The Ashes 2023

[Walken]

It's tough talking cricket on here Walks, reminds me of the match day threads, the comment about having 2 days to get 250 and being out for 160 in 40 overs, christ, before mccullum took over England would have folded for 130 at 3 an over anyway. England's batsmen apart from Root are very average with very average techniques, the bravado of 'bazball' is what is giving England any chance of winning test matches.

You understand the finer points better than me mate, I'm in full agreement with that, and Kumar said as much last night on skys podcast. He even went a bit further stating that the aussies going nowhere with their batting and refusing to put the fielding side under any pressure has really cost them. As others have stated, the aussies have better players, if we tried to play the same way as them we would get smashed.

 

[Walken]

This is great to watch. More exciting than any football (recently anyways) for me.
This england team will make mistakes and take risks but it’s more engaging than any other cricket I’ve watched in years. Across all 3 matches. This is only good for the sport.

We are no longer stuck in the past, this is enlightened, its progressive, its Ben Wokes cricket

 

[ToffeeTim]

One big partnership tomorrow will knock a bit dent in the 220 odd total. There will be twists i reckon but in a good position now.

 

[Hinchcliffe's Corner]

You understand the finer points better than me mate, I'm in full agreement with that, and Kumar said as much last night on skys podcast. He even went a bit further stating that the aussies going nowhere with their batting and refusing to put the fielding side under any pressure has really cost them. As others have stated, the aussies have better players, if we tried to play the same way as them we would get smashed.

Don't really have the energy to tell people they're wrong, they're entitled to their opinions though haha. Kumar is a terrific pundit, as is Ponting.

One thing I'm in agreement with is the poor bowling to the tail. This isn't an England exclusive issue though! All teams across the world have still failed to understand that there is no such thing as a true tail anymore, the protective gear means bouncers aren't scary, and if they get hit they have 5 mins to gather themselves thanks to concussion rules, you can't built any pressure up on someone if they're having a drink and a breather every time they're hit. Bowlers need to be prepared to run through the tail like they would the top order, and have the energy to do so. Wood showed how to clean up a tail.

 

[lancs blue]

Never knew Harold Lloyd was an aussie

 

[Hinchcliffe's Corner]

I was surprised before the series the talk on here about Aus having a weak middle order, Travis Head is a terrific cricketer, bats in the counter attacking style of Adam Gilchrist, and will probably be the player of the season for mine based on how it's played out so far.

 

[Milk]

Was a relief to get to the close without a wicket although Duckett tried his best
Cummins looks very tired but will have to play the next two tests too

Now then England … you’ve got two days to get 225 odd.

please

 

[Rita_Poon]

Slow as possible, a run an over, drag this out for two days solid, punish these reprobates, punish them bad!

 

[Chewbacca]

Stokes will want this wrapped up by lunch

 

[Walken]

I was surprised before the series the talk on here about Aus having a weak middle order, Travis Head is a terrific cricketer, bats in the counter attacking style of Adam Gilchrist, and will probably be the player of the season for mine based on how it's played out so far.

I got him at 16s for top batsman, it's odd cheering his wicket!!

 

[davids]

One big partnership tomorrow will knock a bit dent in the 220 odd total. There will be twists i reckon but in a good position now.

It's the hope that kills.

 

[arch stanton]

quick poll, who's gonna win?

Aus for me.

what are the options?

 

[Tommy Chong]

After the rain today, the pitch will definitely turn in favour for the bowling side overnight, I reckon.

Ditch bazball and play a sensible innings tomorrow... Otherwise it could all go pear shaped very quickly!

 

[Moomin]

After the rain today, the pitch will definitely turn in favour for the bowling side overnight, I reckon.

Ditch bazball and play a sensible innings tomorrow... Otherwise it could all go pear shaped very quickly!

Balls to that.

100% Bazball

 

[Hinchcliffe's Corner]

After the rain today, the pitch will definitely turn in favour for the bowling side overnight, I reckon.

Ditch bazball and play a sensible innings tomorrow... Otherwise it could all go pear shaped very quickly!

With the defensive techniques the English batsmen have, combined with favourable bowling conditions and a decent Australian attack, you think sitting there waiting to snick off is the better option?