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[procricket]

Where everybody gone what have we learnt today Williamson can bat we know that world class defiantly a very good operator. Not convinced with our number 1 spinner but I'm not a selector. Looks a pancake good days cricket won by New Zealand today

[potzy248]

Where everybody gone what have we learnt today Williamson can bat we know that world class defiantly a very good operator. Not convinced with our number 1 spinner but I'm not a selector. Looks a pancake good days cricket won by New Zealand today

Never in any doubt in these English conditions 

These two to bat most of tomorrow and then unleash McCullum on  at tired attack. Anderson looked to be bowling far too short.

[ProCricketer1982]

Williamson is just so classy. B'Mac to unleash hell upon our powder puff attack. Liked the look of Wood though... shame Team ECB didn't play him and lyth in the WI. Broad looked as powerless as ever. Anderson bowled too short really and NZ gifted their 2 wickets..  Pitch was flat on day one after lunch and has continued in that vain.. Hard slog for Eng coming up unless NZ throw it away

[potzy248]

Right off to bed I think. Deficit erased in quick time in trying conditions.

If McCullum stays for a while its game over. If England don't "fear" McCullum I'll eat my hat...

[Sam]

Nearly 2 in 2 for Wood, very close on umpires call.

[InternalTraining]

Wood and Stokes bowling in high 80s...that is pretty good.

[Number4]

Hmmm is the weather England's saviour again?

[potzy248]

How is Balance playing Test cricket? I know is average is up there but that can be deceiving. You need your number 3 to be a rock but can also play shots to put pressure back on the bowlers. Balance does neither IMO. Shame about Lythe getting out, he looks like a good prospect.

[joeljonno]

Balance has performed very well against the opponents he has played against.

Apart from his debut against Australia, this test match and the last one in Windies, he has not "failed" in both innings of a match. Obviously those who do not like him will say he hasn't played against anyone "good" but until you have had a good run again good attacks, you'll never know. And he is still young and improving.

There will be no massive changes to the England team until the new coach is in place and settled.

[SOULMAN1012]

Can't see England batting out a day and an half which I reckon is what will be needed. NZ could chase down any lead that England could get easily I feel unless we manage to bat them out of the game. Problem being when we bat time we score no runs and lose wickets so England need to play aggressive and sensible cricket. Although NZ are on top I have liked how E gland have played this test so far, and like the look of this set up. Personally the only change for me would be Broad I personally don't see how you can play him as his batting is completely shot to pieces and his bowling is well average on most occasions. I know he can have magic spells but I just don't think you can have him. Plunket is a better option with bat and on current form in last 12 months at least on par with Broad with ball IMHO.

[potzy248]

I'm not debating his statistics, but looking at his batting style he looks vulnerable to so many deliveries. He may get away with it if he was attacking but he just looks to survive. Bell must be like a cat on a hot tin roof while Balance is out there.

[ProCricketer1982]

Team ECB a shambles yet again

[joeljonno]

Team ECB a shambles yet again

I guess it is the fault of the counties for not creating enough world class talent.

[ProCricketer1982]

I guess it is the fault of the counties for not creating enough world class talent.

ECB are the responsible body, they can csrry the can

[joeljonno]

ECB are the responsible body, they can csrry the can

Best sack every player, coach and emotes from every single county.

Maybe blame the players that aren't good enough? Or the plans the captain and the coach (oh wait, the last one was fired and the temporary one has only been in post a few days) have put together.

It's a blip. In the last few mo this they have been changing everything one bit at a time. You cannot have a knee jerk reaction and just get rid of everyone. You may as well just get rid of cricket in England if you're going to do that.