Oh Kai...

My point is why pick a batsman (He can't be classed as an allrounder) who averages 10 runs per innings fewer than Malik and who has 10 first-class wickets in 44 games. If Webster can bowl off-spin and Yates bowled well last season, they could be a better bet. I just hope that Malik doesn't feel as though he's been let-down by his exclusion.

Think we've bowled well in fairly helpful conditions. Pope wicket was a massive moment, especially as it was so soon after Smith's drop. He probably looked like the best batter. Incredible Sibley is still there, Woakes was all over him first hour. Bamber terrific. Over rate good considering all seam. Absolutely freezing!

Cold everywhere I think and that's why I didn't go, the weather looked poor on the forecast and I have hurt my back, too many weights on Wednesday and then a 4 mile run yesterday when still in a bit of pain. Will go tomorrow though, my gloves, Beanie (A 'Murphy's' one free with a pack of 4 cans) thick coat and flask are at the ready. A great start and seamers who have been relentless all morning.

'The Wizard', he's here, he's ours and no one can take him away from us.

Enjoying it and the disciplined bowling. They’ve all contributed in different ways. Still some work to do especially with Foakes there! Slightly apprehensive about our batting!

Not long started watching.

Not seen too much of Thompson & Gilchrist but they have bowled some half trackers in the last 10/15 minutes.

Hopefully we can get this pair out because we have been good at allowing teams right back into matches over the last 4/5 years.

We've let them back into this, 161/6. Hopefully Woakes and Bamber are back to bowl after tea.

I think the pitch has dried out but there will be the same problems tomorrow morning.

Kai Smith 2nd drop of the day, why not go with two hands there?!

BosworthBear wrote:

I think the pitch has dried out but there will be the same problems tomorrow morning.

Yep, Edgbaston is a good place to bat after lunch. And agreed that it will be tough again tomorrow morning, fair amount of live grass.

Just too early in the year for cricket!

It's all going wrong and from 65-6, Surrey will feel so good about this. We have served up a few pies and could still be in the field first thing tomorrow. Quite glad I didn't go.

Foakes is such a good player! Criminally underused by England!

Well at least we wrapped it up quickly at the end there. I’m a bit worried about the first hour tomorrow though.

Ha. Yes I was thinking to myself that the benefit of not bowling them out was we weren't going to have to bat first thing tomorrow against a new ball... Better to have finished them off though.

I watched a bit of the first 90 mins yesterday ans agree at that stage the bowlers seemed to complement each other. Did it get a bit samey through the day though? I'm not too bothered about the composition of the attack as it's all quite similar in ability (Strength or weakness?) but did note that none of the point of difference bowlers were playing.

Exiled Bear wrote:

Well at least we wrapped it up quickly at the end there. I’m a bit worried about the first hour tomorrow though.

Surrey do bat deeper than most but this is the same issue we had last season, get through the top/upper middle order quite cheaply and then fail to wrap up the rest of the wickets.

If there is one thing to take from today, it is that Foakes got those runs by playing himself in unlike the numpties who went to Australia. If anything, this should hopefully get him into the Test side as playing in the way he does was probably why McCullum didn't want him in the side. If anyone wants to really get a good take on what McCullum is really like, read Andy Moles' book, his time as New Zealand coach was interesting and paints a really poor picture of what an arrogant bighead 'Baz' was/is.

Exiled Bear wrote:

Well at least we wrapped it up quickly at the end there. I’m a bit worried about the first hour tomorrow though.

I fear bowling them out at the end there may be the worst thing possible!

BosworthBear wrote:

Exiled Bear wrote:

Well at least we wrapped it up quickly at the end there. I’m a bit worried about the first hour tomorrow though.

I fear bowling them out at the end there may be the worst thing possible!

I think it could go either way. If they were still batting overnight and come in and put another 50 runs on the board in the first hour it really puts us on the back foot.