Why would you not open the bowling with Shami?!

Anyone know if this thread is live? Can't find the link

Don't think there is. This OP is not your regular poster and I think is Indian based.

Just sent Admin a request..

Harbajhan has such a depressing voice. Not used to this pundit work.

He needs to up his enthusiasm when commentating but aside from that I think he's sound. My fav spinner back in the day.

Well after a competitive first hour, Jennings and Root managed to make it a really good morning for us. The drop of Jennings could be costly and Root looks more watchful today, maybe a conscious effort to alter his game to convert more scores into 100s.

Chit morning for India. Umesh's lines and length have been so poor and Shami doesn't look at all threatening. Added to the drop, it's been a pretty poor start for us.

England’s session that. I don’t get pandya’s role in this team. He ain’t going to pick many wickets especially on flat tracks where normal pacers are going to struggle. His batting is hit and miss most of the times. I would pick an outright bowler or batter for that position. I’m not sure why we take such a big gamble. I would be happy to be proved wrong but his selection doesn’t make much sense to me.

Need to bowl fuller....too short

Jennings gone, a bit unlucky.

Argh! After getting a bit of luck earlier, he gets out in a very unfortunate way. Still, it's another innings in the right direction for Jennings after his 29 vs Pakistain and gives him a platform to build on for the series.

He scored 30 runs too much - about time.

I'm just having a quick look at the scorecard - what's the assessment of the pitch?

comment by I Kante Drinkwater (U15973)
posted 3 minutes ago
I'm just having a quick look at the scorecard - what's the assessment of the pitch?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cook was out to a jaffer that turned...weather is brighter now...should suit

Oh...Malan...gone

It's certainly not a road but there's not a lot of pace. There seems to be turn and bounce though and the seamers at times are getting the ball to move around.

England have accumulated at a steady rate though and not allowed themselves to get bogged down.

6000 test match runs for Joe Root

Why did he review that decision? Terrible review when given out on the field

Turn and bounce on day 1 - wow.

Congrats to Root, quality player.

England do like a collapse, middle order is very much a limited over side..

Not sure why Root allowed him to review that. 112/3 now feels a bit more normal although usually we've lost those 3 wickets in the first hour.

Key spell up to tea coming up with England's two best batsmen at the crease now.

comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 1 minute ago
Why did he review that decision? Terrible review when given out on the field
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Double umpire's call. Not the worst review ever.

2 very good batsman in now. Need a partnership

Get in, well done Shami.

comment by Blue Heaven (U20912)
posted 1 second ago
comment by Bake 'em away toys (U7303)
posted 1 minute ago
Why did he review that decision? Terrible review when given out on the field
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Double umpire's call. Not the worst review ever.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Knew it was out and that the umpires call would come into play. Was too close on both line and height to review ad he was pretty far back in the crease.

Ah, Root thought it might have been going down leg in Malan's defence.