2nd Test: England v Bangladesh: Chester-le-Street 2-6 June

[Occasional Fan]

Very pleasing to see something of a score on the board from Bangladesh: presently 190-4. Now, OK: that leaves them still 150 adrift with six wickets remaining, but it is at least an indication that there is an ability in the side to make some runs. In another thread somewhere, Zainub suggested that one of the things the Bangladeshis should be doing for their own development is to set mini-targets: specifically she suggested that one of those should be an innings of 200. Well, good for them: they are going to hit that one. And they have stayed at the crease for a while longer than they have managed previously - presently in the 49th over.

I'm not going to argue that we are witnessing a strong performance here, but I suspect it is stronger than a number of the "Bangladesh out" brigade were expecting, including Benaud and Warne, just to pick on two people who polluted the UK papers with such calls last weekend. I hope no-one is going to suggest that England's vaunted professional attack has been taking it easy today. Well done, Bangladesh: keep at it, and give us a game next time you are in England, which is presumably around 2010 or so.

Incidentally, Aggers just told the world that he checked out of his hotel this morning. I hope the ****** has to spend tonight in the YMCA!

[Occasional Fan]

And thanks to CMJ for his "Well done, Bangladesh" as the 200 comes up.

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Occasional Fan

Incidentally, Aggers just told the world that he checked out of his hotel this morning. I hope the ****** has to spend tonight in the YMCA![/i]

That isn't the kind of comment someone in his position should be making. It really isn't a very good attitude to take, ridiculing a team who are struggling to establish themselves in test cricket. Yes, it's tempting to make jokes when it team is playing so poorly they're hardly in the game. But Aggers is meant to be a professional. More of the CMJ 'well done' comments are helpful, but Aggers needs to keep those comments to himself and have a bit more dignity.

[Occasional Fan]

I agree, Mongoose. But in fairness to Aggers - not that this makes his comments any more acceptable, just no less acceptable than those of some of his colleagues - he is not alone. I have just heard someone else (not sure who) make a comment which was at least ambiguous about whether he wants to come to the Riverside tomorrow.

Bangladesh are eight down now, so there is still a chance that this will be over tonight. But the commentators should be doing better than this.

[Occasional Fan]

Well done, Bangladesh! Closing on 296-8 is a creditable score. I for one will be pleased if they can get the 47 needed tomorrow to put England in again. Not the message that England wanted to send to Australia, but it would be a big achievement by Bangladesh.

[Mongoose]

Everyone likes a plucky underdog. I hope England don't go in only for Strauss to get out lbw!

[Mongoose]

Spare a thought for Anwar Hossain Monir. 1st test bowling figures: 22-0-110-0. 2nd test: 15-1-102-0. Poor guy must be knackered!

[Pete]

England's bowling wasn't all that better today

And what the f*ck was up with Jonesy claiming a catch that bounced? Shame on Vaughan too, he should have called back the guy when they saw it on the big screen.

[Kirsty Harris]

It's nice to hear that Bangladesh have put up a better effort with the batting finally. Bit late in the day, though sadly. I doubt that they will manage to make England bat again, because Englands bowlers will be nice and fresh tomorrow and will most likely have a rocket up their behinds from Fletcher for not finishing them off today!

I don't understand why there is an air of critisim around Strauss, who has had one low score, and a couple of poor dismissels, in a meaningless series. I appricate he hasn't had the best start to the county season, but it is hardly an indication he is past his best or on the way down or anything like that!! If anything, it may make him more determined to get into good form for the Ashes. I imagine Strauss will make runs when it really matters.

Ian Bell continues to impress, and must have booked his place in the Ashes squad for the first test, and good for Thorpe, batting well in the understated supporting role he enjoys so much.

I expect it will be finished with the first 45 minutes tomorrow, but well done to Bangladesh for topping 250 ( and probably 300)!

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

I don't understand why there is an air of critisim around Strauss

I don't think anyone's going to be over-critical of a guy who, when seeing the ball well, can deliver as impressively as Strauss has done. It's more a case of getting things in perspective: to continue getting the plaudits he's been getting he needs to show that he can either sustain great form for the vast majority of the time (as Hayden clearly did for several years) or else demonstrate the class needed to bat from memory when NOT seeing the ball like a football (as every great player from Boycott through Thorpe to Tendulkar has managed to do).

Even Jayasuria and Gayle look awesome when in form: class is really determined by what you do when that runs out!

Originally Posted by Pete 50556

And what the f*ck was up with Jonesy claiming a catch that bounced? Shame on Vaughan too, he should have called back the guy when they saw it on the big screen.

Agreed. I hope no such poor judgement tarnishes the Ashes: the Aussies have been spectacularly clean of late.. especially under Gilchrist... adn i don't see that Vaughan is going to get away with being anything less that immaculate on sportsmanship once the real business begins.