Smith makes his 100

Australia 500/3

Voges is on 89.................

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

If for no other reason then Aust need to declare because WI are bowling so friggin slowly.... they need to be replaced

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Oh my gosh, is this why he hasn't declared ... so he could hit a century???

Voges makes his 100

Australia 527/3

The "milestones" are IMPORTANT Molly... within reason.

Declaring about NOW is a fair call.. an aggressive/attacking call I guess... Warnie agrees with me.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Looks like Smith will bat on... what a pussy

At least both he and Voges should BASH and get quick runs... declare when either get out.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Australia declare

Australia 551/3d 135 overs (RR 4.08)

My Math says Aust need to bowl 15 overs before tea? Maybe take 2 off that for innings break

A bit unfair because WI wasted a LOT of time earlier in this session and Australia should not have to make up for their slow over rate.

It would be fair if they made a few overs up at the end of the day (if needed).

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Tea Break

Australia bowled 14 overs... close enough


Australia 551/3d
West Indies 33/0 (14.0 ov)


West Indies trail by 518 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Stumps - Day 2


Australia 551/3d
West Indies 91/6 (43.0 ov)

West Indies trail by 460 runs with 4 wickets remaining in the 1st innings


WI still need a further 261 to avoid the follow-on

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

An unfortunate thing about recent cricket is that some of the traditional aspects of "character" seem to not be as evident.

"Cricket" is more than just a game. It has encompassed a certain set of ethics and character. Fair play, courage, tenacity etc

Even with a side seemingly way behind in the game.. the 5 days of test cricket gives opportunity to "fight back".. perhaps to just "save the game" That seems to be somewhat lacking in sides these days...they tend to collapse.. capitulate.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

I tuned in for last few overs before lunch... WI had survived without losing a wicket.. but they just lost one.. so its lunch

LUNCH


Australia 551/3d
West Indies 173/7 (71.3 ov)

West Indies trail by 378 runs with 3 wickets remaining in the 1st innings

(WI need 179 more runs to avoid the follow on)

_________________
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___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Talk is that Steve smith will NOT enforce the follow on. Bowlers need a rest.

I think that is daft.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Will you refresh my memory on what will happen if Smith doesn't enforce the follow on?

THX

If they dont enforce the follow on......

Australia bat again.... score a few more runs then declare setting WI a target.

With only one wicket to go... WI are behind by 312 already. If the wicket fell now and Australia batted they could raise that target to 400 or more.. whatever.

However.... if they just keep on bowling at WI a second time right now (enforce the follow on)... chances are WI wont be able to get the 312.... and even if they do.. Australia can still bat their second innings and make the FEW runs that might be needed.

WHATEVER Smith decides.... the Australian bowling attack has to bowl WI out TWICE to win... take 20 wickets

MY style is to GET ON WITH IT..... take the 10 1st innings wickets... then keep bowling... take a few wickets today.. take the rest tomorrow morning. Then the bowlers can relax...if they are tired

_________________
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Chris says "thanks" also.

K... I added a bit

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
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As I always caution... cricket matches can and do lose time if it rains.... I guess not predicted, but who knows.

If Australia bat again.. all of 3rd session today... they might score 100.... they would probably then probably bat most of 1st session tomorrow setting WI around 500? to get in a day and 2 sessions.... Australia should do that OK... but cricket is a funny old game... WI could play safe and use up a day plus and if Australia fail to bowl them out.... the game ends in a draw.

_________________
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___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Last WI wicket falls.... Tea


Australia 551/3d
West Indies 271 (100.3 ov)

West Indies trail by 280

Australia have decided to bat again now

_________________
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___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

1st Aust wicket falls.. Burns.

I was gonna say.... the batsmen are likely tired as well as bowlers.. lacking absolute enthusiasm perhaps.. ... plus its kinda hard to match 4 centuries in 1st innings...

I still think Australia should be bowling at WI following on.. after Tea Australian bowlers could have come out just as fired up as WI are now... a wicket or 2 and NONE of them would be asking for a "rest"

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

The Channel 9 prediction programme (subject to change since Cricket is a funny old game) shows Australia eventually winning by 385 runs ( WI making about 181 all out)..... that assumes as I suggested that Australia bat all of session 1 tomorrow(set about 500 target). So.... what is the point??? They do not NEED the extra runs above 280 lead they already have.

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Australia have ONE JOB that they HAVE to do to win this test match....

THEY HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER 10 WI wickets

WHY not put WI in now for 2 hours and get the job at least started??????

Scoring another 385 runs that the DO NOT NEED is not helping

The Australian batsmen are just using up valuable bowling time

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light