Preview of the 2nd Test

"We got one back for us"

This was the text that Captain Pat sent Professor Paine after the First Test victory at Edgbaston. It reminds us of the background to the celebration after this dramatic win. It's a good way to start the preview, but it is with peril if we continue to bask in the past - so onto the Second Test...

Where's the pitch???

Oh, how the tune has changed. 

What happened to flat pitches that Baz and Bent had ordered from curators? 

Obviously 393 in all but 7 overs of a day wasn't enough. Here is the other flaw with Bazball. If the opposition set a field to minimise your boundaries, it puts the pressure on you to be more aggressive than you actually want to be (England batted for 144 overs, with Lyon doing the 'king of the jungle' share, bowling 53 overs). Then if the opposition take their time and bat within themselves, you're gassing your bowlers (England bowled 208 overs). Some were critical (myself at times too) of Captain Cummins practicing "Ronball" tactics (sorry, I refuse to call it after the first 3 letters of the captain's name, with ball proceeding it). However, it all reminds me of a little fight in a heavily forested area back in October, 1974 - I remember it well. 

 

With Ronball on the ropes, taking the hits, biding its time; allowing Bazball to blow smoke, get tired and eventually fall over at the end when there was nothing left in the tank. It will be interesting to see if the Silver Fox (Anderson) or Draco can back up for Lord's and then Headingley just days after. Oh I love test cricket! BTW - I stumbled upon this the other day and it reminded me why the Green Caps and their followers despise the Prince of Slytherin House: And the Oscar goes to... 

The Second Test at Lord's looks like it may have a selection changes.

The big one for mine, the one that will get tongues talking, has got to be SOK being dropped from the Channel 9 "special commentary" team for extravagant hand gesticulation, particularly with the cut-backs to him and Finchy after a wicket.

One can't help but think that Tony Starc will be a certain started for the Aussies - the question is whether he'll replace Hazelwood, who could be cautiously rested after not a lot of cricket in recent times; or the Boland who has 35 poles at under 18 a piece. Time will tell.

The certain change that will be made is by the home side. Surely Ali cannot retain his place. Injured spinning finger and a predilection to bowling pies, the talk is the Lord's pitch will allow the young man that took more Irish scalps than King Edward II, Josh Tongue.

Also, the late mail for my sources have pointed to a change in the umpiring for this test. Umpire Erasmus (GAS) has succumbed to gout. It may still allow him to impact the test from the comfy chair as the third umpire.

The last thing I'll mention is that some readers of this blog have sent some DM's about my criticism of Bracelet (aka. Wally Floginson). Saying that a professional sportsman has a right to voice his opinion, and it's all part of the game. That is true, he does. But I (and possibly 26 million others) also have the right of reply. 

One form of reply could be to take the moral high ground and present facts to build up the victim like this:

However, this series will be battled on and off the pitch, so to finish of the preview, here is just one of the many replies on the Interweb:

What one prick said about another prick, while positioned over his prick.

Looking forward to tomorrow.

JT