Here is the report from Amsterdam.
That wraps up the series for England. They plundered the Dutch on Thursday, and things continued in the same vein with the opening partnership today, as Jason Roy and then Phil Salt laid into the bowling. But in the end, today was a much more even contest. The openers were dismissed, then a couple of wickets fell quickly with Morgan and Livingstone. Malan was then given out, but had the lbw overturned - and had that gone differently, the match might have done the same.
Good bowling from Dutt and Pringle especially today, so the home team will be heartened by that. And disheartened by Seelar’s retirement that we mentioned earlier.
One more match to come, this Wednesday. We’ll see you then.
England win by six wickets, with 29 balls to spare
36.1 overs: England 239-4 (Malan 36, Moeen 42) It only takes Moeen one ball from Snater, pulling a short one to long leg for four.
36th over: England 235-4 (Malan 36, Moeen 38) The field comes up for van Beek, and Malan struggles to finish the game off. Hits cover, misses a bouncer, swishes and misses at a length ball that moves away. Inside edges into his pad and back to the bowler. Throws back his head in frustration. Then defends with a straight bat! Respect to van Beek there. One ball to come... slower ball! Yorker length, wide of off stump, and Malan can’t make contact. A scoreless over with scores level. Well bowled.
35th over: England 235-4 (Malan 36, Moeen 38) Now it’s Pringle to bowl his eighth and final over. He’s giving the ball more flight late in the day, and eventually Moeen can’t resist, lifting it straight over the sightscreen. It takes the ground crew a while to find the ball among some bushes, and as soon as they return it, Moeen sends it back in the same direction with a flat-batted four. Scores level.
34th over: England 224-4 (Malan 35, Moeen 28) They’ve just announced on the broadcast that Netherlands captain Pieter Seelar has retired from international cricket. He played the first match of this series, but withdrew from the XI today with back soreness. That injury has been a long-lasting one, and he’s now decided that it won’t let him play any longer to the required standard. He’s been turning out for the Dutch team for 18 years. A major moment for Dutch cricket.
Dutt does now bowl his ninth over but if there was a glimmer before, it has faded out. Six runs from it, 12 required to win.
33rd over: England 218-4 (Malan 31, Moeen 26) Back to seam with Logan van Beek. Netherlands have missed a trick here, Dutt and Pringle have looked the most dangerous but they’ve both been sent out to graze with overs to spare. The English knock around singles without trouble.
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32nd over: England 213-4 (Malan 29, Moeen 24) It has been a scratchy day for Moeen Ali thus far, so he decides to take on Cooper: twice he comes down the pitch and plays a one-legged flamingo flick over the leg side for four. Either side of those two shots, he gets a lucky inside edge to balls that would have bowled him or trapped him lbw. He finishes the over with a loft over extra cover for a third boundary.
31st over: England 200-4 (Malan 29, Moeen 12) More part-time spin, it’s Teja Nidamanuru this time. For one ball, it is almost a blessed move. He drags the ball down, Malan pulls, and it lands just short of Pringle at deep square leg. By the fourth ball it looks less inspired, as Malan undaunted tries again, and this time sends his shot into the crowd.
36 runs to win. 11 overs left.
30th over: England 192-4 (Malan 22, Moeen 11) Cooper continues, around the wicket to Moeen, hitting a hard length that Moeen is finding difficult to get away. Just keeps driving into the ground and then to the ring field. Five dot balls, then Cooper lets the sixth ball slip through his fingers to give away one run.
29th over: England 191-4 (Malan 22, Moeen 10) With the overs reduced, most bowlers can bowl eight overs and one can bowl nine. You would imagine that Dutt will get the bigger complement. He finishes his eighth having conceded two runs, and he is getting braver and braver, giving the ball air, extracting sharp turn to draw a desperate defensive stab from Malan, then getting one to kick up at the gloves of Moeen. Good bowling.
28th over: England 189-4 (Malan 21, Moeen 9) Netherlands want to keep spin going, given that is what has changed the tenor of the match. So they go back to Cooper, but Moeen is able to pick off a couple of twos to start the over, which ends up costing eight.
England need 47 runs in 13 overs.
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27th over: England 181-4 (Malan 19, Moeen 3) A wicket is overturned! That would have made things very interesting. Aryan Dutt again, who already has two today. This off-break from around the wicket straightens sharply down the line of the stumps, beats Malan’s attempted shovel to midwicket, and smacks into the back leg in front of the stumps. It was a fair impulse from the umpire to give it out, because Malan was so far back on his stumps, but it hit above the top flap of the pad. Malan tentatively reviews, and ball-tracking shows it going over the bails.
26th over: England 178-4 (Malan 18, Moeen 1) A lift for Netherlands, who are not letting England have it all their own way. Another left-hander to the crease in Moeen Ali. Only one run and the wicket from the over.
WICKET! Livingstone b Pringle 4, England 177-4
It’s Pringle madness instead! First international wicket for the young bowler, who goes a bit round-arm again around the wicket, puts some fizz on the ball despite its flat trajectory, and straightens it down the line of off stump. Livingstone flutters his bat all around the line of the ball and loses his bails.
25th over: England 177-3 (Malan 18, Livingstone 4) No Livingstone madness as yet, he just collects a couple of singles and has a look.
24th over: England 172-3 (Malan 17, Livingstone 2) One over, one wicket, four singles. What’s so hard about bowling to England? asks Tom Cooper. Liam Livingstone has come out to bat though, so Cooper might want to get himself out of the action now.
WICKET! Morgan c Snater b Cooper 0, England 169-3
Another duck for the captain! Seven balls he lasts this time. Tries to beat the field a couple of times but can’t. Tom Cooper comes on to bowl this over, off-spin. Lands one very wide of off stump, and Morgan has a cross-batted swipe at it. Can’t tell if he was trying to hit that over mid-off or over midwicket. I don’t think he knew either. What happens is that it swirls off the toe of the bat towards point and gets comfortably caught.
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23rd over: England 168-2 (Malan 15, Morgan 0) A noteworthy moment now, because Eoin Morgan has come in to bat. England’s captain made a first-baller the other day while his teammates engaged in run-gluttony. He wants a hit for himself rather than sending in Jos Buttler to finish things quickly. And he is certainly in preservation mode, blocking out five balls to give Dutt a wicket-maiden.
WICKET! Salt b Dutt 77 (54 balls), England 168-2
There’s some joy for Netherlands. Salt advances to hit over the leg side, but Dutt fires through his delivery as fast as he can, beating the bat to hit the stumps. Salt made a century two days ago but can’t go back-to-back.
22nd over: England 168-1 (Salt 77, Malan 15) No miscuing that sweep shot! Salt absolutely rasps the first ball of Pringle’s over, flat and hard, skimming across the turf for four. Clips another two in the same direction, so the Dutch push deep midwicket out and bring long-on up. Salt drives wide of that position and turns for two but Malan says no. He does give back the strike from the next ball.
68 needed from 19 overs.
