Cricket Thread

[Syn]

Severe lack of cric. Nothing til Boxing Day, really.

India 72-2 after 15 overs in their chase of 300+ against Australia.

[Ollie the Optimist]

faulkner tried to high five brad haddin and ended up poking him in the eye. Haddin had to go off and be replaced by hughes behind the stumps.


Village cricket :bow:

[Syn]

Don't think he came back on the field so hopefully it's not another Boucher of an injury. Didn't look that bad though so should be fine.

Australia won comfortably by 72 runs. India bowled out for 232. Mitchell Johnson is bowling well these days. 0-1 in the 7 match ( :rolleyes: ) ODI series.

Elsewhere, in the Bangladesh versus New Zealand game, some fakeyank scored a ton and took a hat-trick. On the scorecards, they seem very competitive against New Zealand. Would rather be taking on West Indies than Bangladesh at the moment - Deshi's are on the up.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Ishant Sharma is stealing a living. So is Vinay Kumar. Slaughter live on Sky Sports 1 as we speak.

[Syn]

India 18/5 (odds, not the score) to chase down 360. Wanted longer odds because I reckon Walt Dhoni could get them there.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Didn't even need him. That's a comically good run chase.

[Syn]

Kohli is a fucking genius. Incredible player.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Aussies. :haha:

What a thrashing.

[Syn]

Maverick dhoni about to go into Heisenberg mode, SS3.

[Syn]

One of the funniest things in cricket is when medium pacers think they're rapid and keep banging it in short. Sort your life out Shane Watson. On the other hand, Mitchel Johnson bowling at 94mph destroyed India's top order.

[Syn]

Rather predictably, Dhoni plays an incredible innings of 139* to get a india to 303/9 after they were 154-6. Definitely the best ODI finisher of all time. Michael Bevan :lol:

[Syn]

Proper village cricket in NZ.

Great knock. A must see video:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/cricket/news/article.cfm?c_id=29&objectid=11140958

:haha:

[Dennis Bendtner]

January transfer window

Ishant Sharma ---> Pakistan (free)

[Dennis Bendtner]

Faf du Plessis has got off lightly for ball tampering. Rubbing the ball against a zip on his trousers. Sounds painful. 50% of the match fee.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/24675986

[Syn]

Australia 350/6 after 50 overs.

Kohli 115* off 66 balls to get India home with 3 balls to spare.

His 17th ODI century, and he's only 24.

[Syn]

Alex Tudor @alextudorcoach

Is there a technically a better player right now then Virat Kohli? No there is not #differentgravy

Pretty Much, Alex Tudor, you are Spot On and Exactly Right.

[Ollie the Optimist]

this ODI series has been woeful. might as well put a bowling machine at one end of the pitch and have 50 overs with that.

[Syn]

this ODI series has been woeful. might as well put a bowling machine at one end of the pitch and have 50 overs with that.

I'm willing to bet you haven't seen more than 100 overs out of the 500. Granted the only top class bowling has come from good days for Mitchell Johnson, but the batting on both sides has been top notch. Fielding has also been quality. Don't know what you expect from ODIs generally. You're reading about 350 scores being chased down and call it woeful because you have a preconceived notion that it shouldn't happen. With the fielding restrictions now, as Dhoni rightly said today, 350 is the new 280-290 as a ODI score. Still required fantastic batting to get to the old 280s, and this is no different.

[Dennis Bendtner]

It is too easy to score boundaries though. You get a bit for the bowlers early on before inevitable carnage. Middle overs have stupidly high run rates. India had it about right with the pitches earlier this year I think. I don't think 350 is a benchmark in ODI cricket and it being a par score here isn't normal. Granted, Kohli is an extraordinary one-day player.

[Syn]

It is too easy to score boundaries though. You get a bit for the bowlers early on before inevitable carnage. Middle overs have stupidly high run rates. India had it about right with the pitches earlier this year I think. I don't think 350 is a benchmark in ODI cricket and it being a par score here isn't normal. Granted, Kohli is an extraordinary one-day player.

The restrictions have added to that, and I agree with dhoni's concerns, but 350 is not par score anywhere, not even in this series. That said the par score has been rising everywhere (not just in India) since Twenty20.

