India tour of Eng, June 20 - Aug 4

[Arthur Crabtree]

Is this going to be one of those innings where Brook gets 150. Or the other sort where he gets 10.

[Arthur Crabtree]

There is a positivity about England which Stokes brought to the side. But increasingly this isn't translated into good results.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Lest we forget, early in his captaincy, England won 10/11 against good sides.

[sussexpob]

Siraj catches Brook to a skier, but he falls over the boundary not realising he was that far back while tracking the ball.....wicket turns to 6 runs.

Brook is a lucky boy, because that was a stupid shot. Krishna did not look impressed with Siraj, but in fairnes to Siraj even if he was aware the boundary was there, it would have took one of those catches, throws in the air, recatch ones that are never easy.

Brook now just blindly slogging every ball.

[sussexpob]

When I read Mel Jones was commentating on this series, I assumed it was the Aussie woman who does Worcestershire's comms in county cricket who is also called Mel and is excellent .... but its not the same person, and god is Mel Jones as dull as dishwater.

[sussexpob]

Internet tells me that is Mel Farrell. Apparently does a podcast with George Dobell, might have to give that a spin sometime as I like both people involved.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Halfway there. But effectively four down. Not really expecting much from Bethell so maybe he'll surprise me. But these two and Smith will have to do most of it... Some dropped catches would be good.

Precarious 50 for Brook.

[sussexpob]

This is starting to get dangerous for India

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hundred partnership (19 overs). Pope's England going down fighting.

[Arthur Crabtree]

At that rate of scoring, India might not get a new ball, if the impossible were to happen.

Siraj apparently carrying niggle.

[Arthur Crabtree]

50 for Joe.

Every update on BBC brings on a panic attack.

[sussexpob]

50 for Joe.

Every update on BBC brings on a panic attack.

Pitch is doing nothing this afternoon save for a rare one that grips. All fault inducing balls just don't fall or bear the bat. Felt a bit with that siraj spell this morning wasn't going to be Indias day...

I have England huge favourites now. These two have rode their luck and are breaking the back of India.

Brook could have been out multiple times early in both innings, but he's got 140 runs for the test. Sometimes it just happens for you

[Arthur Crabtree]

150 partnership.

Is putting your feet in the air still a thing? Just informed my gf I can't clean the conservatory as it would be foolhardy to stop what I'm doing now. Which is staring at a scorecard while drinking tea.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Meanwhile, rain.

[sussexpob]

Siraj is going to have nightmares of Harry Brook after today