1st Test: England v India at Birmingham Aug 1-5, 2018

[TheParraboy]

He can do it, but I have no confidence his partners can stick about.

Poms will give it all they got first session tomorrow. I can see them getting away with this

 

[_goParra]

yes, advantage England. But if India negotiate the first hour without losing kohli they are a massive chance.
This is why I love test cricket

 

[AlwaysGreen]

I'd like to know why Malan is in the slips in the first place. You've got Buttler in the team who surely would be a better option than him. Plus Root as well.

Stat on Cook: in 39 chances that have gone to him in the last 2 years he's caught 28, dropped 11, that is, he only catches 72% of chances.

https://www.google.com.au/amp/www.espn.com.au/cricket/story/_/id/24266514/how-england-slips-slips-let-pressure-india-drop?platform=amp

 

[Bazal]

I'd like to know why Malan is in the slips in the first place. You've got Buttler in the team who surely would be a better option than him. Plus Root as well.

Stat on Cook: in 39 chances that have gone to him in the last 2 years he's caught 28, dropped 11, that is, he only catches 72% of chances.

https://www.google.com.au/amp/www.espn.com.au/cricket/story/_/id/24266514/how-england-slips-slips-let-pressure-india-drop?platform=amp

I think Buttler hurt a finger grassing a tough one earlier on in the innings... They mentioned it in commentary at one point that it wasn't broken but would still be a problem for the second innings or something

 

[Eelectrica]

This game is a lot more interesting than anything that T-20 or ODI's can produce. So many momentum shifts. England their own worse enemy at times this game.

 

[TheParraboy]

Kinda hoping India win the series.

Of course we then (unlikely) belt them on our summer.

Before we find another way to lose the ashes over there.

 

[JJ]

f**k test cricket is so great


So is Kohli, not a likeable chap but f**k me can he bat

 

[Das Gupta]

I would back India given England's recent troubles of wrapping up tail enders.
They might grab a wicket or 2 early but I think Kohli probably sees them home or close enough to it.

 

[Eelectrica]

Looks like England might win this afterall with Stokes picking up Kholi.
India still needing 56 with 8 down.
India a one man batting team with Kholi.

Billy Slater for MOTM or perhaps Curran if they're feeling generous.

 

[Bazal]

Unless there's a miracle assault from Pandya England have pulled this one out of the fire.

1 in hand, 36 to win

 

[jargan83]

Tight finish coming up

 

[Bazal]

All over. Pulled one out of the jaws of defeat. Eat many dicks India

 

[undertaker]

England win by 31 runs. Good game of test cricket, and looking forward to the remainder of the series.

 

[undertaker]

OT, why do England get to play 5 tests vs India but Australia only 4? Would love to see a 5 test Australia vs India series, which hasn't occurred since 1991/92.

 

[jargan83]

OT, why do England get to play 5 tests vs India but Australia only 4? Would love to see a 5 test Australia vs India series, which hasn't occurred since 1991/92.

I assume because BCCi and CA would rather play a pointless 17 match ODI series?

 

[Bazal]

I assume because BCCi and CA would rather play a pointless 17 match ODI series?

And 9 T20s.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Stokes, a helluva player.

A great test

 

[TheParraboy]

OT, why do England get to play 5 tests vs India but Australia only 4? Would love to see a 5 test Australia vs India series, which hasn't occurred since 1991/92.

good point

Might have something to do with indias scheduling more than anything else
Didn't they cut a 4 test series to 3 vs south Africa last festive season cause they wanted (preferred) to play SL in more ODI's? .
With the 5 tests v poms they probably had a window to play 5 tests plus the other formats

Whatever suits India it appears

 

[TheParraboy]

Stokes, a helluva player.

A great test

terrific player

pub hero to some...

 

[TheParraboy]

Curran man of the match?

Sure he had one good spell took 3 wickets (only 5 for the match) Sharma took more

Would have given it to Kholi