21st over: England 159-1 (Salt 70, Malan 14) Both batters have a crack at Dutt after drinks but neither can find the gaps. Malan plays a powerful pull shot to deep midwicket but Max O’Dowd slides to save. Salt tries another sweep, moving across his stumps, and gets an under-edge for a lucky couple.
20th over: England 153-1 (Salt 67, Malan 11) Pringle is starting to get a bit of turn to the left-hander. Gets a straight ball past Malan’s edge, then turns one past the inside edge that hits him too high, but does draw a false shot. Malan for his part waits for a ball that is too full, then drives four through cover.
83 runs needed from 21 overs. Drinks.
19th over: England 148-1 (Salt 67, Malan 6) Dutt helping to calm the scoring rate a bit as Malan gets his eye in. The left-hander slices one away behind point and races through for a rare ODI feat of three runs.
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18th over: England 143-1 (Salt 66, Malan 2) Pringle returns with his tall-feller spin. Does the job alright, four singles from that over. Around the wicket to Salt, bowls him an undercut delivery that looks short but keeps low, and the opener nearly chops it onto his stumps. Salt and Pringle, what a combination.
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WICKET! Roy c Snater b Dutt 73 (60 balls), England 139-1
17th over: England 139-1 (Salt 64) He started quietly, but Salt is making some noise now! Three boundaries in a row to start Aryan Dutt’s over, one slammed down the ground and two swept behind square. Punches a single, giving Jason Roy the chance to smack four over mid-off. But the last ball of the over brings the breakthrough, as Roy aims over midwicket and instead gets a swirling edge to backward point.
97 runs to win from 24 overs.
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Half century! Salt 50 from 37 balls.
16th over: England 122-0 (Roy 69, Salt 51) Quite the shot from Phil Salt: a walking front-foot pull from that goes through wide long-on for four. Against de Leede’s pace. The Dutch bring deep third inside the circle, only for de Leede to bowl outside the off stump and let Salt glide four. A couple of braces, a single, a wide, and 14 from the over. Salt now has three scores of 50+ in five career ODIs.
15th over: England 108-0 (Roy 69, Salt 38) The century stand comes up, as Roy laces a cut shot behind point from a ball that wasn’t short enough to deserve it. Aryan Dutt bowling now, the finger spinner. Roy follows up by genuflecting and launching a slog-sweep over midwicket! Over van Beek on the rope there. England hit 26 sixes in their innings the other day. That one is their first today.
14th over: England 95-0 (Roy 57, Salt 37) Twice in the over, Bas de Leede does Roy for pace. He’s not bowling up the speed gun, it’s registering mid-130s, but perhaps that’s sufficiently faster than everything else today. Roy gloves one such ball for a streaky four, and has the other cannon into his pad outside the line of leg stump.
13th over: England 89-0 (Roy 52, Salt 36) Five runs from the Snater over, mostly pushed into the leg side.
“Wouldn’t calling a player Tim Single affect his marital prospects?” asks John Starbuck. Au contraire, it lets people know he’s available.
Half century! Roy 50 from 43 balls
12th over: England 84-0 (Roy 50, Salt 33) A chance with the ball for de Leede now, a tall fast bowler who can look good. Got belted in the first match but who didn’t? Roy uppercuts a single to raise his fifty. A direct hit of the stumps gives up a run from an overthrow, then Salt gets low and cuts hard behind point for four.
11th over: England 76-0 (Roy 49, Salt 27) So the Dutch hit 11 fours and 8 sixes in their innings. No sixes from England yet today but a dozen fours already, ten of them to Roy. Gorgeous economy and efficiency for the tenth, as he just steers Snater through deep third. Snater tries a slower ball that Salt slices up in the air, but it lands right between van Beek running in from deep point and Bas de Leede running back.
10th over: England 66-0 (Roy 44, Salt 22) Salt comes up with a method against Pringle’s darting pace, getting down on one knee and sweeping hard behind square for four. Pringle responds by flighting the ball for the first time today, drawing an attacking shot from Salt that looks a chance to be caught at long-off, but in the end requires a great piece of fielding from Tom Cooper to knock it back into play after the bounce, saving four. No such luck when Roy cuts behind point, then he drives two straight of Cooper.
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9th over: England 54-0 (Roy 37, Salt 17) Snater on for his first over, usually the best bowler for Netherlands. And he draws a thick edge promptly, with extra bounce against an angled bat, but Roy gets lucky by hitting the gap between two fielders behind point. Four.
8th over: England 47-0 (Roy 33, Salt 14) Pringle coughs up a boundary, dropping short enough for Salt to club it through cover. But Roy, once he comes on strike, plays circumspectly as Pringle keeps darting the ball at his thigh pad. Four dot balls, after Roy’s flying start.
7th over: England 42-0 (Roy 33, Salt 9) Suddenly van Beek looks the goods, carving one off the seam that goes right through Roy, over the stumps. Salt has quietly knocked runs around so far after his century a couple of days ago.
6th over: England 39-0 (Roy 32, Salt 7) Tim Pringle comes on for a bowl early, on debut. Both commentators keep calling him Chris Pringle, his father, who played for New Zealand in the 1990s. Pringle the Younger is a tall all-rounder who notionally bowls left-arm spin, though they’re more like darts in this over against England’s power openers with the fielding restrictions in place. Concedes five runs, one at a time. Should call him Tim Single.
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5th over: England 34-0 (Roy 30, Salt 4) Bowling to Salt is proving easier right now than to Roy, as van Beek is able to send down an over conceding a single. He only has to bowl one ball at Roy, and makes it a good bouncer over Roy’s right shoulder.
4th over: England 33-0 (Roy 30, Salt 3) An error in line from Kingma, down leg, and Roy flicks four very fine, no chance for the long leg fielder. Then walks at Kingma and flicks it squarer of that man for another boundary.
“From 1969 i think, reporting on a first class JPL match,” writes Jeremy Boyce.
“At Yeovil on 27 July Langford bowled his full complement of eight overs without conceding so much as a single. It is a feat that has not been repeated in the 44 years of List A cricket that has followed and, realistically, is a bowling record every bit as impregnable as Jim Laker’s 19-90.”
3rd over: England 25-0 (Roy 22, Salt 3) The response from van Beek after the first over is to bring his length back, trying to bowl at the body without getting short enough to hook. It works to a point, as he gives up only a brace and a couple of singles, pushed away rather than whacked.
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2nd over: England 21-0 (Roy 21, Salt 0) Vivian Kingma is the other opening bowler, not Snater who opened the bowling in the previous match. Kingma a medium fast operator bowling in his specs, which is a great look. Roy greets him with the most gorgeous straight drive, hands away from his body but his body entirely still at the point of impact, the merest push for four. Followed by a much heftier pull shot that hits the fence at deep square. In the first two overs Salt doesn’t face a ball.
1st over: England 13-0 (Roy 13, Salt 0) The chase is away, and so is Jason Roy. Throws his hands at a wide delivery from Logan van Beek, slicing a drive through point that trickles into the rope without timing. Can’t say that about his second boundary though, as he dances down, shifts leg side a touch, and drives on the up through cover point. Outstanding shot, followed by another charging drive that hits that gap at cover. Finally van Been brings his line tighter, and Roy glances a single to end the over.
