General cricket thread

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

General cricket thread

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Well that was tense. Congrats to England on becoming World Champions again, but what would have happened if Afridi hadn't got injured ?

After losing the rugby union final, the rugby league semi and GB losing the BJK semi, we had a bad weekend in world cups this weekend, so great to see one come good!

paulisi · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Well that was tense. Congrats to England on becoming World Champions again, but what would have happened if Afridi hadn't got injured ?

We would still have won.

They were 20 runs short of par.

indiana · Tennis legend

paulisi wrote:
Bob in Spain wrote:
Well that was tense. Congrats to England on becoming World Champions again, but what would have happened if Afridi hadn't got injured ?
We would still have won.
They were 20 runs short of par.

Missed this. I'd say England would probably still have won. But from relatively coasting to victory at a run a ball required the pressure had been coming on in the 2 or 3 overs prior to the Afridi catch and injury. The catch but no injury and him available to bowl 2 more overs and it would have been far from certain.

England quite suddenly got back in control when the spinner filled in and went for 13 in the the last 5 balls of the over Afridi started and they profited again in the following over and the game was gone. But yes I would say it changed it from England favourites but still a bit in the balance to possibly a very significant element in securing it for England

The live match odds being quoted were along thee lines, having Pakistan coming in from about a 10% chance to into the 20s even before Afridi caught Brooks. Just before and more particularly at the moment that catch was taken I'd be very surprised at anyone thinking the game was secure.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Don't want to put too much pressure on a young lad, but England might just have found themselves a very decent leg-spinner. What a beauty of a googly for his 2nd test wicket. Officially the youngest player ever to play test cricket for England, deposing Brian Close.

paulisi · Tennis legend

Apparently he is a better batsman than bowler.

He has only played 3 first class matches before this.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

paulisi wrote:
Apparently he is a better batsman than bowler.

He has only played 3 first class matches before this.

The way the ball is spinning already, he may be needed in the batting department.

indiana · Tennis legend

Yes, he said himself at the close of play that he sees himself as more of a batsman than a bowler and that he enjoys batting more. He already has a first class century in these first 3 FC outings. The hope will be that he can progress both.

He said that he was very nervous at the start which did show in his first spell, with very varied length and just going through his overs a bit quick. Very understandable.

paulisi · Tennis legend

5 wickets on debut, but I cannot see him getting selected for a while. Unlikely to pick a second spinner for a test until we are back in Asia.

wolf · Tennis legend

paulisi wrote:
5 wickets on debut, but I cannot see him getting selected for a while. Unlikely to pick a second spinner for a test until we are back in Asia.

With the way we are setting up at the moment I wouldnt be surprised if he is picked ahead of Leach as a more aggressive option.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

paulisi wrote:
5 wickets on debut, but I cannot see him getting selected for a while. Unlikely to pick a second spinner for a test until we are back in Asia.

Tend to agree. I doubt very much they will play him in the Ashes, unless we have a pitch that is obviously going to turn big. A full season in County Cricket would stand him in very good stead for the future. The five test series to India at the start of 2024 might be his next full international outing.

paulisi · Tennis legend

He is only a second choice spinner at Leics, Callum Parkinson is first choice.
His batting technique is somewhat unconventional. Pinch hitter in T20 cricket.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

Spent more time watching county cricket last year than tennis, sit with some absolute fanatics at New Rd, they were raving about Rehan last April, he had kept Josh Baker out of the England U19 squad (Josh bowled 2500 balls last season in division 2) & copious quantities of Div 2 red ball is what he needs. Great to see Strauss's blue print for the contraction of county cricket look so stupid, Sussex, Glamorgan, Worcs, Leics, Notts & Durham churning out the majority of Eng U19 World Cup squad & have capacity to give them some cricket.

paulisi · Tennis legend

Lancs had 3 players, Bell, Boyden and Aspinwall. Only Bell has got into the first team and that was at the end of the season.
We are still pushing through the talents from last couple of years in Morley and Balderson.

Strongbow · All-time great

Brilliant series win. I can remember them playing in the dark under Nasser. biggrin biggrin