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4th test Manchester
- Thread starter jarrowdiamond
- Start date
TravellingMackem
Winger
How is it a shocking decision? We have to bowl at them twice, and we have to win inside 3 days to have a chance here, so we have to force it and hope. We wouldn’t have bowled had it been a full 5 days expected, but in the circumstances I’m not sure we could have done anything different. Had to bowl them out quick, ie today, bat once and then bowl them out again in the on and off conditions of day 3.
Just because it didn’t work out like that for us, doesn’t mean it was a bad decision, as batting first is never likely to lead to winning inside 3 days
The Breen Machine
Striker
Given our usual run rate, I think batting first on a good pitch and racking up a big total was a better option surely? Especially if weather conditions are likely to worsen by day 3.
FatCat2402
Winger
TravellingMackem
Winger
How? We’d then bowl them out and have to bat a second time and guess at a declaration, and have to set one based on them having 3 days to chase it
The Breen Machine
Striker
We also have the oldest bowling attack since the 1920's and the close proximity of the tests in this series can't be helping.
No guarantees we'd have to bat a second time if we made the most of good batting conditions and the weather turned.
Arrogance ‘they love chasing’ craic again
Smith looking ominously good
TravellingMackem
Winger
It’s very optimistic to believe we’d hit the follow on. But that’s the only situation we can realistically win a 5 day test in 3 days batting first. At least bowling first opens up chances for us either bat once, or chase a small second innings total in very limited time.
I can’t fault the decision - especially when the weather is as it is - and I doubt Ben would have bowled first had there been a clear forecast
Absolutely awful take this. There is nothing about chasing in this, it’s about bowling them out twice in 3 days
If you bowl first you must bowl out the opposition for no more than 250-300. Any more than that and you're up against it.
I know that the new England score quickly but they need a couple of really good sessions after lunch and tea with the ball, and possibly the bat, to keep this series alive. If the Aussies make it through the first day relatively unscathed then they've got to be favourites to retain the Ashes.
I'm not a fan of making decisions based on the weather forecast - not in this country, at least. Seen it backfire too many times to have any faith in that way of thinking.
I know that the new England score quickly but they need a couple of really good sessions after lunch and tea with the ball, and possibly the bat, to keep this series alive. If the Aussies make it through the first day relatively unscathed then they've got to be favourites to retain the Ashes.
I'm not a fan of making decisions based on the weather forecast - not in this country, at least. Seen it backfire too many times to have any faith in that way of thinking.
The Breen Machine
Striker
Call me old fashioned but I think making best use of the conditions should always be the first approach in a test match. If the weather turns from day 2 onwards then there's a few of their batsmen who struggle in those conditions.
mackembhoy
Striker
Us going at 4+ an over and scoring 300-400 today when it's sunny. Then bowling at them when they'd be going on/off due to rain and it being overcast. Plus keeping our bowlers fresh in the process.
Is definitely a better way of winning than them posting 300+ and chasing the game.
They don't have to win at the end of day, even if they desperately want to win the series.
Given it looks like we’ll get 4 days of cricket (340 overs given the poor over rates) I don’t mind the decision to put them in. If we get them all out today, even for 300+ then we are well in the game.
Slightly ominous that we haven’t created loads of chances, but at least we haven’t dropped anything (yet!)
Slightly ominous that we haven’t created loads of chances, but at least we haven’t dropped anything (yet!)
I'm not so sure about that - it seems to be the new way of thinking for England to bowl first allied with the belief that they can chase down any total they are set in the fourth innings.
Don't think Stokes has ever won the toss and batted first in Tests in England.
FatCat2402
Winger
Looks less than 4 days to me, showers on Fri. Sat a washout, Sunday not looking great either
Mr Redknapp
Striker
Still plenty of time left in the game mate. Wood could steamroller through!
358-2 at close would make this thread interesting though
Bizarrely he did it vs West Indies in a Covid test when he stood in for Joe Root. On that day it was very overcast and had perfect bowling conditions!
Oli Wagkz
Striker
I like your style. Parody is always good
I’m hoping it helps us take 8 wickets after lunch mate
mackembhoy
Striker
If we know that batting fourth is likely going to see the worst time to bat(because weather will see us on and off)
Not sure on that at all. Need smith in the first 30 mins after lunch or he's getting a big ton like. Very ominous from him before lunch.
