Ashes Cricket

[BlueinPLtwenty]

After a day of firsts with "Bazball" baffling the Aussies England scoring at 5 runs per over, then declaring when another 40 or 50 runs were possible. Warner did not want to face Broad and he stuttered to 9 not out. Then this morning without adding to his score he deflected a ball from Broad onto his stumps and next ball Labuschagne sends the ball into Bairstow`s gloves for a Golden Duck. 29 for Two

[StMonkton]

Now Stokes removes Smith!

I think Australia thought the new England approach was just about hitting boundaries so set a field to negate that. The essence of the regime is about being aggressive and pushing on quickly. So in the event England managed to power on with singles and a few boundaries.

It always looks risky to me but so far the results are spectacular.

[BlueinPLtwenty]

78 for three at Lunch

[New Forester]

I have just finished a Don Bradman biography. His record was remarkable. 4 runs short of a Test average of 100. And he scored at an incredible strike rate in many innings. He was way ahead of any batsmen in the history of the game. That said …..
Not a good day for England. Much grumbling about the selection of Bairstow on social media. And about Stoke’s declaration. Some critical mistakes in the field. But it’s not over yet.

[Rjk66]

England declared far too early and should have carried on scoring. After yesterday’s play it’s heading for a draw.

[jabba monkey]

Still all to play for I think, sure, we missed chances yesterday - but at least the chances were created. On another day we could have bowled them out or very close to it.

Certainly bodes we’ll for the series. Agree the declaration seems a bit reckless now - but at the time if we had taken a couple of wickets everyone would have called it genius.

Plus - maybe being in bat overnight led to the early wickets yesterday? We will never know for sure - one of the beauties of test cricket

[BlueinPLtwenty]

Overall the Aussies had the better of the days play. Lets see what happens today?

[BlueinPLtwenty]

Australia all out for 386 First Innings lead for England a massive 7 runs

Lost their last 4 wickets for 14 runs from 21 balls

[Sam_Brown]

I don’t think I’ve watched the ashes since 2005. I find the five tests very difficult to commit to. Do you all watch every ball of every innings or just dip in and out? Five tests... 25 days... seems a big commitment lol.

[New Forester]

I usually just keep an eye on the score and watch only at critical stages. This time I watched all the play of both first innings. Then started watching on the resumption of play when England were 27 for no wicket. Saw 2 wickets go down in ten minutes before rain stopped play again. I hope there’s no more play today. My nerves need a rest.

[BlueinPLtwenty]

Play abandoned for the day England 28 for two

[New Forester]

Having watched so much of the match so far I think Australia will win the series by 3-1. They have a stronger all round side. Perhaps the critical difference is the spinner. I hope I’m wrong!

[New Forester]

The things I do for my country. Just popped £20 on Australia to win. Might just tip it in England's favour.!

[blue architect]

The things I do for my country. Just popped £20 on Australia to win. Might just tip it in England's favour.!

Ye, of little faith.
Glued to TMS while I work, then running to TV to watch replays. The best Test I've listened to for years. I've got tickets for Day 3 at Headingley, if its like this Test then I'll feel really chuffed.

[Maddog56]

Possibly one of the greatest test matches. How often can you remember England being positive & the Aussies negative?