No idea if it looked like the pitch was offering something yesterday morning?
Probably protecting the fragile batting came into the equation too. You can’t lose a Test match in the first day with your bowling, but you definitely can with your batting…
In Crawley's 29 innings since he scored a double century against Pakistan in 2020, he has scored one century and two other 50s. He's been out in single figures in 18 of those 29 innings.
Pleased for Pope because he has the ability to be a mainstay in this side. Despite me calling for him to bat at 3 for a while (and being told that because he's never done it for Surrey he can't bat there), he has to still build on this because one innings doesn't prove the case conclusively. Crawley has been allowed to live off that one big innings for too long and Pope mustn't do the same. This will give him confidence though against a very good seam albeit on a very flat pitch.
Pleased for Pope because he has the ability to be a mainstay in this side. Despite me calling for him to bat at 3 for a while (and being told that because he's never done it for Surrey he can't bat there), he has to still build on this because one innings doesn't prove the case conclusively. Crawley has been allowed to live off that one big innings for too long and Pope mustn't do the same. This will give him confidence though against a very good seam albeit on a very flat pitch.
Agree with all you say there mate. Hopefully Surrey can be persuaded to bat Pope at three. The more he plays at three the more accustomed to the position he will become.
Any chance of a groundsman in this country finding a good balance between bat and ball?
Feels like after all the criticism of the bowler friendly pitches following the Ashes, some have gone too far the other way and prepared roads.
Thought there might be some balance coming back after the low scoring affair at Lords but after watching some of this Test, it seems like we’re at one extreme or the other.
this is especially great for Pope .. he should now develop into a 'proper' test player .. not ignoring Root, but we all know what a genius he is with the bat
this is especially great for Pope .. he should now develop into a 'proper' test player .. not ignoring Root, but we all know what a genius he is with the bat
Comments
Well, that was a good decision! Why would Stokes want to bowl first?
Andy Zaltzman
BBC Test Match Special statistician
In Crawley's 29 innings since he scored a double century against Pakistan in 2020, he has scored one century and two other 50s. He's been out in single figures in 18 of those 29 innings.
Will we avoid the follow on & if not will NZ enforce it ?
Hopefully Surrey can be persuaded to bat Pope at three.
The more he plays at three the more accustomed to the position he will become.
Feels like after all the criticism of the bowler friendly pitches following the Ashes, some have gone too far the other way and prepared roads.
Thought there might be some balance coming back after the low scoring affair at Lords but after watching some of this Test, it seems like we’re at one extreme or the other.
884/12 here at Trent Bridge.