Hello all, thanks Daniel. An early wicket might not help much - the Dutch got one of those last time around, plus the captain for a golden duck, and still shipped 500 runs. An early four wickets might be different. But then, every day is different, and each match is a new one. The required rate is close to six per over. One never knows.
What a wild thing that is to say about England – I’ll never get my heed around it. Anyhow, thanks all for your company and comments – Geoff Lemon will be here shortly to coax you through England’s inevitable collapse. Peace out!
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Netherlands will know they’re not even close to a competitive total, but you never know – an early wicket or four, and they’re in the match.
England need 236 to beat Netherlands!
41st over: Netherlands 235-7 (Van Beek 30, Snater 17) Oh I forgot about Willey, and it’s he who’ll bowl the last over; Van Beek slices its first delivery, but running back from cover, Morgan can’t quite catch up with it, the ball missing his outstretched hand as the batters run two. A single to midwicket follows – Van Beek just hasn’t been able to locate the middle of his bat – then Snaker cuts two to deep backward. He too can only follow a brace with a one, muscled to long on, but good on Logan Van Beek, he the final rock of the over is right in the slot and he’s not discouraged from going at it, carting six over long on!
40th over: Netherlands 223-7 (Van Beek 22, Snater 14) Two overs to go and Carse returns to bowl one of them – it’ll be Moeen or Livingstone to finish off. After two dots, Van Beek hauls around the corner for one, then Snater does likewise to midwicket – this isn’t what Netherlands need, and though Carse hands them a wide down leg, they can only manage three more from the two balls that remain.
39th over: Netherlands 217-7 (Van Beek 18, Snater 13) Van Beek in the house! It took a while, but here’s Van Beek dancing down at one given a bit more flight, flaying through the line and out of the ground for six! Various groundstaff are in the bushes seeking the ball so the DJ sticks on another banger, then we go 1, 2, 1, 2, the last of those testing Willey’s arm a second time. This time, the bounce takes the ball over the stumps, then Van Beek adds another single to long off. Rashid finishes with 9-0-50-2.
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38th over: Netherlands 204-7 (Van Beek 8, Snater 10) YMCA time over the PA – after a slow start, this is turning into something of a party. Topley, into his eighth and probably final over – I’d expect Rashid to be the man who gets nine – is turned away for two by Snater, who then works a single to long on. That gives Van Beek another go and he finally musters a shot, clipping two to midwicket. A shovelled pull adds one more and brings Snater back on strike – he misses ioth a colossal mow but comes down next ball and absolutely knucks six over midwicket!
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37th over: Netherlands 192-7 (Van Beek 5, Snater 1) Snater sweeps his first ball around the corner for one, but all that does is bring Van Beek onto strike, who still can’t find the little red thing. He’s now five off 21 and he can’t even get himself out to give someone else a shy.
WICKET! Pringle b Rashid 0 (Netherlands 191-7)
The pressure’s been increasing these last few overs and when Pringle looks to work Rashid away into the on side, turn and a wrongun he wasn’t expecting means he’s clean bowled, his d’boo innings lasting two balls and accruing zero runs.
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36th over: Netherlands 190-6 (Van Beek 4, Pringle 0) That wicket might just signal the end of this match as a potential contest. Van Beek has struggled to get anything going in the 17 balls he’s now faced, playing away four dots before taking one to midwicket, and Pringle can only defend the final delivery of Topley’s seventh over.
WICKET! Edwards run out (Willey) 78 (Netherlands 189-6)
Rashid bowls a flat one that Edwards schleps to midwicket, and when the batters come back for a second, a terrific through breaks the stumps! It doesn’t look out, but the replay shows that it is, ending a very fine innings that Buttler applauds while Roy taps its maker on the back.
35th over: Netherlands 189-5 (Edwards 78, Van Beek 3) The DJ is getting this going; the over before last, he dropped Freed From Desire, prompting someone in comms, I forget who, to celebrate 1999 saying it was the year he finished school. Sadly for him, those of us who finished school in 1997 and purchased an entire holiday to Lloret de Mar, flights, accommodation and insurance, for £250, know that he’s two years out. Anyway, Rashid’s latest over yields four singles from five balls, then the batters take another from the last, Willey shies, hits ... and we’re going upstairs!
34th over: Netherlands 184-5 (Edwards 75, Van Beek 1) Edwards has batted beautifully today, and aware that Morgan has packed the on side, he gets square-on, swaps hands, and reverse-ramps Willey for six over third man! I know, he really did! That is a wondrous shot not unlike Joe Root’s the other day, and he adds to it next ball with a twizzle to backward square for two; two singles and a leg bye follow. Eleven from the over, and Netherlands need to find more like that.
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33rd over: Netherlands 171-5 (Edwards 65, Van Beek 1) Rashod returns and Edwards sweeps him for one, then Van Beek misses with a sweep before forcing a wrongun away into the one side for one more; Edwards adds another single to backward square, and that brings us to the powerplay...
“Following on from Jeremy Boyce,” emails Andrew Small, “for me the equivalent was one-day games at the Oval in the 80s. Trying to follow the ball from side-on when Sylvester Clarke was bowling completely impossible. Even clearer just how quick he was when watching Graeme Dillley later in the day where you could track the ball quite easily. One remarkable bowler one very good one, both gone far too soon.”
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32nd over: Netherlands 171-5 (Edwards 63, Van Beek 0) That last partnership was 73, and has given Netherlands some kind of chance. But they’ll want another hundred off the final 10 – good luck with that, old mates - and Willey’s getting just enough movement to work over Van Beek, who’s beaten three balls in a row. Back to McCartney, the older I get the more apparent it becomes that he was and is the best Beatle by far. His ability to simplify music when he talks about it, and his recall for music-related things that happened 50 years ago is astounding – check out the Rick Rubin doc if you haven’t already.
WICKET! Nidamanru b Willey 28 (Netherlands 170-5)
Nidamanru, who’s batted well, has a swing, is deceived by a smidge of in-duck, then hears the death-rattle behind him.
32nd over: Netherlands 170-4 (Edwards 63, Nidamanru 28) As Hey Jude plays over the PA – on Paul McCartney’s 80th, noch – the crowd wade right on. It’s lovely.
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31st over: Netherlands 169-4 (Edwards 62, Nidamanru 28) Here we go, Edwards comes forward to Carse and swipes him dismissively over midwicket for four – that’s another fine shot. Two singles follow, then a wide – gosh, that was a long way away from leg stump, not just a wide but a very wide – while in comms they wonder why Buttler, who might be nursing a finger injury, is keeping when Salt can do the job. So Carse does what he does, amping up the pace; Edwards misses his drive outside off, then his run-down to third. He manages the latter, though, off the over’s final ball to retain strike.
30th over: Netherlands 161-4 (Edwards 56, Nidamanru 27) Willey returns so Nidamanru has a look, then clatters hard and rolls wrists over the ball, earning four to deep backward. He might fancy a dart at Willey, who bowls most of his overs at the start for a reason, so goes again only to edge; they run, Buttler fields ... and misses with his shy. He hits and it’s gone, but instead has to wear a single before Nidamanru misses a full-bunger and he misses an awkward bounce which costs him four byes. The platform has been contsructed; can Netherlands build something decent upon it?