We've just seen two extraordinary chases from a team known for being extraordinary chasers. It's not a freak series. You put South Africa in the same position and they probably wouldn't do it. You'd probably see more 'realistic' totals as well because the saffers bowling attack is about 8,562 times better than India's, and they'd restrict targets to 260. And then people would call it a better batting effort which doesn't make any sense.

[Dennis Bendtner]

You have a point, but I was thinking of these panchods like Maxwell and Bailey being able to absolutely annihilate the spinners in the middle overs when there should normally be a level of control. That's a lot to do with the pitch too. I think that's what's bumped a lot of these scores up by 30-40 runs compared to your standard ODI fare. Someone like Jadeja has become easy pickings when he is usually pretty tight and gets the odd wicket. There's nothing there for them other than to just spear them in and hope.

I don't know if I've necessarily addressed your point there, but it's just my thought.

[Syn]

You have a point, but I was thinking of these panchods like Maxwell and Bailey being able to absolutely annihilate the spinners in the middle overs when there should normally be a level of control. That's a lot to do with the pitch too. I think that's what's bumped a lot of these scores up by 30-40 runs compared to your standard ODI fare. Someone like Jadeja has become easy pickings when he is usually pretty tight and gets the odd wicket. There's nothing there for them other than to just spear them in and hope.

I don't know if I've necessarily addressed your point there, but it's just my thought.

Fair point - the spinners have been unusually ineffective considering it's in India, but then again England went and schooled India with spinners so maybe all-rounders like Jadeja were just having a purple patch, and Ashwin is off-form. Also a lot of these Australians are IPL twats.

But obviously I'm not saying an ODI game under the lights in India is the best measure of batting brilliance. The true test will obviously come when we play Liverpool in the SA tour. That'll separate the IPL twats from the legit cricketers.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Yeah it should be an eye-opener. India heading overseas with near enough a completely new team, made more stark with Sachin retiring. My money would be on IPL twats being exposed with the odd beacon of hope. Two Tests and three ODIs is barely a series, tbfh.

[Syn]

The quality of Aussie bowling has fallen off a cliff today. Rohit Sharma is still an overrated twat.

[Syn]

Aussies 138-6 in reply to India's 383-6.

Lolstralia. :haha:

[Syn]

Vinay Kumar :haha:

They've got like a billion people to choose from. That some of these trundlers are the best India have is disgraceful.

[Syn]

Shane Watson has a hamstring problem and he's playing through an injury. Hitting sixes for fun but grimacing and yelling out in pain every time he does. The Scott Parker of cricket. Why he'd risk his Ashes place for this makes no sense.

[Dennis Bendtner]

That game was just stupid.

[Syn]

India V WI test series is on now. WI won the toss and bowled out for 220 odd. India 24-0.

More interestingly, Gavaskar attempted the Jamaican accent to joke about what Gayle might be thinking. Obviously, all fun and games. But if anyone made a shit attempt at an Indian accent, there would be outrage. #doublestandards #sadbuttrue #fuckwillsmith

[Syn]

England XI are playing Australia A. England 318/0 after the first day. :lol:

Carberry finishes the day on 153* and Cook on 154*.

[Dennis Bendtner]

BCCI promoting the #ThankYouSachin hashtag on twitter and giving out personalised autographs. Wumdians on social media :rolleyes:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYaDhl6CQAE4jop.jpg

[Syn]

:lol:

Bet the guy who asked for that thinks he's a comedy genius.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Bit of a collapse then hero job today by the looks of things. Only saw it after tea when Rohit Sharma and Ashwin were well in. Both spectacularly languid.

[Syn]

Big partnership. Losing an easy home banker test series specifically designed for Tendulkar's retirement would've been funny. It has made me cringe watching him trying to piece an innings together against average bowling in the last couple of years and today was no different. Well out of his depth. A bit like watching Henry in his comeback for Arsenal 2 years ago. But there's probably still a hero innings left in him for the final test. And if there's not, the windies players will probably take a bribe.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Yeah it's a stupid series. Inviting Darren Sammy for Sachin's farewell. Capped it off by playing a Village Sammy shot and bowling some 73mph junk this morning. Auspicious. Shillingford was pretty good.

[Rors]

Billy Bowden on the Umpire List for the Ashes after all. He is in esteemed company...

