WI 188-5 a slow day on another slow pitch
And while they are at it they'd be just as well conceding the 2 test series this summer now.Jeezo, why don't they just shake hands and agree on a draw and have a píss-up now?
Yup - an opening stand of 74 - Following the rain delays and the two very slow days a draw does seem to be inevitable unless England do something remarkably unEnglandlike today (and tomorrow) - really need to bat like demons today to get a bit ahead and with a couple of days in hand to WInkle them out - (it took them the best part of a hour and 52 runs to get the last pair out) - though I suspect the plan will be to bat till they are several hundred ahead and declare tomorrow around tea - an England batting collapse after tea today might be the best bet for an England win.It's worth noting that the England openers have managed to reach 50 runs without loss. 65 for 0 after WI all out for 299. But with the weather and the pudding-like pitch a draw seems almost inevitable.
What about the stick of rhubarb?
I reckon the lad's a quick learner. He's even started to do a line in sledging, along with doing a halfway decent turn with the ball.(I was a bit concerned that Root would get confused by coming to the crease with a few runs on the board – but he seemed to overcome that difficulty with ease)
England all out for 464 1st Inning lead of 165
Phase 2 of the collapse accomplished before lunch - Buttler, Broad and Anderson committed hari kari without too much effort - Jordan was becoming a bit of a problem until Root ran him out