Countdown to Twenty Three Hundreds.

[Arthur Crabtree]

That's a pretty reasonable characterisation of Trott. And for all his good qualities, he also brings his oddities to the game as well. All players do that, which is a reason why the game is interesting and worth discussing! Of course.

[Making_Splinters]

KP quite likes the number five.

And yes the rest of this little melodrama is rather silly.

[D/L]

Collingwood was such an admirable team player, always thinking of his batting partner. He would really try to get his partner a single if they needed one. There's a player in the England team who strikes me as being the opposite. Who likes to play the best bowler from the other end, Boycott style. That puts pressure on others. Makes me appreciate Collingwood all the more.

What a terrible slur on Sir Geoffrey, AC. I can see how he gave that impression, though. Perhaps, if today’s players had to face the likes of Holding etc. with only a cap and his cranium for protection, there’d be a few in the current team that would have done the same!

I too was a big fan of the admirable Collingwood and thought he retired a little too early.

[yorker_129-7]

[Arthur Crabtree]

At last, someone stands up for Geoffrey.

[Arthur Crabtree]

KP joins Strauss on 21. Not his most technically impressive ton, but an immense show of character even so. Stood up and turned the direction of the match, as quality players do.

Loses some points for being against a second rate attack ;)

[Aidan11]

Looks like it's just Cook now.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, what a shame he should retire on the verge of an auspicious record. Well done on the 21 though.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Just going to reposition this ready for Thursday.

[Red Devil]

Just going to reposition this ready for Thursday.

and so it was - Viru obliged with his 23rd test century

[Arthur Crabtree]

Unfortunately for him that only puts him fourth for India. Ahead of Azharuddin now. And he needs another 12 to go any higher.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cook draws up alongside KP and Strauss. One behind the record. Five in Asia, I think. Which is more than anyone else.

[from_the_stands]

Alistair Cook is good enough to get twice as many Test centuries as he currently has now, IMHO. Hopefully not too many will come against Australia, although that said, he'll have plenty of opportunities in the next few years. He is the best left handed opener in world at present, and the best modern day left handed opener this side of Matthew Hayden.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Must be the best current Test opener. Maybe Smith. But he's nearly retired.

[meninblue]

I haven't watched any better English batsman than him. Is he one of the all time England great now. For me, he is England's best "Test" batsman i have seen.