Cricket

When is Bairstow due back in training, if not already.

 

Hopefully he'll be playing some cricket asap. This injury came at a shocking time.

 

He's expected to be back for the start of the IPL which starts on 31st of March.

 

That'll give him chance to get his eye in. I don't think lack of cricket is an issue whilst they're in one day mode or producing Baz ball. Just didn't want him going into the Ashes completely cold.

 

Hales hasn't played any red ball cricket for the best part of 5 years and Roy for 2.

 

He'd still be alive.

 

Of course, they will make the call. But I just don't see them moving Crawley into the middle order. He either opens, or he doesn't play. Personally, I'd say Root would be the Bazball opener for home test matches.

 

Root's always been reluctant to play at 3, can't imagine he'd fancy opening.

 

I imagine Crawley and Pope would fancy batting at 4 or 5 as well. Root said he's struggled to find his role in this style of play, I just think he'd be the ideal opener, especially now we've been less reliant on his runs full stop. He could play his own game, which is still a decent strike rate but without all guns blazing.

 

It's a real concern. Duckett and Pope have already been shoehorned into positions alien to them and it will be a different ball game against the Aussies.

Have to hope a couple of openers score a shedload of runs in the championship before the convicts land...

 

I don’t disagree with your logic but this pitch is getting flatter and flatter so it’s actually looking better to bat on day 5 than day 3 when it was still doing a bit. Good job we got them last 5 wickets quickly though as it was looking like an even more horrific toil for the bowlers. Got to be so impressed with the way they stuck at it though, incredible effort as it was in Pakistan.

 

Does the match start at 9:30pm or 10pm tonight anyone. ? Think I'll try keep awake for the duration.

 

Pretty sure that it's 9.30pm again.

 

I'd just put Bairstow in for Crawley and keep the rest of the line up the same.

 

Bairstow for Crawley but I wouldn’t have him opening. If Root fancies it again I would choose him with Bairstow at 4, if not let Stokes do it and Bairstow at 6.

 

First blood NZ!

 

It's a warzone at your front door I'll tell ya.

 

Bit of uneven bounce. Could be a tricky chase.

 

Up to the Yorkshire lads by the looks! Come on Joe!