Ashes Series (inc ODI's) 2017/18

(04-01-2018 13:01 )straw man Wrote:  

(04-01-2018 11:48 )Charlemagne Wrote:  Numpties sent Johnny Bairstow in

No, it was Bairstow's own decision. He refused the offer of a nightwatchman.

What a cunt but at least we have Moeen Ali to save us!!

Chances are Ali will be left not out on 0 England will be all out

Malan went early on the second day which left England at 251/6. Fortunately the lower order made some runs and England ended on 346 all out

Steve Smith is a batting coaches nightmare, moving around in his crease etc. But it goes to show what good hand - eye co-ordination can achieve.

Lunch on the 3rd day and Australia have taken their overnight 193/2 onto 277/3, now only 69 behind. At least England have got Smith out - c&b by Ali, a nice moment for him after having a poor tour with both bat and ball.

Australia ended the day at 479-4

Mason Crane has bowled a couple of impressive spells, luckless but impressive. I would love to see England commit to him and give him a real chance to improve at this level. I say give him at least 15 tests in a row and let him settle in. We do have some talented younger bowlers, C . OVerton, his bro Jamie who is injured but a legit fast bowler, Jofra Archer when he qualifies and a guy i've seen the most of Sam Curran who has the look of a young leftie jimmy Anderson.

Lunch on the 4th day and Australia have added 99 this morning and are now 578/5, a lead of 232. The difference between the sides in this match is quite ridiculous and I fear it's going to be an easy innings victory for Australia.

So Australia finally declare on 649/7 with a huge lead of 303. They then reduce England to 93/4 by the close. The only thing that surprises me is that England after being 25/2 at tea managed to bat through 32 overs of the final session with the loss of only 2 further wickets.

Lunch on the last day and England have done well in that session, just losing Moeen Ali. At 144/5 the draw is a long way away, but at least England are making a big effort and are making Australia work for their wickets.