It is not a good track with uneven bounce. But that was a nothing shot from Bopara.
I said it in the last game that Bopara is on borrowed time. He rarely seems to score runs apart from when the game is over or the opposition is weak. Just 24 runs in this series from three innings.
And it is also clear that England are reluctant to throw him the ball but then when you have 1-200 on the last 10 occasions he's bowled that isn't surprising.
Would think Ballance or Hales should come in for the final if we make it that is) otherwise one of those two will end up being called up "cold" for the WC.
I've been watching from the start of our innings, but won't mention or comment on the score, as it's always bad luck. I'm even taking a chance posting this :-)
Buttler, even though he was only third top scorer in the match, should really get MOM but I suspect that Taylor will nick it because he stuck at it when all around him were failing - 'til the keeper joined him that is.
A strange innings. Our top and middle order made it look like the hardest pitch you could ever bat on, Taylor really dug in at the start then Taylor and Butler made batting look really easy!
Great fighting spirit shown by Taylor and Butler, something we haven't seen much of from England in 1 day cricket for quite a while. Good to see!
Thanks AA for the dialogue - what are you doing on Saturdays at 3pm when RedMidland is having a rest ?!
Good win for England - cant help but think that we are maybe starting to build something now that Cook is out the way - maybe need to tweak the openers and drop Bopara like everyone is suggesting to bring in Hales (drop Bell to 3?) or Ballance for Bopara. Agree with the comment that Bopara does nothing when its really needed - he's a choker , he doesn't have 'it'.
Thanks AA for the dialogue - what are you doing on Saturdays at 3pm when RedMidland is having a rest ?!
Good win for England - cant help but think that we are maybe starting to build something now that Cook is out the way - maybe need to tweak the openers and drop Bopara like everyone is suggesting to bring in Hales (drop Bell to 3?) or Ballance for Bopara. Agree with the comment that Bopara does nothing when its really needed - he's a choker , he doesn't have 'it'.
A football match might be a bit too fast paced for my typing!
Sadly I also won't be around much on Sunday either for the final or for the Australian Open tennis final as Seb has the second of his eight weeks of his Kent trials so might have to do a "Likely Lads" and watch them later without knowing the results.
Some hope though as most of the Dads will be on their mobile devices and only too keen to let the world know what's going on. Don't you just hate those people ;-)
Shocking pitch .. I believe that it will be used again for the final on Sunday .. Johnson (if fit and/or selected) and Starc bowling at top pace will mean that our batsmen will need all over body armour .. is this a case where pitches are used far too often at the big grounds .. 20/20, 50 over, Sheffield Shield and all ?
Comments
54-4 off 18. 147 needed off 32 overs.
Taylor 17* (46)
66-5 off 20
135 needed
Taylor 25* (52)
And it is also clear that England are reluctant to throw him the ball but then when you have 1-200 on the last 10 occasions he's bowled that isn't surprising.
Would think Ballance or Hales should come in for the final if we make it that is) otherwise one of those two will end up being called up "cold" for the WC.
Taylor 35 (67)
Buttler 15 (15)
Buttler batting with intent 23 (26) and Taylor hanging on in there have scored 40 off 48 in this partnership.
Taylor 50* (86)
Buttler 38* (42)
Partnership of 65 off 13 overs.
I can hardly ever remember Bopara getting a score, when it's needed.
Get Ballance in to replace him.
Taylor 69* (110)
Buttler, innings of the match, 51* (62)
I'm even taking a chance posting this :-)
Even we can't f*ck this one up!
23 needed off 8.
10 needed and Buttler 66* (70)
193-7 and we still need 8 to win but still have 4.4 overs to do it.
Buttler, even though he was only third top scorer in the match, should really get MOM but I suspect that Taylor will nick it because he stuck at it when all around him were failing - 'til the keeper joined him that is.
A strange innings. Our top and middle order made it look like the hardest pitch you could ever bat on, Taylor really dug in at the start then Taylor and Butler made batting look really easy!
Great fighting spirit shown by Taylor and Butler, something we haven't seen much of from England in 1 day cricket for quite a while. Good to see!
Good win for England - cant help but think that we are maybe starting to build something now that Cook is out the way - maybe need to tweak the openers and drop Bopara like everyone is suggesting to bring in Hales (drop Bell to 3?) or Ballance for Bopara. Agree with the comment that Bopara does nothing when its really needed - he's a choker , he doesn't have 'it'.
Sadly I also won't be around much on Sunday either for the final or for the Australian Open tennis final as Seb has the second of his eight weeks of his Kent trials so might have to do a "Likely Lads" and watch them later without knowing the results.
Some hope though as most of the Dads will be on their mobile devices and only too keen to let the world know what's going on. Don't you just hate those people ;-)
Good luck with Seb, let us know how he gets on.
Doubt whether too many of our batsmen will be asleep. Not if, as rumoured, Mitchell Johnson is back to bowl on the same strip as used today!