THE ASHES

[The Big Dady]

Ozzie's are on a roll, now they win the ruddy toss.

 

[Ex-Member1]

160 I reckon

 

[Blueronron]

God even dropped catches Steve Smith is super human, I love the guy just under Kohli in my player I want to watch each test match

 

[The Big Dady]

England 100-1

Good start

 

[Ricky Otto]

England 100-1

Good start

make that 104/2
Still a good start, Root has been dropped 3 times as well!
Really hoping we win, know the ashes have gone but I had a bet before the 1st test that the series would be a draw

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

You feel it’s a big innings for Jos Buttler. One century in 31 tests I think is a poor return and if he’s going to play as a specialist batsman, then he needs scores.

 

[Ex-Member1]

Yet another X-rated batting show. We don't seem to be able to deal with red ball stuff.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

You feel it’s a big innings for Jos Buttler. One century in 31 tests I think is a poor return and if he’s going to play as a specialist batsman, then he needs scores.

Since he's recalled he's actually got the highest average of all England players (min 500 runs) in that time frame, but that's more of an indictment of everyone else's batting - including Root and Stokes - than a vindication of his.

Going to be tough to get a hundred here with no support.

 

[Bearded Shrimper]

I think Buttler would be a great player in a solid batting line up. As I said the other day players are being asked to do things they really shouldn't be. But some, like Bairstow, seem to be able to dictate what they do by throwing a strop.
Our batting has sucked for years, but we've had different players and different batting coaches and different captains. The only constant is the coach. I don't know if he's the cause but he seems to be overseeing a bad cultulre.
We need Silverwood. He took over at an Essex side of talented underachievers who would make pretty 30s and 40s and turned us into the best side in the land based on consistent seam bowlers and batsmen who'd defend their wickets to the death. Sound like any team we recognise? He's getting the New Zealand tour apparently so I hope he nails it and doesn't get hamstrung by being forced to pick a second team which apparently he will

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Regardless of the coach there will still be Ed Smith pulling the strings.
I don't think Bayliss has done a bad job. He's turned us into the best one day side in the world including winning the world cup and I believe this current series is his only home series defeat (if we don't win this test that is)
It's not his fault county players try to get their form batting in April while hardly any first class cricket is played when the sun is shining in July and August. Touring has been less of a success but then I think this applies to nearly all teams and not just England.
If we win at the Oval then the series is two all - it's not a bad record at all.
Judge Bayliss by who was before him and who comes next, in years to come I think we will look back at his time as a good time for English cricket.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I think Buttler would be a great player in a solid batting line up. As I said the other day players are being asked to do things they really shouldn't be. But some, like Bairstow, seem to be able to dictate what they do by throwing a strop.
Our batting has sucked for years, but we've had different players and different batting coaches and different captains. The only constant is the coach. I don't know if he's the cause but he seems to be overseeing a bad cultulre.
We need Silverwood. He took over at an Essex side of talented underachievers who would make pretty 30s and 40s and turned us into the best side in the land based on consistent seam bowlers and batsmen who'd defend their wickets to the death. Sound like any team we recognise? He's getting the New Zealand tour apparently so I hope he nails it and doesn't get hamstrung by being forced to pick a second team which apparently he will

Agree with much of this other than the coach being the only constant. PLenty of other factors, including the schedule (international and county cricket).

 

[Southminster Shrimper]

Warner gone again. haha. ****

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Butter fingers Root!
Tough chance but it’s Steve Smith and you know what’s about to happen.

 

[The Big Dady]

Gotcha!

STEVE SMITH HAS MISSED IT. HE'S OUT!
​

The Oval is stunned. This is a ball that Smith usually flicks away off his pads all day long but for once he has missed the ball. Amazing.

I can't believe it and I'm not sure Woakes can either. That was a regulation straight ball.

Australia trail England by 93 runs with 2 wickets remaining

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

About five overs to get through. Unscathed and we’re in a great position to win the test and draw the series.

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Job done!

 

[The Big Dady]

England level series after beating Australia in final and fifth Test by 135 runs.

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Best performance of the summer from England.
What a shame Jimmy got injured, could have been the difference.
Time for the selectors to pause and reflect and I hope make some tough but necessary decisions.
Stokes bats five and is fourth seamer, we don’t need a team of all rounders we need specialist batsmen and bowlers with Foakes keeping.

 

[Ex-Member1]

As Vaughan said, we need to be able to score 400 plus in the first innings if we are to compete, especially abroad. We need to graft and get our heads down and get out of this one day mode. Not easy but needs to be done, otherwise we can forget winning the Ashes in 2 years time. Having said all that, this was a good match for England. Great summer of entertainment it has been, I shall miss it terribly.

 

[Blueronron]

Butter fingers Root!
Tough chance but it’s Steve Smith and you know what’s about to happen.

Yep he will get two great catches for last two batsmen to win the test