29th over: Netherlands 151-4 (Edwards 55, Nidamanru 22) Carse returns and Nidamanru turns to square leg for one, then Edwards hangs back and swings big, absolutely cleansing a full one back over the bowler’s head and into the stand for six and raising his fifty in the process! Not bad – he’s played nicely – and two more singles mean that’s 10 off the over.
28th over: Netherlands 142-4 (Edwards 48, Nidamanru 20) This is impressive from Topley, who’s doing a decent job of cramping the batters. Three singles from the other, and Netherlands are running out of time to set something competitive.
“Hmmm Daniel,” chides Richard Hirst. “Bicknell was a very clever bowler who could manipulate the ball: inswing, inswing, outswing ... wicket.”
I agree – didn’t say he was rubbish, but he’d not be getting picked in this era and in his, things improved a lot when Gough and Caddick turned up.
27th over: Netherlands 139-4 (Edwards 47, Nidamanru 18) Four singles make this another decent over for Livingstone ... until he gives its final delivery some air, so Edwards waits before collaring a ball that a big stride turns into a half-volley, sending it over square leg for another six!
“Speedsters,” begins Jeremy Boyce. “I once had the pleasure of watching Thommo, at Headingley when Geoffrey scored his 100th hundred. We were on the Western Terrace looking from the side, best place to see his magnificent slingshot action. But you never saw the ball until it either hit the wicket/batsman, was hit, or was in the keeper’s gloves. I’ve seen plenty since, but he was the speediest by a mile. And, like Hadlee, off about 14 paces.
26th over: Netherlands 129-4 (Edwards 39, Nidamanru 16) Topley returns, replacing Moeen – who went for 30 off four. That makes a lot of sense for England, bringing on their opener as Netherlands look to crack on, and shonuff a tight return yields just three – all of them to Edwards.
25th over: Netherlands 126-4 (Edwards 36, Nidamanru 16) Nidamanru looks good out there and comes down to take one to long on. Toe more singles, spit by a leg bye, come next, then a beauty from Livingstone grips, turns, and beats Nidamanru’s outside edge, followed by his off stump. That was a lovely globule, but in the meantime this partnership is worth 29 off 26.
24th over: Netherlands 122-4 (Edwards 34, Nidamanru 15) Let’s hope so! Nidamanru zetzes four to the midwicket fence then, after a single to Edwards, absolutely caresses Moeen for six down the ground! A single follows, and the sprint for the line is on!
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23rd over: Netherlands 110-4 (Edwards 29, Nidamanru 8) Nidamanru backs away, then wallops Livingstone over mid off and to the fence; a pair of singles and a two follow. I keep saying this, but can Netherlands build on that and increase the rate?
“I lived with Bas (and missus) for a summer when he came to Perth to play for the mighty Balcatta Cricket Club,” says Jake Santa Maria. “Good to see him get a run here – it’s a shame back injuries have hampered his bowling, but as much as the first game was a mismatch Netherlands just need to be playing more, they have some quality there if it’s nurtured.”
I agree. The more they play better opposition, the better they’ll get, and the better they get, the even better this thing of ours will get.
22nd over: Netherlands 102-4 (Edwards 28, Nidamanru 1) Nidamanru gets away with a single to point, then when Moeen goes slower and wider, Edwards aulls him around the corner for a lofted four to deep backward square.
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21st over: Netherlands 97-4 (Edwards 34, Nidamanru 0) If they weren’t in trouble before, which they were, Netherlands would be in trouble now, which they also are.
WICKET!! De Leede c Willey b Livingstone 34 (Netherlands 97-4)
That is, I guess, why Netherlands haven’t taken many risks. De Leede comes down, chucks everything ... and sends a skier directly to Willey at mid on. Well done Eoin Morgan for keeping him in a catching position, and that’s the end of a 61-run partnership.
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21st over: Netherlands 97-3 (De Leede 34, Edwards 24) Livingstone continues and surely, if Netherlands are to have a serious dart at this, he’s the man they’ve got to go for. But instead the batters milk him for singles – four of them off the over’s first four balls.
“I was wondering what kind of heat Carse is generating?” asks Tom van der Gucht. “I think I’d read he was quite pacey. There’s always something thrilling about a genuine speedster and I’m similarly keen to see Jamie Overton get the nod at Headingley this week.”
Yup, he’s got gas, and is a solid unit too.
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20th over: Netherlands 93-3 (De Leede 32, Edwards 22) Nice from De Leede, who shimmies down, then then flicks Moeen over midwicket, flamingo-style. A sweep for two follows, then three singles, and that’s a bit better; nine off the over, can Netherlands build on it? Well, like all big journeys, it’s going to start with a drink.
19th over: Netherlands 84-3 (De Leede 24, Edwards 21) James Debens’ Livingsstone comes into the attack and De Leede runs him down for one, then Edwards stretches into a reverse for two.
“In honour of the newly-single-and-devilishly-handsome Matt Dony,” says Mac Millings I’ve put together an all-time Shakespearean XI. Eagle-eyed readers will spot that I haven’t picked a keeper. It was too tough a call. YJB, or AB deV, that is the question.
1 If it were done when ‘tis done, then there well it were Dom Sibley
2 Thou art too full of the Michael Henry Denness to catch the nearest way
3 Out, damned Trott!
4 Fair is foul, and foul is Fairbrother
5 Cry “havoc!” and let slip the dogs of Warne
6 Beware the wides of Archer
7 What’s in a name? Ambrose by any other name would smell as sweet
8 Shall I compare Lee to a summer’s day?Thought art more lovely and more tender, Brett.
9 What Best through yonder window breaks?
10 s this an Aggers which I see before me?
On stand-by:
Now is the Ashwinter of our discontent
The Broady doth review too much, methinks
18th over: Netherlands 81-3 (De Leede 23, Edwards 19) Moeen into the attack, and he’s worked around for four singles. Surely Netherlands have to start throwing hands, though – we’re nearly halfway through, and I don’t totally understand their caution at the same time as understanding it completely.
“I’m a confirmed atheist,” says Richard Hirst, “but you’re making Judaism sound quite attractive - so far we’ve had sex (well, relationships) and alcohol.”
Here’s a tune to cement things.
17th over: Netherlands 77-3 (De Leede 21, Edwards 17) Netherlands have got to free their arms because otherwise this just isn’t a game. And, as I type that, Edwards follows a single to De Leede with a sweep yanked from outside off all the way to the fence at deep midwicket, one bounce; a single and a wide follow, which means that after five overs, Rashid has gone for a relatively expensive 27.
16th over: Netherlands 70-3 (De Leede 20, Edwards 12) Edwards takes a single into the off side, but will know that the current run-rate of 4.53 won’t make a game of it. Carse responds with two dots, De Leede glides one more into the covers, and two from the over isn’t enough for Netherlands. Back to the bowler, though, I wonder if he might force his way into the Test reckoning soon. It’s hard because England have so many quality quicks these days, which is baffling to type for someone who grew up with Pringle, Igglesden, Mallender, Ilott, Bicknell, McCague, Agnew and so on.
