The 'Summer' of Cricket thread

[TheMajorSTFC]

Guys for those interested in cricket I've set up a 'cricket thread' for all of us cricket lovers!!! (We've had a couple over the winter although the pakistan series was also used for the sri lanka series too!)

So 1st Test Match starts tomorrow against the West Indies...can see us winning the toss sticking them in, bowling them out cheaply and hopefully back in English conditions rack up 400+ where a Strauss ton wouldn't go amiss and winning by an innings!

I think Bairstow will make his debut and Finn will play.

[Nemo]

Going to Lords on Saturday, sadly our attempts at fancy dress have been thwarted by the MCC with their usual sense of fun.

Hope the series is fairly competitive. Roach looks bloody good and hopefully will give our batsmen a working over to prepare them for Steyn, Morkel and Philander in the Saffer series.

[london_red]

Don't think the Windies will be as poor as they were last time they were over here, they played the Aussies close recently and their bowling attack in particular seems to have improved quite a bit. Should still be 3-0 to England if we turn up though.

Barring Chanderpaul don't think their batsmen have much experience in English conditions, so with the way pitches seem to be playing so far this season you could see Anderson and Broad having a field day.

I'm going to Lord's tomorrow so hoping the shite weather is done with and we can get a full Test's play in.

[Frigby Daser]

Absolutely right to give Bairstow a go. After a poor winter it's important to keep evolving the side. Think you're right about Finn getting the nod but I would prefer Onions. On a pitch that may, at least on day one, nibble about a bit, he's our man.

I only realised this morning that the SA is only 3 tests. A real shame. I'd prefer a 2/4 split. Sadly, the Windies are only a warm up series nowadays.

welcome to the summer.

[TheMajorSTFC]

I only realised this morning that the SA is only 3 tests. A real shame. I'd prefer a 2/4 split. Sadly, the Windies are only a warm up series nowadays.

I'm off to the Oval test match, which is the 1st of the series I believe...I'd like to get to one of the ODI's against Australia though as well and get to 3rd man/fine leg for when Mitchell Johnson is bowling...'He bowls to the left, he bowls to the riiiiiiight....' you know the rest!!

[larwood]

Never realised until this morning that the MCC members start to queue outside the Grace gates from 5am! That is dedication!Guess if you want the best seats it what you have to do,even when your a member of the MCC 

[fittons_coaching_badge]

Decent effort this from the Windies inexperienced top order after being put in.  Bravo looks a player.

[steptoe41]

Had a day off today and have been watching / listening to the cricket nearly all day. Even spent an hour in the Garden listening to "Blowers" and "Aggers" on TMS. Timeless.
There is something about listening to Cricket on the radio that makes you proud to be an Englishman.

[reeves4england]

Broad's just taken his 5th of the day. 231-8.

[larwood]

Had a day off today and have been watching / listening to the cricket nearly all day. Even spent an hour in the Garden listening to "Blowers" and "Aggers" on TMS. Timeless.
There is something about listening to Cricket on the radio that makes you proud to be an Englishman.

Lush way to spend an afternoon!Hope you had some pimms too 

[STFC_Manc]

Watching the highlights now, looks like it's been a good days play.  Looking forward to watching it all day tomorrow.

[STFC_Manc]

Strauss is looking good for a 100 here.  Hopefully we can get 450+ then we won't need to bat again.

[TheMajorSTFC]

On for a very good score here, hope Straussy goes through to a ton he's batting very well!

[slinky]

Strauss ton was excellent as was his celebration.  England in a strong position.

[leefer]

And Broad could claim the longest drawn out hatrick ever for a bowler.