die hard doonhamer

Comfortable, in the end. A win on Sunday v Oman secures qualification for the super 6 stage, then a big game v Sri Lanka on Tuesday looking for an upset.

Second innings is here: https://www.youtube.com/live/otXu07Ddsb8?feature=share

Having been 48-4, Berrington and Watt put on 110 in under last 12.1 overs to get Scotland up to 282/8. Berrington 127 and run out on the last ball, Watt unbeaten on 44. Superb recovery

Definitely dead

That was unbelievable. Looked dead and buried, exceptional from Leask, but great contribution from Watt as well

Rancid captaincy. A lot of the bowling choices there were really poor. Absolutely criminal leaving McMullen with 3 left.

Scotland have Ireland 70-5 in the 19th over in Zimbabwe. It was 1-2 after 3 balls this morning.

That’s true, but there were a lot of questionable decisions made by Stokes that would have just tipped out the other way, imo. Nah, I think it would have been 5-10 yards short of the man out.

Stokes lost England that test

Test match cricket, there really is nothing better

So much brainless cricket so far in this test.

I’m in agreement with the below, Root could have put another 50 runs on himself if Robinson stuck around. If they were 9 down I’d understand it, but Robinson is more than capable with the bat.

I think that declaration is daft. No need for it at all.

That’s really not what’s happening, though. Brook was going along fine and got very unlucky, nothing to do with the field. Stokes then trying too hard again attempting a big shot that wasn’t there. England undoubtedly in trouble here, though. Need a couple of big partnerships.

I don’t think either side will be much happier than the other, tbh. Australia looked a bit spooked early on and went defensive almost immediately. There are plenty runs in this pitch, it’s finely balanced so far though.

I spoke to Saffy a few weeks ago and know he had a wee niggle when they went to Antigua, but he’s been playing his club games since so I think he should be through that. Could just be a case of managing his workload as a 30+ year old pacer, who is ultimately still the leader of our attack. Watt played in the County Championship game that finished yesterday, I’d assume he’s on his way out now, though I guess he may well play the blast games tomorrow and Sunday before heading out. I’d be shocked if we qualify. Not making the Super 6s stage should be viewed as a failure, but I’m also not confident we’ll actually get there. The Italians have also got a couple of Australians as well apparently. Spencer Johnson, Jake Doran and Joe Burns have all had discussions, I believe, though Burns won’t be eligible in time for the qualifiers. Spencer Johnson would be one if the best players at the qualifiers if he plays though.

Not sure Currie would even have been in the frame given he didn’t play over the winter. Evans and Neill being ahead of him in the pecking order is an absolute joke. I have very low expectations for this qualifier.

Noah was the most popular boys name for births registered in Scotland in 2022.

Claims inflation has gone mental. Insurers financial results over the last year haven’t made good reading, with Direct Line a big headline maker by issuing 2 separate profit warnings, and RSA (More Than) withdrawing from the motor market completely.

I think the away top is so bad that I need to have it, tbh.

P!nk at The Stadium of Light on Saturday was absolutely tremendous. Up there with the best gigs I’ve been to.

Surrey get home with 5 wickets in hand. Dom Sibley with a 415 ball unbeaten 140. Mammoth innings.

England team for the first test: I think they’ll regret leaving out Mark Wood. In the County Championship, Surrey are currently 425/3 chasing 501 against Kent. Sibley and Foakes both unbeaten beyond 100, with Jamie Smith having got a ton yesterday. If (or when, as it seems) they get there it will be just 1 short of the highest successful chase in the competition.