#313

to elaborate, a lot of batsmen have a fairly small range of scoring shots, and they’ll defend/leave everything else. At his best Cook is incredibly patient, will leave everything until the bowler goes too straight and he can score off balls to his legs/hip. Part of the reason yer Roots, Pietersens etc. get more praise is their ability to score pretty much everywhere (most modern batsmen can do this as it’s essential in twenty20)

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#314

Is this why they’ve brought the spin bowler on? Because they’re more effective against the patient batsmen?

#315

not necessarily. You normally use the spinner (in non-spinning conditions) to do a mix of:

  • slow down scoring - batsmen have to generate the power so it’s harder to score runs, which builds pressure and makes them feel like they need to attack, and make a mistake
  • rest/rotate fast bowlers - proper quick bowlers only tend to run at full pace for 4 or so overs in a row, having a spinner on one end constantly means your fast bowlers can do short, fast spells and stay fresh
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#318

Big fan of the mystery Australian cricketer egging the bowler on

‘Good bowl mate Gary, good bowl!’
‘Oh yes Gary!’

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#319

BOWLING SHANE!

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#322

Yeaaah Gary!!!

This shit is great

#323

Bollocks

#325

Oh no…

#330

At least Smith didn’t catch Root.

#332

3rd umpire will be sat there with his ruler against his TV screen…

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#336

thanks for the cricket pointers lads!

I was under the impression that this was going to be a formality for England and Wales? :thinking:

#337

Alas no :expressionless:

#338

Oooh yes Gary!!!

might start supporting Australia just for this.

#339

plus i like their old timey caps

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#340

:rage: :rage: :rage:

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#341

So irked with @profk rn

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#342

If anyone was in any doubt, three days of attending test cricket is actually very tiring and I sincerely regret not having today off work.

Hopefully none of the Australians I work with remember to turn the tv on until it’s over. That’s probably pretty unlikely though.

#343

Way to go Aussies! See you in Adelaide

Bancroft should nut Bairstow on the way off

#344

What shall I spend my £75 on everyone? Betting on an Aus win in Adelaide?

#345

The correct answer to the Jake Ball wickets conundrum was one. A solid 1-115 for our boy Jake. Could well be his only wicket of the series given that he went at 4.5 per over too.

Well done to all those who said one, especially me.