The Cricket Thread

Those of us wondering why Ashwin wasn’t picked have just been given our answer. Well played India, especially their seam attack.

 

490 is the highest opening stand at Hove for Sussex in 1933 ironically against Middlesex!

 

But don't forget England are ****

 

I'm not complaining about this partnership, because quite obviously every extra run we score is an extra run which they need to chase down. However, I had earlier been contemplating the opportunity for Abbas and Barker to get a decent bowl tonight, then resting up overnight, then getting a decent bowl in the morning. Potentially they could have bowled the first 30 overs between them. But not anymore.

 

Well, I think that has to go down as a successful day for Hants.

 

Players like Barker are like goldust and his plus Organ and Wheal's effort have changed to match into a more even one. I still think that the top order could've taken a leaf out of the lower order's book and not tried so many shots given the time left in the match but we are where we are with a 50-50 shot right now IMO.

Organ's marathon was a big turning point as he helped to tire the bowlers.

 

If this pair could hang about for the best part of the first hour tomorrow then two spells either side of lunch would be possible. I expect them to go out in the morning looking to stick around and eek out as many runs as possible.

 

We're favourites from here for sure. Chasing anything over 200 is generally a tall order in county cricket. I'd like us to get over 250 ahead for psychological reasons but we've got a big lead as it is.

 

The thing that evens it up for me is the amount of time left in the game and the pitch is certainly easier to bat on now.

 

Bookies have them at 6/4 and us at 4/9. We're big favourites in their opinion. And Abbas and Barker are better bowlers than anything they've got.

 

I may be wrong but I don't think that we will roll them over like the first innings.

 

Possibly not, but they've got quite a long tail. I'd certainly rather be in our position.

 

Yes so would I.

 

Adi Birrell's take on the day...

 

Our draw against Yorks looks even more impressive now.

 

Jeez Yorkshire demolished Somerset.

 

Humiliation. Serious issues with our top order, as has been the case for a couple of years.

 

Barker out for a brilliant 75.

 

Wheal should just have a go now. Abbas isn't going to last long either way.

 

Job done this morning and might be a tricky little session for Warks before lunch.