First Test: England v New Zealand, May 21-25.

[budgetmeansbudget]

A wicket goes down and all the negativity returns.

I've not got a great memory but I seem to remember Lords often does things in the first hour of a test match and then settles down into a pretty flat track. So four down in the first hour isn't great but not a total surprise, I understand that Cook was the only wicket to be given away. New ball will be crucial when NZ bat, and hoping the remaining wickets can put on at least another 150 runs. Shaping up to be an enjoyable test match, looking forward to watching a bit of it at some point.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Anyone catch Strauss' interview on TMS?

Just wondered what was said.

Alot of it is in thw live commentary on the bbc website.

Some good points made by a very decent and trustworthy man.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Apparently he said the coach may get a say in selection.

[sussexpob]

A wicket goes down and all the negativity returns.

I've not got a great memory but I seem to remember Lords often does things in the first hour of a test match and then settles down into a pretty flat track. So four down in the first hour isn't great but not a total surprise, I understand that Cook was the only wicket to be given away. New ball will be crucial when NZ bat, and hoping the remaining wickets can put on at least another 150 runs. Shaping up to be an enjoyable test match, looking forward to watching a bit of it at some point.

NZ did well first up, bowled good lines and got some movement.... but no one really seems up for a fight until Stokes started smashing it arounf.

[Aidan11]

Strauss -

The new coach will be given space to do the job. He’s not going to be a whipping boy for me.

But he still wont be allowed to have KP

He’s got to run the show the way he sees fit, and form a close relationship with the captain.

As long as KP isn't involved. Also make sure he doesn't do anything to upset my mate Cookie.

With this job, you know that you’re not doing it to be popular

That's just as well.

[Aidan11]

Root's first boundary for 30 overs.

[Gingerfinch]

Nearing a ton. Sounds like it's been another grand effort.

[sussexpob]

Root falls for 98....brilliant effort though

This guy is like a shining light in a big pile of poo....

[budgetmeansbudget]

He just wanted Stokes to feel better and mess up my 50 runs for every wicket par.

[Gingerfinch]

Bellocks.

98 amongst a collapse is a fine innings nonetheless.

[Aidan11]

Unlucky Root.


Good knock.

[Durhamfootman]

Anyone catch Strauss' interview on TMS?

Just wondered what was said.

He said that Cook was the outstanding tactical captain of his generation.... and that KP was a C***

[backfootpunch]

glorious drive from moeen

just looks better when its a leftie

[mikesiva]

This has been a good fightback from the middle order, after the top order caved in....

[Arthur Crabtree]

England's day.

Great to see the Kiwis. No sledging, no send offs, no standing in the batter's space, no harassing of the umpires.