England lose a classic
I will leave our readers to the media reports of this match against Pakistan, England’s poor fielding and batting; mercurial Pakistan: the excessive throwing of the ball into the deck to soften it up; the potential suspension of Eoin Morgan for a slow over rate will all be covered, but having followed every ball, this was quite simply one of the most absorbing sporting encounters I have witnessed.
It is often said that in the competitive formats of white and red ball the ODI is the one most likely to suffer.
The T20 is too crash-bang-wallop for my tastes.
The county game can produce a tense final day though hardly anyone is there to watch this and – in the case of the recent match between Sussex and Glamorgan – petered out when Sussex had insufficient time for a run chase of over 200 runs.
I enjoy a test match but there can be longeurs. However a ODI can produce that most compelling of sporting ingredient – the exciting finish.
Pakistan batted well, England fielded poorly with Jason Roy dropping a takeable chance. Once 347 would have been a formidable total.
England’s batting line up with the explosive Jos Buttler, Jason Roy, Jonny Barstow would not be phased by it.
It was however Joe Root who caught the eye.
Oddly enough he came in at three a position he does not like in the Test team and played a dazzling array of strokes.
He was still angry with himself for being out shortly after making his 107 as one felt that, if he and Buttler could occupy the crease, victory would be England’s but it was not to be and the home side and tournament favourites side fell 14 runs short.
Pakistan deserved their victory.
My preferred way of watching a day long ODI is to listen to TMS with the telly on.
Charlie Dagnall a cricketing journeyman, brings humour to the group but Aggers still binds it all together as Jonners did in the past.
I cannot take the repetitive, facile betting ads on Sky Sport indeed, more than that, I disapprove of them that they are aimed at young diverse audience who could be coaxed into the problems of gambling – this when it is now so easy to bet on the Internet.
TMS is not in sync with the televised action but if a fine shot is played, or better still a brilliant catch or piece of fielding happens, you can access it quickly.
The tournament has now officially come to life.