[Syn]

Tendulkar's 200th and final match of his career starts at 4am. He probably doesn't have it in him to play a long innings now but I hope we see him playing aggressively instead of just trying to survive. Even if he only scores 16, I want those to be 4 easy-on-the-eye boundaries.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/24921333
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/10436803/India-batsman-Sachin-Tendulkar-was-my-greatest-opponent-says-former-Australia-spinner-Shane-Warne.html

http://www.espncricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/168600/168695.jpg

[Ollie the Optimist]

just cos I'm a dick, id laugh a lot if he got to 99 and got a dodgy LBW decision.

[Syn]

I'm a little bit surprised at the massive deal the western world is making of this. I was thinking this would mostly be an Indian thing. Some really nice tributes from nearly all of the England team, and well most important figures in cricket. While opposition isn't the most testing (though I think they've given the batsmen more trouble than I expected), it has been nice to see some glorious shots from the 90s Tendulkar playbook.

Don't think he'll last long though. Pujara seems good for a big hundred, and you can pretty much count on Kohli hitting a ton.

[Syn]

Tendulkar gone for 74. Edged to Sammy at slip off deonarine. Looked absolutely devastated to be out - never seen him walk back so quickly. A classy knock though by any standards.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sammy looked more devastated taking the catch.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Goodbye Sachin. :wave:

:bow:

[Syn]

ODI series between India and WI. India currently 220-5 after 42 overs. Kohli got to 99 off 99 balls and then tried to be a hero and got caught at fine leg trying to hook. :doh:

[Syn]

ODI series between South Africa and India has just started. Cheap laughs for the commentators.

"Put away beautifully by De Kock".

[Syn]

De Kock hits a 100. SA look good for 320+.

[Syn]

SA score 358-4.

The first time in 17 ODI matches that they've scored 300. The 6th time in 9 games that India have conceded 300+.

In short: Indian bowlers are utter shit and De Villiers is awesome.

[Syn]

Great contest this. The best bowler in the world versus the best batsman. Steyn is amazing.

[Syn]

Ha. De Kock Steyn.

[Rors]

Just flicked on the as-live broadcast on FiveLive Sports Extra and Boycs is talking about Muse. No. Just no. :lol:

[Rors]

Hughes is a fan apparently....

[McNamara That Ghost...]

First test between South Africa and India on now. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

17-1, Steyn gets Dhawan pulling the England stroke.

[Syn]

70-2 at lunch. Kohli 32*, Pujara 18*.

Highest quality of test cricket in the last few months. That said the Indian resistance won't last. Steyn is the Suarez of fast bowlers. A one man battering ram.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Morkel has only gone for six runs. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

151-4, Rohit goes for 14.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India 164-4 at tea.

[Syn]

151-4, Rohit goes for 14.

Nohit is a disgrace.

So is Kohli for running out India's best test batsman. Pujara was on course for a big score, but after getting him run out, he has exposed the tail.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kohli edging pretty slowly to his century.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And now he gets it!

[Syn]

I came.

Stunning knock. And Kohli has played well too.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:lol:

255-5 currently.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India are 278-9, impressive collapse.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India all out for 280.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa 141-4, Duminy and De Villiers not long at the crease.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

145-5, off goes Duminy.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

146-6, De Villiers goes lbw!

Shami with the wicket again.

[Syn]

Good cricket this. Good conditions for bowlers. Injuns showing some decent pace too. Watch them fuck it up by letting the tail add 100+ to the total.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I would not have guessed Broad has taken the most wickets this year in tests.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Dolly dropped by Rohit! :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa close on 213-6, Philander has kept it together well.

I'll miss all the play from 10am tomorrow, annoyingly.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa 237-8, Philander went for 59 before that.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

239-9, Zaheer gets the edge from Du Plessis.

Faf. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa all out for 244, India lead by 36. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

23-1, Philander gets his 100th test wicket. Off goes Dharwan.

[Syn]

India 284/2. Pujara 135*, Kohli 77*. India lead by 320.

Steyn :lol:

Morkel :lol:

Philander :lol:

Overcast conditions on a wearing South African wicket. :lol:

Tougher tests to come.

[Syn]

Really difficult pitch to bat on now. Steyn's found some good rhythm.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pujara moves on to 150.

South Africa. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India 358-6 at lunch, leading by 394.

Pujara went on 153 so I think I Maccy'd him.

