Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

I thought the Hales thing was because he cheated on his girlfriend twice (which the WAGS didn't like), didn't tell the management that Stokes was being held by the police in Bristol, and didn't tell Morgan the reason that he wasn't playing for Notts. Buttler, Root, Stokes, Ali and Woakes didn't want him in the team.

I'd pick Stokes for T20s because he's an improving player, generally, and most of his T20 career was more than a couple of years ago before that improvement. He's played three games in two years. And if he comes off, he's a matchwinner. But, it does look like he slowed the batting down a couple of days ago.

If Hales is back, he should be in the 50 over squad too.

I'd have Root in the 20 side. In fact I'd go with the WCXI but with Jordan for Woakes. If Plunkett really has to be dropped, then go to WIlley or Sam Curran.

Not sure why Parkinson is in the squad ahead of Dawson.

England have the chance to put things right this afternoon. If they can avoid losing their heads under pressure that would be a start.

I guess a team learns as much if not more from its defeats than its victories

Great score for England and better days for Mo and Gentle Ben.

Should be able to defend this.

the annoying thing is that I keep getting Mrs DF's tablet taken off me by small people who want to play road block or something, so I've just missed Mo's innings. This after I was watching him scratch about the other night.

Perhaps there'll be highlights later....... although doubtless I'll get it back when all the charge has run out

Even England should be able to defend 204

Bairstow must have got himself going because when I was able to watch at the start of the innings both him and Roy were struggling to time the ball

perhaps the key thing is to stop me watching when England are batting..... it seems to double the run rate

Good innings by Jonny, Ben and Moeen. 205 will be tough even though shots can be played easily in this wicket.

England batting order becoming slightly clearer (to me anyway)

Roy
Bairstow
Malan
Morgan
Buttler
Stokes
Moeen

SA have started quite well. England need the first break through.

SA chasing well. Still a mountain to climb though.

54 off 17 balls from QDK. Amazing.

How has the umpire given that out!

Quinton de Kock out for an entertaining 65 from just 22 balls!

Ben turns the game back around with the ball