creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[Bruce Rioja]

... I see Anderson, now on 317 test wickets, and currently the 3rd highest English test wicket taker, is now only 8 behind 2nd placed Bob Willis (325) though some way yet to catch Botham's 383.

Given that Botham batted too and was, an 'all rounder' you do begin to realise what an act he was.

Talking of which - look, I know that no-one ever played Anderson for his ability to bat, but he really is taking shite to a whole new level. See the way that he dollied his 2nd ball into mid-wicket the other day, thus surrendering his wicket without any resistance whatsoever? I sometimes wonder if he thinks 'bollocks to this batting business, I'll be bowling in 10 minutes and don't want to knacker myself out'.

[Dujon]

Thanks, Mr Insanity, for educating me; I'd missed that point.

Anderson as a batsman? There has been many good bowler over the years that one can only describe as 'bunnies' in the batting department. Glenn McGrath, who stands high in the bowling stakes, was, well, rather poor. I remember at one time he did some intensive training under a batting coach and, although he did improve a bit, it was all pointless in the end.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

I'd be interested to see Anderson stats for batting for innings where he has to bowl immediately after and not. Given how much the mental side of sport is important I do wonder that he is mentally preparing for his bowling given he is usually 1st up. A fair few of the good bowlers and batters didn't open the bowling and usually batted higher up the order, giving them more time to mentally prepare between to very different jobs. Of course, he could just be a wuss with a bat

[mrkint]

Anderson used to have a bit of a decent batting streak, didn't he? Not in the scoring sense, but in the 'sticking about and annoying the bowlers' sense.

[BWFC_Insane]

... I see Anderson, now on 317 test wickets, and currently the 3rd highest English test wicket taker, is now only 8 behind 2nd placed Bob Willis (325) though some way yet to catch Botham's 383.

Given that Botham batted too and was, an 'all rounder' you do begin to realise what an act he was.

Talking of which - look, I know that no-one ever played Anderson for his ability to bat, but he really is taking shite to a whole new level. See the way that he dollied his 2nd ball into mid-wicket the other day, thus surrendering his wicket without any resistance whatsoever? I sometimes wonder if he thinks 'bollocks to this batting business, I'll be bowling in 10 minutes and don't want to knacker myself out'.

Nah. He's just practised too much with our top order.....

[Dujon]

[TANGODANCER]

The Lloyds test begins. Home boys with the bat.

[mrkint]

bollocks.

[mrkint]

D:

[TANGODANCER]

Terrific start then.

[TANGODANCER]

Three gone in half an hour. Wonderful.

[BWFC_Insane]

Flat pitch, perfect batting conditions, 28-3.

Fecks sake.

[bobo the clown]

Flat pitch, perfect batting conditions, 28-3.

Fecks sake.

Aaaaah ..... just like the old days.

The score 34-4 was almost a given back then.

[TANGODANCER]

Just hoping Bell can save the day again. Pietersen a disappointment and our front lads don't seem to get it together at the same time. Have to dig in and grind it.

[BWFC_Insane]

Just hoping Bell can save the day again. Pietersen a disappointment and our front lads don't seem to get it together at the same time. Have to dig in and grind it.

Australia have bowled very well in addition to our own failings.

[mrkint]

did boycott just say 'bollocking' on the radio?

[TANGODANCER]

Just hoping Bell can save the day again. Pietersen a disappointment and our front lads don't seem to get it together at the same time. Have to dig in and grind it.

Australia have bowled very well in addition to our own failings.

Oh, no doubt on that. It's what makes the Ashes so gripping. One side being miles better than the other is no use at all. Maybe our no 11 will score a century..

[bobo the clown]

did boycott just say 'bollocking' on the radio?

He did.

Maybe he'll get a telling off.

[Bruce Rioja]

did boycott just say 'bollocking' on the radio?

He did.

Maybe he'll get a telling off.

I can just imagine Boycott saying "bollocking". It's like the word was dreamed up just for him. I can't imagine anyone else saying it quite so well.

[BWFC_Insane]

did boycott just say 'bollocking' on the radio?

He did.

Maybe he'll get a telling off.

I can just imagine Boycott saying "bollocking". It's like the word was dreamed up just for him. I can't imagine anyone else saying it quite so well.

Possibly, though the term 'uncovered pitches' was definitely made for him.