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

[captaincolly]

I thought it was initial impact with the ground and drag when the rest of the foot impacts doesn't count.

I know I'm only clutching at straws, and he's a bloody idiot for getting so close in the first place.

Did the umpire on the pitch call it straight away?

No. It was the TV umpire. I don't know if it's true but some say the onfield umpires don't bother looking for no balls anymore and only check with the TV umpire if a wicket falls. If that's the case they won't be warning the bowlers if they are constantly close to the line. It must also mean that lots of no balls are missed.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Hopefully Ali might get some joy on this wicket, he's done well at Lords before.

[Alviro Patterson]

MCC members popping champagne corks towards the cricket pitch, disgusting loutish behaviour.

How come these toffs are allowed to smuggle alcohol into the ground whilst the regular cricket fan can't?

Anyone can take booze in, if you can afford a ticket.

But yet, pretty thoughtless.

Just had a browse on the Lords General Ground Regulations. Turns out you can bring up to a maximum of 2 pints up to 6% volume or a 75cl bottle up to 18% volume.

It's the only ground where you can take alcohol in. Or you're allowed to.

Last time I went, it was a bottle of wine per person, or a 4 pack of normal lager.....

That's why I take took the ex-girlfriend.... thought I would get 8 beers to drink, but she got so bored by lunch she was starting on mine, and I was ended up at the mercy of the £4.80 warm beer in plastic cup merchants....

Can't even take cans or glass drinks of any kind at Headingley and that has been in place for several seasons.

What makes Lords so special in allowing moderate amounts of alcohol into the ground, whilst other grounds can't? Upper class snobbery at it's finest.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Great, both openers given massive reprieves.

[Aidan11]

Not going great so far, is it?

[Arthur Crabtree]

The rule about booze was brought in worldwide but Lord's was excused. Something to do with maintaining the special character of the event.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England creating chances. McC was criticised, and patronised, for over attacking, but the ball swung all day and he wanted to take his chances. I think he was right. He may be proved right.

[Aidan11]

Doddery, gin-swilling old farts.

[Arthur Crabtree]

When I was at Lord's, my mate took a bottle in at the start, and went and got another at lunch.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Not going great so far, is it?

Your boys bowling well.

[Aidan11]

Might be worth giving Ali a go.


Or Root.

[Aidan11]

Not going great so far, is it?

Your boys bowling well.

Not bad but could do with some wickets.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Would be a huge disaster for England if Moeen bowls like he did in WI. Not just in terms of the game, but of the new regime.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Played Guppy.

[mikesiva]

Guptill gets his half-century....