Fifth Test: India v England, 16-20 Dec (Chennai)

[rich1uk]

If that was the plan, then maybe just change the side. It doesn't explain why Rashid isn't bowling.

wasn't saying it was the plan maybe going into the game, but given the match situation maybe they just see dawson as a bit expendable

[Arthur Crabtree]

I wondered about that. It does feel a bit hopeless though. England could have (optimistically) conceived of a first innings lead at the start of play. A big deficit will see them lose.

[Arthur Crabtree]

And Stokes is bowling a long spell now...

[rich1uk]

And Stokes is bowling a long spell now...

i think i've said everyhting that needs to be said about my opinion of cook's captaincy in the last couple of games

its almost like he has already given it up

[Arthur Crabtree]

I wondered if they were just giving Dawson a trial.

[rich1uk]

I wondered if they were just giving Dawson a trial.

i did say yesterday or the day before that if i was being cynical, something that doesn't sound like me , that it almost looks like they want to let dawson get some overs under his belt before the ODI series after the holidays

[Arthur Crabtree]

If England lose this match, this is the kind of play that means the Test will stay in the memory as a bad one, more than the other games when there was a bit more intent. The most disappointing game, even though this is just a dead rubber. I've heard overseas players say that England players don't give up (I don't have that impression) but the Dawson tactic feels like they have. I wonder if Cook really deserves the effort Stokes is putting in here. Dawson is getting some help, which suggests Cook should go to his lead spinner.

I guess the slow scoring is a help, if Cook is just looking to draw the game.

[rich1uk]

dawson bowling the whole of that session from one end is such a negative tactic

its depressing to watch

[Arthur Crabtree]

Terrible cricket, and only 27 overs too...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Great for India though. Well done to Karun Nair.

[meninblue]

86 runs will need one session of batting at the most.

50 runs lead should be the minimum target tomorrow.Hope we bat one and a half session to acheive it.

Well positioned to acheive this target as we are trailing by just 5 runs and 5 wickets remaining.

[meninblue]

Lead counting started. 8 runs now.

[meninblue]

86 runs will need one session of batting at the most.

50 runs lead should be the minimum target tomorrow.Hope we bat one and a half session to acheive it.

.

Well positioned to acheive this target as we are trailing by just 5 runs and 5 wickets remaining.

Yessssss. Acheived the expected target in expected time.

Second target should be lead of 125 runs and then decide to declare or not depending on remaining time.

[rich1uk]

are the onfield umpires meant to refer a decision to the 3rd umpire off their own back saying they didn't see what had happened ?

[rich1uk]

commentators slagging off oxenford then when they realise he can hear them they start sucking up to him