15th over: Netherlands 68-3 (De Leede 19, Edwards 11) Edwards nudges a single to mid on, then have a look! De Leede waits, gets down on one knee ... and absolutely annihilates a six over long off, cracking the commentary box window, Tino Best-style! That’s a ridiculous zetz, but Rashid does really well to respond with four dots.
14th over: Netherlands 61-3 (De Leede 13, Edwards 10) Edwards shovels a pull away to deep midwicket, Salt chasing around the rope to save a boundary with a dive as they run three.
REVIEW! NOT OUT!
Nope, the ball was missing leg stump, just, so a leg bye is added to the total.
14th over: Netherlands 58-3 (De Leede 13, Edwards 7) Carse’s latest over begins with two leg byes and a single, then a fuller one catches Edwards on the pad as he comes down. They run one, but when England’s appeal is rejected, they review once more.
“Enjoying your o-b-o here in the cool and dark indoors,” says Jeremy Boyce. “It’s hot as heck in the south of France.Anyway, in all this talk of bowlers, tactics, technique, ability, isn’t it true that one of England’s best ever ODI bowlers was the legend that is Dermot Reeve and his legendary dibbly-dobblers ? Did he have a plan? Or was he just living in the moment? We may never know.”
What an era that was, Ealham, Austin, Capel and all the rest. I feel whatever the opposite of nostalgia is.
Updated
13th over: Netherlands 54-3 (De Leede 13, Edwards 6) Edwards forces two to backward square, then one to point.
REVIEW! NOT OUT!
Impact was outside the line, it was missing leg stump and there was no edge. Other than than that, though, a fine use of the tech.
13th over: Netherlands 51-3 (De Leede 13, Edwards 3) I fear I did Jos Buttler a disservice. He didn’t miss the stumps, he just didn’t hit them hard enough. Whoops. Anyhow, De Leede knocks Rashid to mid off, Salt shies, hits, and they take a single as the ball disappears. Next delivery, Edwards wears on the pad again, just – it hits the outside – so England appeal, for lb or caught behind I’m not sure, and when the umpire says no, they review. I doubt they’re getting this.
12th over: Netherlands 50-3 (De Leede 12, Edwards 3) I like the look of Carse, who’s taken for a single then digs one in a brute; Edwards narrowly avoids wearing it on the teeth, a 91mpher follows, then a single then three to deep midwicket. This is a huge partnership for Netherlands.
“Went to see Bruce at Wembley on the Born in the USA tour,” says Richard Hirst, “and smuggled gin, tonic and ice in, via a thermos flask - very civilised.”
Mt wife and I went to see Beyoncé at Olimpico in Rome, got in dead early to get to the front, it’s hot as hell ... and the bars are only taking cash, of which we had none.
Updated
11th over: Netherlands 45-3 (De Leede 8, Edwards 2) Edwards sweeps for one, then De Leede digs out a half-volley and is zips awat for four through cover. Good shot, and a drive to cover has the batters sprinting – Roy leaps to make a brilliant stop, throws in superbly ... and somehow, Buttler goes to break the stumps and misses! What an oversight that is!
NOT OUT!
Umpire’s call on impact, but just turned enough to be missing off. That’s a very good review, because it looked plumb in real time.
NETHERLANDS REVIEW!
Good luck old mate.
Updated
WICKET! Edwards lbw b Rashid 1 (Netherlands 39-4)
Edwards leaves a straight one, it hits him low and in front; he’s got to go!
Updated
10th over: Netherlands 39-3 (De Leede 3, Edwards 1) We see that the wicket-ball was clipping leg, so ultimately Cooper did well to take his leave. Edwards gets away with a nudge to leg as we see Carse in slowmotion – he takes a huge leap into his delivery stride and has a pretty fast arm, finding enough bounce to contact De Leede’s splice; an inside-edge brings two.
“OBOs, MBMs etc. tend to be full of socially inept, awkward people who are nonetheless very funny, incredibly (oddly) passionate, well-read and interesting,” says . (At least, that’s the impression from the emails that get past the rigid editorial selection process.) A Blind Date/OBO/Soul Mates mash-up seems so obvious! Why hasn’t it been done before! Matt ‘Newly-single-but-considerably-less-handsome-than-Foakes’ Dony.”
This would make me very happy.
WICKET! Cooper lbw b Carse 17 (Netherlands 36-3)
Carse gets movement off the seam back into Cooper, who misses with his swish and wears the ball on the knee-roll in front of middle. I’d have reviewed on height, I guess, but more because of the situation than any conviction. But Cooper walks off, and Carse has a wicket with his second ball!
Updated
10th over: Netherlands 36-2 (O’Dowd 17, De Leede 1) Carse into the attack...
9th over: Netherlands 36-2 (O’Dowd 17, De Leede 1) I seem to say this so often, but I’m not having that Rashid isn’t England’s best Test-match spinner. He cedes two more singles, De Leede off the mark with a nurdle to leg and Cooper driving down the grounds, making for a decent opening over of 1-3.
Updated
WICKET! O'Dowd c Malan b Rashid 7 (Netherlands 34-2)
Rashid tries a fuller, wider one, and O’Dowd miscues a slog-sweep, allowing Malan to dive high, snaffling a beauty at square leg. Netherlands have a problem.
9th over: Netherlands 34-1 (O’Dowd 7, Cooper 16) That’s the end of the powerplay, so it’s Rashid into the attack and Cooper takes a single to long off.
8th over: Netherlands 33-1 (O’Dowd 7, Cooper 15) Cooper isn’t waiting to be asked, twizzling off the pads for two, then spanking to cover, top of the bounce, for four. That was a decent delivery, but the track is true and the ball’s coming on, so it’s possible to trust it and play shots. A miscued pull for one follows, and Netherlands are improving.
“ I am with a Dutch friend who has never been to the cricket,” says Eva Broer, “so I am doing a lot of explaining (she is taking to the beers at 11 like a duck to the proverbial, mind). Apart from the *handsome* men we are sat with a female cricket team from Leiden who have invited us to their next game. Very excited. They are all about Reece Topley, lacking Mr Anderson he is the most handsome in the field. Everybody is pleasantly drunk, by the way, because of the late start.”
Next: try her at synagogue, where liquid is also served early doors, except it’s not beer it’s whisky.
Updated
7th over: Netherlands 26-1 (O’Dowd 8, Cooper 7) Cooper nudges to cover and gets off the mark with a two, giving him 1000 ODI runs, after which he and O’Dowd both add a single. We then learn that Topley’s last over was the serieseseses’ first maiden, O’Dowd works one more to off, then Cooper retreats in his crease, elevates onto tippy-toes, and punches to the point fence for four. That’s a lovely shot, a single follows, and nine runs off the over is a ot more like it.
