STEVIE B

......Can we bat for longer than the 1st dig, 32.5 overs ? 50/50. I know it's a bouncy track, but we look like rabbits caught in headlights.

Lose this game & the scars will last for some time.

Did 2.30 this morning. 5am for me tomorrow. Just praying l don't switch on & Atkinson is batting with Archer !

City should sign him up ! Totally agree. I've said it before, but l reckon he's going to have a really good Series.

England tours have been on TNT (BT Sport) for ages. Highlights are on Iplayer, l think.

I reckon they’ve played more poor shots than England ! We could take a 1st innings lead.

250/300 will be plenty. Bazball has become Baseball catching practice. We rarely read a game situation. Trying to clear huge boundaries is asking for trouble.

8 down in just 32 overs. Wow.

Tbf, Crawley’s shot was poor, Brook’s was a nothing shot, the rest were down to decent bowling. The worry is that they’re missing 2 gun bowlers.

So infuriating. England start to build partnerships & then lose a wicket. We are not getting 200. All on the bowlers to get us out of a mess.

At least Crawley was the only one to get himself out, in true 'Bazball' style in the morning session. Starc looks to be the only threat so far. Hopefully we milk the others & him off.

The difference to facing him v Boland & Doggett is, well………..stark.

Starc looks unplayable & quick. 200 looks a mile off.

Bazball works well if the batters read the match situation. On too many occasions this hasn’t been applied & it comes across as dismissive & arrogant, to me anyway. If the likes of Crawley, Brook & Smith go all out T20 mode they’ll come unstuck, especially against a good Oz attack, on bigger outfields, where boundaries are harder to clear. Hopefully the bowling unit stick to a plan & doesn’t bowl too short for long periods, especially now the Aussie tracks do more now when the ball’s pitched up. I’m backing Carse to be the surprise package in this Series, with bat & ball. If Wood & Archer stay fit, it would be a huge bonus too, although l still don’t expect them to play in all 5 Tests. Can’t wait.

I think Carse will have a really good Series, just a hunch. He can bat too.

Definitely. I doubt Bashir plays in the first 2 Tests at least.

Didn't Harborough sign him from Quorn ?

Mark Hughes to visit Harborough then. I imagine they’ll play a weakened side as promotion must be their priority.

Wood is clear to play according to the BBC.

Wood is fit for England after a slight concern. Big chance for England.

Don't forget Carse. I reckon he plays an important part in this Series.

I didn’t watch any of the game, but did look at the stats post match. Reads like we should’ve won very comfortably.

Unfortunately our hierarchy probably haven’t realised Vardy has left the club, so they will have absolutely no idea about Bilal’s situation.

Decent point away at Spalding this evening. 1-1.

Borderline, not a great angle on TV. Stupid decision by Hackney though