Hopefully it's just cramp and he's being careful and partly tactical. That quick single from Root made him think a little and Smith in the form he's in, coming in now is perfect for this situation.
Great days cricket that, hopefully a rested stokes takes it to them tommorow then is alright to bowl.A very decent lead,that possibly takes one result out of the equation with the time left. If we can Bat till lunch atleast and then have a go at them can see the pitch getting very up and down and spinning more the one that got woakes is a good sign.
I'm wondering what India's team for the Oval will be?
Siraj and Bumrah were bowling on fumes and are carrying injuries. Maybe Siraj will be back, but Jasprit looks shot. He's never conceded a 100 runs in an innings before, tomorrow will be the first time. Rishabh Pant is definitely out.
Akash Deep is injured, their second string pace bowlers are chucking pies and their main spin bowler is spraying it everywhere.
Can't see how either Siraj or Bumrah plays in the 5th test. Both look injured , not sure on if they'll have Akash Deep or Arshdeep available, Kamboj looks nowhere near international quality so they're really struggling for seam options.
Away from the Test, in the current round of county matches both Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley managed the rare feat of scoring a century and taking a 10 fer in the same match. Good to see two young spinners playing well.
I was at Old Trafford yesterday - great day seeing the master at work that is Joe Root. What a batsman.
We were sat right at the very top of the Fosters Stand and up and down the stairs at start, lunch and tea means my legs this morning feel like I did the three peak challenge! My youngest did it six times though, bless him - well we needed mid-session beer top ups!
Overall siraj has been poor this series. Nowhere near good enough or fast enough to have the nasty persona he puts on.
With the exception of brook (a brilliant player squandering probably the best scenario you could dream of walking into at number 5), been delighted with the way we’ve played in this match.
I really think shubman’s “grow some balls” head-loss was his Kevin keegan moment, the moment they lost the series.
I was at Old Trafford yesterday - great day seeing the master at work that is Joe Root. What a batsman.
We were sat right at the very top of the Fosters Stand and up and down the stairs at start, lunch and tea means my legs this morning feel like I did the three peak challenge! My youngest did it six times though, bless him - well we needed mid-session beer top ups!
I've only sat in that stand once, but fortunately not too far back and not near the edge as I'm not good with heights!
I was at Old Trafford yesterday - great day seeing the master at work that is Joe Root. What a batsman.
We were sat right at the very top of the Fosters Stand and up and down the stairs at start, lunch and tea means my legs this morning feel like I did the three peak challenge! My youngest did it six times though, bless him - well we needed mid-session beer top ups!
I've only sat in that stand once, but fortunately not too far back and not near the edge as I'm not good with heights!
We had just one row behind us and we were nearer the centre of the stand than the edge, so my fear of heights was fine! Great view from up there and the banter was brilliant, especially after tea when the effects of drinking all day loosened up the crowd!
Comments
Obviously no pressure to declare & just depends on if Stokes wants to put the foot down this evening.
My guess is that we'll be around 560-580 for 7 or 8 at close. Then declare before lunch tomorrow once we get past 600.
If it's not cramp, that's not good news.
Still plenty of batting to come too.
Sachin would be the first to congratulate Root, but the reaction from some of the India supporters would be hilarious!
Left the field we've been too pedestrian & now losing wickets.
Amended.
Stokes returns.
Lead by 186.
Siraj and Bumrah were bowling on fumes and are carrying injuries. Maybe Siraj will be back, but Jasprit looks shot. He's never conceded a 100 runs in an innings before, tomorrow will be the first time. Rishabh Pant is definitely out.
Akash Deep is injured, their second string pace bowlers are chucking pies and their main spin bowler is spraying it everywhere.
It's like watching an England team from the 80s.
Looks good for an India win.
We had just one row behind us and we were nearer the centre of the stand than the edge, so my fear of heights was fine! Great view from up there and the banter was brilliant, especially after tea when the effects of drinking all day loosened up the crowd!