My dear old things, it's STW TMS!

6-22 and on both boards at Lord’s.

Superb.

Wow, what a spell by Stokes. He just did that in 14.3 overs unchanged (OK so there was a tea break, but I think it still counts). He’s certainly a game changer whatever he’s doing – and now statistically an all-rounder.

Not any more – Bishoo now has 503 runs.

the team is full of all rounders now all they need is more than one opening batter

I guess Stoneman doesn’t like Australia.

I was going to select Woakes at 3 when he’s properly fit, but maybe I should promote him? Could always select Rashid at 3 instead. I suppose that still leaves the awkward number 5 slot – though Samit Patel is looking on good form at the moment. Or do you think 3 spin bowlers is enough to go along with the 5 seamers? I suppose Cook and Root could always turn their arms if needed. Does Bairstow deserve his place when he doesn’t bowl?

I’m guessing the windies batsmen minds might have been elsewhere 😯

Went out for a ride a missed 8 wickets!

England’s reply ain’t looking too good so far….

Normal service has resumed.

What an excellent day’s cricket!

3 day test then. Less Blowers 🙁

I think he was drunk by 3pm “the lady In the white trousers” 😀
Great days cricket

He was rather taken by her trousers, wasn’t he?

😆

Never worn a tee shirt in his life he will be missed

not much play today then…?

It feels to me like one of those days where there will be a bit of play in the morning and then enough in the evening to ensure no refunds are due! Should be going, but struggling to get going at the moment.

Urgh.

Remember all the pre-series talk about it being a waste of time as England wouldn’t learn anything by playing this very very poor WI side?

They’re currently in danger of being bowled out for less than 100.

They’re currently in danger of being bowled out for less than 100.

They are, but the conditions haven’t been kind – and that was the outcome of the toss. Fingers crossed for no more play today as it is meant to be a much better batting day tomorrow. If there is more play today I see us being bowled out then WI having the pick of the weather to bang in reasonable total tomorrow.

and we are off and dropped first ball then a boundary

Not saying a word.

Looks like Stokes could beat the Aussies on his own.

Ooh look!

A pigeon.

Remember all the pre-series talk about it being a waste of time as England wouldn’t learn anything by playing this very very poor WI side?

Such views weren’t wrong based on the evidence from the first test!

That sounded close!

bowled twice in an over!

Still Stokes must be Mof the Match unless Jimmy gets a 10 for

That was closer 🙁

slog tastic

Broad is actually batting!

38 off 43 – not at all bad. It is years since he has done this. I recall a few years ago he spent a summer doing this.

Ohhh FFS

Still, at COP yesterday I’d have taken a 71 run lead.

Nicely balanced game here!

Couple of wickets before the close for England might tip the balance.

The difference is the low WI run rate – they actually batted more overs than England did. It seems to be similar conditions and standards of bowling, so WI just failed to keep the scoreboard ticking over in the way England have (OK slogfest at the end, but the England run rate has been better all through the innings).

Couple of wickets before the close for England might tip the balance.

a couple?

they’ll be looking to finish the match tonight won’t they?

*APPLAUSE*

Bravo, Jimmy!

*ripples*

HOPEless LOLZ ROFLCOPTER IGMC

that’s not gone so well for me.

Arrived about 1015 for a coffee and a walk around. Seats in time to see the covers go back on. Then a delayed start at 1115, one cracking cover drive from Malan and then a belting ball to get him out. 4.2 overs and then persistent rain. At the point the forecast was for rain set in, and with puddles sat on the outfield I called it a day and spent the rest of my day off on a spot of shopping (Uniqlo selvedge denim) and a trip to the Imperial war Museum (never been).

Called that wrong then….. but still had a nice day (well, if you count the somewhat harrowing holocaust exhibition at IWM as ‘nice’)