We need a miraculous change in weather conditions and a large three day wet weather front to sweep in over Lords, and we might salvage a well deserved draw.
Honestly how does Crawley keep getting in this side though? What a perfect missed opportunity for him.
Being gracious in victory is a virtue. Cricket has never been, nor, sadly, ever will be a strong sport for us. Playing England in Lords in a test match is a symbolic event, just not a competitive sporting event. Cricket will always be a niche sport, confined, mainly, to Britain and some of its former colonies.
I’ve been on a cricket tour to Ireland and while it was great fun the level of facilities was awful. You could be much better but other sports are clearly prioritised.
Is there a case for having some kind of Second Division of Test playing countries to compete against each other more frequently? (Ireland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe etc.)
Sounds like a good idea. Think the trouble is they play so much One day stuff due to having to qualify for the various world cups. Suppose COVID didn't help anyone in terms of playing matches either.
There are times in an organisations existence where monumental decisions have to be made. I have never played cricket nor been to a cricket game/match, so I am not in a strong position to advise the Irish Cricket Board (not sure of the correct title), but I would think that they could consider taking an alternative option to playing a test match against a top established cricketing nation in their home of cricket. Why not continue to have a few mates playing an amateur game, for laughs, enjoying a few beers (even while fielding) on the three and a half days per summer that it is not raining in Ireland, content in the knowledge that they are not talented enough or committed enough to play other sports (or cricket against professionals).
No idea what the facilities are like, but I have highlighted your euphemism for "piss up in Ireland". Next summer you could tell your significant other that you are going on a skiing trip to County Offaly".
It does, and the games might be closer, but would they get any crowds as compared to occasionally playing the big boys ? Maybe a 2nd division league with the odd lucrative friendly ?
Did you see Ben stokes grab his knee after making that relatively straight forward catch he made today? I reckon he will be touch and go to play in The Ashes if he is in as much pain as he appeared to be today
Leach out of the Ashes . Will young Rehan be called up ? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/65805317
I know I am always angling for him to be dropped by England for Somerset’s sake, but this is v. bad news. He has bowled more balls than anyone else since Stokes has been captain. Maybe they will try to persuade Moeen?
Probably. They might just go with Root and 4 seamers with an Ali as back up if he wants to come back.
Sounds like they will ask Moeen Ali to come out of test retirement. Guess he will be useful with bat and ball.
Yes he has been called up for the first 2 tests . Gone for the experience of someone who has played Ashes cricket rather than throw a younger player in ?
Of course. The other options really are quite limited. Tbh I am not sure what is likely to change after the first two Tests; it’s not as if there is any Championship cricket for another spinner to prove himself in that time.
Looking good though. We really need a few weeks of 17 degrees and drizzle to soften up our hard Aussie style pitches.
Yes indeed, also I was wrong - County Championship actually restarts tomorrow so there is chance for someone to make a case.
Not often you see this - remember Gooch and Vaughan being out in test matches for doing such a thing. https://twitter.com/investor_bod/status/1668650790595055617
Cricket is still associated by some to be played by West Britishers as they are known. It's starting to break down and Cricket Ireland are doing a great job in promoting the sport and trying to build facilities and a bigger grass roots but they have to compete against hurling and Gaelic football as well as football and rugby so it's an uphill battle. Anyway it takes time to develop a Test side. Sri Lanka used to get pummelled regularly for years as did Bangladesh. Zimbabwe when they were a decent side. And in the past the likes of India, NZ, South Africa and West Indies all had a long birth. I like the look of young Tector. A real top class talent. The bowling is a big weakness. It doesn't help when players like Chase retire prematurely from international cricket to focus on the county scene.
You are going to have to forgive me if I gave the impression that I had any meaningful knowledge on cricket in general or Irish cricket, which you clearly do possess. That was unintentional. I recall two great one day victories against Pakistan and England in the past, where the country became temporary cricket fans. The name O'Brien stands out for me in terms of Irish cricket success. I would watch cricket on TV occasionally and would always cheer for England (pretty much the only English international team that I would actively cheer for). I especially enjoy England's victories in the Ashes. I fully agree that promoting cricket participation in Ireland is very much an uphill battle. My respect goes to all those working on advancing any niche sporting activities.
