Cricket

Almost glad this has happened today because the only way we could lose this game was enforcing the follow on.

I'd go as far as to say the only way we woukdnt have won the game was by doing so too.

Bazball or no bazball it was totally illogical and done purely for the sake of doing it rather than any tactical advantage.

Why would you want to chase a score on day 5 if you could be the team 400 ahead and bowling...

Almost glad this has happened today because the only way we could lose this game was enforcing the follow on.

I'd go as far as to say the only way we woukdnt have won the game was by doing so too.

Bazball or no bazball it was totally illogical and done purely for the sake of doing it rather than any tactical advantage.

Why would you want to chase a score on day 5 if you could be the team 400 ahead and bowling...

Not many teams enforce the follow on these days. Don't think it was a bad decision, just the batting this morning has been brainless

That's what happens when you take liberties with the game. I dont think this England team particularly cares though they just like to give a gpod game of cricket.

Playing it how we did was the only way we could have lost the test but it's hard to begrudge NZ that one (even though the 2nd last ball was well wide!! ) after some of the wins we've had against them in the past.

Must admit to winning quite a bit on the result of that game just by knowing that England will play the way they do when the bookie is still thinking about old test rules and how out of that game NZ were at one stage.

Gutted though dirty money but Bazball is a loophole  some bookies haven't caught on too just yet!

NZ are a champion side but I pray we don't hand some tests to Austalia this summer on the basis of doing what is most entertaining.

Getting close now for the start of the ashes series starting at Edgbaston this Friday. Both sides equally matched which should make for dramatic, top quality cricket...all that history....all the rivalry...TMS on all day, can't wait.

Got Friday off, can't wait.

Buzzing for this. Can finally switch off from football for a few weeks for this and Wimbledon.

Got tickets for tomorrow as well so looking forward to that - weather looking good!

First hour or so very important and could send out a message for the whole series. Quick wickets and there could be a bit of panic....or alternatively 150 for 0 and the Aussies dropping their heads....exciting.

Let's get going. 450 for 5 or 120 all out

First ball crashed through the covers 😂

Boy that is soft from Ollie Pope.

92/2

F***ing typical la.

Been in work all morning reading the beeb's coverage of us twatting it here there and everywhere. As soon as I get in, it's the first maiden of the innings.

And then one of the oddest dismissals you'll ever see to get rid of Brook.

175-4

F**k this, I'm going back to work.

Stokes gone for just one, leaving us five down on day one for 176, when we won the toss and elected to bat.

F**k this, I'm going back to work.

Stokes gone for just one, leaving us five down on day one for 176, when we won the toss and elected to bat.

Pretty even at lunch....On this flat square I could see both sides 400+.....Now England will struggle for 250/300 Key session to tea.

50 for Joe Root. (again!)

195-5.

4, out, reviwed, decision changed to not out, 4.

Three reverse sweeps in a row from Rooty.

240-5 at tea.

Root 66* Bairstow 33*

50 for Jonny Bairstow (again!)

265-5.

Bairstow out for 78, getting stumped off the bowling of Lyon.

Ali comes to the crease now.

Ali stumped off the bowling of Lyon, who has four wickets now.

323-7

Hopefully they'll remember root at the other end

Broad bowled by Green going for a wild yahoo.

350-8.

Root still left on 93.

All for a bit of fun but Root is set at the other end on 93. Be F***ing sensible.

Joe Root scores a century.

30 Test hundreds.

Best batsman in the world.