General cricket chat

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Just read this.  I'm really disliking this current Australian team, Steve Smith's behaviour on and off field is awful, and the sledging and general intimidation has gone too far.

Smith has been involved in a few controversies since becoming captain (the Stokes dismissal and DRS gate being the high profile ones) and, in my view, he isn't representing either Australia, or 'the game', in a good light.

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

West Indies v Pakistan, 3 test series (I think) starts today.  Not anticipating a 'great' series in terms of quality with a lot of big names being at the IPL.

When In Rome

West Indies v Pakistan, first test starts later today.

faiz0

Used to be a big deal, no longer is unfortunately.

When In Rome

England were 20-6 (3rd ODI v SA at Lords) but recovered to 100-7 thanks to Bairstow.

But not to worry - the rain is coming!

cR4cKF0x 5TevE

Should be a good finish in today's game.  Root will try and 'bat through' with Morgan etc pushing on as needed.

faiz0

Good start for England, points in the bag. Step up in quality against NZ and the Aussies next.

paulyoung666

I really fancy Englands chances this time [emoji106]

faiz0

Difficult to pick a winner - there's 4 quality sides with nothing between them plus one decent side in NZ, the other three (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) are unlikely to get out of the group.

When In Rome

England are the bookies favourites. NZ sitting pretty at the moment in the 33rd over, 2/207, Australia have a powerful batting line up though.