THE ASHES 2015

[Chinagirl]

Well, here we go again - the Old Enemies square off for what must be the smallest trophy in world sport - yet how keenly it has been contested for so long!

Late night for me tonight .....

[Truthiness2]

I hope we put up a better fight this time.

Don't worry about falling asleep, CG, the belly laughs you will experience should keep you awake

[Chinagirl]

Actually, Truthi - your guys have been better (in England) since 2001. Up to the Aussies to put up a good face this time ....

Great national anthems!

[Chinagirl]

Tending in England's favour at the moment, I think. Well done to Root! 343/7.

[Chinagirl]

Stumps on Day 3. Without a doubt England are in the pound seats. To win the Aussies need to make a record-breaking 412 runs, but not impossible, given two full days to do so, and if the Aussie batsmen stand up and nobody gives their wickets away cheaply. To win England need 10 wickets.

Interesting times .....!

[Truthiness2]

I think our batting was appalling yesterday, CG.

I think someone at the top has forgotten that you put your best batters in first, not the worst.

Cook - it's groundhog day every time. I can hold my breath longer than he can stay at the crease

If it wasn't for Root, it would be all over by now, with Australia winning easily.

Lyth; I have no idea why he's in the team at all.

[Chinagirl]

Cook - it's groundhog day every time. I can hold my breath longer than he can stay at the crease



Re my earlier post. I've just realised that even though they have two days to make the required 412 runs, they have to do it within the allotted 180 overs - that's 1080 balls. So they have to score at the rate of 2.62 runs per ball - a big ask.

Not likely, I don't think.

[honestbroker1]

Cook - it's groundhog day every time. I can hold my breath longer than he can stay at the crease



Re my earlier post. I've just realised that even though they have two days to make the required 412 runs, they have to do it within the allotted 180 overs - that's 1080 balls. So they have to score at the rate of 2.62 runs per ball - a big ask.

Not likely, I don't think.

How many counties have the Australians played before the tests?

None, I don't think.

[honestbroker1]

Cook - it's groundhog day every time. I can hold my breath longer than he can stay at the crease



Re my earlier post. I've just realised that even though they have two days to make the required 412 runs, they have to do it within the allotted 180 overs - that's 1080 balls. So they have to score at the rate of 2.62 runs per ball - a big ask.

Not likely, I don't think.

More than 12 an over.

A big ask ...

[Truthiness2]

I didn't know that either, CG.

[honestbroker1]

How many counties have the Australians played in the lead-up to this test?

Any?

[Chinagirl]

I think they played two lead-up matches, HB, and won both.

[honestbroker1]

I think they played two lead-up matches, HB, and won both.

Two lead-up matches?

Seems to the way of it with modern tours.

When I were a lad, tours were properly structured, with the touring party playing 3 or 4 3-day matches against counties before the first Test, so they would have a chance to acclimatize to the conditions, get used to the pitches and bring their key players into something like peak form for the test series to follow.

Sometimes there were some interesting matches played, and the counties keenly anticipated the games because it gave them a chance to show off international talent playing at their ground. They would always field their strongest teams.

These days, the counties (if there are any matches played against the counties) field a B team ...

These days, the tourists (practically) tumble, jet-lagged, off the aircraft on Wednesday and get pitched into their first Test the following day (not quite, but almost) and people wonder why they don't always play at their best. It's not real cricket any more ....

[honestbroker1]

And England have (comprehensively) won the first test ...

[Chinagirl]

I think they played two lead-up matches, HB, and won both.

Two lead-up matches?

Seems to the way of it with modern tours.

When I were a lad, tours were properly structured, with the touring party playing 3 or 4 3-day matches against counties before the first Test, so they would have a chance to acclimatize to the conditions, get used to the pitches and bring their key players into something like peak form for the test series to follow.

Sometimes there were some interesting matches played, and the counties keenly anticipated the games because it gave them a chance to show off international talent playing at their ground. They would always field their strongest teams.

These days, the counties (if there are any matches played against the counties) field a B team ...

These days, the tourists (practically) tumble, jet-lagged, off the aircraft on Wednesday and get pitched into their first Test the following day (not quite, but almost) and people wonder why they don't always play at their best. It's not real cricket any more ....

Good points, HB.

[Chinagirl]

Have just woken up to the dismal news. Only watched the first session last night. My feelings about the Aussie batsmen -

Congratulations to England. A well deserved win. Outclassed Australia in both bowling and batting.

[Truthiness2]

I watched the whole day's play CG, and I think there must be voodoo going on

Johnson batted well with an old ball, and Starc surprised me.

Cook's catch was brilliant.

I think this might be a blip, though

[honestbroker1]

Johnson batted well with an old ball

That was a clever trick ....

[Chinagirl]

Johnson batted well with an old ball

That was a clever trick ....

[Truthiness2]

[honestbroker1]

You know, it's interesting. I was just looking at my old Wisden's almanack for 1973.

The tourists that year were Australia. The first Test was played on June 8th.

Before that, they played about 10 3-day matches against the counties (and other matches as well).

Proper preparation ...

[honestbroker1]

Second test under way.

Australia 118-1

Going well ....

[Truthiness2]

I'm getting frustrated

[Chinagirl]

Well, well .... what a turn around - and most welcome! Went to bed at end of first session and have just heard the news this morning. 337/1

[Truthiness2]

Well, well .... what a turn around - and most welcome! Went to bed at end of first session and have just heard the news this morning. 337/1