[Syn]

India 421 all out. South Africa need 458 to win. Pujara and Kohli produced the best batting performance I've seen in a long time. Lets see if the garbage bowlers can back it up to get the win.

[Syn]

I give you the best batsman in the world:

First innings:
http://gifti.me/i/2JMydzY6c.gif


Second innings:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/br-cdn/temp_images/2013/12/21/amla.gif

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa 141-2 currently. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

143-3, Petersen chops it on!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa 236-4 at lunch. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

319-4 now.

[Syn]

Dear god. India's bowlers :haha:

ABdV :bow:

world record chase is on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kohli's golden arm on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Faf gets his century!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Only 85 needed now. :o

[Syn]

This is the equivalent of going 0-4 up in a football match with 30 minutes to go and losing 5-4. Such a toothless bowling attack. It has been a big problem since Kumble retired.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We've come close to that. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Who is steroid man?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Up in the air, nobody can see it. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nobody wants to play South Africa in tests - 11 less than England. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

de Villiers gets his century!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

If this ends in a draw due to the light...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa 400-4, only the 58 to go.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

402-5, De Villiers chops it on!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sharma has suddenly come to life.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Shami gets Duminy chopping on!

[Syn]

Best test match of the year?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pretty much tbf, provided the weather doesn't intervene.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

21 more runs needed off 25.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

442-7, Faf run out!

Amazing 134 though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

16 needed off 18.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

16 off 12 needed now. Philander needs to give it a whack.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Get it in the box!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nobody can understand why they aren't running.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Now 16 needed off the final over. South Africa parking the bus.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just whack it!

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

...they do realise it's the final over?

A run!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

How odd.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

A great test match until the last three overs. That was a woeful end. :(

A draw it is.

It ends with South Africa needing eight runs, which they probably could have got from the singles on offer!

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Any dodgy betting patterns on a draw?

:wacko:

[Syn]

Great stuff. Both sides draw but cricket is the real winner.

Dhoni can take the draw and run. Lets hope it pisses down next week because otherwise India are going to get battered.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa could have hammered India mentally if they bothered to run from 3-2 overs left, hope it doesn't come back to haunt them. Well ok I do really.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

MotM might be a bit tough to decide. :lol:

[Syn]

MotM might be a bit tough to decide. :lol:

Philander or Kohli. Probably philander for performing in all four innings.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kohli gets it!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India 197-8 in their second innings, only leading by 31. :popcorn:

Kallis got a century in this match.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

206-9, off goes Sharma. Steyn gets his 350th test wicket.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India bowled out for 223, South Africa only need 58 runs to win.

[Syn]

Can the chokers provide the ultimate choke?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Smith gave it a try there but managed to get his bat grounded in time.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa win by ten wickets and win the series 1-0.

[Syn]

A bit ridiculous to lose a test match after being 190-1 at stumps day 1. But then again it's also ridiculous not to win a test match after setting a target of 480 with nearly 2 days to bowl the opposition out.

Still, plenty of positives for India. A very high quality series. Great watch.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

KP's England career is nearly done. :rose:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/26040475

The thing is, I can understand that they would want to do things to move on and how he must be difficult to work with but he's not the only one that should be getting this treatment.

[IBK]

KP's England career is nearly done. :rose:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/26040475

The thing is, I can understand that they would want to do things to move on and how he must be difficult to work with but he's not the only one that should be getting this treatment.

England management is an oxymoron.

Noone's saying KP is easy, but he's (was) by far the most talented cricketer in the England team, and the fact that they haven't been able to manage him properly tells you all you need to know.

[Syn]

I think too much is being made of this. No.4 is the best batting position for Test matches. If you aspire to be a top team, you want someone in that position who's going to average 50+ per innings. Pietersen was at that level before but in the last two years he has averaged 42. Which is not horrific but you want more. And if you're not going to get more, you might as well let a younger player get an opportunity.

A shame for cricket fans. Definitely a great batsman to watch.

[IBK]

I think too much is being made of this. No.4 is the best batting position for Test matches. If you aspire to be a top team, you want someone in that position who's going to average 50+ per innings. Pietersen was at that level before but in the last two years he has averaged 42. Which is not horrific but you want more. And if you're not going to get more, you might as well let a younger player get an opportunity.

A shame for cricket fans. Definitely a great batsman to watch.

