Second Test: England v India at Lords, 9-13 August 2018.

[backfootpunch]

Not the best 50 of his career by any means but looks to be getting back into better test form from about 25 onwards.

He's looked in good form all summer but the bad habits he has developed keep getting him about before he makes a big score

If we are going to win a big score from bairstow will be the key

Woakes looking very solid as always

[backfootpunch]

Broad has to be dropped for the next test to get stokes back in for me

[Arthur Crabtree]

Rotated?

[sussexpob]

Broad has to be dropped for the next test to get stokes back in for me

Stokes might be in an orange boiler suit....

[DiligentDefence]

Broad has to be dropped for the next test to get stokes back in for me

Stokes might be in an orange boiler suit....

I hope not. It will clash with his hair

[DiligentDefence]

Not the best 50 of his career by any means but looks to be getting back into better test form from about 25 onwards.

He's looked in good form all summer but the bad habits he has developed keep getting him about before he makes a big score

That's why I said test form. His white ball form has been good but he has taken time to bat appropriately in tests.

[DiligentDefence]

Good 50 from Woakes who has generally been in control.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like it's England v the rain now.

[yuppie]

India choosing 2 spinners for this test seems a strange one, especially considering the weather report.

[yuppie]

Very positive batting from these 2. Might we see a declaration this evening, trying to force a result with the forecast not looking great?

[andy]

Very good partnership, 150 run partnership up...Bairstow needs to get head down though, too many loose shots in last 10 mins or so

[alfie]

Decisive stand , this. I didn't think they had a prayer of reaching 300 when those early wickets fell , but they've completely taken the game away from India now.

Would think a few overs at India tonight might be a good idea : still hour and a half left so might as well add more runs first.
Surely going to get a few hours play over Sunday'/Monday ? If they can get a couple of wickets tonight it ought to be enough .

[andy]

Get a lead of around 250-270 and should have enough time to bowl them out

[andy]

Woakes on 96 with Pandya bowling...never get a better chance...

[sussexpob]

I'd be targeting to bat all day for 300 and then I'd declare.

Indian batting line up looks terrible. I doubt if back then heavily to score 200 if the ball moves

Nice idea but I can't see them getting anywhere near 300. Get 200 from here - and get them quickly - and they could have this virtually over tonight ! Still plenty there for the pace men.