#45

This England 11’s combined first class average is 437.04. That must be up there with the highest ever in tests? Maybe Bradman might skew a few of the ones in the 30s.

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#47

Looking like a draw at the moment innit, barring a stupendous 2nd innings collapse from England (entirely possible given spin, young team, and, well, England)

#49

it just looks so comfortable out there. Scoreboard pressure is a thing, and I’m probably being a bit ‘England’, but I just can’t see England forcing 20 wickets out

#50

^this. Twat as he is, if Swann was still about an England win might be favourite, but can’t see us taking 20 wickets in 3 days without a proper top level spinner

#52

2 wickets fall and then stumps :rolling_eyes:

Positive end though. Tomorrow should be fun despite the fact that this will clearly be a draw.

#53

Aye, 14 wickets in 3 days doesn’t leave much hope of another 16 alongside some more England batting in the last two. Glad Ansari and Rashid got on the board though, sounds like Woakes has deserved something.

It’d have to be a hell of a collapse from England to lose from here, but I have faith. Gonna take India until tea to draw level, then England out for 120 or so in 2 sessions, then India chase it down?

#54

It’s happened before I guess, England against Australia at Adelaide in 2006. We lost there though, mind.

#55

Yeah, that’s what immediately came to mind. Wonder if Cook will be remembering that when he goes out to bat the 2nd innings

#56

Just slightly concerned the way it’s going. We can’t realistically win now (can’t squeeze in 6 wickets, speedy runs and a declaration in time), if India go past us, it starts to turn and we lose a couple of early wickets, the panic might set in. Not saying it’s likely, draw must be the big favourite, but could get a bit tense.

#57

If they score at the same rate as today, they’ll need to bat all day just to level the scores tomorrow. Can’t see either team pushing to try to force a result or completely shitting themselves to lose from here

#58

Kohli is the key really. He can happily chug along at 4.5 an over once he’s in. If we get him out, draw is nailed on.

#59

I wasn’t going to post this (tempting fate/Adelaide and all) but I’m away tomorrow, and it’d be the weekend anyway, so:

How many token overs will England give to India to bat out on the last day?

I’ll start the bidding at, um, 20

#61

Hameed just absolutely clouted Jadeja for 6. Not as advertised.

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#63

Odd that we suddenly look like we’ve got a set team. Anderson for ansari, then one of wood, ball, rashid depending on fitness/form/pitch looks like it’ll be basically set til anderson retires

#64

Only just saw the score card. Lovely stuff

#66

Ooft at least normally you get a couple of years of them pulling up trees in the county championship before England grab them

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#69

Watched about an hour of Hameed this morning, the first I’ve seen of him. Looked so composed and his technique looked so good, all while Cook skittered around at the other end. Quite hard to resist going completely off the deep end about him, but he’s only just scored his first test 50, so I’m going to try.

#70

Could someone with more brain than me please explain how i watch the bloody highlights? I’ve been round and round the BBC sport website and they proudly declare that they have them free to air bit there aren’t any links, can’t find anything on iplayer etc… Any clues gratefully received

#71

Just Sky i think.

ITV4 has England v Bangladesh highlights, but not India. BBC rarely, if ever, show online highlights.

#73

Darn