From what I hear, though, his form dropped due to his frustration at the way he was treated. he's not captain material, but everything I have ever heard about him points to him being a winning obsessive. Maybe this is the real reason for his fallout with the team. Him being restricted to fielding on the boundary during the Ashes series points to him being marginalised. We're not exactly flush with senior players on form to dump a player who was the second least shit on tour. This smacks to me of vested interests rather than the benefits of a fresh start.

[Heisenberg]

Pietersen has been disruptive and problematic in the past. He's lucky they reintegrated him after the South Africa texts thing. To be honest, while I will feel his loss - an outstanding talent and exciting player to watch - I don't feel like I can argue with it. A scapegoat? Perhaps to an extent, but he's been a problem in that dressing room in the past. If they decide he's too much trouble to continue handling, then it's probably fair enough. It will make England's rebuilding more arduous in the short term, but hopefully it helps in the longer run.

[IBK]

Pietersen has been disruptive and problematic in the past. He's lucky they reintegrated him after the South Africa texts thing. To be honest, while I will feel his loss - an outstanding talent and exciting player to watch - I don't feel like I can argue with it. A scapegoat? Perhaps to an extent, but he's been a problem in that dressing room in the past. If they decide he's too much trouble to continue handling, then it's probably fair enough. It will make England's rebuilding more arduous in the short term, but hopefully it helps in the longer run.

That I can agree with. But For me, the episode says as much for the 'traditionalist' approach of the ECB than anything else. Fletcher; Flower; Cook are all establishment. Flintoff; Pieterson; Swann - even Vaughan weren't, yet they are the players who achieved the success we've had since 2005.

[Syn]

From what I hear, though, his form dropped due to his frustration at the way he was treated. he's not captain material, but everything I have ever heard about him points to him being a winning obsessive. Maybe this is the real reason for his fallout with the team. Him being restricted to fielding on the boundary during the Ashes series points to him being marginalised. We're not exactly flush with senior players on form to dump a player who was the second least shit on tour. This smacks to me of vested interests rather than the benefits of a fresh start.

I don't know exactly the reason for the fall-out but on the topic of 'winning obsessive', I get the impression he's the opposite. He doesn't seem to care much; a flaky character who was never really in love with the game. He has managed to have a great career because he's one of the most talented cricketers to have played. His record should be a lot better than it is but he never bothered to iron out the few weaknesses he had in his batting style.

Don't know whether there's somebody capable of taking up his role but as I've mentioned - the no.4 spot is absolutely critical in tests. England need to find a prolific, young batsman in there quickly.

[cricketsi]

Pietersen has been disruptive and problematic in the past. He's lucky they reintegrated him after the South Africa texts thing. To be honest, while I will feel his loss - an outstanding talent and exciting player to watch - I don't feel like I can argue with it. A scapegoat? Perhaps to an extent, but he's been a problem in that dressing room in the past. If they decide he's too much trouble to continue handling, then it's probably fair enough. It will make England's rebuilding more arduous in the short term, but hopefully it helps in the longer run.

That I can agree with. But For me, the episode says as much for the 'traditionalist' approach of the ECB than anything else. Fletcher; Flower; Cook are all establishment. Flintoff; Pieterson; Swann - even Vaughan weren't, yet they are the players who achieved the success we've had since 2005.

Not sure I understand your point or not... are you saying non-"establishment" is more key to success? Your cited establishment were extremely successful, as was Strauss, another establishment man I would presume. If your point was it takes a mixture, then yes, that is probably correct.

I'm a bit undecided about the whole Pietersen situation. I have often slated him for his selfish cavalier attitude, but not sure this is being handled that well.

[IBK]

I don't know exactly the reason for the fall-out but on the topic of 'winning obsessive', I get the impression he's the opposite. He doesn't seem to care much; a flaky character who was never really in love with the game. He has managed to have a great career because he's one of the most talented cricketers to have played. His record should be a lot better than it is but he never bothered to iron out the few weaknesses he had in his batting style.

Don't know whether there's somebody capable of taking up his role but as I've mentioned - the no.4 spot is absolutely critical in tests. England need to find a prolific, young batsman in there quickly.

All opinion, but I see him as a Rooney type character who needs to be loved to perform, and IMO the ECB is punishing him for not performing while unloved.

