Eng Vs Ire Test match

[Ashingtonclaret46]

I was down there today, it was very enjoyable apart from England's poor batting.

Tickets were about half price cf ashes tickets & I suspect there were some big concessions - given how many kids were there. There were a lot of Irish supporters and they fair enjoyed the morning. It's good to see a more varied (younger/family orientated) crowd there cf the usual beige chinos + blue shirt & blazer brigade.
Pitch was more than a bit green but the Irish bowlers made the best of it & English batsmen showed a considerable lack of application. It was odd when England bowled, not much happening at first then, after tea, bowlers were getting something.

The Yorkies who come on cricket threads will be quiet after that - Root + Bairstow 2 runs in total; then a low dropped catch from Root + one where the keeper couldnt be ***ed to move a foot to his right to take a catch.
Still - bookies make England favourites (presumably on the assumption that they cant bat so poorly again) but I'm not so sure.

Bloomin' hot down there today though, factor 50 for me and a couple of hour-long sessions round the back of the nursery end in the shade watching on the screen. Possibly a red face tomorrow.

I honestly don't think that he deleted anything ---this is post #50!!

[Local cricketer]

Ireland folded like a bunch off Lancashire league cricketers facing Daryn smit

[kentonclaret]

Main problem for England is the top 3 in the batting order. Australia have named a very strong squad for the Ashes series and with Pattinson fully fit and firing their bowling attack will be formidable indeed.

Should be a very competitive series for the little urn.

[ClaretTony]

Joe Root will be getting his knuckles rapped - he's dared to cricitise the Lord's wicket

[Bordeauxclaret]

I think even the groundsman will be forced to hold his hands up to this one.

[tiger76]

Main problem for England is the top 3 in the batting order. Australia have named a very strong squad for the Ashes series and with Pattinson fully fit and firing their bowling attack will be formidable indeed.

Should be a very competitive series for the little urn.

I see they've recalled the cheat Bancroft,surprised Alex Carey missed out after his impressive WC,Labuschagne clearly enjoys batting in English conditions 1,100 CC runs this season.

Officially Smith and Warner don't have any captaincy duties,but they'll play a major role in on-field decisions i'm sure.

The top 3 is a major concern not only does it mean England are constantly 3 down for nothing,but the middle order is then exposed to a relatively new ball,we can't keep expecting Stokes,Buttler et al to perform Houdini acts of escapology.

This is probably the strongest Australian touring party since 2005,and that side was ageing.England will have to show vast improvement from this test to compete,if they don't it's going to be a long summer.

[Darnhill Claret]

I'd be tempted to open with Root.

[tiger76]

I'd be tempted to open with Root.

He won't go up the order though,blimey it's a battle to get him to move up to 3,let alone open.

Assuming they're not going to pitch a debutant into the hothouse of an Ashes test,the options are limited.

The only names that are in the frame that i can see are.

Rory Burns (failed dismally against Ireland,doesn't look up to test cricket)

James Vince (he's hardly displaying the finest form)

Beyond that the cupboard is bare,Dom Sibley's been mentioned and he will play a test at some stage,but i can't see them throwing him in next week.

Australia will be well aware of England's fragile top order,and they're perfectly capable of taking advantage of such weaknesses.

[Darnhill Claret]

Jason Roy will be one of the openers.

[tiger76]

Jason Roy will be one of the openers.

Yep but who partners him,that's the problem,at one time Hameed seemed to be the long-term solution,but both he and Jennings have regressed rapidly.

I'm glad i'm not on the selection panel,they've got their work cut out.