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[mini998]

LOL this is big farce, I thought only Asian teams put personal records over team's achievements. Good knock by Balance though.

[pie-man]

The top of the lune masuri has a two bar grill, the helmets below it in the range have a one bar grill.

It will just be a lower model as opposed to a custom.

Just checked this on the website and this option is also available with a titanium grill - much better than the 2 bar version

[pie-man]

Even on this track I bet the bowlers were itching to get out this evening. I agree, not brave enough from Cook

[csnew]

Clarke would have declared a long time ago and given his bowlers half an hour against the Sri Lankans.
I suppose cook would be happy with a draw given the recent results

[e4sby]

Are we allowed to speculate on the origin of Ballances New Balance?

It's not another product of the general Nottinghamshire area is it?

Could possibly be...... How did you come to that conclusion Fattus?

[WalkingWicket37]

Could possibly be...... How did you come to that conclusion Fattus?

Was that a GM ripple grip on his bat??

[smilley792]

Was that a GM ripple grip on his bat??

From an icon by the looks of it.

[Buzz]

I wouldn't have declared this evening and had a dart.

the pitch is a road and the Sri Lankans are brilliant chasers and we don't have a match winning spinner.

plus shafting a guy about to make his first ton is insane.

going to be a good game tomorrow if Sanga goes early.

[joeljonno]

Well, Ballance has shown he can score runs at test level, and at an unfamiliar batting position.

There is a lot of potential coming through, will be good to see who can carry it on.

Test is in the balance. A good first hour will be vital for either side and the last 10 overs of the day with the new ball will be interesting if SL can be 5/6 down. 

[jamielsn15]

Any captain would have given a guy in his second test the chance to make his debut hundred - he was clearly told he only had to the close of play to do so.  No brainer for me - ask Atherton about when he declared with Hick 98 not out in the Ashes.  Atherton regrets it to this day and it destroyed Hick's confidence and many of his team mates faith in the captain and the system.

Have a pop at Cook for being cautious if you like; Its not his fault he's not a natural leader and KP dumped on his generosity and faith, but I guarantee that Clarke would have let a Doolan or Marsh get to 100.  100%.  I think any self-respecting captain would.

Agree it should be a great final day if England nip a couple out early.  Gotta bowl full though...

[pie-man]

Any captain would have given a guy in his second test the chance to make his debut hundred - he was clearly told he only had to the close of play to do so.  No brainer for me - ask Atherton about when he declared with Hick 98 not out in the Ashes.  Atherton regrets it to this day and it destroyed Hick's confidence and many of his team mates faith in the captain and the system.

Have a pop at Cook for being cautious if you like; Its not his fault he's not a natural leader and KP dumped on his generosity and faith, but I guarantee that Clarke would have let a Doolan or Marsh get to 100.  100%.  I think any self-respecting captain would.

Agree it should be a great final day if England nip a couple out early.  Gotta bowl full though...

I wouldn't suggest any captain should consider a declaration with a player in the 90's but I do think he should have done it early enough to allow 45 mins to and hour at the Lankans. I guess Ballance was in the 70's or 80's at that stage?  Must admit, didn't watch the last couple of hours so could be wrong about this...

[Gerry SA]

Any captain would have given a guy in his second test the chance to make his debut hundred - he was clearly told he only had to the close of play to do so.  No brainer for me - ask Atherton about when he declared with Hick 98 not out in the Ashes.  Atherton regrets it to this day and it destroyed Hick's confidence and many of his team mates faith in the captain and the system.

Have a pop at Cook for being cautious if you like; Its not his fault he's not a natural leader and KP dumped on his generosity and faith, but I guarantee that Clarke would have let a Doolan or Marsh get to 100.  100%.  I think any self-respecting captain would.

Agree it should be a great final day if England nip a couple out early.  Gotta bowl full though...

Clarke declared in the recent Ashes when Warner was on 80odd to win the game.

Personal landmarks are irrelevant if your side doesn't win.

[Nickauger]

Clarke declared in the recent Ashes when Warner was on 80odd to win the game.

Personal landmarks are irrelevant if your side doesn't win.

on 80 odd, not 90 odd. Besides, Cook would be completely barmy if he gave the Sri Lankans, with 2 of the best batters ever to play the game, 100 overs to chase 340-350. Especially with no spinner!

[smilley792]

Plus Warner wasn't in his 2nd test, chasing his first ever ton. So not even the same situation.



England haven't got the attack to blow away the Sri Lankans on this track anyway, so declaring yesterday would have been wrong IMO.

We aren't that on top on a flat wicket.

[tim2000s]

I think the balance between the lack of a front-line spinner and the Sri Lanka batting line up are the main reasons for not declaring in the evening of the 4th day. It doesn't look like the most challenging of pitches when the seamers are on it, but I may be proved wrong...