Most liked posts in thread: The Ashes

A hard watch/listen. We needed to make a statement in this opening test, go behind and i cannot see us pulling it back in the series. 147 first up doesn't generally win you tests.

Easy with hindsight but player selection and match day conditions suggest decisions made prior to the toss are highly questionable.

For a test opener to be bowled leg stump is a shocker never mind first ball. Set the tone i'm afraid. Think we will be reliant on the weather to save us.

Root has carried the batting line up for past 12-18 months. Bridge too far this tour. A number not deserving central contracts.

Looking at the sides i would say that only 3-4 England players would probably get into a joint side. Aussies favourites.

Cricket Press appear to be suggesting 2-2 but cannot see it. 3-0 or 3-1 Aussie win at best for me.

 

They'll regret not picking Broad. Ridiculous decision. If Jimmy ain't playing, then play Broad and vice versa! With all that rain, there will be absolute no spin, and Root will use Leach for damage limitation and resting Robinson. He's not going to be as much threat as Broad would have been.

 

Dose not help with 7 debutant on Australian soil either

 

The impact of the priority given to the shorter format plus the downside of central contacts has led to players such as Burns being given more than their fair share of opportunities. Let's hope he comes good but as mentioned earlier his technique has too many moving parts to probably being successful down under against this bowling attack.

 

Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust.
RIP the series

 

Well, I must be mad. Planning to stay up and watch..

Whose joining me?

 

Cricket is a cure for insomnia. Awful.

 

Can you believe it. Overstepped the mark but what a belter of a first over from Stokes.

 

Not seen owt yet tonight but Stokes,Root and Anderson are the only players who I think are truly test class.The rest seriously need to step up or this series will quickly slip away.

 

In fairness, some decent balling this morning but Labuschagne batted ever so well, leaving absolutely everything that needed leaving. I notice, slips have stepped up since drinks.

Such a frustrating session so far in many respects.

 

Yep, 30 in 2 overs. Look ominous is this session. I'd be surprised if Australia bat again in this test.

Hopefully Stokes is good.

 

They’ll declare soon and ask England to post a huge total, which isn’t going to happen.

ref commentary, how come it’s two Aussies only? Warne is insightful, but they are both so bias. It’s like watching the match with two Aussie mates chatting throughout behind you.

 

Great knock by Root and Malan. Can one of these go on to hit a double century???

It's the hope that kills you....

 

And Root broke Vaughan’s England record of runs in a year.(1481)
Back to his majestic best after his first innings blip.

 

Lovely knock. I was expecting the worst when I woke up at 5.30 but credit where its due...

Good stats on Root. Wasn't aware of that one

 

Actually, the second new ball is available in ten overs. Expect a lot of short stuff.

 

FFS
Commentators just saying” has Stokes got a big innings in him?” and he loses his wicket.

 

Won’t be long now gents.