And Its Smith

Praying this is true

Less than 13k there apparently

Reading and Derby beat these recently. We rarely even give top 8 sides anything to think about let alone beat them

Harrison gives the reason as: Following a thorough recruitment process, Rob stood out in a very competitive field," said ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison. "His passion and knowledge of the game at domestic and international level is outstanding. He is a proven leader and combines an approachable nature with fresh original thinking and resilience which will stand him in good stead. "He will bring a lot to the role and I am sure players and staff alike will enjoy working with Rob." It seems an odd one to me as well. Very interested to see what plans he puts in place to chance the short term and the long term. Agree with you on Broad as captain. Seems by far the most sensible short term solution

It was to get promoted but I cashed out. £5 bet to win £980 and cashed out for about £240. Rotherham isn’t a definite now either so was a good decision I think

0-0 I reckon

Poor keeping again. 3-0

Yep. Bit pie in the sky though I think like Jesse Lingard!

Another signing from Bristol Inner City Academy I believe

Stokes is the only other player who is an automatic pick so I think it’s only natural that he is the favourite From all accounts I’ve read and heard, Bairstow isn’t captain material

Picking a player who can’t get in the team seems mental to me. It’s got to be someone who is an auto pick

Stokes has always said he doesn’t want it but now I guess we will find out if he was just saying that at the time. If not him then Broad. There’s nobody else. Seen some people talking about Abell, who is in incredibly bad form for Somerset so an appointment like that would be truly baffling

The best looking wicket isn’t even being used. Green top was not the way to go, I agree

Good toss to win on this pitch. Seaming all over the place

If cricket was played on paper that team would be right near the top of the league come the end of the summer!

I think you will barely notice it

It’s fine to say batsman about a male batter I reckon. Just scoreboards are changing to say batter to be more inclusive when women play I don’t really understand the second question. As far as I know, nobody has an issue with those names. I see that @slartibartfast and @Super aren’t fans of this. I really don’t know why anyone cares about females feeling more included in the game. The female involvement rate is sky high nowadays which I personally think is amazing. That’s at all ages. The club I coach at now also has a female team which started last year and they have now entered a league as there are enough teams to make one. The juniors have girls in the squad and all of the leagues in Bristol have both mixed teams and all female teams competing in them against all boys teams. All in the same league. A bowler used to be called a bowlsman and I’m not sure there was any furore when that changed! Cricket is the best sport in the world and should be enjoyed by all

Oops. Compared! A lot of commentators just call it ‘third’ now.

Well done to Glos CCC for changing BATSMEN on their scoreboard to BATTER. I know from personal experience the amount of females now in the game impaired to previous generations and it is great to see. Any inclusive amendment like this is incredibly welcome

I hope and assume you aren’t involved in any youth coaching whatsoever

Come on Madrid. Modric still world class at 47

Did you hit your head on a redrock?

That’s the beauty of kids, they improve a lot. Lloyd Kelly, Semenyo, Reid and Bryan are just some of the players in the past who some said wouldn’t make it at this level

Think of me as a public service

So many fans misunderstand their roles