Which idiot programmed the county cricket fixtures to coincide with the final. Numpty. If I was a player. I’d be thinking of throwing in a sickie.
The fixture planners probably didn't envisage that England would reach the final, in which case, there would have been minimal widespread interest. The pundits mainly went with Australia meeting India, so it probably came as a surprise to see us and the Kiwis finally come through. Early comments on the pitch at Lords,is that it will probably suit batting. In the four games already played there in the competition thus far, none have been won by the team batting second, so let's hope England can win the toss and bat first. It's essential that for us to do well, Roy and Bairstow can build on their impressive past performances in this competition. Their collective average is 91.33 at a rate of seven runs per over. Pundits are saying that if they are still together after ten overs NZ could be in big trouble. Morgans got to ensure that everyone is at it to ensure we give a good account of ourselves. Hope the experts are right and we have too much for New Zealand in which case, the lads can hopefully win the Cricket World Cup for the very first time.
County Championship games are scheduled to coincide with anything and everything. They are an afterthought in “modern cricket”.
What? Didn't envisage the worlds number 1 ranked 50 overs team over the last 2 years and multiple world record holders and pre-tournament favourites wouldn't reach the final? Really?
If I was a player I'd rather play than watch surely? My son would rather play for his local footy team than see Barnsley if they clash.
Fair point HR. But dont lose sight of the fact that we have lost three games and in one of those against Pakistan our performance especially our fielding let us down badly. In those defeats the common thread was that we lost an opener in the first three overs and in one game, after only three deliveries. That why it's essential that Roy and Bairstow get us off to a good start. The form book goes out of the window in games like this. For me it's a one off and even allowing for our present ranking, we can't take anything for granted. In fact, we should use Australia to remind us of that fact. Not many saw them losing to be denied at least a place in the final, but it happened.
I saw them losing as i have pointed out throughout because australia have been extremely average over the last 3 years leading to them being number 4 in the world rankings. Our record against them over this period has been outstanding, think we beat them 4-0 last time we played them over there too. No other team in this world cup has as many potential match winners as england. Any how here's to a cracking game against worthy opponents. I have much admiration for the black caps who play the game in the right spirit. Edit# we beat the aussies 5-0 at home and 4-1 away in 2018.
Looking forward to the match. Two very good teams. Hope England have that little bit of luck you need in a final.
i'm sure our irishman, west indian and south african will put in sterling performances and bring the world cup home....
Always good to try something new. Just downloaded channel 4 app on my phone as I'm not at home for most of the day!