English cricket in ashes . . . .

[Roger]

That was a 'Never mind IF' - living in hopes . . . 

The picture of Boycott head in hands when Brook holed out was funny   

A bit of optimism - if England can bowl 'em out for 300 or so - there's still plenty of time to get the runs or hold on for a draw.

But I'm not holding my breath 

[Roger]

Ben Duckett was very clearly NOT out   

The fielder pushed the ball along the ground, so even if it was in the control of his hand, he had to ground it to have hand control.

The rules would be clearer if they said 'no part of the ball should touch the ground at all' as IMO that would be clearer than waffling on about 'control of the body'.

A mere 257 to win - Stokes and Duckett there with Just Bairstow and the rabbits to come . . . .

Should be NO problem for Bazball but against these Aussie bowlers ?

No chance !   

[Teessider]

I managed to find a Youtube channel streaming the sky coverage last night and was able to watch the demise of the Aussie batsmen to over after over of short pitched bowling. Even with the last 2 at the crease, and Nathan Lyon barely able to stand, England refused the new ball and continued their tactic. I suppose it worked but then Starc and Cummins showed what could be done with a new ball. I'll be surprised if they survive beyond lunch.

[Roger]

A brilliant Test Match and England just missed out - a few more runs from Bairstow would have helped !

Stoke's efforts defy imagination and it's amazing that we even got close. Duckett's contribution was immense against an outstanding Aussie attack.

Jonathan Liew in the Guardian summarises with a bit too much reality for my taste :-

"Australia’s second-best spinner is the shrewd and excellent Todd Murphy, who will probably replace Nathan Lyon in Leeds. England’s second-best spinner was retired a month ago and their third-best is also their best batter. Australia have fielded four bowlers who can hit 90mph. England have fielded one. Australia have batted like adults. England have batted like children. Australia practise their catches. England have largely stopped practising entirely.

Perhaps England know this and perhaps they do not. Perhaps they are too busy living in the present to give much thought to the future. But even as Stokes was flaying Australia to all parts here, it was possible to glimpse how this thing ends, to feel the entropy as well as the chaos. Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad may well have shared their last new ball. Stokes is flogging the last few ounces of strength from his battered body and may have played his last great innings. Root is 32, Bairstow 33."

All is not well behind the Bazball euphoria but nevertheless, England certainly put in a shift ! The Aussie bowlers is just too good - it's not viable for England to always attack. Some periods of batting consolidation are needed IMO.

So now we have to win the last 3   

[Teessider]

Stokes was amazing but will he be fit for Thursday? Bairstow was just dozy. Carey had watched Bairstow go walkabout on previous deliveries and his throw at the stumps occurred before he left the crease. Good thinking by Carey but I still think Cummins should have withdrawn the appeal. Pope out, Anderson out, Wood in, Ali in?

[Roger]

I guess it's almost reflex for Carey. Bairstow looked up towards the Umpire, marked the crease with his bat and wandered out, obviously NOT running. I agree Cummings should have withdrawn the appeal . . . .

I agree it would be good to see Ali, Wood and even Woakes in for the 3rd Test. Can't wait !

[Roger]

Well there it is - Moeen Ali, Wood and Woakes in for the 3rd Test. Brooks to bat No 3 - Mmmm

Sorry to see Tongue rested. Come on England !!!

[Roger]

Well there we are - not much interest in this Ashes series - at least on the BB 

5th test ending tomorrow - looks like rain is the winner on day 4 and if there's play on Monday - England have 10 wickets to take and the Aussie's CAN get those runs, for sure. A draw seems likely   

I was watching the end of day 3 and perplexed by the lower order swishing at every ball - and getting out quickly.

On day 4 we batted again with Wood and Anderson - would have been handy to have a few more batsmen left.

England have played some amazing cricket and overall been unlucky - but what we need IMO is aggressive cricket with a bit more reserve - just sometimes . .

[Roger]

Day 5 was amazing - in the early afternoon the progress of the Aussie batsmen looked ominous for my Boys but anyway, things changed.

The Umpires changed the ball after repeated appeals and the replacement DID look a lot 'redder' - as the Aussies have pointed out. Purely coincidentally (?), the wickets started to fall.

I was in the Pub watching the end - even with 50 to get, the game is not over until there's 10 down and it was a delight to see the win !

I thought Stuart Broad was out of order and ruthlessly self-promoting in announcing his retirement the day before, dramatically catching the spotlight before continuing his career with Sky       Black mark Stuart !

For the future, Moeen has also retired, how long can Jimmy go on, and will Ben's knee hold up ??

Anyway, a great series and I'm already looking forward to the next.