England [514/8d] beat West Indies [168 & 137] by an innings and 209 runs in the first Test

[Markhor]

Strange - Jason Holder doesn't take the second new ball, bowls three balls but then pulls up feeling his groin after already having his elbow strapped up earlier.

Stuart Law looking disconsolate.

Time to get the second new ball and see what it does under lights, especially with Malan at the crease.

 

[James]

cook is a merely a good opener

the talk of him being a legend is funny

Not a legend, but definitely better than good.

 

[James]

My grandma could get Malan out, surely they will at least knock over him and the inevitable nightwatchman before the close.

 

[Markhor]

Now Kraigg Brathwaite is bowling.

Stuart Law gets the 12th man to tell them they should take the second new ball under the lights !

West Indies cricket man, what is going on ??

 

[Markhor]

I could vomit a pitch map more disciplined than the one West Indies's seamers have produced today.

 

[Robert]

I could vomit a pitch map more disciplined than the one West Indies's seamers have produced today.

The diced carrots could indicate the balls that went for six.

 

[James]

West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick: "We discussed that after 80 overs we would need to take the new ball as quickly as possible, but we didn't take it so we had to send a quiet reminder to the captain. It was disappointing."

Literally comical stuff.

 

[mak36]

Did they change it? Before there used to be numbers and it would usually come on 2. Thing is, I use streams and most websites still have them labelled as the numbers.

Yes they did- they now have "dedicated" channels for most sports. It's Sky Sports 2 in the old currency.

 

[troodon]

Should runs against WI be counted and that too when they are playing away Tests? [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]

If Cook scores 250, the match will be a draw. Any batsman would dominate after facing 300 deliveries. But Cook is still hovering around 50 S/R.

 

[troodon]

Even Malan is set to score a 50

 

[MMHS]

Cook can get a triple finally.

Feeling sorry for Jennings & Balance - got exposed against SAF, but now Malan & the other 2 should cash on WI to make the trip down under.

 

[shaz619]

Great to see Isa Guha in the commentary box, she's a smart cookie on the game and has been doing some good work for sky; was a great fast bowler in her day as well for England

 

[Sadevdesai]

England is gorging off the poor WI !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Markhor]

England should declare positively. Nothing but average inflation right now. They've more than enough runs.

 

[Robert]

Oh no, England have collapsed!

 

[Markhor]

Kraigg Brathwaite has been out of sorts for some time. Windies lose a wicket without a run on the board.

 

[Robert]

Wicket 488 for Jimmy. Should pass 500 by the end if the series.

 

[shaz619]

Wicket 488 for Jimmy. Should pass 500 by the end if the series.

I always had faith he'd get there, exceptional bowler

 

[ExpressPacer]

Jimmy looking as good as ever. Such a treat to watch him play. I hope he's still there by the time Pakistan play in England next. I might book a ticket to England to watch the series this time.

 

[shaz619]

Ohhhh Jimmy, Jimmmy Jimmy Jimmy Anderson

Oh Beardd, Beard Beard Beard Bearderson

Also, Jimmy Anderson > Botham

 

[shaz619]

Jimmy looking as good as ever. Such a treat to watch him play. I hope he's still there by the time Pakistan play in England next. I might book a ticket to England to watch the series this time.

I have noticed you started following England cricket more closely as of late

 

[ExpressPacer]

I have noticed you started following England cricket more closely as of late

You're right. Honestly, I've tried to watch as many Test matches being played in England ever since the Pakistan vs England series. A lot of stuff is happening, there's some great cricketers playing (Cook/Anderson/Root) and then there's aggressive players like Stokes too so it's good to watch.

What really wins it for me however is the good crowds for Test matches, the expert team (commentators and analysts) and the production. It is clear as crystal and just picture perfect. Now who wouldn't want to watch Test cricket if everything was so smooth and smitten.

