First Ashes Test, Edgbaston, 1-5 August 2019

[sussexpob]

Joe root should be forced to watch hours and hours of smith bat

Joe has all the talent in the world but just doesnt have the batting mentality smith has

Chalk and cheese isnt it. Root with the million dollar technique, but the 10 cent concentration..... Smith with a technique that looks like it was found in charity shop recycle bin, but with a sheer desire to bat and bat and bat, ever onwards, never wanting to lose his wicket. After watching that Ireland test match last week, watching Smith today has been quite a joy; so refreshing to watch a batter who is forcing bowlers to find a way to get him out, because he is not going to give to you on a plate. Ok, occasionally you might bowl him something he cant cope with, but he has looked so untroubled today.

Watch the ball, dont drive on the up, wait till it comes too straight and tuck it.... wait until its overpitched then drive it..... pull it when its too short.....

As Boycott said earlier, he makes the game look simple.

[sussexpob]

Its fine though; I was reading earlier that Root described himself as "Steely" yesterday, which you only have to laugh it.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not even Cook called himself Steely.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think the BBC must have let Boycott's contract run out because TMS are just playing old recordings of his favourite and most often uttered comments.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Best partnership of the innings.

[backfootpunch]

We really are useless at bowling to the tail

This seems to happen every game

[sussexpob]

Siddle goes....need to get Lyon out. Smith 15 away....let's hope if he makes three figures the England fans can show their appreciation at an excellent innings, instead of the tedious booing from earlier.

[yuppie]

Even with out the 3 figures, seems like a potentially important innings.

[sussexpob]

Ali keeps Smith off strike. 6 balls at Lyon, put it full and at his stumps, none of this short rubbish

[sussexpob]

Stokes has been rubbish with the ball today

[sussexpob]

Smith leaves Gary half an over....99*

[bigfluffylemon]

Oh look, England still can't get Smith out.

Story of the summer, I suspect.

Although to be fair, a bowler down. I still don't understand why cricket won't allow substitutes. Anderson bowled four overs, then England have to play 14 sessions with 10 men.

[yuppie]

Oh look, England still can't get Smith out.

Story of the summer, I suspect.

Although to be fair, a bowler down. I still don't understand why cricket won't allow substitutes. Anderson bowled four overs, then England have to play 14 sessions with 10 men.

Dont pick injured players?

[sussexpob]

It's their own fault picking a guy who was injured coming in.

[mikesiva]

Smith gets his century!