England v Australia - THE ASHES

[Elong]

I think this England team is more than a match for the Aussies I just think it's needs a bit of rejigging batting order wise. I put money on England to win at 9/2 and certainly not giving up yet.

That said the top of the order needs looking at and could be the key to the summer. Get Aus 2-3 down and you're really into them. Get England 2-3 down and the English innings starts. I would drop a batsman, move Root, stokes, moeen Ali up one place and bring in Rashid.

Both teams have the same problem at the top of the order in that (apart from Smith) they can all fall very cheaply, especially with the bowling attacks on offer.

England's didn't fire in this match, but it rarely does at Lords, they will bounce back in the next match.

Ballance worries me, he will score runs against average attacks, lots of runs, but Aussie and NZ had him sussed out, and it's painfully obvious how bad he is against a half volley, which is an incredbile thing to say about an international batsman!

 

[Minimeister]

I'd drop Lyth and play Bell as an opener. Think Ali is batting too low with the tail being aggressive as they are.

Sort of don't want rain tomorrow. Think we've got more of a chance of surviving under a cloudless sky. Expect it to be 1-1 and as tight as this until the last test.

 

[roydo]

No rain forecast for London tomorrow, other than some first thing. Should be ok for 11.00am though.

 

[Elong]

I'd drop Lyth and play Bell as an opener. Think Ali is batting too low with the tail being aggressive as they are.

Sort of don't want rain tomorrow. Think we've got more of a chance of surviving under a cloudless sky. Expect it to be 1-1 and as tight as this until the last test.

Wouldn't pick Bell at all to be honest.

There's a bloke in the Windies at the moment who could do a job though...

 

[spence03]

Both teams have the same problem at the top of the order in that (apart from Smith) they can all fall very cheaply, especially with the bowling attacks on offer.

England's didn't fire in this match, but it rarely does at Lords, they will bounce back in the next match.

Ballance worries me, he will score runs against average attacks, lots of runs, but Aussie and NZ had him sussed out, and it's painfully obvious how bad he is against a half volley, which is an incredbile thing to say about an international batsman!

Not lost yet old chum.(I'm trying to follow your positive attitude). Great to see Cook looking like a wall again. Yes I'm thinking one of Ballance or Bell to go. I saw a shout for Moeen Ali at 3, Root 4 and Rashid comes in as the specialist spinner and thought it's not the worst I've heard.

Little harsh on Rodgers. All the focus is in on Warner firing and Smith up at 3 that Rodgers is going somewhat under the radar, when he's made a mountain of runs against England lately.

 

[Elong]

Not lost yet old chum.(I'm trying to follow your positive attitude). Great to see Cook looking like a wall again. Yes I'm thinking one of Ballance or Bell to go. I saw a shout for Moeen Ali at 3, Root 4 and Rashid comes in as the specialist spinner and thought it's not the worst I've heard.

Little harsh on Rodgers. All the focus is in on Warner firing and Smith up at 3 that Rodgers is going somewhat under the radar, when he's made a mountain of runs against England lately.

Agree about Rogers, he's a great nuggety player, but in the same vein as Cook only takes a good one early with the feet not moving, they're both very suspectable to it, 3-40 is going to be a running theme in this series for both teams.

Don't think Ali is ready for 3 yet, he's got a groove on down the order and is nice to see someone bat positively with the tail, he may not stay there all series though I agree.

Unsure about Rashid, I think Aussie will fancy their chances against him, Smith and Clarke are very good at playing spin.

 

[spence03]

Agree about Rogers, he's a great nuggety player, but in the same vein as Cook only takes a good one early with the feet not moving, they're both very suspectable to it, 3-40 is going to be a running theme in this series for both teams.

Don't think Ali is ready for 3 yet, he's got a groove on down the order and is nice to see someone bat positively with the tail, he may not stay there all series though I agree.

Unsure about Rashid, I think Aussie will fancy their chances against him, Smith and Clarke are very good at playing spin.

