Cricket

[RichC]

Watched the early part of the day and looked like India were going to try and bat it out for a draw, waking up to see they'd got there with 3 overs to go was a shock to say the least especailly at the Gabatoir.

Brilliant win for them and missing some of their big name players as well; great to see.

[Cormack74]

Not sure if anyone watched that, but a fantastic victory from India. Outstanding to win a series away like that. With half of their squad either against a good Australian bowling attack. Pujara has been incredible, he may be the last elite player of his kind, which is sad because we wouldn't have these 5 day tests without players them. He let Pant show off his maverick qualities at the end to win it. I hope this inspires players to play test cricket properly, instead of like T20. Tests that actually last 5 days are so great, hate the 2 and a half day trend that is becoming far too common an occurrence.

Watershed moment for subcontinental cricket. This India are playing brave and aggressive cricket like their western counterparts. Obviously their bowlers aren't as fast, but they're much brisker than before, their fielding is aggressive and they play to win in foreign conditions. Their win in the Wanderers a couple years ago was pretty massive after getting battered by SA in the first 2 tests, but saving the last test and winning this at the Gabba is something else. Test cricket isn't in the best state with a very mediocre NZ team currently topping the rankings, it's possible that this India team could dominate moving forward if they can match this kind of performances away moving forward.

Through the night here so not really viable after the first hour or so but I'm going to catch up with the highlights shortly.

Incredible result as you say especially 4 first choice players down, one of whom is Kohli and testament to their spirit and belief. As we play them next, hopefully it won't last

[Zapater]

Through the night here so not really viable after the first hour or so but I'm going to catch up with the highlights shortly.

Incredible result as you say especially 4 first choice players down, one of whom is Kohli and testament to their spirit and belief. As we play them next, hopefully it won't last

For sure, their bowling attack was lacking every seamer and they still managed to pick up 20 wickets, although Australia were pushing in the 2nd innings. It's funny that Brett Lee, Warne and some others in the com box felt that Paine batted too long.

Thought Paine should have trusted his 4th seamer (Green?) with more overs to manage the workload a bit better. Cummins, Starc and Hazelwood looked half dead at the end of that, not sure why you'd pick an allrounder and not use him when it matters, even in a holding role. Clearly he doesn't trust him.

It could be a one off and they may fall over abroad as they usually do moving forward, but I think India will take a lot of heart out of this. I remember before it was like get Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman out, then see off Srinath with the ball and India were powerless to do any real damage 99% of the time. Even if they don't win much, they've built a base to be consistently competitive over the last few years. I'll say that Kirsten probably laid that egg

[Cormack74]

Yeah tough love and no egos allowed will have helped them massively.

[Shaggy]

Man, Sibley can't play spin to save his ****ing life. Gone again for **** all. I read he averaged over 60 against spin in the County Championship, which says more about the standard of domestic cricket. Been so impressed with his start in Test cricket but he'll have to step aside for Burns when we go to India.

[Yozza]

England trying their best to clinch defeat from the jaws of victory...

[Yozza]

Incredible win for England - SL really did **** the bed

[Shaggy]

Made up for Sibley there. He was in an absolutely massive hole. Might have saved his position for India although I'd still fear for him there tbh.

[Yozza]

Made up for Sibley there. He was in an absolutely massive hole. Might have saved his position for India although I'd still fear for him there tbh.

Yeah he did well

Our batsmen have been exposed against spin (apart from Root of course)

Only going to get more difficult v India....

[ChesterDave]

Start of day 4 and England still batting (and trailing) in their first innings ayet manage to win the test before the end of day 4. Madness

[Cormack74]

For those of us that hate paying extra for live sport, it seems there is a strongish chance that Channel 4 will have the rights to the India Test series. Amazing if true - the first time terrestrial TV will cover a foreign test in its' entirety

[Shaggy]

And the rather vast downside is that ****ing Vaughan and Pietersen have reportedly been lined up as the studio pundits.

[Scratch]

I kinda like Vaughan, not so keen on Kevin tho, great cricketer but just not an engaging pundit.

[BobTheCharmer]

For those of us that hate paying extra for live sport, it seems there is a strongish chance that Channel 4 will have the rights to the India Test series. Amazing if true - the first time terrestrial TV will cover a foreign test in its' entirety

Excellent news.

[Cormack74]

And the rather vast downside is that ****ing Vaughan and Pietersen have reportedly been lined up as the studio pundits.

I kinda like Vaughan, not so keen on Kevin tho, great cricketer but just not an engaging pundit.

Yeah I've got no issues with Vaughan - some of his technical insight is really interesting.

I mean it might be entirely wrong but it is interesting IMO.