creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[TANGODANCER]

We'll just have to get everybody else out for as few runs as possible, then actually do some batting. Quite sure Oz will be happy with a draw, although.......

[Prufrock]

Well this is one way! Jesus. Brutal.

[Prufrock]

Christ. That's savage. On the neck. Could've been very ugly. Might've already broken his arm.

[Worthy4England]

Great bowling from Archer. Exactly what was needed. Now needs to do a job on Cummins.

[jimbo]

Christ. That's savage. On the neck. Could've been very ugly. Might've already broken his arm.

Same as happened to Phil Hughes. Hit in exactly the same way and same place. Thought everyone now wore those neck protectors on the helmet nowadays that were brought in after that - Smith wasn’t. He’s a lucky lucky man.

[Worthy4England]

Wasn't wearing forearm protector either. Short on sympathy here.

[Prufrock]

Christ. That's savage. On the neck. Could've been very ugly. Might've already broken his arm.

Same as happened to Phil Hughes. Hit in exactly the same way and same place. Thought everyone now wore those neck protectors on the helmet nowadays that were brought in after that - Smith wasn’t. He’s a lucky lucky man.

Yeah thought exactly the same.

More than happy for Jofra to hurt him though I'd prefer he didn't kill him.

[Prufrock]

Got him! Didn't look right. Walked then Cummins persuaded him with a "you might as well". Middle of middle.

[Worthy4England]

Good bowling from the lads. Suspect there'll be some coming our way this innings, which will probably show a few up on the technique front. Going to have to dig in.

[Worthy4England]

I think Mr Roy is not a test opener.

[Prufrock]

Tiiiiiits.

[TANGODANCER]

What on earth has happened to Joe Root? Is today going to be "one of those".( we already got hammered at football and lost at rugby) Smith, despite all is a brilliant cricketer and but for him things might be very different. Will anybody step up to the batting plate?

[Enoch]

Another cracking day of test cricket.

I fancy an English win tomorrow. I am of course an eternal optimist.

[Prufrock]

All three results possible. Cracking stuff. Well done Ben and Jos, dug in properly then.

[Worthy4England]

All three results possible. Cracking stuff. Well done Ben and Jos, dug in properly then.

Yes on the Ben and Jos bit. I'm just not quite sure how they managed to last out... Edges, unbelievable leaves, chinese cuts, plays and misses and somehow they saw it through..

[Prufrock]

Butter-fingers David Warner helped

Definitely rode their luck but you're going to have to under the lights.

[Worthy4England]

Yeah Warner brightened it up. I'm not sure how either side gets a controlled result tomorrow. I mean there's the obvious "either side collapses" method, but not really sure about a declaration/par score. Feels like under 200 advantage Oz. Anything 230/250 game on but Test Captain probably not going to risk that. 300 and we've probably batted too long...

[Prufrock]

Yeah Woakes was interviewed afterwards and said it was one of those where being bowled out could help you win the game.

Only way to be happy declaring and have a decent chance to win is probably if Stokes and Buttler can hang around until just before lunch, the tee off and manage to rack up a 280-300 lead v quickly. Needs almost everything to go for you. Probably need to make sure we don't lose and hope Smith's arm is broken!

[TANGODANCER]

Needs almost everything to go for you. Probably need to make sure we don't lose and hope Smith's arm is broken!

It isn't, according to The Guardian.

[Worthy4England]

Aye but I bet it's throbbing like fcuk right now.