6th over: Netherlands 17-1 (O’Dowd 6, Cooper 0) I like the way Topley’s bowling here, really digging into the pitch and cramping the batters. I’m not at all sure what England’s attack will be in India – you’d expect Stokes and Archer, not playing today, to be part of it, and Wood and Woakes have great shouts too. But Topley looks a terrific option, especially for the subcontinent where his lefty angle will offer important variety, and this latest over is a maiden.
5th over: Netherlands 17-1 (O’Dowd 6, Cooper 0) Looking at the wicket again, the ball got a bit big on Singh, bouncing higher than he expected - but if he unloads the suitcase at it, he clears the fielder and survives. Still, that’s an excellent over from Willey, one run and a wicket coming from it.
WICKET! Singh c Carse b Willey 10 (Netherlands 17-1)
Clever from Willey, a surprise short one tempting Singh, who hooks but doesn’t commit, lobbing up for Carse at square leg. He takes a few little steps back then pouches.
5th over: Netherlands 17-0 (Singh 10, O’Dowd 7) O’Dowd plays another run-down to Willey’s first ball; they run one.
4th over: Netherlands 16-0 (Singh 10, O’Dowd 6) O’Dowd looks nicely settled, tickling a single to third man before Singh drives into the off side for a brace. That’s a nice shot, likewise the slash that follows, hammered uppishly to the third man fence for the first boundary of the innings. Netherlands needed that.
3rd over: Netherlands 9-0 (Singh 4, O’Dowd 4) Eeesh, Sing edges towards Moeen at slip ... but the ball drops shot, then next delivery he turns to deep backward square. Realising the boundary is long and Rashid’s arm isn’t, Moeen does well to get closer to him, turning three into two – the only runs from the over.
2nd over: Netherlands 7-0 (Singh 2, O’Dowd 4) It’s Topley into the breeze – I know he’s big, but I’d much rather face him down than upwind – and he concedes just two singles from a decent over. In comms, they reckon six an over and Netherlands will feel they’re in the match; that needn’t be beyond them.
“I can sadly only tell Michael Keane that the only beer on offer was overpriced Heineken,” emails Mark Sheridan, |for which we had to queue upwards of an hour for while England were batting. Sadly it got me refreshed enough to lose my girlfriend’s recently-signed England jersey somewhere in the grounds, so it was a bit of a bitter sweet day for us in that sense.”
I’m certain she appreciated the enhanced quality of your company, and felt her jersey a fair price to pay for it.
1st over: Netherlands 5-0 (Singh 1, O’Dowd 3) A leg-side wide gets Netherlands away as a bunch of England fans sing Jerusalem, then applaud themselves. Back in the middle, Willey takes Malan out from second slip and moves him to short cover, then Singh edges one and O’Dowd paddles three to deep point, a lovely, confident shot.
“The best sausages are either Lincolnshire or Cumberland,” says John Starbuck, “though everyone has their favourites. Oddly, these two fare best when cooked very differently. Cumberland sausage curled up in a Yorkshire pudding works very well, with onion gravy, while Lincolnshire should be cooked slowly but gently and smothered in a mixture of mashed potatoes and peas. Both are excellent examples of good pub food, too, so Timothy Taylor’s Landlord Bitter to wash it down in both cases.”
I could cope with both, but ultimately find sausages are as much about the sauce or relish as the meat and sundries.
Updated
David Willey has the ball...
Here come the teams!
Asked about Roy and Buttler, Morgan’s face is consumed by smiles and says how nice it is that the former had family there, but notes how proud the latter’s will be too, naming wife and kids. It’s a weird thing to say, but that’s a good reason he’s worth his place in the side – he knows how to get the most out of his players, and they want him to get the most out of them.
Edwards tells Sky he took first knock because he thinks the surface will slow up then spin. His team saw what England can do if the plans aren’t right or executed well, so he hopes they’re better set today.
“Egg & lettuce sandwich, Daniel,” returns birthday boy Dave Anker. “Very nice too. We would have been caught out by the food/drink restriction. It is in terms & conditions on the website but not mentioned on the ticket and no link. The website address is not even mentioned; I only found it this morning when searching for info about play. A bit amateur.”
Yeah, that’s not good or reasonable.
“On the subject of what you can bring in to consume in grounds,” says Michael Keane, “I remember going to Ireland’s first test in Malahide a few years ago and lamenting that I’d been naïve enough to let the ICC booze-bringing ban cow me. The lads next to us had brought in plenty of their own stuff, no questions asked. I’ve managed to get away with bringing in alcohol to Scotland games when visiting my in laws north of the border, and I live in London where Lord’s has an exemption. Fortunately Malahide has good beer because they just get Gibney’s pub to set up shop in the ground, but in some places (Aus, NZ I’m looking at you) the beer is p***. At the 2015 World Cup my friend and I took to disguising box wine as sandwiches by wrapping it in tin foil. I’ve never been to the Netherlands but I presume the in-ground tipple is excellent with witbier and maibock readily available. Can anyone verify?”
As it goes, the booze ban or limitation is a less annoying that it was, as standards have improved. However, there’s little more rewarding than foxing inspectors with misdirection or a cleverly packed bag – I remember a dark period in the middle of the last decade where it got too easy.
“The Empanada affair,” begins Ian Stewart. “I am really enjoying the Guardian ‘Blind date/OBO’ mash-up. I think it could catch on.”
Me too – especially as according to Jewish tradition, if you make three shidduchim, or matches, that result in marriage, you’re guaranteed a portion of the world to come. I’m currently on two, and excited at the sins I might manage with my afterlife assured.
More housekeeping
The first powerplay will be eight overs, the final one from 34 to 41. Four bowlers can send down eight overs maximum, and one will be allowed nine.
“I went to an open air comedy gig in Bristol this week, straight from work,” emails Philip Wainwright, “and was asked to open my bag for a search/glance at the contents prior to entry. I had some uncooked sausages in there that I’d bought earlier and was bringing home. The first person mentioned that we weren’t allowed to bring in food, which I said was fair enough but this wasn’t food (yet): ‘I’m not going to be snacking on these am I?!’ She laughed and said ‘yeah I suppose not!’ and as she was about to wave me on a gruff jobsworth twice my size lumbered over (ensuring I was able to see both his earpiece and walkie talkie and thus his level of importance in the whole operation): ‘You can either bin them *points to green wheelie bin* or leave them here on the grass *gestures* under this table and get them after’. I know we’ve got bigger fish to fry at the minute in terms of common sense approaches to things but this is madness. Anyway, what are the odds on 500 for England today?? Keep up the good work, I adore the OBO community.”
What kind of sausages were they?
Today's teams
Netherlands: Vikramjit Singh, Max O’Dowd, Teja Nidamanurut, Tom Cooper, Bas de Leede, Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Logan van Beek, Tim Pringle, Shane Snater, Aryan Dutt, Vivian Kingma.
England: Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley.
As for England, Eoin Morgan confirms he’d have chased, and that Brydon Carse is in for Sam Cuzz. Otherwise, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler have received their 100th and 150th caps respectively, the former with his wife and daughter in the huddle. Goodness me, I’ve no idea how these people cope, I’d have been bawling my eyes out; I’m experiencing minor sweat just thinking about how he’d have been feeling.
