previous successful, highest run chase at Edgbaston was just over 280, so they probably could have declared earlier. I can only guess that the capabilities of Roy and Buttler to score quickly, was part of the decision making.
5 We’ll be fine, Moeen will come in and score a scintillating double hundred to win the game. Time for my pills, nurse.
This is spineless!!! Team for the 2nd Test: With Anderson still nursing his calf and Archer not quite fit, what about Overton? Moeen for Leach? Keep Broad? So my team would be: Roy, Burns, Root, Malan, Buttler, Hain, Foakes, Stokes or Woakes, Overton, Broad, Leach. And Malan as Captain? Thoughts???
