The Ashes; Second Test, Lord's, July 16-20

[sussexpob]

Anderson looks knackered

I have made this point a lot over the last few years, but I dont think Anderson is capable of playing back to back games. He looked tired today, and has looked tired in the past when asked to.

Back to back in 2009 - Returned near a 0/100 at Lords in the second innings. Didnt take a wicket in the last two tests, the 4th being a back to back with the third. Looked knackered

Never looked fit in Australia in 2006/07

In 2013 he got carted for 0/116 and 0/73 in the quickfire series at Old Trafford and Chester le Street, where he looked utterly shot.He started the series with 10 wickets when looking fresh.

England should look at managing his workload a bit more.

[Durhamfootman]

I've seen the highlights now, and I can't say I'm particularly impressed

2 of England batsmen got out wafting their bats aimlessly at balls they had no business going anywhere near, and the other 2 missed straight ones. Clearly none of them were concentrating or had their game heads on. The pitch still doesn't look to have too much in it for the bowlers, so the remaining batsmen need to make sure they are 'on it' from the word go............... and don't let the scoreboard get into their heads. Perfectly possible for England to get 400 and then the draw looks favourite, so that has to be the aim, doesn't it?

I was worried that Steely had gone into his shell, but having seen some of the match, I think he just had the sense to see the quicks off without taking any chances, so well batted skip.

[Durhamfootman]

Oh..... and what on earth was Smithy playing at?

I doubt that the Don would have got himself out trying to reverse sweep a part timer, which is probably why he still has the highest score of any Aussie at Lords.

Disappointing end to a great innings. He won't get a better chance to overtake Bradman's record, and he threw it away...... very silly

[Aidan11]

We could be following on by lunch.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Oh..... and what on earth was Smithy playing at?

I doubt that the Don would have got himself out trying to reverse sweep a part timer, which is probably why he still has the highest score of any Aussie at Lords.

Disappointing end to a great innings. He won't get a better chance to overtake Bradman's record, and he threw it away...... very silly

Pretty unlucky with the decision, hitting outside off, but deemed to be on the extreme of umpire's call. Most batters would think of the reverse sweep as a legitimate shot these days, and one they practice.

[Durhamfootman]

He didn't need to do it, though, did he?

I'd have thought the reverse sweep was a shot for times when the spinner has you bogged down and you want to give him something different to think about, or start trying to manipulate the field a little.....open up some more scoring possibilities when scoring is difficult. Was he ever bogged down? He seemed to be scoring pretty freely from what I saw, so I can't understand why he'd risk it unnecessarily, whether he practices it or not.

It's one of those shots where you just end up looking silly if you get it wrong.

[Aidan11]

Can I come out from behind the sofa yet?

[Aidan11]

50 for Stokes.


He likes Lord's.

[yorker_129-7]

Anderson looks knackered

I have made this point a lot over the last few years, but I dont think Anderson is capable of playing back to back games. He looked tired today, and has looked tired in the past when asked to.

Back to back in 2009 - Returned near a 0/100 at Lords in the second innings. Didnt take a wicket in the last two tests, the 4th being a back to back with the third. Looked knackered

Never looked fit in Australia in 2006/07

In 2013 he got carted for 0/116 and 0/73 in the quickfire series at Old Trafford and Chester le Street, where he looked utterly shot.He started the series with 10 wickets when looking fresh.

England should look at managing his workload a bit more.

I don't think it would do him any harm to rotate with Wood. Being different sorts of bowlers you can then pick Jimmy for the venues likely to suit him (Trent Bridge, Headingley, Southampton, Durham) and Wood for those where pace and reverse are more important (Oval, Lord's, Cardiff etc.). For me, Woakes can't come back quick enough as I think he's a top bowler.

[Aidan11]

Should be Not Out.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Stokes averages over 50 since he came back into the side.

[Aidan11]

He's happier at number 6.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Might be at five soon.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Though this innings is ftb territory.

[braveneutral]

Tendulkar was an FTB.