England v Ireland & Australia Test Cricket 2019

Aussies were 80-4 at lunch steve smith still there though

England have managed to get Smith out, albeit for 92, and Australia have totalled 250, giving England a first innings lead of 8.

(17-08-2019 15:53 )William H Bonney Wrote:  England have managed to get Smith out, albeit for 92, and Australia have totalled 250, giving England a first innings lead of 8.

Now 9 for 2 (17 for 2 effectively) In a bit of strife now!! Where - by the way - has this 'myth' - in my view' - come from, that Joe Root is England's best batsman?? Really??

12327 runs at an average of 48.34 says he’s the best of current England players in both figures. The stats don’t lie.

Do we rely on Joe Root as much as we did 'Beefy' in the 80's to dig us out of trouble?

(17-08-2019 16:20 )SecretAgent Wrote:  12327 runs at an average of 48.34 says he’s the best of current England players in both figures. The stats don’t lie.

Were those stats racked up at #3?? I don't think so?? Highest averages at #4 and 5 Highest of all at #5

^ So he’s a bad player because he’s batting out of position as was well discussed before the start of the series? Put Steve Smith at number 3 and his stats would be different too. Both in fact have higher averages when batting at 4

(17-08-2019 18:45 )SecretAgent Wrote:  ^ So he’s a bad player because he’s batting out of position as was well discussed before the start of the series? Put Steve Smith at number 3 and his stats would be different too. Both in fact have higher averages when batting at 4

Not in one letter or syllable of my post did I state that! I said #3 was not his best poition - for himself/or the team, and it isn't! If some clown somewhere hadn't dreamt that Ali was the best candidate as principle front line spinner (beyond belief), and should bat at #8 for reasons known only to themselves, then they could have settled upon Ali at#3 (been consistant and allowed him to settle) and then Root at #4/5. He didn't want to bat at #3 himself, but was :quote: 'persuaded' to do so!

Actually you started by saying Root was not Englands best batsman when the facts clearly show that he is. You may not like him but the facts don’t lie as I’ve already said. In my view the problem is with the openers. Roy is struggling to adapt to the red ball game at International level and we keep exposing our numbers 3, 4 & 5 to the new ball whilst it’s still hard. We need Boycott back as opener!

Hope Smith is ok after getting hit twice today. The one from Archer that hit his neck was a real sickener.

Must go now - praying for rain tomorrow

(17-08-2019 21:01 )SecretAgent Wrote:  Actually you started by saying Root was not Englands best batsman when the facts clearly show that he is. You may not like him but the facts don’t lie as I’ve already said. In my view the problem is with the openers. Roy is struggling to adapt to the red ball game at International level and we keep exposing our numbers 3, 4 & 5 to the new ball whilst it’s still hard. We need Boycott back as opener!

Hope Smith is ok after getting hit twice today. The one from Archer that hit his neck was a real sickener.

Must go now - praying for rain tomorrow

Come now!! we don't want rain to spoil what has been a fantastic match?? (memo to ICC and ground staff everywhere) I have no issue with Root, except he is not a number 3 and susceptible to the short stuff??

Cue your rain dance moves