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Originally Posted by pie_chucker Its funny how when England bowled on this wicket is was an absolute belter and no attack in the hisory of the game could bowl a team out cheaply |
The wicket is a featherbed, and looks like remaining one to the end of the game. The conditions have been pretty unhelpful throughout... but offered just enough to Zaheer Khan and to Anil Kumble for them to keep batsmen honest through exceptionally good bowling.
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Originally Posted by pie_chucker However England are on the verge of being bowled out cheaply |
Not really. England got through the first 30 overs for the loss of just one (gifted)top order wicket (which they'd have taken at the outset)... and then put on another 150 or so for the loss of just one (daft) wicket (which is exemplary) and looked well set for a massive total with Bell putting in a batting masterclass.
The total looks like being a respectable 350ish rather than an outstanding 450ish... and that's largely down to characteristic impatience rather than incompetence with the bat.. and in fairness, a first innings 350 might still be enough of a platform for England in this game.
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Originally Posted by pie_chucker Why dont we just face it; Anderson isnt test quality, Sidebottom lacks a yard of pace and Tremlett is too raw. |
Too harsh. Sure, better bowlers would have restricted India to no more than 450 in 170 overs... but had Prior snaffled his chances and not taken a sitter away from Strauss... even this attack might have got close to that basic goal.
Sure, Tremlett's currently a step below the best of Flintoff.... but he ain't that far off. Sidebottom's on a par with Hoggard of 2005.... and IS on a par with the best of Flintoff. The only question mark is over Anderson... but he's still VERY young... and shows stacks of promise! If he was at this level and Sidebottom's age then England would have no interest in him... but the kid is still 4-5 years short of his peak, with perhaps 10 years of England contention left in him!!!