Pieter Seelaar, the Netherlands captain, is indeed absent; in his absence, Scott Edwards takes charge. And there are three changes to his team: Teja Nidamanuru, Vivian Kingma and Tim Pringle, making his dahboo, come in for Seelar, Musa Ahmed and Philippe Boissevain.
“Enjoying the OBO as always,” says Steve Illingworth. “Waiting to get into Lord’s for this afternoon’s T20. More Eva Boer please, great posts!”
Suddenly I’m filled with regret at not making this my father’s day treat at the end of my shift. And wondering if I can convince my daughter that we should nip over when I’m finished here.
“Since Brendan Large asked,” returns Brian Withington, “Jos Buttler could take on the captaincy, and relinquish the tin gloves whilst he’s about it. Jonny Bairstow has always been the better keeper and no, it wouldn’t stop him opening. Glad we could clear that up.”
I’d not mind any of this, especially, but I’d be wary of disturbing something equlibrious.
Netherlands win the toss and will bat!
I guess they want to try a different way after Friday, and perhaps think the ball will slippery early doors.
The match is now 41 overs apiece
We’ll take it.
“The empanada was really good,” confirms Eva Broer. “Also, play is starting 13.45pm local time and the men behind us would like me to mention to you that, though no James Anderson, they are very handsome as well (their words). Another also: the English players have finally come out as well for their work up and so there actually may be play soon.”
I do love an empanada, but ... I struggle to get beyond eating cold food if hot is possible. I’d also be wanting a sauce or dip of some sort, ideal world, but yes, I’m envious.
Yes! Toss at 12.15pm BST, start at 12.45pm BST!
Here we go!
Potential good news from the ground: Paul Reiffel has, says Cricinfo, made a quick check of the pitch and looked pleased thereafter. Cricket may soon be upon us.
I’d like an empanada. There, I said it.
In Columbo, it’s not raining, and Australia are 126-4 off 28 against Sri Lanka. Aaron Finch has just gone for 62, leaving two new batsmen in Travis Head and Alex Carey at the crease.
“The Englishman behind us just shared some homemade empanadas with us,” returns Eva Broer. “He lives in the Netherlands obvs. He paid no heed to the note that one was not allowed to bring one’s own food to the ground. Now I feel sad that I didn’t make any pork pies as I would have in the UK. General consent in our side of the stands is that James Anderson and Ben Foakes are very handsome and that we are unhappy neither is here. The men we are talking to identify as straight. How one loves the cricket. Still no play, mind.”
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to interview James Anderson ... about darts. It was at the draw for the 2016 world championships, and to break the ice, I said something like sorry you’ve got to chat to me but it could be worse, you could be out in Sri Lanka (where England’s ODI side were getting a hiding). He looked me up and down then said “I want to be in Sri Lanka.” “Er, um, oh,” I responded.
Anyway, how can they ban people from bringing in food? What a nonsense.
“TalkSport cricket coverage is fantastic,” says Yas K. “Darren Gough and Alex Tudor are two excellent sages.”
That’s the thing with cricket: there’s just so much you can’t know if you’re not a pro, so always so much the pros have to teach you. The more of them we get to hear, the merrier.
“My kids bought me tickets for today’s match as a birthday present,” emails David Ankers. “Sadly, for health reasons, I am unable to go, which is obviously disappointing but getting less so by the minute. Making up for the situation by watching ‘play’ on TV whilst wearing my sun hat, and my wife has made a picnic lunch.”
Aw! That’s lovely! And more importantly, what’s in it and can I have some? Otherwise, happy birthday and wishing you better.
We’re back at the ground for the first time in time, and Mark Butcher – who’s been a really good addition to Sky’s first team – confirms that water did indeed seep onto the pitch from on top of the covers. There’s no excuse for this, because there’s more than enough money in the game to ensure that all international grounds have the best possible equipment, but in the meantime, the follow-through areas on the adjacent pitch are wet.
“If you drop Morgan who captains?” wonders Brendan Large. “I’d say it is totally justified to put him in the side as a specialist captain who might get a few runs. He has proven himself time and again. Also, you risk the pressure of captaincy ruining someone else’s form if Morgan isn’t there.”
I agree with all of this. Though the bowling isn’t as good as it could be, England are doing beautifully and Morgan remains key to that. Everything after him is an unknown.
“Not sure if your suggestion that there needs to be an ODI league table is serious or not,” says Will Padmore, “but the only reason this series is taking place is because of the ICC ODI Super League, a 13-team qualifying tournament for the next World Cup. Due to the way the cricket calendar works and the pandemic the table is a bit all over the place in terms of matches played but as things stand South Africa, Sri Lanka and even Australia are not certain of their places at next year’s World Cup.”
Yeah, that was a poor attempt at sardonic humour. I’m glad there’s qualifying, but I’d like something that was competitive for its own sake. At its best, 50-over cricket is epic, with plenty of time for unfolding, undulating plots, but currently it’s being left to fend for itself, a longer, less explosive version of T20 when really it combines the best aspects of longest and shortest form that needs care and attention to thrive.
Aaargggghhh! There'll be another pitch inspection at 12pm BST.
But we’ll get there.
“We are at the ground since 10am,” emails Eva Broer, “and have only seen Dutch players play football . It’s about time for some cricket. If you want more cricket in the Netherlands at this ground I would recommend getting better catering. The beer is tastier than at Lord’s but food-wise there are only two options, neither too exciting. Cheerio from Amstelveen where it’s about to start raining again.”
Aaaarrrrggghhhh! As for the eating situation, we discussed on here quite recently my discovery last summer: when visiting haitch cue, it’s no longer worth accumulating a picnic, because the hot food options are now so copious and excellent – if dear. In many ways, this is a shame – it’s still worth getting crisps, sweets and cake, so there’s a constant stream of apparatus at one’s feet, but otherwise the joy of going round Waitrose John Barnes are filling a trolley full of everything has gone.
The umpires are inspecting, but over on Cricinfo, the suggestion is that they don’t look happy.
“PS” returns our man below. “If anyone needs to be dropped from the batting order it is of course the cricketing shibboleth in human form that is Eoin Morgan. Make him (assistant) manager by all means but please let’s not pretend that his captaincy compensates for his one dimensional batting. And breathe.”
I’m not ready for him to go. The players are confident with him around and though he’s not been in the best form recently, he’s earned some time and I’d not want to destabilise things at this point.
Updated
“Hold your horses, Daniel!!” exclaims Brian Withington. “Much as I defer to you in almost all regards, are you stark, staring MAD?!?! I refer of course to the notion that Joe Root might have lost his place in England’s best ODI side. May I respectfully remind you that 50-over games (especially in a World Cup in India) are not always about thrashing your way to 498...”
Ha! I wasn’t saying this should be the case, I was wondering if it was the case; whether Root will simply be slotted back into a winning side, despite having been out of it for so long. I would absolutely do so, but that doesn’t mean it’ll work out like that.
It’s a strange thing, really, England playing ODIs in the middle of a Test series. At some point, there needs to be a reckoning: are we saying that limited overs is almost a different sport, so it doesn’t matter much when matches are? Or should we be saying that players able to pay in all formats shouldn’t be denied the chance to represent their countries?
