India v England Test Series 2021 (26 Viewers)

[Indian Bee]

I do agree with Vaughan though that it shows that test cricket isn't our priority at the moment and it feels that our preparation is geared towards the T20 world cup in October, much like it was for the 2019 50 over world cup. What I can't fathom though is why Anderson needed to be rested this match, when there is a break between now and the next test anyway, and that he doesn't play white ball cricket anymore.

Anyway, I'd leave out Burns and Lawrence and if it is a day night test do we need two spinners? I'd go:

Sibley
Lawrence
Bairstow
Root
Stokes
Pope
Foakes
Leach
Stone
Archer
Anderson

I still do not understand as I said yesterday that Butler went home after the 1st test and is coming back for the T20s. No-one will remember a T20s series win in India over a test match series win.

Has Lawrence ever opened? Stokes to me with his average maybe consider putting him down to number 6 and have a the freedom of a Pant/ Butler role? Stone for some reason I don't believe will play again this series. Wood looks like a shoe-in for me for the 3rd test.

Your team has a long tail and I expect it will spin, so the team needs to be covered on both fronts.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I agree, there was a reason Bairstow was dropped in the last ashes series and what really has he done since. He has become a better player just simply by not playing and watching others fail. I am not sure what message it gives to the young players in the squad. Playing IPL in India helps with the climate but the pitch at Ahmedabad will be different from any IPL pitch he would have played in before.

I'm suggesting that Johnny Bairstow (31) is a better player than the whipper snapper Rory Burns (30).

 

[Indian Bee]

I'm suggesting that Johnny Bairstow (31) is a better player than the whipper snapper Rory Burns (30).

Anyone but Burns for me as I find his batting painful to watch. Not sure Bairstow opening is the answer though for England and surely there are better options.

 

[Holysmit]

I'm suggesting that Johnny Bairstow (31) is a better player than the whipper snapper Rory Burns (30).

Burns is also Fulham so that's got to count against him. Bairstow can keep so that gets rid of the other Fulham issue.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Sibley
Burns
Crawley
Root
Stokes
Pope
Foakes
Leach
Bess
Wood
Anderson

First time a day-night test has been played in Indis so I'd want to cover all bases by having 2 spinners plus Wood for pace and Anderson for swing

 

[Holysmit]

Sibley
Burns
Crawley
Root
Stokes
Pope
Foakes
Leach
Bess
Wood
Anderson

First time a day-night test has been played in Indis so I'd want to cover all bases by having 2 spinners plus Wood for pace and Anderson for swing

Why on earth would you drop Stone for Wood?

 

[Jay Bee]

Bairstow is Leeds.

Give it to James Bracey then.

A confirmed Bristol Rovers fan. Probably still the best of a bad bunch...as long as his parents didn't bring him up on tales of Cureton, and Kevin Dearden and the whistler.

 

[Jay Bee]

First time a day-night test has been played in Indis so I'd want to cover all bases by having 2 spinners plus Wood for pace and Anderson for swing

I think I read yesterday there has been one before and swing bowlers did very well on that occasion.

 

[Indian Bee]

Sibley
Burns
Crawley
Root
Stokes
Pope
Foakes
Leach
Bess
Wood
Anderson

First time a day-night test has been played in Indis so I'd want to cover all bases by having 2 spinners plus Wood for pace and Anderson for swing

Actually it be the second time. India played Bangladesh in 2019 in a d/n game in Calcutta. All 20 Bangladesh wickets were taken by the Indians quicks. India just batted once. I expect the pitch will be different mind you and take spin. Key is score runs in the first two sessions as the evening/ night session will be dominated by the quicks I suspect and dew will be a huge factor.

 

[Darren J]

Bairstow all day long. If you're India you know that Rory Burns isn't going to play a match defining Knock. Bairstow might.

 

[Indian Bee]

I'll be interested to know Channel 4 viewing figures for the second test will be. Think they had over 1m for the first day of the first test, more than double that of Sky figures for the 1st of the Sri Lanka England series.

