I love test cricket. It is the ONLY form of cricket as far as I am concerned. We have just had two i nteresting tests and will have another two tonight and tomorrow.
England V India
This is interesting. I have rated Stokes very highly as a captain. As high as Chappelli and Mark Taylor. It is very unusual for an almost allrounder to be a good captain but Stokes is the real deal. Gill has only just become captain of india and it showed. He clearly had no idea at various stages of the 1st test. however this is to be expected. He can only improve.
England have a very solid batting lineup with good reserves. They are also strong on wicketkeepers who can also bat. Their fast bowling looks good but their spinning options are sparse.
India is reasonably strong in batting but replacements for Sharma and Kohli are yet to materialise. They rely too much on Bumrah. Why Reddy was not selected in the 1st test is strange. He is a very good batsman and his bowling would be suited to english conditions. Pant is excellent as a wicketkeeper and of course batsman. with the retirement of Ashwin they appear not to have any spinner who can take consistent wickets.
If I was England I would pick Overton given Bumrah is not playing and therefore India cannot win. India simply does not have the bowling to take 20 wickets.
Australia V West Indies
The australian batting weakness was shown up by a weak WI bowling lineup. Our bowlers are still very good but are aging. Can they all play 5 tests in an Ashes series? the WI have a weak batting lineup and lost a test they should have. They should have only been chasing 150 at best!
Both India and the WI dropped simple catches. India hit 5 tons and still lost.
Lots to watch over the next few days!!
