Whether it's deliberate or not these flat pitches and hot weather are good preparation for our bowlers ahead of an away ashes this winter. They've had to toil multiple times already in this series but I'm hoping they've learnt a lot and will come out of it as better bowlers.
Rob Key's good. But I don't think he's quite good enough to arrange the weather.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
But he didn't really bat at 7 today unless one says that the one ball Stokes faced makes all the difference between 6 and 7 and it's only "working perfectly" if the tail can bat too. Stokes at 7 strengthens that tail because he can stick around if that is what is required whereas Stokes at 6 (no hundreds in the last two years) is currently worse than Smith there.
Smith averages 44.42 at 6 but if we count today as "6" then that goes up to 70.71. That partnership with Brook would have done wonders for them batting together and Stokes sandwiched between them could well deny that opportunity for them to do so again.
That is shocking and to add 3 of the decisions could an possibly gone our way on 1st Innings, where it fell to umpire's call when it looked out. How can they decide between them that DRS goes down to 0 and they can still appeal. Disgusting. Added to the constant stop and start by their batsman when they don't fancy taking a bowl and to put our bowlers off, the call for water, 15 mins into the 2nd day.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
But he didn't really bat at 7 today unless one says that the one ball Stokes faced makes all the difference between 6 and 7 and it's only "working perfectly" if the tail can bat too. Stokes at 7 strengthens that tail because he can stick around if that is what is required whereas Stokes at 6 (no hundreds in the last two years) is currently worse than Smith there.
We are arguing over nothing really Stokes at 6 Smith at 7 Or Smith at 6 Stokes at 7 Makes no real difference My point is that Smith should bat no higher than 6 or 7.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
But he didn't really bat at 7 today unless one says that the one ball Stokes faced makes all the difference between 6 and 7 and it's only "working perfectly" if the tail can bat too. Stokes at 7 strengthens that tail because he can stick around if that is what is required whereas Stokes at 6 (no hundreds in the last two years) is currently worse than Smith there.
We are arguing over nothing really Stokes at 6 Smith at 7 Or Smith at 6 Stokes at 7 Makes no real difference My point is that Smith should bat no higher than 6 or 7.
It is a minimal change but it also helps in that being a natural progression to where he might eventually end up rather than a sudden jump say, for example, England opt to go down the James Rew pathway with the gloves. The only thing I do find strange is that, as a Kent supporter I'm arguing with two Surrey supporters (Canters wanted him to stay at 7) that he should move up one place when he bats at 4 in the CC for Surrey.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
But he didn't really bat at 7 today unless one says that the one ball Stokes faced makes all the difference between 6 and 7 and it's only "working perfectly" if the tail can bat too. Stokes at 7 strengthens that tail because he can stick around if that is what is required whereas Stokes at 6 (no hundreds in the last two years) is currently worse than Smith there.
We are arguing over nothing really Stokes at 6 Smith at 7 Or Smith at 6 Stokes at 7 Makes no real difference My point is that Smith should bat no higher than 6 or 7.
It is a minimal change but it also helps in that being a natural progression to where he might eventually end up rather than a sudden jump say, for example, England opt to go down the James Rew pathway with the gloves. The only thing I do find strange is that, as a Kent supporter I'm arguing with two Surrey supporters (Canters wanted him to stay at 7) that he should move up one place when he bats at 4 in the CC for Surrey.
I hope you have learnt a valuable lesson. Never argue with Surrey supporters as we are never wrong 😁
The on-field umpires are responsible for enforcing the 15-second window.
Broadcasters often show a countdown on screen, but this is only for the viewers' benefit - it's not official.
The umpires do not audibly count down, but they are watching the time and will indicate when the window has passed.
If the player asks after 15 seconds have elapsed, but before the umpire has declared time up, the umpire can still accept the review.
The umpire's decision on whether the request was within time is final and is not bound by the on-screen timer.
If a player calls for a review a split second after 15 seconds on the broadcast timer, but the umpire hasn't said “too late” yet, the review can still proceed.
Smith should stay where he is. 7 is a specialist positions, he's very good at it. Batting with the tail is a skill. It's part of the reason Foakes was dropped from the side. Smith has shown to be excellent at it and he can also play innings like today. Leave him where he is
Smith is at the moment a world class batsman. I'm not sure he's a specialist no 7 though, as today (being hyper hyper critical) he didn't actually bat well with the tail, as he needed to take the strike more, even if it meant taking singles to keep the strike, rather than hitting boundaries.
When Root retires, I can see Brook moving to 4 and Smith to 5, with a keeper coming in. Sangakkara and McCullum both played as batsmen only in their later Tests.