Not a criticism as free cricket on tv is a massive bonus and the coverage has been excellent but the analysis on Channel 4 has been pretty poor especially from Cook (in the first test) and Strauss (in the second test). Ebony Rainford-Brent I thought has been very good. Think I heard next test will be both Cook and Strauss - nowhere near as good as Athers and Hussain. I briefly listened to TalkSport 2 cricket and it surprising was quite good.

 

[cheshirebee]

I'll be interested to know Channel 4 viewing figures for the second test will be. Think they had over 1m for the first day of the first test, more than double that of Sky figures for the 1st of the Sri Lanka England series.

Not a criticism as free cricket on tv is a massive bonus and the coverage has been excellent but the analysis on Channel 4 has been pretty poor especially from Cook (in the first test) and Strauss (in the second test). Ebony Rainford-Brent I thought has been very good. Think I heard next test will be both Cook and Strauss - nowhere near as good as Athers and Hussain. I briefly listened to TalkSport 2 cricket and it surprising was quite good.

Yes, happy to have live coverage but do miss the Sky analysts. They're usually very good and some humour along the way too.

 

[Jay Bee]

My friend reckons Sky are close to doing a deal for the white balls games which it appears would be on both Sky and C4. A choice sounds good to me.

 

[Indian Bee]

England's remarkable win sets up series

England tore up the script in Mumbai and can head to Kolkata full of confidence, says cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew

www.bbc.co.uk

Agnew's article above after England's win in Mumbai in 2012. No mention of a 'controversial' pitch as in another BBC headline today when more balls was bowled in the current test match than the Mumbai test. That pitch I remember it well and some similarities from that match as India won the toss and got 327 (they got 329 in this test). Then saw one of the best innings I have seen 'live' in KP knock of 186, supported by a typical Cook century. India prepared a pitch for spin but Swann and Monty bowled far better than India's spinners.

 

[Indian Bee]

Yes, happy to have live coverage but do miss the Sky analysts. They're usually very good and some humour along the way too.

Yes and they are great, not to also forget Rob Key. Also would have loved to have known Bob Willis post day analysis. Sadly missed.

 

[Indian Bee]

I suspect (have no evidence) that Moeen is/was fuming with the England PR today. Win a test match no coverage whatsoever of Butler returning home. Lose a test match and all about Moeen 'choosing' to go home. Thankfully some 'real and proper' English cricketing journalist feel uneasy at this also.

 

[Indian Bee]

So did the England management team ask Butler whether he wanted to say on for the remaining test tour? I now know the answer.

 

[cheshirebee]

So did the England management team ask Butler whether he wanted to say on for the remaining test tour? I now know the answer.

I suspect (have no evidence) that Moeen is/was fuming with the England PR today. Win a test match no coverage whatsoever of Butler returning home. Lose a test match and all about Moeen 'choosing' to go home. Thankfully some 'real and proper' English cricketing journalist feel uneasy at this also.

Think Buttler was always going home after the first test ie. that was planned, whereas I think Moeen was slated to stay on but then changed his mind. Have heard /seen Root say today that all players were promised they could leave the bubble if they requested. My read is that team management and the squad are supportive but the press and pundits like Vaughan have been less so.

 

[Simon C]

I suspect (have no evidence) that Moeen is/was fuming with the England PR today. Win a test match no coverage whatsoever of Butler returning home. Lose a test match and all about Moeen 'choosing' to go home. Thankfully some 'real and proper' English cricketing journalist feel uneasy at this also.

Spurned Moeen Ali begins the long kiss goodnight after 'choosing' to leave India tour

Belated request to stay leaves allrounder in no-win situation, and may hasten end of Test career

www.espncricinfo.com

This is interesting on the Moeen topic. In addition to the general way he's been treated my takeaways are how offering players a chance to play T20 ahead of the IPL auction may be a factor in the rotation. This may impact our Test team but while the finances of cricket are so imbalanced it will keep happening.

 

[Indian Bee]

'England must discard bunker mentality'

Joe Root's side should not think the world is against them after a crushing defeat in India, says Jonathan Agnew.

www.bbc.co.uk

Another epic article from Agnew. He doesn’t even hide his bias against Kohli anymore. He still can’t get over the fact Kohli didn’t give him an interview in the last tour. What a pathetic man.

