Champions Trophy, Feb 19 - March 9

[backfootpunch]

I should probably turn this off before I put my remote through the tv

I feel sorry for your TV, because the following 6 might have been the end for it.

Currently driving to argos to get a new one to watch the inevitable collapse to spin in the 2nd innings

177 well played, surely the best innings every played by an Afghanistan batsmen

And will be a strong contender for ODI innings of the year

[sussexpob]

Livngstone gets Nabi now. Great final over, but the damage already feels done

[mikesiva]

Afghanistan 325-7

Zadran 177
Omarzai 41
Hashmat 40
Nabi 40

Archer 3-64
Livingston 2-28

[backfootpunch]

Liam livingstone demon death bowler 2-2 off the last over lowers the total by at least 10 runs

[sussexpob]

After 13 overs, Afghanistan's projected score was 210 odd, and the England win was at 90% probability.....

Can't think of many worse 37 odd overs spell of bowling in a ODI. Just utterly rubbish in the middle overs

[backfootpunch]

I'd like to see a complete reset of the team after this competition

Drop Salt, livingstone, wood, archer

Take the captaincy off buttler, move him to open with duckett

Play rehan and rashid every game

Look at Mousley, bethell, smith

Why has sam hain never been given a proper go? He averages 58 in list A cricket and made 89 in one of his 2 ODIs

[sussexpob]

I'd like to see a complete reset of the team after this competition

I don't think the names on the team sheet will change much. The 50 over competition in England has been devalued to the point of being worthless, and irrespective of what player do in it, the selections for the national side will come down to T20 form. The only thing that will impact worthwhile change is by ditching the strategic plan to give the 100 every chance to succeed at the cost of everything else. And lets be honest, its not happening is it. The ECB rather cling to the sinking ship than ever let go of the 100, they have sacrificed everything to make it work.

And maybe they will be proved right. Maybe 50 over cricket will die out and be engulfed by T20 cricket sometime in the not too distant future, and the re-routing of investment to other formats will prove shrewd strategy. I certain think there is a chance it happens. T20 does eat into the appetite of 50 over cricket, whether I like it or not.

Personally, I think there is scope to steal a march on the BCCI. Why not make the worlds first 50 franchise tournament in England? Reinvent the format, rather than let it die.

[sussexpob]

Drop Salt, livingstone, wood, archer

Salt is a very frustrating cricketer. He's got all the talent and capacity to be a limited overs legend, but he is frightfully inconsistent.

On his day he can blow anything you put in front of him away.... but his day only seems to come so far in ODIs vs easier sides.

Got an opportunity on this pitch to go big. He needs to take it.

[sussexpob]

Just as I post that, he gets out.

[backfootpunch]

A fairly predictable hack across the line from salt brings the first wicket

Knowhere near short enough for that shot

Jamie smith walks to the crease with just 19 50 over innings in his career, due to the hundred, probably just his 2nd at number 3

Hardly a recipe for success

Him, brook, bethell etc are having to learn how to bat in this format in an England shirt not in county cricket because of the ECB

[Arthur Crabtree]

Smith out for a 13 ball 9. Looks like Duckett and Root have to repair things again.

Presume there will be a lot of spin.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Nabi is 40yo. Presume he may be older.

[sussexpob]

Guess this partnership will decide the match. One of these two needs to go big.

[sussexpob]

Key breakthrough... England in huge trouble now

[Arthur Crabtree]

Brook is due a big score...