 

[shaz619]

You're right. Honestly, I've tried to watch as many Test matches being played in England ever since the Pakistan vs England series. A lot of stuff is happening, there's some great cricketers playing (Cook/Anderson/Root) and then there's aggressive players like Stokes too so it's good to watch.

What really wins it for me however is the good crowds for Test matches, the expert team (commentators and analysts) and the production. It is clear as crystal and just picture perfect. Now who wouldn't want to watch Test cricket if everything was so smooth and smitten.

No doubt we tend to take the sky production value for granted, it is truly exceptional and a thing of beauty. At the same time it is also a product of the fan base which love Tests more then any other format here

 

[shaz619]

The West Indies having a knock! go on lads!

 

[shaz619]

Barbie angry with the Beard, trouble in paradise between the two besties

 

[mmkextreme_1]

Darren Bravo should have been included in this tour. WI badly needed a batsman of his caliber in the team.

 

[Markhor]

You're right. Honestly, I've tried to watch as many Test matches being played in England ever since the Pakistan vs England series. A lot of stuff is happening, there's some great cricketers playing (Cook/Anderson/Root) and then there's aggressive players like Stokes too so it's good to watch.

What really wins it for me however is the good crowds for Test matches, the expert team (commentators and analysts) and the production. It is clear as crystal and just picture perfect. Now who wouldn't want to watch Test cricket if everything was so smooth and smitten.

Yes one appreciates it more once we return inevitably to the deserts of the UAE, stands with half a dozen folk and their stuffed toys, sluggish pitches and Rameez churning out the cliches on commentary.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Yes one appreciates it more once we return inevitably to the deserts of the UAE, stands with half a dozen folk and their stuffed toys, sluggish pitches and Rameez churning out the cliches on commentary.

Exactly. UAE games just give serious vibes of desolation and isolation even when the crowd is decent.

 

[ExpressPacer]

[MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

You must have a hard time choosing your favorite team. You're British but have Pakistani and Caribbean roots - All absolute giants of Cricket.

 

[shaz619]

[MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

You must have a hard time choosing your favorite team. You're British but have Pakistani and Caribbean roots - All absolute giants of Cricket.

I've always had more of an attachment with Pakistan because of my mom supporting the team when I was a kid, then as I got older use to keep an eye on WI's and rarely missed Lara have a bat and I have been to some county games as well when he was playing for Warwickshire. And with cricket being on FTA became a big fan of the likes of Alec Stewart, Gough, Nasser etc and always kept in touch with English cricket because whenever you decided to pick up a bat their influence was adamant on the club scene or when ever a game was on, it's weird because while you have a lot of British born Pakistan fans many were in touch with England team as well and most supported them to, especially those whom had professional ambitions because they knew that their route to the top level was county cricket.

I'd say Pakistan has always been my no.1 though and have always had a soft spot for WI and England, in games like these I support WI's because they are the underdog

 

[shaz619]

Yes one appreciates it more once we return inevitably to the deserts of the UAE, stands with half a dozen folk and their stuffed toys, sluggish pitches and Rameez churning out the cliches on commentary.

Exactly. UAE games just give serious vibes of desolation and isolation even when the crowd is decent.

The main negative I'd say is cost! Sky subscription and then the separate Sky Sports package itself is just so damn expensive, I tend to pick and choose which games I want to see thanks to NOW TV; during the Champions Trophy Final I bought a day pass for 7 quid which allowed to access the sky coverage. Will probably get another day pass for Terence Crawford v Julius Indongo this Sunday, there are some events which make a stream unbearable and you just need to get the full experience.

Anyhow credit to the ECB for the new FTA deal so the game in England will get a bit more exposure, I say that only because it's better then nothing otherwise it would have been nice to have more international games; I think the BBC only get 2 T20I's from the top of my head and they are spaced between 2020-2024 ) bloody stingy Yorkshireman [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

 

[ExpressPacer]

The main negative I'd say is cost! Sky subscription and then the separate Sky Sports package itself is just so damn expensive, I tend to pick and choose which games I want to see thanks to NOW TV; during the Champions Trophy Final I bought a day pass for 7 quid which allowed to access the sky coverage. Will probably get another day pass for Terence Crawford v Julius Indongo this Sunday, there are some events which make a stream unbearable and you just need to get the full experience.