 

[Indian Bee]

Think Buttler was always going home after the first test ie. that was planned, whereas I think Moeen was slated to stay on but then changed his mind. Have heard /seen Root say today that all players were promised they could leave the bubble if they requested. My read is that team management and the squad are supportive but the press and pundits like Vaughan have been less so.

It was agreed Butler would go after the first test and Ali after the second test as per the agreements before the Sri Lanka tour. Butler didn’t get a BBC article about him leaving.

 

[Cbee]

'England must discard bunker mentality'

Joe Root's side should not think the world is against them after a crushing defeat in India, says Jonathan Agnew.

www.bbc.co.uk

Another epic article from Agnew. He doesn’t even hide his bias against Kohli anymore. He still can’t get over the fact Kohli didn’t give him an interview in the last tour. What a pathetic man.

You clearly don’t agree with anything he says about Kohli which to me seems about right.
Sometimes Kohli’s behaviour goes beyond where it should be and there were definite elements of this in the last game, great player though he undoubtedly is.
Agnew’s comments are looking at it from an England perspective and as I say I think he’s hit the nail on the head with this article.

 

[Mark H]

'England must discard bunker mentality'

Joe Root's side should not think the world is against them after a crushing defeat in India, says Jonathan Agnew.

www.bbc.co.uk

Another epic article from Agnew. He doesn’t even hide his bias against Kohli anymore. He still can’t get over the fact Kohli didn’t give him an interview in the last tour. What a pathetic man.

What did he write which wasn’t true? Tbh I had to read it twice to see if I missed anything.

I know you can’t bear criticism of Kohli but he is an abrasive character and deliberately plays cricket in an aggressive manner, some people (including me ) don’t like his approach to playing cricket. It will be ridiculous if he doesn’t get at least a 25% fine and one demerit point for his behaviour.

Before you moan about Anderson, Broad et al. England have their fair share of players that do this and I don’t like that either.

 

[Indian Bee]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1127180892420673536

A classic Agnew rant. Still can’t believe he is in a BBC role after this. Shocking behaviour.

 

[Indian Bee]

What did he write which wasn’t true? Tbh I had to read it twice to see if I missed anything.

I know you can’t bear criticism of Kohli but he is an abrasive character and deliberately plays cricket in an aggressive manner, some people (including me ) don’t like his approach to playing cricket. It will be ridiculous if he doesn’t get at least a 25% fine and one demerit point for his behaviour.

Before you moan about Anderson, Broad et al. England have their fair share of players that do this and I don’t like that either.

It’s been his reporting and comments throughout this test match. His has history for this. England have just lost one test match and he is writing about bunker mentality. God forbid, what journalism.

 

[Mark H]

It’s been his reporting and comments throughout this test match. His has history for this. England have just lost one test match and he is writing about bunker mentality. God forbid, what journalism.

I can accept you don’t like Agnew for whatever reason. However he is a journalist and Is writing about what he saw,

You haven’t answered my question.

What does he say about kohli that isn’t true?

Some players get disciplined for pointing to the pads when given out. Kohli showed ill discipline not once but 3 times. Agnew is just pointing this out.

 

[LostBee]

'England must discard bunker mentality'

Joe Root's side should not think the world is against them after a crushing defeat in India, says Jonathan Agnew.

www.bbc.co.uk

Another epic article from Agnew. He doesn’t even hide his bias against Kohli anymore. He still can’t get over the fact Kohli didn’t give him an interview in the last tour. What a pathetic man.

If you don't recognise the fact that Kohli acted like a complete arse in the last test then I'm afraid it is you that is the biased one here.

 

[Indian Bee]

I can accept you don’t like Agnew for whatever reason. However he is a journalist and Is writing about what he saw,

You haven’t answered my question.

What does he say about kohli that isn’t true?

Some players get disciplined for pointing to the pads when given out. Kohli showed ill discipline not once but 3 times. Agnew is just pointing this out.

I do have my reasons but the main one he is a poor journalist with a biased view.

Well one is Kohli refusing to walk. He didn't refuse to walk at all, it was a classic Mike Gatting reaction (when he was bowled by Warne) where he was shocked and asked the umpire did he get bowled or was it a stumping.

As for the arguing with the umpire I stated it was out of order more so it wasn't the umpire decision but there was no finger pointing at all.

