England v Zimbabwe

I do like Pope as a batsman. He is even more fluent than Root imho although Root is certainly the best English batsman I have seen since 1970 though not as exciting as KP.

Pope is vulnerable when he comes in and I want a good long look at Bethell but it would be a tough call to replace Pope after this reminder of his kwality. I did want him replaced with Bethell but now I have changed my mind. I still want to see Bethell just don’t know how yet.

Crawley has been inked in for the Ashes in Aus imho so just hope he finds some firm. Ducket is growing and looking good though his technique is not. He is a rough diamond imho. I am starting to like him.

One wicket down. I was beginning to wonder if Zimbabwe would also score 500.

Would any of the Zimbabwe bowlers get into a UK county side? Hard to judge England batsmen when 3 of them get big hundreds against inferior bowling.

they ain't gonna drop crawley before australia whatever happens. the little and large opening partnership is one of the strong points of the side

I like the current batting line up, will have done the top three the world of good for the next series. Will keep with them for the first 2 Tests at least.

KP the best I have seen. Root might not have got to 13,000 runs yet batting in another era.


After the top 2 seamers and spinner in a County side the rest or much of a muchness, so most likely a slot for Zim bowlers somewhere. Muzarabani perhaps as an opener.

199/5 now. Stokes looks fit and lean, 2 wickets and a dropped catch by Root.

30/2 Close of play.

Could be finished by tea Tomorrow.

You might have a point  barstool

The kwality of bowing was certainly a lot better then and the pitches are flatter now.

Root is very good though.

Zims have done well so far this morning. 122/2 if they can get to lunch without mishap they might just see the day out.

Kiss of Death.

Williams gone for 88 at 12.50.

Yeah I kind switched on 2 minutes before that dismissal and had a Michael Vaughan moment