5th Test (The Oval) - 31st July to 4th August

[SkyBlue]

Looks like we're already losing this mini battle by giving Krishna the new ball

 

[honestbharani]

The only semi-logical explanation would be if Siraj himself felt it was better for him to bowl with a slightly older ball which swings better with a bit of the lacquer gone.

 

[SkyBlue]

England looking real comfortable here

 

[PlayerComparisons]

With Bumrah not playing, England are strong favorites

 

[mackembhoy]

England looking real comfortable here

They will want the day off on Monday to play golf.

So you will get plenty of chances and we will have a lollapse.

 

[honestbharani]

That should be that for the Prasidh with the new ball experiment.

 

[silentstriker]

With Bumrah not playing, England are strong favorites

In literally no world is this true.

There is a legitimate chance of an English victory but they are nowhere near favorites, let alone “strong” favorites.

 

[PlayerComparisons]

In literally no world is this true.

There is a legitimate chance of an English victory but they are nowhere near favorites, let alone “strong” favorites.

Fair enough. It should be overcast tomorrow which helps India.

 

[silentstriker]

Is Siraj injured?

 

[honestbharani]

He is out there fielding. It seems to be some kind of a tactic. Outside of doing what England would not have expected, I dont see how this serves any purpose. And England are happier than surprised about this right now.

 

[Daemon]

He is out there fielding. It seems to be some kind of a tactic. Outside of doing what England would not have expected, I dont see how this serves any purpose. And England are happier than surprised about this right now.

It’s an awful tactic also because it means Siraj probably bowls fewer overs today than he could’ve

 

[honestbharani]

It’s an awful tactic also because it means Siraj probably bowls fewer overs today than he could’ve

Yeah, as I said, unless Siraj himself felt some kind of a Donald type issue of controlling the new ball, this makes no sense at all. I was hoping he would pull the plug this over. I am fine with trying new things but you gotta pull back when its obviously not working.

 

[GIMH]

In literally no world is this true.

There is a legitimate chance of an English victory but they are nowhere near favorites, let alone “strong” favorites.

England are not just strong favourites but are nailed on. Stick a fork in it

 

[SkyBlue]

2 maidens in a row

What's happening??

 

[honestbharani]

Finally.. Siraj.


EDIT - It was encouraging to see Prasidh get back to some rhythm against Duckett from around the wicket. Need all 3 to be in good rhythm to pull this one off.

 

[King Kane]

As good as Duckett is as a left hand opener I still miss Rory Burns, is he still knocking about in county cricket or is he sailing the high seas like a pirate.

 

[mackembhoy]

As good as Duckett is as a left hand opener I still miss Rory Burns, is he still knocking about in county cricket or is he sailing the high seas like a pirate.

Still opening the batting and captaining for Surrey. His partner Sibbers is shining while he's not doing particularly well, although Surrey are top.

Hameed, Sibley and Lyth are 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Div 1 run charts. The former England openers club doing well.

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

These are good fields set. Only a matter of time if we can stick to the discipline of the last three overs. Big if though.

 

[Arachnödouche2.0]

For once, I'd like to see Sundar have a bowl inside the first ten. No harm especially with the sun out and not much happening.

 

[Calm_profit]

Akashdeep needs hair transplant