What no *England v India" official Thread...

[Uncle Buck]

I'm beginning to understand how the Aussie cricket fans felt when England went down under 4 years ago holding the Ashes and were incredibly gash.

Always nice to beat a previously considered worthy opponent but it wears off when you realise how incredibly shit they are for an entire series.

The difference being that Aussie team was awesome.

India are almost top of the ranking's by default. The Aussies have imploded post their golden generations. England have been rebuilding since the Moores farce and both India and the Saffers look good at home. India have played home series plus toured against the Windies (which does not count at present) and have got to the top.

I do think next Summer's series agains the Saffers will really show who is number 1, as they tend to cope well here. Shame it is only a 3 match series.

 

[Simster]

I agree with everything you say there, [MENTION=238]Uncle Buck[/MENTION]. To me, it is clear that South Africa and England represent the top two nations in the sport. We escaped with a draw there last winter but had much the worse of it in two of the drawn tests. Lets see how we do next summer.

India have really disappointed many though, although I can't say I expected as much as a few people. The Indian cricket team has always been like the English football team - massively overrated by a burden of expectation at home and players who believe all the hype all the time.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I agree with everything you say there, [MENTION=238]Uncle Buck[/MENTION]. To me, it is clear that South Africa and England represent the top two nations in the sport. We escaped with a draw there last winter but had much the worse of it in two of the drawn tests. Lets see how we do next summer.

India have really disappointed many though, although I can't say I expected as much as a few people. The Indian cricket team has always been like the English football team - massively overrated by a burden of expectation at home and players who believe all the hype all the time.

India also have the issue that like the Aussies recently, they have a number of retirements coming up.

Whilst the IPL seems to be raising the profile of the game even higher in the country, is it likely to produce a number of players not suited to the 5 day game.

 

[chucky1973]

Strauss Out for 87. England 199-1

 

[Triggaaar]

230-1, taken the lead

 

[Simster]

Dravid drops a nice simple slip catch given by Bell.

India are shit.

 

[Mendoza]

blimey, theres a danger even Ravi Bopara might get to double figures in this match

 

[chucky1973]

bell out for 34, England 256 for 2, lead by 32

 

[BensGrandad]

What will our lead be at stumps, I think between 200 and 225. Possibly even more if KP stays in.

 

[chucky1973]

the way KP has started it could be carnage for the next hour or so, but new ball is due next over, so all could change!!! 298-2

 

[chucky1973]

319-2 at tea, lead of 95

 

[BensGrandad]

At this rate we could bat until stumps tomorrow and put the game completely out of their grasp and still leave 2 days to bowl them out again or at the worst get a draw and win the series.

 

[Giraffe]

Lesson for the FA and England football team. If you want success you have to make England a priority. Will never happen but I wish it would.

 

[chucky1973]

At this rate we could bat until stumps tomorrow and put the game completely out of their grasp and still leave 2 days to bowl them out again or at the worst get a draw and win the series.

I think they are going to open up in this session, they could be 240 ahead by the end of the day and then 350 ahead by lunch tomorrow, they wont need much more than that on this pitch which historically becomes a bitch to bat on day 4 and 5. I dont actually think it will go to day 5. they will finish india in about 60 overs.

 

[chucky1973]

thats 37 runs in 5 overs since Tea with a new ball. it must be so demoralising for India to have KP in and in such form with 8 wickets left so under no pressure!

 

[Giraffe]

I think they are going to open up in this session, they could be 240 ahead by the end of the day and then 350 ahead by lunch tomorrow, they wont need much more than that on this pitch which historically becomes a bitch to bat on day 4 and 5. I dont actually think it will go to day 5. they will finish india in about 60 overs.

They will bat to at least tea tomorrow. Strauss likes to grind a team into the dust with no chance of batting again if he can. Last thing you want is to face a tricky 150-200 to win.

 

[Flavor Flav]

Anyone know why we're only playing 5 ODI's in India this winter instead of a test series? This winters tour looks like a complete walkover.

 

[CHAPPERS]

This is really quite poor from India.

 

[Simster]

This is really quite poor from India.

I have just noticed from cricinfo that both Pietersen and Cook are averaging over 49 in Test cricket.

I wonder how long it will be before either of their batting averages creep over the 50 mark?

 

[Titanic]

KP out LBW... a long way down, but a good decision from Steve Davis.

374-3