Anyhow credit to the ECB for the new FTA deal so the game in England will get a bit more exposure, I say that only because it's better then nothing otherwise it would have been nice to have more international games; I think the BBC only get 2 T20I's from the top of my head and they are spaced between 2020-2024 ) bloody stingy Yorkshireman [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

I don't think we're offered subscriptions to Sky Sports in Pakistan. I always stream the matches on my Smart TV. Sure, the quality isn't great always (or the internet...) but I like the coverage anyway.

In Pakistan, all we have PTV sports who choose to use camera equipment from the 1970's, Ten Sports who have OK coverage but a boring panel and Geo Sports which features nothing but personally motivated "journalists".

I fail to understand why PTV doesn't invest in better equipment. We don't even have speed guns let alone modern day video cameras or software's like Snicko, Ultra Edge, Hotspot..

 

[shaz619]

I don't think we're offered subscriptions to Sky Sports in Pakistan. I always stream the matches on my Smart TV. Sure, the quality isn't great always (or the internet...) but I like the coverage anyway.

In Pakistan, all we have PTV sports who choose to use camera equipment from the 1970's, Ten Sports who have OK coverage but a boring panel and Geo Sports which features nothing but personally motivated "journalists".

I fail to understand why PTV doesn't invest in better equipment. We don't even have speed guns let alone modern day video cameras or software's like Snicko, Ultra Edge, Hotspot..

Am not sure, but maybe they're not bothered as much because there's not a big enough market to exploit at the moment, no cricket at home seriously derails them on so many levels. Plus people tend to generally favour the limited forms more then Tests over there, the production was of a high quality for the PSL; although things could always be a bit better with regards to the the expert panel but then again that was only a domestic T20 series.

I think in the short term it would be more cost effective to stage games in England then the UAE, the PCB could potentially reach an agreement with Sky as well to broadcast selective series; the production wold improve big time and the coverage would be excellent, besides the big Pakistan support, a lot of the neutrals have Pakistan as their favourite team as well

 

[HitWicket]

The main negative I'd say is cost! Sky subscription and then the separate Sky Sports package itself is just so damn expensive, I tend to pick and choose which games I want to see thanks to NOW TV; during the Champions Trophy Final I bought a day pass for 7 quid which allowed to access the sky coverage. Will probably get another day pass for Terence Crawford v Julius Indongo this Sunday, there are some events which make a stream unbearable and you just need to get the full experience.

Anyhow credit to the ECB for the new FTA deal so the game in England will get a bit more exposure, I say that only because it's better then nothing otherwise it would have been nice to have more international games; I think the BBC only get 2 T20I's from the top of my head and they are spaced between 2020-2024 ) bloody stingy Yorkshireman [MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION]

Pretty sure it's 2 per year? For most recent years we've only had 2 home t20s per year.

 

[shaz619]

Pretty sure it's 2 per year? For most recent years we've only had 2 home t20s per year.

I just checked again, it's 2 per summer between that period. And am not sure how many home T20I's England have scheduled typically but you're probably right, anyhow even 2 T20I's per summer is not a lot in terms of international cricket. What do you make of the new domestic T20 tournament which will spearhead the FTA content ?

 

[Robert]

489 for Jimmy.

 

[Markhor]

WI 47-4.

Rather have had Bangladesh tour, they'd put up a better fight. Ridiculous that they've only toured once in the last eight years, whereas WI have toured three times and offering little fight each time.

 

[Robert]

490

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Blackwood has to be the most exciting WI player.
WI did a big blunder by not playing him against us.

 

[Justcrazy]

WI lower order will need to show fight here

 

[majiz]

welp

 

[Justcrazy]

five down

 

[James]

Could be all done and dusted tonight.

