Voice of fair play
Striker
Yeah I think you right refusing a run chase doesn’t happen very often, but neither do exciting draws imo.I don't think refusing a run chase from the off happens very often.Generally teams consolidate initially then reassess, generally at the tea interval. Both setting a realistic target and timing the run chase are quite skillful tasks.Both players and spectators have differing views on what is realistic. As do you and I, I suspect.
Of course that New Zealand fiasco was pathetic but England were pretty poor at the time,weren't as united as a team or as well lead as they are now.I felt sorry for Root,nice guys don't make good captains, and you don't refuse a captain of your country offer.
Can only repeat would rather a captain try a more risky approach than a more safety approach for both a team I am supporting and for the good of cricket as a whole.
But as ever mate you right again
It’s all about getting the correct balance!!
I think we broadly in agreement in that nothing wrong with teams settling for a draw and batting the overs out when they have at least tried to chase a score but lost early wickets, think that’s totally understandable, but not even trying with 10 wickets in hand is something I have always been against.
Believe it or not I believe exciting positive and forward thinking red ball cricket is more exciting for me than short format white ball cricket.
But it doesn’t happen enough for me liking, well it least hasn’t traditionally, blokes like Campbell and McCullum are changing that landscape which I believe is great for red ball cricket.
Root has been possibly the best England player ever but to open with Sibley and Burns in that game and not attempt to chase that score from ball one, was his worst ever decision imo, both in terms of that particular game and the message it sent, then again tbf we will never ever know whether that was all down to him.