[Cricket] Cricket- 3rd Test, Birmingham, July 26 - 30, 2024, West Indies tour of England

[Eeyore]

A damp squib so far as, despite a splendid first innings showing in the last Test, the Windies capitulated again.

A rather good analysis from Cricinfo

Unchanged England seek 3-0, as Test cricket desperately seeks a contest

ENG v WI 2024 England vs West Indies Match Preview: Despite a spirited showing at Trent Bridge, West Indies' frailties have been hard to disguise

www.espncricinfo.com

Some rather pleasant days ahead. Here's hoping a rather average England attack, in my opinion, can be put to the sword at times in a swashbuckling contest.

We can but Shay.

 

[A1X]

I really don't understand why they've gone in unchanged, especially if Wood has a niggle. Perfect chance to see Pennington get a go, and would be good to see Potts back in the team

We have to assume they aren't seriously thinking of Woakes for Australia (which is why they've binned off Jimmy) so give them a game when you can

 

[pasty]

Root potentially overtaking Lara in all time test runs scoring list during this test. Needs 14 to go up to 7th

 

[Eeyore]

SURELY this should be the Windies national anthem

 

[hans kraay fan club]

West indies win the toss, and choose to BAT.

 

[LamieRobertson]

West indies win the toss, and choose to BAT.

Are they all out yet

 

[Greg Bobkin]

This next test match won't be series-defining.

 

[Eeyore]

Louis needs to get going soon otherwise he won't last.

 

[Mackenzie]

Stuart Broad is a very good analyst and commentator, he’s stepped seamlessly into the commentary box.

 

[Titanic]

Solid first hour for the WI opening batters... 49-0 (15 overs)

Brathwaite 35* Louis 14*

 

[Machiavelli]

I really don't understand why they've gone in unchanged, especially if Wood has a niggle. Perfect chance to see Pennington get a go, and would be good to see Potts back in the team

We have to assume they aren't seriously thinking of Woakes for Australia (which is why they've binned off Jimmy) so give them a game when you can

RE Wood niggle: he was fine after Trent Bridge, and had cramp for the first time. Unless there's something else that has emerged subsequently.
RE Woakes: I suspect they are thinking of starting him in The Ashes -- hold down an end when others are more of a gamble, experienced, good egg, one of the best bowling batsmen, etc. Who do you think should be in the bowling attack? Off the top of my head, I'd go for Woakes, Wood/Archer (if available), Atkinson, Bashir, Stokes.

 

[Titanic]

At last, a breakthrough for Atkinson, Louis nicks one to Smith

Mikyle Louis c †Smith b Atkinson 26 (61b 4x4 0x6) SR: 42.62

76-1

 

[pasty]

Breakthrough

Louis c Smith b Atkinson 26

76/1

 

[Eeyore]

RE Wood niggle: he was fine after Trent Bridge, and had cramp for the first time. Unless there's something else that has emerged subsequently.
RE Woakes: I suspect they are thinking of starting him in The Ashes -- hold down an end when others are more of a gamble, experienced, good egg, one of the best bowling batsmen, etc. Who do you think should be in the bowling attack? Off the top of my head, I'd go for Woakes, Wood/Archer (if available), Atkinson, Bashir, Stokes.

Another hammering I'd say. Woakes down under is not the same as Woakes at home. Jury is out on Atkinson. I could see Bashir getting tonked.

My thoughts are all a bit gloomy when it comes to thinking about the next visit. More of the same I think.

I'd want a fit Robinson. But 70 odd Test wickets at 22 on all surfaces clearly isn't what they want. He's not fast enough to go at 5 an over for not much joy.

 

[pasty]

Ouch! Wouldn’t wish that on anyone from any bowler, let alone Mark Wood *shudder*

 

[Titanic]

Boom! Wood smashes the timbers.

Kirk McKenzie b Wood 12 (9b 3x4 0x6) SR: 133.33

93-2

 

[pasty]

Things you love to see in cricket. A fast bowler taking middle stump out the ground.

McKenzie b Wood 12

93/2

 

[Machiavelli]

Another hammering I'd say. Woakes down under is not the same as Woakes at home. Jury is out on Atkinson. I could see Bashir getting tonked.

My thoughts are all a bit gloomy when it comes to thinking about the next visit. More of the same I think.

I'd want a fit Robinson. But 70 odd Test wickets at 22 on all surfaces clearly isn't what they want. He's not fast enough to go at 5 an over for not much joy.

Agree with most of that particularly the Eeyore disposition, but think Woakes and Robinson are quite similar

 

[Titanic]

Shocking shot from Athanaze just before lunch... chops on.

Alick Athanaze b Atkinson 2 (7b 0x4 0x6) SR: 28.57

97-3 (26 overs), Brathwaite 56*

England will be happy they got back into that pretty well after a solid start.

 

[pasty]

Nice. Third one down.

Athanaze b Atkinson 2
97/3

And lunch

Mini collapses from WIndies there. 76/0 to 97/3