England v Sri Lanka, (England's Streak Ends Here) at the Glorious Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 11/1 Monday (N), Match #29, Group 1

[wpdavid]

If we win this, do we need 1 more for the SF guaranteed?

Technically. If we win this, the worst that can happen is SA and Aus draw level on points if they win their last two games, but our NRR is way superior. If we lose this, we definitely need to beat SA in our final game.

 

[91Jmay]

bad cricket, you're supposed to take a single after a boundary

When you need 10RPO and you've gotten on top of a bowler it is understandable to keep being aggressive. They are a long way behind in the game

 

[smash84]

When you need 10RPO and you've gotten on top of a bowler it is understandable to keep being aggressive. They are a long way behind in the game

I should have added the smiley. I wasn't being serious. I was referring to the commentator tripe that usually goes like....."Ohhh, that's great cricket, getting a single after a boundary..."

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

I should have added the smiley. I wasn't being serious. I was referring to the commentator tripe that usually goes like....."Ohhh, that's great cricket, getting a single after a boundary..."

I think he was not familiar with your 'single after a boundary' line. It's genius

 

[wpdavid]

Great spell by Rashid. I'd be tempted to bring back Moeen for a couple now.

EDIT
The commentator on cricinfo described it as a 'tidy' spell. He took out two of the top 3, including the danger man Asalanka, had Rajapaksa dropped and went for less than five an over.

 

[91Jmay]

Reckon Morgan is fancying Livingstone a little too much, bit OTT unless the conditions really call for it

 

[wpdavid]

Reckon Morgan is fancying Livingstone a little too much, bit OTT unless the conditions really call for it

Definitely. It wasn't actually the worst over you'll ever see, but I'd rather stick with our specialists.

EDIT
But maybe not Mills. He really has looked ordinary in the last couple of matches.
Actually, 'ordinary' is being kind. Perhaps someone who does this for a living can find a smidge of accuracy.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Hasaranga with the boundary and then the single

 

[smash84]

Hasaranga with the boundary and then the single

You're catching on

 

[cnerd123]

England have been good but you can sense the nerves now

 

[smash84]

now Shanaka needs a single to complete good cricket at his end

 

[91Jmay]

That sucks, hard to imagine him playing again. Please tell me it isn't Curran. Please god

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

now Shanaka needs a single to complete good cricket at his end

And he takes a single

 

[Red_Ink_Squid]

Hmmm... not good for Mills. Guess everyone else needs to all-but bowl out from here.

Please tell me it isn't Curran. Please god

Wood to come in next game if he's fit (you'd think). Willey otherwise (you'd hope).

 

[wpdavid]

So does this mean that Woakes can only bowl one more full over, ending up three balls short of a full spell?

 

[Howe_zat]

Just catching up

Mills wasn't exactly getting the best results but that injury after 9 balls really scuppers England's bowling plans. Going to be Livingstone and Moeen bowling at the death now?

 

[cnerd123]

So does this mean that Woakes can only bowl one more full over, ending up three balls short of a full spell?

Yes. Weird move to burn a Woakes over there. Should really be using your 6th or 7th option to compensate for one of your front 5 walking off injured. Must not have planned to give Woakes a 4th anyways?

 

[wpdavid]

Just catching up

Mills wasn't exactly getting the best results but that injury after 9 balls really scuppers England's bowling plans. Going to be Livingstone and Moeen bowling at the death now?

Probably not Livingstone at the death. After this, we're probably looking at two each from Jordan and Moeen and one from Woakes.

 

[91Jmay]

Yeah that injury definitely brings Lanka massively into it.

 

[Howe_zat]

I think I'd have rather spent the half over on Moeen. Couldn't from Livingstone because he's bowling the other end.

I wonder if Joe Root was in the side he'd have been able to take 3 balls?

It's been threatening to happen for about 10 years but today may finally be the day that England had too many wicket keepers in the XI