4th Test (Old Trafford, Manchester) - 23rd to 27th of July

[Ju7]

Raza's been brilliant. Not just with his decision-making but has also intercepted at right times to nip gamesmanship in the bud. That's very rare from newer SC umps who seem overawed on the big stage.

I think he's pulled Crawley up on it twice in the match

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

BC Cooray would've given that out

lmao that's a random name from the past

 

[wpdavid]

Pitch was docile for the most part and the pacers have been running on fumes. Can see a lot of missing bowlers next test.

Archer for certain, and probably Carse. Ideally, Stokes won't send down too many overs at The Oval. Ironic that the oldie is probably able to play next week, although Woakes doesn't put his body through as much strain as the genuine quicks.

Mind you, India may well be in a similar situation. I wonder whether they'll gamble of Bumrah's fitness as the series will still be at stake. Maybe Deep will be fit again.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Doesn't look like Jofra will crank it up

 

[Ju7]

Archer hasn't really delivered so far in this innings given that 2 left handers have been in for so long.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Is that Rahkeem in the crowd?

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

Archer for certain, and probably Carse. Ideally, Stokes won't send down too many overs at The Oval. Ironic that the oldie is probably able to play next week, although Woakes doesn't put his body through as much strain as the genuine quicks.

Mind you, India may well be in a similar situation. I wonder whether they'll gamble of Bumrah's fitness as the series will still be at stake. Maybe Deep will be fit again.

Wasn't Wood angling for The Oval?

 

[LangleyburyCCPlayer]

Pitch was docile for the most part and the pacers have been running on fumes. Can see a lot of missing bowlers next test.

Stokes has made things happen, which is encouraging, but nobody else has, which is not, because it’s meant that Stokes has had to bowl a lot and is now feeling it. It’s been a rough old series for both bowling attacks (India’s including Bumrah were toilet on day 2, but even after an improved display on days 3 and 4 they struggled to take wickets, even if the runs weren’t exactly flowing), I think with how docile the pitch has been and how tired the seamers are, it might be a bit harsh to say England have thrown it away, but they’ll be very disappointed not to seal the series here and now because it was looking like a very good opportunity to ring the changes. There are a few obvious changes to make to the seam attack, obviously Stokes must play, hopefully the likes of Atkinson and Tongue come in and do better than Carse and Archer have to enable Stokes not to have to bowl as much (although looking at their figures in domestic cricket since losing their place in the England team that might be wishful thinking!). Probably was always wishful thinking considering he’s not played since the Champions Trophy, but Wood not being available for the Oval is a big blow

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Pugnacious from Jadeja

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

Archer hasn't really delivered so far in this innings given that 2 left handers have been in for so long.

Been off all Test really. He's a very vibey bowler. Has to ride a crest else can seem a bit flat.

 

[wpdavid]

Wasn't Wood angling for The Oval?

I think I heard on the radio earlier today that Wood won't be fit enough for The Oval after all.

 

[LangleyburyCCPlayer]

Wasn't Wood angling for The Oval?

Nope, he's now targeting the South Africa ODIs for his comeback (he’s shite at ODIs, but whatever, nobody cares if it helps him get fit for the Ashes lol)

 

[Niall]

Ravi lol

Mind you, India may well be in a similar situation. I wonder whether they'll gamble of Bumrah's fitness as the series will still be at stake. Maybe Deep will be fit again.

If its a draw then I think you have to punt Bumrah especially as Kambooj and Krishna haven't look good unfortunately.

Bumrah at 70% will always merit a place in this team.

Siraj must also be quite tired though .

 

[jaydesh]

Wasn't Wood angling for The Oval?

Think that's what they were saying at the start of the series. Haven't heard much about him since. I think Gus Atkinson could be given a go, considering The Oval is his stamping ground

 

[wpdavid]

Stokes has made things happen, which is encouraging, but nobody else has, which is not, because it’s meant that Stokes has had to bowl a lot and is now feeling it. It’s been a rough old series for both bowling attacks (India’s including Bumrah were toilet on day 2, but even after an improved display on days 3 and 4 they struggled to take wickets, even if the runs weren’t exactly flowing), I think with how docile the pitch has been and how tired the seamers are, it might be a bit harsh to say England have thrown it away, but they’ll be very disappointed not to seal the series here and now because it was looking like a very good opportunity to ring the changes. There are a few obvious changes to make to the seam attack, obviously Stokes must play, hopefully the likes of Atkinson and Tongue come in and do better than Carse and Archer have to enable Stokes not to have to bowl as much (although looking at their figures in domestic cricket since losing their place in the England team that might be wishful thinking!). Probably was always wishful thinking considering he’s not played since the Champions Trophy, but Wood not being available for the Oval is a big blow

I'd forgotten about Tongue actually. I was thinking Atkinson and Potts. Maybe two of those three.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Archer hasn't really delivered so far in this innings given that 2 left handers have been in for so long.

I think people are expecting too much. The guy has hardly played in 4 years and he is playing his 2nd test in a row on a 2nd dead pitch. He is good but he isn't Ambrose or Garner.

 

[GIMH]

If no late drama then I believe this will be the first non rain caused draw of the Bazball era

 

[cnerd123]

Dawson is an improvement over Bashir but has still gone wicketless. Add to that how much Jadeja and Sundar have struggled, and it tells you this has not been a series for the spinners.

 

[jaydesh]

If its a draw then I think you have to punt Bumrah especially as Kambooj and Krishna haven't look good unfortunately.

Bumrah at 70% will always merit a place in this team.

Siraj must also be quite tired though .

If Akash is fit, I think he will likely come in the place of Kamboj. If Bumrah is unfit, I'd like them to try Arshdeep if his hand injury isn't too serious. A left arm seamer might provide a wild card option. If Prasidh plays, India are asking for a 3-1 defeat (assuming this match is a draw)

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

Jadeja generally has switched to a slightly more attacking gear this series (ignoring the strange batting in the second innings at Edgbaston and Lord's, both dictated by team orders and match situation). For a few years prior to this he seemed a little stuck tempo-wise but he seems to have reverted to the more happy mean of his emergent years.