[IBK]

[QUOTE=IBK;367520]

Not sure I understand your point or not... are you saying non-"establishment" is more key to success? Your cited establishment were extremely successful, as was Strauss, another establishment man I would presume. If your point was it takes a mixture, then yes, that is probably correct.

I'm a bit undecided about the whole Pietersen situation. I have often slated him for his selfish cavalier attitude, but not sure this is being handled that well.

I'm saying that the 'establishment' approach failed in Australia - much like Australia's did prior to the summer.

[cricketsi]

[QUOTE=cricketsi;367541]

I'm saying that the 'establishment' approach failed in Australia - much like Australia's did prior to the summer.

And by extension the approach succeeded for the previous 3 series against Australia. Obviously the Ashes just passed were a disaster, but to wholly dismiss the set-up is still a tad reactionary.

[IBK]

[QUOTE=IBK;367547]

And by extension the approach succeeded for the previous 3 series against Australia. Obviously the Ashes just passed were a disaster, but to wholly dismiss the set-up is still a tad reactionary.

I don't think so. Failure to evolve a team that really, properly hit the heights is culpable. So many mistakes have been made. We have been going downhill since SA 2012.

[Syn]

Deflecting attention to the NZ-India, 1st test at 10pm tonight, SS3.

NZ beat India 4-0 in the ODIs and have got much better bowlers so this should be a close series.

[IBK]

I don't know exactly the reason for the fall-out but on the topic of 'winning obsessive', I get the impression he's the opposite. He doesn't seem to care much; a flaky character who was never really in love with the game. He has managed to have a great career because he's one of the most talented cricketers to have played. His record should be a lot better than it is but he never bothered to iron out the few weaknesses he had in his batting style.

Don't know whether there's somebody capable of taking up his role but as I've mentioned - the no.4 spot is absolutely critical in tests. England need to find a prolific, young batsman in there quickly.

Again. I see him like a Rooney or a Gazza. Needs to be wanted to succeed.

[Syn]

Again. I see him like a Rooney or a Gazza. Needs to be wanted to succeed.

I read it the first time...what do you want me to do with that?

[Syn]

NZ 329-4 after the first day.

4 catches went down. :lol:

[Syn]

Day 4, 1 hr in.
India chasing a target of 407 to win the match. I think that would be the 3rd or 4th highest chase in history. Currently 122/2.

[Syn]

India 180-2 at lunch, 227 runs more to win.

[Syn]

NZ won by 40 runs. Great match.

[LDG]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/26153056

Gus :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa have quite a hefty target to chase against the Aussies in the first test.

[Syn]

India are on the verge of thrashing NZ in the second test.


Also, Australia are back.


As good as Mitchell Johnson (http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/6033.html) was during the Ashes, he was never this good. South Africa are the world's No.1-ranked side, by a distance. They entered this match having lost only one of their past 19 Tests. Johnson not only dismantled them as a team, he almost dismembered them as individuals. He took a career-best 12 wickets as Australia cruised to a 281-run victory but just as important were the physical blows he landed. South Africa will not forget how intimidated they felt.

As in the first innings, AB de Villiers was the only South Africa batsman who looked truly comfortable against Johnson. The rest were ill-equipped to handle his speed and bounce. He smashed Hashim Amla on the grille of the helmet first ball. He made Ryan McLaren bleed from the side of the head with an accurate bouncer. He jarred Vernon Philander on the fingers, then broke his bat. Those South Africans who merely lost their wickets were lucky.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-australia-2013-14/content/current/story/719287.html

[Syn]

India are on the verge of thrashing NZ in the second test.

Quite astonishing what is happening over there right now. NZ were down and out, they were 94/5 trailing by 151 runs with India still having 2 and a half clear days to win the game. McCullum and Watlin have taken it from 94/5 to 418/5. A record partnership of 324 and they're still going. Now NZ lead by 172 with 1 and a half days to go.

[Ollie the Optimist]

he ended up on 281 not out. from 94/5 to that. unbelievable batting. if NZ manage to draw or even win that simply has to be one of the best ever innings.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Incredible from McCullum and Watlin. :bow:

[Syn]

McCullum was carrying an injury throughout the innings too. :lol:

India were set a target of over 400. NZ had them 10-2 but then India saved via a Kohli hundred. Match called a draw an hour early.

