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England v Ireland, only Test, day three
Midway through Ireland’s second innings, there was a replay of one of Chris Woakes’ wickets. The batsman edged it behind and Woakes did a jumping fist pump thing to celebrate.
As we waited for them to return to the live footage, it suddenly occurred to us that this was live footage. Chris Woakes is now so consistent, he doesn’t even really vary his modes of dismissal or celebrations any more.
Ireland were bowled out for 38. England had made 303 in their second innings. And England were still ashamed of themselves.
Was there any possible second innings outcome that could have redeemed the 85 all out in the eyes of the punditocracy?
We’re guessing not. You don’t need to have unearthed a long-forgotten 20-metre extension lead to know that some things can never really be undone.
The guy who did best in England’s second innings has been left out of the Ashes squad.
Given that the 303 was built around a, probably random and unlikely to be repeated, performance from Leach, no, that wasn’t enough. Without the bulk of those runs, the target would have been likely around 100 and both teams would have been in an entirely different mindset.
I think there should be more names for cricket scores, (e.g. 111 as a Nelson). Perhaps 303 could be a ‘Lee Enfield.’
Everybody needs a 303.
Right here, right now?
Or through the hard times and the good?
We weren’t confident that reference would find an audience. Delighted it did.
I think a ‘ball of last year’s Christmas lights’ would have been a better example than a ’20-metre extension lead’ of a thing that can never really be undone. I speak from (annual) experience.
You are, of course, correct. But we’ve got one of those revolving extension leads and once a loop falls off the side during winding you’re really in a difficult land.