There is sledging in cricket - whoever knew. I don't think Lawrence would have expected anything else.

 

[Banana]

Well one is Kohli refusing to walk. He didn't refuse to walk at all, it was a classic Mike Gatting reaction (when he was bowled by Warne) where he was shocked and asked the umpire did he get bowled or was it a stumping.

 

[kewbee]

I do have my reasons but the main one he is a poor journalist with a biased view.

Well one is Kohli refusing to walk. He didn't refuse to walk at all, it was a classic Mike Gatting reaction (when he was bowled by Warne) where he was shocked and asked the umpire did he get bowled or was it a stumping.

As for the arguing with the umpire I stated it was out of order more so it wasn't the umpire decision but there was no finger pointing at all.

There is sledging in cricket - whoever knew. I don't think Lawrence would have expected anything else.

Kohli is an interesting character and certainly divides opinion.There was a great article in the Australian recently,praising Kohli for giving it back to the gobby Australians.However,bullying umpires mainly because they are Indian,is not a good look,and should not go without reprimand.As for Agnew he is a commentator who holds onto old fashioned values which on balance I agree with,and I can see why Kohli is not his sort of character.

 

[Outlander]

I love that Kohli is a character in the game. Sport in general is becoming less full of “characters”. I love how he plays up to the crowd and does the cheerleading thing. He is a great fighter. I would rather have him in my team than against me.

BUT... his behaviour in the last test was not great. It must be harder to be a non-neutral umpire. As Indian umpires, the last thing that they need is for Kohli, probably the most powerful player in the world, to publicly and vehemently admonish them for a decision that was proved to not be “wrong”.

I don’t see much in Agnew’s column that he got wrong to be honest. Not walking, and waiting for a replay of the wicket, was not a good look.

 

[SmiffyBee]

Why on earth would you drop Stone for Wood?

Generally it's less dense and therefore would float better on water, for example.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

We should put a clock on the two incidents.

 

[Indian Bee]

Spurned Moeen Ali begins the long kiss goodnight after 'choosing' to leave India tour

Belated request to stay leaves allrounder in no-win situation, and may hasten end of Test career

www.espncricinfo.com

Another excellent article by George Dobell - this is what I call real proper engaging journalism.

 

[Indian Bee]

Kohli is an interesting character and certainly divides opinion.There was a great article in the Australian recently,praising Kohli for giving it back to the gobby Australians.However,bullying umpires mainly because they are Indian,is not a good look,and should not go without reprimand.As for Agnew he is a commentator who holds onto old fashioned values which on balance I agree with,and I can see why Kohli is not his sort of character.

Kohli is box office. Has done tremendous for test match cricket. I love his passion and fully understand why opposing supporters don't probably find him appealing. Off the pitch he has really mellowed down.

As for Agnew. So after day 1 he wrote an article about Kohli refusing to walk, day 2 he wrote an article about the Chennai pitch, day 3 he didn't write an article as the Indian batting about the pitch proved him wrong and today he writes about bunker mentality for the England squad and refers to Ashwin century with 'less pressure'.

I am pleased he is nowhere near in India and is reporting/ writing from his basement.

 

[cheshirebee]

It was agreed Butler would go after the first test and Ali after the second test as per the agreements before the Sri Lanka tour. Butler didn’t get a BBC article about him leaving.

Yes, fair do’s, I hadn’t realised that.
Just read the espn article you posted which gives a good interpretation of events. Joe Root has also sought to clarify his comments today.
Agree with you, not the best piece of man management or comms by the England set up.

 

[Banana]

We should put a clock on the two incidents.

Gatting was c 6-7 seconds. They didn't have to show him a replay either.

 

[Indian Bee]

Yes, fair do’s, I hadn’t realised that.
Just read the espn article you posted which gives a good interpretation of events. Joe Root has also sought to clarify his comments today.
Agree with you, not the best piece of man management or comms by the England set up.

Root offers Ali apology over choice of words.

Joe Root offers Moeen Ali apology over choice of words

England captain said that Moeen had 'chosen' to leave India tour

www.espncricinfo.com

I am part of a WhatsApp group with some Bombay based cricketing journalists and sensed last night that all was not well. Be interesting to see what the expected England statement will say later.