NZ win the series 1-0. Arguably missing their two best batsmen; Ryder and Ross Taylor. Think we're seeing a resurgence in the Australia and NZ sides. Boult and Southee are top pace bowlers.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa are 173-3 in the second test. Elgar and De Villiers in.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

181-4, Elgar tries to knock Lyon out of the park but obviously it didn't work.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

De Kock at the crease. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

200-5, off goes De Cock.

[Syn]

De Villiers is in amazing form. Averages 90 this year. Such a good batsman to watch too.

New ball due next over. Australia have a big chance here.

[Syn]

...
I think Clarke has been told the light is not great and he might have to persist with the old ball and spinners if he wants more cricket today

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa on to 300-5. De Villiers nearing his century.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'll never complain about Billy the Trumpet ever again. South Africa have brought the entire brass band. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And De Villiers gets his century! :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

392-7 now, Duminy got his century. De Villiers went on 116.

[IBK]

The lifeline for the nascent England apologist lifeboat getting shredded?

[Syn]

World Cup semi-finals: England U19 versus India U19. 6am start on Sky Sports.

YOu fucking think you'll win? You fuckin thought! We will fuck you. We will fucking bend yhou over and we will ANNIHILATE you. And then we will have some ONION bhajis to celibrate!!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Aussies. :lol:

Bowled out for 246. South Africa have more than a decent lead.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

World Cup semi-finals: England U19 versus India U19. 6am start on Sky Sports.

YOu fucking think you'll win? You fuckin thought! We will fuck you. We will fucking bend yhou over and we will ANNIHILATE you. And then we will have some ONION bhajis to celibrate!!!

Nearing the end now, England need 23 off 27, three wickets remaining.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

15 off 13 needed. Give it a smack!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

4 off the last over needed! :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England win by 3 wickets and are in to the semi-finals! :bow:

[Syn]

No onion bhajis :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa won by 231 runs. :popcorn:

1-1 now in the series. One to go.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pakistan need 52 from 62 with three wickets remaining against England in the U19 World Cup.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Not the time for a juicy full toss, Tattersall there to clean the mess up.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Winslade just dropped the Ashes. And give Butt a six.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

12 off 12 needed for Pakistan. Come on England.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

4 off 7 needed. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Pakistan win by three wickets and are in to the final. :(

[Syn]

I know a couple of people at fenner's that might be happy. If England had won the competition without them other players might get favoured. U19s has been a good breeding ground for future internationals. England have reason to be optimistic and fast track more youngsters into the main teams.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's all Winslade's fault, just drop it back in front of you, don't gift them six.

[Syn]

Asia Cup, ODI tournament.

India 183-2 chasing Bangladesh's 279/7.

Kohli 90*. Just over 6 an over required.

[Syn]

Kohli gets his 19th ODI hundred. 65 innings quicker than Chris Gayle who is the second fastest to get as many.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England bowling filth against the Windies in the first ODI. 69 runs off the last four overs.

Sammy only managed to smash the 61 from 36 today. :lol:

West Indies made 269-6.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England are 84-0 in reply, Lumb on 43, Moeen Ali on 39. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lumb gets his fifty. :bow:

Ali is off though, 96-1.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

106-2, Sammy gets Wright for 1.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lumb in to the 90's. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lumb gets his century! :bow:

Well done to him.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

192-3 currently, Lumb went for 106.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

192-4, off goes Stokes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

205-5, Root gloves it to Ramdin for 37.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

211-6, off goes Buttler. Lofting a slower ball easily in to the air.

This is going not very well. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England need 41 off 21.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Some bloke in the crowd doing the YES! chant. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

22 off the last over needed. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

West Indies win by 15 runs.

England. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia 118-1 at lunch in the third test against South Africa.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia dominating the third test, Warner got a century, Clarke is still not out after his century.

434-4.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England skittled West Indies out for 159, surely not even England can balls this chase up.

Although they are 38-2 currently, Wright going for a duck.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

81-4. Oh dear.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

81-5. Unbelievable.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

89-6. This is going to be a new low.

Stokes goes for 4.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

105-7, off goes Bresnan.

I do think England really are going to somehow fuck this up.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Broad stays in on review. Phew.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England only need 18 now. :pray:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Seven needed. Broad and Bopara have got this. :scarf:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England sort their lives out and win by three wickets in the second ODI! :bow:

On to a decider. :popcorn:

[Ollie the Optimist]

we actually won a cricket match :faint:

also

Bopara :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia lead by over 500, Warner got another century. As much as I hate to admit, for a ballbasher, he's a very good ballbasher.

