Really looking forward to this afternoon – surely no chance of an Aussie win now given the time and conditions?” Powerful but sadly also unintentionally dismissive.” “Hi Dan, how about “Fourth Dan” for you? After (Google tells me) the other Dans who write for the Guardian (Sabbagh, Boffey, and Harris). Geoff Lemon says so which means it must be true: Should Australia be chasing a smaller target? If they do fall short (either with a loss or a draw) will they rue the firm wagging of England’s tail? It’s exciting and bold, but it also makes cricket sense. What’s more, they have the batters to score at 4.5 an over. They hit rock bottom playing a placid brand of cricket and they reverted to what served them so well in the white ball game. England are all about winning, and this is a way of – just maybe – of getting close to that again. Please leave out all the blather evoking slow-motion running across a windswept beach to a Vangelis soundtrack (anyone for unbranded merch?). “As to the ‘whole Bazball thing’, sorry to be so prosaic: surely they are playing that way because the previous approach didn’t work? Which is why it’s a brilliantly sensible strategy. Here’s Gervase Greene from Sydney’s eastern ‘burbs: Let me ask the group a question… How many overs do Australia need to knock these runs off? I think Hope knows and today may end up with both or neither.” There’s going to be plenty more whatiffery as the day pans out for both sides whatever the outcome. “I’m not going to offer anything other than frothing excitement for todays play. “Daz, Dazza, Dazzy McDazface” Those are more appropriate for a Darren, than a Daniel, but I’m loving your energy Hugh Maguire. I promise you’ve never read anything like it before: If you’re bored of my natter can I recommend this outstanding piece from my mate, James Wallace: Cricket balls and Holocaust survivors. Unless I’m mistaken this rain is a little late. And yes, I think England’s breezy batting (and even their first innings declaration) had something to do with the weather. So I see no reason why we won’t get a decent amount. The good thing about playing cricket in England is that the sun sets late. Are overs not deducted on a proportionate basis (as I believe has always been the case?) Some people were saying England upped the tempo yesterday to put overs back into the game, but if no overs are lost, that would render the tactic unnecessary.” “May I ask how many overs are left when they get back on the pitch? I’m reading that they will try and get the full quota (98 overs) in from the moment play commences. Jonathan May is asking some difficult questions: I lived in Perth for a couple of years when I was younger. A contest between batsmen who wouldn’t allow bowlers to just bowl line and length and bowlers who were nearly up to task. It’s been a few years since I’ve sat up late (ish) in Perth watching cricket. “Oh how we pine for the days when Australia batted first, crawled to 450 or so by after lunch on day two … Not. But it’s funky and I like where your head is at. And I also don’t think you’d want to burden him with that extra job. And I also don’t think he’s good enough to be a frontline spinner. Would certainly not be what the oppo expect and would probably be entertaining one way or another.” Or if Bairstow goes into a steaming funk when he has the gloves removed, then toss him the ball and ask him to charge in and vent his rage that way. He looked pretty spicy when he bowled in the first innings. He’s done ok at it recently, hasn’t he? Or if that might overload him, then maybe Brooke can share the load. If Moeen and Leach are knacked and England don’t have any other spinners, then the issue is resolved – play both Bairstow and Foakes and let Root be the spinner. “Not enough thinking outside the box in the YJB/Foakes debate, not enough true bazballing. “Hi Dan-the-dude” excellent, btw, Robin Hazlehurst. I know a few in my local cricket club (hi Millsy, if you’re reading this) don’t rate him, but I’d have him in my team. Glib, perhaps, but his ability to hit an awkward length hard is what makes him a slippery customer. I’ve seen so-called experts make ridiculous calls in this game. Mitchell Marsh looks a better option to me but what do I know?”ĭon’t talk yourself down, John Jones. “Cameron Green seems to have a cushy little number as an ,almost, non bowling all rounder. If they’re renting in Khawaja, I think 50-55 overs. Depends on the conditions, obviously, but if Head and Carey get going, they could do it in 30-35 offers.
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