Seen some suggest that Stokes and Smith should swap places on the batting line up, think it's becoming harder to argue against that. Also saw someone advocating for replacing Bashir with Bethell and putting him up the order. Both interesting suggestions
And I would disagree strongly with both. Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7. That's priceless. Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
But he didn't really bat at 7 today unless one says that the one ball Stokes faced makes all the difference between 6 and 7 and it's only "working perfectly" if the tail can bat too. Stokes at 7 strengthens that tail because he can stick around if that is what is required whereas Stokes at 6 (no hundreds in the last two years) is currently worse than Smith there.
We are arguing over nothing really Stokes at 6 Smith at 7 Or Smith at 6 Stokes at 7 Makes no real difference My point is that Smith should bat no higher than 6 or 7.
It is a minimal change but it also helps in that being a natural progression to where he might eventually end up rather than a sudden jump say, for example, England opt to go down the James Rew pathway with the gloves. The only thing I do find strange is that, as a Kent supporter I'm arguing with two Surrey supporters (Canters wanted him to stay at 7) that he should move up one place when he bats at 4 in the CC for Surrey.
He doesn't keep for Surrey. Important distinction that.
Since he broke through there has been a school of thought at Surrey (led by Alec Stewart) that he'd make an excellent 3 if the keeping didnt get in the way of his development.
It's similar to what Alec said about Sam Curran when he first came through at 17. That he would actually bat 4 and bowl a bit. Which is what we aremnow seeing. His early success stopped him developing into that role as quickly. The same could happen with Smith with time.
But back in the now. Today wasn't the best example but ultimately batting with the tail is a specialist skill. They dropped Foakes in no small part because he was no good at it. Smith has done it well and should continue to do so. Unless they find someone else who can keep and do the same. And want him to fill a role further up the order. But that would be a stupid amount of tinkering to do in the run up to an away ashes series.
This is absolutely bollox by India to continue batting. I really hope England don't go full Bazball. Bat sensibly and get the draw.
As I post this India are all out.
I still think trying to chase this target is stupid, bat sensibly and walk off tomorrow with a draw.
Same for the current Test?
After what happened in the last Test I think India will try and bat all day and set England a nigh on impossible target. Never say Never with the way England try to chase down any target but I think India will bat as long as they can and settle for the draw. With Bumrah back for the Lords Test that's when they will look to level the series.
I was wrong with my prediction in the last Test and may well be wrong again here. Time will tell.
Comments
Smith is averaging in the high 40s and he's batting at 7.
That's priceless.
Leave him where he is as it's working perfectly.
(Including the current match).
You have a talent I'll give you that
Just bloody glad it was out.
Rules are Rules
This umpire is a prick
Smith averages 44.42 at 6 but if we count today as "6" then that goes up to 70.71. That partnership with Brook would have done wonders for them batting together and Stokes sandwiched between them could well deny that opportunity for them to do so again.
Stokes at 6 Smith at 7
Or
Smith at 6 Stokes at 7
Makes no real difference
My point is that Smith should bat no higher than 6 or 7.
I think a hooter or something should be set off when the 10 seconds are up.
That would solve any arguments.
Never argue with Surrey supporters as we are never wrong 😁
Smith is at the moment a world class batsman. I'm not sure he's a specialist no 7 though, as today (being hyper hyper critical) he didn't actually bat well with the tail, as he needed to take the strike more, even if it meant taking singles to keep the strike, rather than hitting boundaries.
When Root retires, I can see Brook moving to 4 and Smith to 5, with a keeper coming in. Sangakkara and McCullum both played as batsmen only in their later Tests.
Since he broke through there has been a school of thought at Surrey (led by Alec Stewart) that he'd make an excellent 3 if the keeping didnt get in the way of his development.
It's similar to what Alec said about Sam Curran when he first came through at 17. That he would actually bat 4 and bowl a bit. Which is what we aremnow seeing. His early success stopped him developing into that role as quickly. The same could happen with Smith with time.
But back in the now. Today wasn't the best example but ultimately batting with the tail is a specialist skill. They dropped Foakes in no small part because he was no good at it. Smith has done it well and should continue to do so. Unless they find someone else who can keep and do the same. And want him to fill a role further up the order. But that would be a stupid amount of tinkering to do in the run up to an away ashes series.
Never say Never with the way England try to chase down any target but I think India will bat as long as they can and settle for the draw.
With Bumrah back for the Lords Test that's when they will look to level the series.
I was wrong with my prediction in the last Test and may well be wrong again here.
Time will tell.