I just think we're a bowler light. Ali is a stop gap, a very good one, but I look at Stokes and him and think would they get in on their batting alone? My answer is yes, so gives England a chance to sneak a different type of bowler in to get the 20 wickets.

 

[Elong]

I just think we're a bowler light. Ali is a stop gap, a very good one, but I look at Stokes and him and think would they get in on their batting alone? My answer is yes, so gives England a chance to sneak a different type of bowler in to get the 20 wickets.

Stokes needs pull another 5mph out of his backside to be honest, he's more than capable, just looks like he's trundling in doing a job for the skipper, he can be fast. Really need a bit more out of him if he wants to be a genuine allrounder.

 

[spence03]

Stokes needs pull another 5mph out of his backside to be honest, he's more than capable, just looks like he's trundling in doing a job for the skipper, he can be fast. Really need a bit more out of him if he wants to be a genuine allrounder.

Agreed, that's why I would like another bowler in rather than now with 3 plus two all rounders. After Broad went off in their first innings I couldn't see a wicket coming. Going back to your original point think we have options to win this series. If England are to lose here though, they need to go down fighting.

 

[Elong]

Agreed, that's why I would like another bowler in rather than now with 3 plus two all rounders. After Broad went off in their first innings I couldn't see a wicket coming. Going back to your original point think we have options to win this series. If England are to lose here though, they need to go down fighting.

There looks to be a bit of backbone in the team, and they will look to Cook to that defence. I'm not sure for certain they will lose this match, weather may play a part too, but they can't win it. If they hold them out it will as good as a victory mentally.

 

[spence03]

There looks to be a bit of backbone in the team, and they will look to Cook to that defence. I'm not sure for certain they will lose this match, weather may play a part too, but they can't win it. If they hold them out it will as good as a victory mentally.

That's why it's important a potential lost is done so in the right manner. Can point to a coin toss and 5 silly overs if they go down fighting.

If they get out of with a draw it could generate a belief that they will be hard to beat. Personally I think the Aussies should have gone for the follow on. 5 sessions is a lot easier to see out than 7. I understand wanting to bat England out the game and give the bowlers a rest but they have eaten into a lot of time and weather could be a factor.

 

[toffeejack]

Probably because he's playing with concussions and headaches and doesn't really want to die out there tj...

well if he's going to be a woman about it

 

[toffeejack]

That's why it's important a potential lost is done so in the right manner. Can point to a coin toss and 5 silly overs if they go down fighting.

If they get out of with a draw it could generate a belief that they will be hard to beat. Personally I think the Aussies should have gone for the follow on. 5 sessions is a lot easier to see out than 7. I understand wanting to bat England out the game and give the bowlers a rest but they have eaten into a lot of time and weather could be a factor.

wasn't much time was it? was hoping they would have enforced the follow on to be honest - think it would have helped our chances. there's nothing in this pitch - we gave away some stupid wickets straight away. runs aren't going to be an option in the second innings which may make it easier. try and smash lyon out of the attack may be an idea so that he can't tie up one end whilst the seamers rotate. he seems easier to play if you show him no respect. think nearly all his wickets have been to defensive shots.

 

[Elong]

well if he's going to be a woman about it

Joking or just not very clued up?

 

[The Equaliser]

Not lost yet old chum.(I'm trying to follow your positive attitude). Great to see Cook looking like a wall again. Yes I'm thinking one of Ballance or Bell to go. I saw a shout for Moeen Ali at 3, Root 4 and Rashid comes in as the specialist spinner and thought it's not the worst I've heard.

Little harsh on Rodgers. All the focus is in on Warner firing and Smith up at 3 that Rodgers is going somewhat under the radar, when he's made a mountain of runs against England lately.

England should drop Lyth, open with Cook & Ballance, and have their best batsman Root at No 3 as Australia do. That way they can have the attacking batsmen Bell and Stokes at 4 & 5, move Ali up to 6 and bring in another bowler. That would give them more solidity at the start of their innings and also more bowling options. But what the hell do I know.