The Winter Cricket Thread

[Frigby Daser]

I always enjoy reading the opposition press when we're doing well. Even more so, the comments of the Indian fans - quite Adver like! Sachin is suddenly becoming fallible in the eyes.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournament/england-in-india-2012/top-stories/Dhoni-says-he-will-not-quit-captaincy-after-England-debacle/articleshow/17542871.cms

[STFC_Manc]

Another great victory at Kolkata, have to say Eden Gardens is the best ground in India so far.  Hopefully we can put in another good performance in Nagpur.  Also updating my blog!

[Paolo69]

Another great victory at Kolkata, have to say Eden Gardens is the best ground in India so far.  Hopefully we can put in another good performance in Nagpur.  Also updating my blog!

Good blogs mate. I'm not at all envious.

[fittons_coaching_badge]

Looks like Finn may well be out injured so either Bresnan or Onions to come in.  Probably big bres.

Prices:

India 11/8
Draw 2/1
England 9/4

Quote of the day:  when the Nagpur groundsman was asked when he expected the pitch to start turning he replied yesterday :-)

Finn out is a real blow.  I think I will invest in India at 11/8

[Nemo]

How are we longer odds than the draw? I'm sure there'll be a result one way or the other. Not sure I fancy Bresnan as one of two pacemen, wouldn't be at all surprised to see Meaker debut although I'm a big Onions fan.

[DMR]

9/4 is an insult to the English team, did I imagine it or did we stuff it right up India the last 2 games? I'll be having some of that.

[Paolo69]

Pretty good value i'd say.As has been said it's highly likely to be a result pitch either way.

Got Oval tickets this morning having missed out during the initial ballot. Satisfying even if i did have to get into work stupidly early to secure 'em.

[Paolo69]

That's Ashes tickets - obviously!

[STFC_Manc]

Meaker is with the performance squad in Pune, so wont be playing.  Finn has a chance.of making it, fitness test in the morning. If not Bres should play.

[kerry red]

Bresnan would be a complete waste of space in these conditions - but I suppose he'll get the nod by default

[dphunt88]

Meaker is with the performance squad in Pune, so wont be playing.  Finn has a chance.of making it, fitness test in the morning. If not Bres should play.

Keith, what have you got against Meaker?! Pune is 750km from Nagpur, a 12 hour drive or a 90 minute flight. I'm sure that if they wanted Meaker to play, they'd stick him on a plane!

And Bresnan showed himself to be ineffectual in the 1st Test. It's all irrelevant anyway, cus Onions will get the nod! haha

[fittons_coaching_badge]

Onions would be the aggressive option.  I expect them to go with Bresnan partly because of the batting.

I hope cooky has been practicing his tossing.  Pitch will be at its best tomorrow.

[dphunt88]

I expect them to go with Bresnan partly because of the batting.

And that's the kind of thinking that could hand the momentum back to India and get England in trouble. Just pick your best 4 bowlers and go for the win, anything else is dangerous!

[TheMajorSTFC]

Expect another turner here! I'd like to see England bat India out of the game and really put the pressure on early! If Finn isn't available then I'd probably go with Onions tomorrow! He swings it a bit and has taken wickets whenever he has played. Doesn't have a lot of pace but then again neither does Bresnan (who IMO is the only other option). The selectors may go with Bresnan as he can bat a bit.

[Paolo69]

If Finn doesn't make it then need to go with whichever of the two they think can reverse it the best. That's how Jimmy got his rewards last test although don't think either are anywhere near Jimmy's quality at it. Hopefully won't be too important as Swanny and Monty will do the damage. Another reason they might go for Bres. His batting average of 33 against Onions' 10 will probably mean he gets the nod.