England v India Cricket

[billym]

Yesterday I got asked to play for my local team .( 3rd 's today)

I declined. The kids must play.

I should have. They were all out for 16

 

[CAB96]

Fourth Day at Old Trafford

An exciting (cloudy) morning, great for England!

And then a slow (sunny) afternoon and evening, fantastic application by Gill and Rahul for India, but pitch went flat as a flat thing.

Today's view, a bit straighter on today.

Yes, that is Steve Harmison doing media.

Brooke in the nets, practising the forward defensive he should have played yesterday.

More media, Cookie Ali and Zaltz:

And Broady as well.

Interestingly, India asked for the Light Roller before their innings.

The crowd had to make their own entertainment after lunch!

Gill and Rahul walk off after two long, wicketless sessions.

Sunday may be a classic, or it might be a bore draw. Who knows? That's the beauty of the game!

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Tomorrow’s weather may condemn this to a draw

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Well I was at the races yesterday so had limited time time to check in on test....but what a test it has been. It's set up nicely for the final test in a few days!

 

[CAB96]

WARNING!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

Fifth and final day at Old Trafford.

I'm assuming you will all know the result by now.

I got home, and lay down on the sofa (it's actually quite demanding work, going to watch all five days of a Test). My eldest came down and asked who won.

"It was a draw", I said.

"After 5 days?" they said, incredulously.

"Yes!" I said.

They just shook their head and walked away


At the other end today, so found Alex Hartley's pylon, unfortunately the picture of her in action was concealed by the wrapping around the Party Stand.

Steps up beside the pavilion, Members to the left, my seat to the right...

The view for today. The gentleman in blue in the front row who I sat beside filled in his own score sheets, it looked very intricate. I couldn't do that, I always doze off a bit about half an hour after lunch

The Pavilion from where I sat.

No point sticking round for the presentations, I had a chicken to carve.


Looking forward to Thursday, going (just for the one day this time) with Dad and Brother, never been to the Oval despite being a Surrey boy (we follow Northants), but I entered the ballot and managed to get tickets this year. Bring it on!

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[CAB96]

The end was all a bit farcical, but it didn't appear to cause any lasting rancour, despite the media reports, just seemed a bit bemusing for the England team.

I'm sure it will be a future quiz question:
"India batters completed two centuries in three overs off of which England bowler?"

Credit to Gill and Rahul, then Washington and Jadeja. Almost faultless from them all. Pant was there in whites, seemingly ready to come out if needed. But everyone was beaten by the pitch, it did nothing apart from the very occasional low ball, and even more occasional flyer. Even the ball stayed in shape, I'm sure England would have been happy with something misshapen so they could get a different one.

Lots of India fans stayed behind for the presentation, a good turnout all game really. I think it was a sensible decision from the ICC to keep the World Test Championship Final in England, it doesn't matter who qualifies, there will be support for them in the UK.

No Test Match in Manchester next year, and I think it's the case they won't get an Ashes in '27, so I'll have to consider my options

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Yeah people say test cricket is finished.... It's called a test for reason, it's spectacular in my opinion!

 

[haganap]

Great day but slightly disturbed by the weather and my iindia. nvestors lavishing me in the hospitality

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Well it's a nail biter this series, I can't see the weather saving England via a draw! It's a case of just do it! no messing about play proper cricket for as long as they can and the deficit will be gone!

 

[haganap]

Been a great series and looking like a great climax...
As you say, nail biter

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[CAB96]

What a series!

 

[Outdoors Dad]

Superb throughout......I'd love to know what was said between Root and the Indians for him to not get the player of the series?? Even Brook couldn't believe it!

 

[Barryh]

A wonderful series and 2-2 probably the right result. Test cricket eh.