END OF OVER:20 | 22 Runs 1 Wkt | ENG: 182/6 | RR: 9.10
- David Willey13 (9b)
- Obed McCoy3-0-44-1
- Carlos Brathwaite4-0-33-1
7.31pm Well, that was unexpected riches for England. They were in all sorts of bother at 32 for 4 in the Powerplay, but Root and Billings stitched the innings together with a fine fifth-wicket stand of 82, before Billings - carefully keeping his composure after running out his partner- turned on the afterburners. Alan will be back in five for the resumption.
Joe Guntrip: "Absolutely delighted for Billings! Such talent, never got a run of games which must be so difficult for him. Hopefully this score allows him to kick on, although not sure how he can cement a place in the first choice England XI"
Saran Raj: "2 CSK'ians have practiced well for the mega event that is gonna start on March 23 !!"
SW Billings c †Hope b McCoy 87 (47b 10x4 3x6) SR: 185.10
Saoirse: "As if the selectors needed any more headaches! Great knock"
Divy : "Isn't this a cricket website? Why is Liverpool and other footie related garbage flying in here. Let's get back to the great game instead of mindless ball-chasing suitable for plebs. The only Mo who we care for here is Mo Ali." Because I'll publish any old garbage, Divy ... aptly named, may I add!
So, six balls to go, and England are in business again
END OF OVER:19 | 22 Runs | ENG: 160/5 | RR: 8.42
- David Willey13 (9b)
- Sam Billings65 (41b)
- Carlos Brathwaite4-0-33-1
- Jason Holder4-0-29-0
Eleven runs from three overs, 22 from one. Tough on Brathwaite there ...
And this is also Billings' highest international score, George adds
This is the highest T20I total on this ground, previously 147, says George Dobell
Venu: "@craig jones: Archer is a seasonal player just like liverpool's Salaah.. if he plays in WC then that would be a absolute RUBBISH!!!" I have no idea what this means. Any clues?
Brathwaite is back. He's been excellent
END OF OVER:18 | 6 Runs | ENG: 138/5 | RR: 7.66
- David Willey6 (7b)
- Sam Billings52 (37b)
- Jason Holder4-0-29-0
- Sheldon Cottrell3-0-28-1
Prasu: "Plunkett or t.Curran wid've been better than Willey, i dont remember Willey playing any effective innings with bat for Eng" He played what might have been a crucial hand in very similar circumstances in the World T20 final, as it happens.
Craig jones: "When is Archer eligible to play, this England team needs 30 above par on any pitch currently, archers pace gives the X factor on the bowling side also... " Next month, but don't tell Willey!
END OF OVER:17 | 18 Runs | ENG: 132/5 | RR: 7.76
- David Willey1 (2b)
- Sam Billings51 (36b)
- Sheldon Cottrell3-0-28-1
- Carlos Brathwaite3-0-11-1