 

[Justcrazy]

England right on top at drinks.

 

[Justcrazy]

Blackwood needs some support here , someone to stay with him , to get something on board

 

[Justcrazy]

Dorwich gone , plumb

 

[Justcrazy]

This is embarrassing for WI , they well easily be bowled out tonight .

 

[Justcrazy]

for Blackwood.

 

[Robert]

Innings victory for England, I expect. It's too easy.

There should be two test leagues.

 

[Justcrazy]

Holder gone , WI sink further

 

[Justcrazy]

WI crashing towards huge innings defeat here.

 

[King-Misbah]

Innings victory for England, I expect. It's too easy.

There should be two test leagues.

I propose some tests series in more neutral places Ofcourse, financially, this may not the best idea.

 

[Justcrazy]

eight down

 

[Markhor]

This is depressing.

I'd suggest catching past England-West Indies series on YouTube instead of this. Last good Wisden Trophy I can remember was in 2000.

 

[Robert]

The Lords's match that year was superlative.

 

[majiz]

world cricket is in a rubbish state overall

 

[Robert]

490.

This could be over tonight.

 

[Robert]

Can WI take this to day four?

 

[Robert]

Five wickets left and about a hundred minutes of play.

 

[Robert]

Four left.

 

[Robert]

Three.

Broad on a hat-trick........ level with Botham on 383.....

.....Roach blocks it.

 

[shaz619]

Haha Beefy stumbling on his words

 

[shaz619]

What a formidable bowling pair Broad and Anderson have been, easily the greatest England pair.

Leading wicket takers for England:

1.Anderson
2.Broad

 

[shaz619]

Sir Jimmy Anderson sounds pretty good

 

[shaz619]

Oh! a Trescothick sighting! he is my all time favourite English left hander

 

[shaz619]

WI's have been awful, hope they can compete in the second Test; so sad to see their cricket at this level

 

[shaz619]

Moeen was going to finish of the innings with another hatrick but he let broad have his moment, selfless beard

 

[Robert]

Broad passes Botham, though in 17 tests more. And with 13 tons fewer.

 

[shaz619]

Botham is a fat lazy lump and Broad has more wickets then him. Broad will be looked upon as the superior bowler.

 

[shaz619]

Jimmy is back for another burst, the finish is near

 

[Robert]

491 for Anderson.

WI's worst day in England since 1933.

 

[shaz619]

491 for Anderson.

WI's worst day in England since 1933.

Its 492

 

[shaz619]

The main annoying thing is Anderson will probably get the record in the next Test, ideally hope he has a couple of wickets left to get in the 3rd at Lords because I"ll be able to attend the cricket then

 

[shaz619]

So England wrap things up, this has to be the worst WI's performance I've ever seen at the Test level....

 

[shaz619]

Michael Holding: There was talk of resting Jimmy and Broad for this Test, I would certainly not let anyone take the ball out of my hand when there are so many cheap wickets to be had.

Wow.

So sad.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Cringe. Absolute cringefest. People bash JAMODIs but this is top tier garbage at display.

 

[Robert]

Well, I took no pleasure in that.

 

[Markhor]

One of the saddest games of cricket you'll ever see.

 

[James]

Shockingly bad. A poor advert for Test cricket. Just a match where decent players can boost their stats. The remaining two matches will be the same. Unfortunately I have already bought tickets for the Leeds one.

Looking forward to a better contest in the T20s and ODIs! (Wow never thought I'd post that about any tour ever)

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Shockingly bad. A poor advert for Test cricket. Just a match where decent players can boost their stats. The remaining two matches will be the same. Unfortunately I have already bought tickets for the Leeds one.

Looking forward to a better contest in the T20s and ODIs! (Wow never thought I'd post that about any tour ever)

T20s and ODIs are far better value for your money than this trash. A test between two uneven team is the worst sporting match in the world, a humiliating display of bullying that takes place over 5 days