South Africa still have a chance of a draw.

Also, this will be Smith's last test for South Africa, much to English delight I presume.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ok maybe not, South Africa already 13-2. Smith went for the last time. :wave:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

South Africa are making a good fist of it, down to the last session, three wickets remaining. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia win! Harris with the last two wickets and Aussies win the series 1-2.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Third ODI between England and West Indies:

England are 251-4, nearly 45 overs bowled. Root just got his century. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England made 303-6, Buttler went C&B on 99. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

West Indies 10-2! Powell and Smith going early.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

43-4. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

92-5, Samuels the last man to go.

England should really get this done fairly quickly.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

131-6, Bopara's golden arm strikes. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bresnan gets rid of Sammy before he can do too much damage, 202-7.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ramdin gets his century.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

263-9, England on the verge of winning the series.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England win by 25 runs and win the series 2-1! :bow:

[LDG]

England :lol:

[Ollie the Optimist]

I saw the following stat. From the Brisbane test to today, England have played 21 games of cricket in all formats.

We lost 18 of them.

oh dear

[The Emirates Gallactico]

This may mean we beat the Dutch at football.

[Özim]

Sri Lanka Twenty 20 World Champions after beating India!

Get in!!! :trophy:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England collapsed, Sri Lanka won the test series. :rolleyes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Finallly able to watch some of the first test between England and India.

England trailing by 25 but on 428-9.

Anderson is on 60. Yes that's right, James Anderson is on 60. And was just dropped too. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The scores are level!

Anderson on 69. :wacko:

[Syn]

If "the wicket's a road" as they keep saying, it doesn't explain how the star batsmen have got out. The 10th wicket partnerships definitely deserve credit, but the lack of firepower has definitely made it less daunting. Can't imagine Mitchell Johnson or Steyn struggling to mop up the tail even on this pitch. This has been a problem for some time with India, recall McCallum's triple hundred in the last series. They get themselves into a winning position and Gerrard it up.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Root and Anderson have the record 10th wicket partnership in test matches. :bow:

India are just banging it in, every single ball. Hardly testing a tailender significantly, road or not.

[Syn]

Root and Anderson have the record 10th wicket partnership in test matches. :bow:

India are just banging it in, every single ball. Hardly testing a tailender significantly, road or not.

Banging it in is just embarrassing when you're bowling 80mph. It's bouncing twice before it reaches Dhoni.

On TMS Vaughan said only 10% of the deliveries this morning would've hit the stumps. Botham says he doesn't know what the reaction would be if this was Cook's captaincy. Dhoni's fucking useless, he should stick to his twenty20 village cric.

[Syn]

Also Swann is doing a good job in commentary. Thought he'd be a bit of a prick but he's quite funny.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

485-9 at lunch. India. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Documentary series on Sachin coming up on Sky's coverage. :bow:

Every Saturday on each test match I presume.

[Syn]

Had big money on a draw, but cashed out 120 runs ago. England can win this.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's over. 496 all out.

Anderson out on 81. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

49-1, Dhawan chips it back to Moeen. :lol:

[Syn]

Even Pujara batting at a strike rate of 80. :lol:

shit wicket, shit bowlers. Hurry up and retire out so Kohli can bat.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

147-3, Vijay and Pujara went in consecutive balls. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

167-3 at stumps.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Strauss with some sterling insight.

England's hopes for the series are to win the test series and are aiming today to bowl India out.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

173-5. :lol:

Broad removing Kohli and Rahane.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cook drops Dhoni. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

184-6, Plunkett bowls Dhoni!!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

249-7, Anderson gets rid of Jadeja. Jadeja finally edges one. :lol:

[Syn]

The military medium trundlers taking the match to a draw.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cook took a wicket. :lol:

More depressingly nine test matches in a row without a win for England.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Second test, fairly even after the first innings.

India lead by 16, 40-1 in the second. Root took a stunning catch to remove Dhawan.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

122-3 currently. Plunkett was on a hat-trick, didn't get it though, obviously.

Kohli went for a golden duck. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

123-4, off goes Rahane!

Off the arm guard. :haha:

Dreadful decision. No DRS and this is what you get.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

India 169-4 at the close of play.