I don’t think I know the answer to this one, but I do wish we could contextualise the shorter forms in some way. It’s hard not to see them as ephemeral entertainment that’s forgotten almost as soon as it’s happened, and there’s no need for that to be the case. Some sort of league table over a time period would make a world of difference.
I say that, but perhaps the ball will be wet first up, which might encourage the captains to bat first. But given the overhead conditions and an outfield that’ll get quicker, I’d expect a field first situation.
On which point, if the pitch is still wet, which it must be, you’d assume whoever wins the toss will want to chase.
I’d hope that, if we’re good to go following the next inspection, we’ll get our full quota of overs. I daresay Netherlands might appreciate a shortened match, though.
“Ok, so on the one hand - cost, pollution, human rights, depriving the counties’ traditional support base the chance to watch,” says Tom Atkins. “On the other - they might get to play a game or two on a dry pitch which is somehow supposed to produce a generation of Kumbles and Warnes. It’s a real head-scratcher…”
Yes, as I said, it’s hard to support anything going to UAE, but West Indies or Sri Lanka is more interesting to me.
We'll have another pitch inspection at 11.15am BST
Let’s hope that’s an end to things.
“Mawnin,” begins Dean Kinsella. “I wonder, is it too late to promote this wonderful venue in Amstelveen to host a couple of games in the T20 tourney in 2030? There seemed to be real joy emanating from there during the game on Friday.”
I could absolutely get behind that. The more people with whom we can share this thing of ours, the better.
Stumps/ground interface achieved!
The players are having a look at the pitch, and we should be good to start sometime in the next hour.
What does the congregation think about this?
Exclusive: County Championship matches played overseas in March - UAE the obvious candidate, and potentially Sri Lanka and West Indies - to be discussed as part of plans to help England improve against spin and make the domestic schedule less congested https://t.co/3BveKL2zbE
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) June 17, 2022
I guess I can see both sides. It’s hard to support anything going to UAE, as it is sport being taken away from its traditional fans – especially given the accordant and avoidable pollution. But if money raised helps sustain the format, while giving players experience of different conditions, there’s something to be said for it.
The main covers are, apparently, off, which is a good sign. It’s still overcast but, which means there’ll not be much natural assistance in drying things out. But a pitch inspection is imminent.
Something you should read:
“After a three-Del Monte orange juice ice-lolly rumination,” says James Debens, “I really do believe that kind of player needs to be thought of as a replacement for Leach’s approach. I love Mo, but he’s getting on, and Bess and Parky aren’t there yet (remember Swann’s late bowling puberty). Livingstone would not have much of a batting burden in Tests, probably at 8, so he could bowl and bowl. And then he could have a few Monsters and just tee off, scoring seven or 77, like a human threshing machine. In this way, the long tail is reduced, and the three best seamers can be picked without any regard for their batting ability. Of course, Woakes could play in the right home conditions, and Root too could twiddle. I love it when a plan comes together.”
First of all, let me congratulate you on your ice-lolly choice – the berry ones of theirs are also great. I guess the key with Livingstone, or any spinner, is whether they can hold down an end. I’m not sure he’d be trusted in that aspect – I doubt he’s even the next batter in line – but I’d like to have a look at him at some point.
It’s nearly a year since Joe Root played an ODI. Obviously thats due in principal part to his ridiculously onerous work as Test captain, but you also wonder if maybe he’s lost his place – Dawid Malan looks nicely ensconced at no3. However the World Cup is not only in October but also in India, and surely there’s no way Morgan will be without his deft accumulation in such circumstance. Australia or South Africa, maybe you go with another top-of-the-bounce power-hitter, but on the subcontinent? I’d very much hope not.
Eeeesh. Another inspection at 10.30am BST.
We should be good to get our match eventually, but.
Liam Livingstone, then. His 66 off 22 the other day gave him a strike-rate of 300.00, better even that Jos Buttler’s paltry 231.43. There’s a part of me that wonders if he might be worth a Test-match punt at some point (because yes, England are in dire need of some lower-middle order biffing).
Do we think Netherlands could play in a slightly oranger shade of orange? I believe neon is back in too – they could do something extremely serious with that tremendous development. It’d be very.
And also Very.
Guess whose daughter left their glasses at swimming? Ooh yeah. But we’re back now and telly coverage commences presently, so we’ll have a better idea of what’s what in the immediate future.
Updated
Start delayed
There’ll be a pitch inspection at 9.45am BST. There are rumours that some of the rain found its way under the covers, in which case we might be a way away from a start – especially given the forecast is for more of the stuff. But we should be dry from early afternoon onwards.
Updated
In synagogue yesterday, a mate was wondering if getting tonked to all corners was actually of any use to the Netherlands side, but I’ve no such doubts in that regard. Years ago, I remember someone asking Andre Agassi if he felt bad smashing up younger players and he said that he didn’t because he needed those up-smashings to improve. On top of which, just being in the middle and watching how the top players do it is instructive, to say nothing of the 266 the home side compiled in response, under pressure of humiliation. It’s to cricket’s shame that the game remains the preserve of so few nations, and anything the richer ones can do to inspire the rest of the world is a cause for celebration – even if that means tousing them to the tune of 498-4.
I’ll refrain from recording this as a key event until it’s confirmed, but a delayed start looks likely, reports the indispensable Cricinfo.
The scene is wet, plenty of movement from the groundstaff but not much from the players as yet. Would be surprised if the toss is on-time but we shall see.” Some talk of an inspection from the umpires at 10.45am (which would definitely mean a delayed toss).
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I say this a lot, but for those of us who remember the 80s and 90s, England’s one-day prowess will never cease feeling bizarre. What’s especially ludicrous about it all is the strength in depth – they did what they did the other day without Jonny Bairstow, perhaps their greatest-ever limited overs batter, Joe Root, perhaps their most reliable-ever limited overs batter, and Ben Stokes, their most Ben Stokes-ever limited overs batter. How good they are is not normal.
Well, here’s another potential solution: Seelaar mightn’t play today, say Cricinfo – he’s got a back situation – and there might also be a rain situation. It’s dry now, but there was plenty of it overnight, so whether we can start on time depends on the quality of Amstelveen’s drainage.
Preamble
There’ve been many fateful words spoken in the cricketing history, but in recent times, few as painful as “We’ll have a bowl please”. But when the coin fell on Friday morning, that’s exactly what Pietaar Seelaar said, and but a few hours later, his team were on the wrong end of an absolute tumping.
It’s not hard to see why he made the call he did – he probably fancied chasing and feared the skittling that could end the match quicksmart. But that went as it went, meaning the question of what to do today will be bothering him something fierce this morning.
On the one hand, England’s bowling is nowhere near as fearsome as England’s batting, so taking first knock makes some sense. Yet, on the other, why should his improving team compromise? Maybe it’s best just hope that Eoin Morgan – whose golden duck the other day was one of the great captain’s sacrifices – calls wrong.
Play 11am local, 10am BST
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