 

[Mark H]

Kohli is box office. Has done tremendous for test match cricket. I love his passion and fully understand why opposing supporters don't probably find him appealing. Off the pitch he has really mellowed down.

As for Agnew. So after day 1 he wrote an article about Kohli refusing to walk, day 2 he wrote an article about the Chennai pitch, day 3 he didn't write an article as the Indian batting about the pitch proved him wrong and today he writes about bunker mentality for the England squad and refers to Ashwin century with 'less pressure'.

I am pleased he is nowhere near in India and is reporting/ writing from his basement.

IMO. The best thing to do to a journalist you don’t like is not click on or buy a paper with his article. I don’t read his reports but I do like him on TMS.

 

[Indian Bee]

IMO. The best thing to do to a journalist you don’t like is not click on or buy a paper with his article. I don’t read his reports but I do like him on TMS.

Agreed. But I also like to read/ listen too what a £175k a year BBC cricketing journalist has to say. Absolutely zero insight before, during and after games whether writing articles or on TMS.

 

[Cbee]

Agreed. But I also like to read/ listen too what a £175k a year BBC cricketing journalist has to say. Absolutely zero insight before, during and after games whether writing articles or on TMS.

I can’t say that you are right there I’m afraid.

 

[Banana]

"India captain Virat Kohli was a different man in Chennai from the 227-run defeat in the first Test, when he seemed subdued by his standards.

"But the juggernaut has returned and he was back to his normal, deliberately abrasive, self over the past week.

"We saw him sledging Dan Lawrence, questioning umpires' decisions - which he should not do - urging the crowd to be more vocal and generally being noisy himself.

"Kohli may pick up the occasional disciplinary punishment, but that is the way he plays his game. Unleashing the aggressive side does seem to get the best out of him.

"England must not get sucked in by Kohli, although he did look silly when he was bowled by Moeen for a duck on the first day and did not walk - so his abrasiveness rebounded on him on that occasion."

I think it's rather cute that you're getting all in a tizz about the above words @Indian Bee . I'm not sure what you could possibly take umbrage at?

 

[kewbee]

Agreed. But I also like to read/ listen too what a £175k a year BBC cricketing journalist has to say. Absolutely zero insight before, during and after games whether writing articles or on TMS.

Give it rest Indian Bee,we get the message you don’t like him.

 

[Indian Bee]

Give it rest Indian Bee,we get the message you don’t like him.

No. Mute Me ...

 

[kewbee]

No. Mute Me ...

No way,I like the rest of your stuff,particularly the cricket.

 

[Indian Bee]

No way,I like the rest of your stuff,particularly the cricket.

Actually your right I should give it a rest about Agnew I am sure he is going to annoy me more in the next test.

Anyway I am absolutely gutted that I won't be in person for the 3rd and 4th test at the Motera. Capacity off 110k but will have around 50-50k supporters next week. Most of the English and even Indian players won't have played in a stadium that size. Only the MCG which is another fantastic stadium comes close now. Think the crowd factor will play a massive part. I am not a favour of D/N tests but early indications is that likely to take spin from day 1 again.

 

[Bristolian Bee]

Pitchgate, Kohligate, Mooengate, Aggersgate, IndianBeegate, so much has set the context for an absolutely fascinating 5 days of non red-eye terrestrial channel entertainment. My sofa may need to be surgically removed from my posterior by Monday week

 

[Banana]

Can't wait for the next Agnew article. He's a really great writer who nails every single cricket topic.

 

[Indian Bee]

Can't wait for the next Agnew article. He's a really great writer who nails every single cricket topic.

I can see the headline now. Poor WiFi in Ahmedabad has caused England poor performance on day 1. This should be reported to ICC but it won’t.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1362385282985730055

 

[Indian Bee]

Hearing India will only play 2 spinners in the 3rd test as they have confidence that Ashwin and Patel will be sufficient despite what looks like a turning pitch with Bumrah coming in for Kuldeep (no brainer). Pandya and Siraj for the final slot (Kohli has been clear that Pandya will only get back into tests if he can bowl). Pandya would strengthen the batting considerably.

Bumrah rested for the T20s - good move by India.