The Ashes 2015

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

They insure against early finishes and who gives a shit about sky. It's a bit harsh on the fans who had tickets for the days that didn't get played but apart from that who cares really?

Anyway I don't think it's realistic to expect groundsmen to be able to assess the likely batting and prepare a pitch that will ensure the game last 4-5 days but isn't completely dead.

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

Can't blame the groundsmen for 11 Australians forgetting which end of the bat to hold. There were no real demons in that pitch - an England team with a few out of sorts batsmen scored 280-odd and 120something for 2.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

They insure against early finishes and who gives a shit about sky. It's a bit harsh on the fans who had tickets for the days that didn't get played but apart from that who cares really?

Anyway I don't think it's realistic to expect groundsmen to be able to assess the likely batting and prepare a pitch that will ensure the game last 4-5 days but isn't completely dead.

Exactly this.

You want a contest between bat and ball. If the ball wins that contest decisively because the batting is poor, then you get three-day tests. It was a good wicket, but Aus were too crap to extend the match into the fourth day. Tbh I didn't think England batted too well first innings either, but they did just enough.

 

[Dan U]

Well then, big test coming up

Forecast looking dry till Sunday at least.

Don't fuck it up England.

 

[Cerberus]

Don't fuck it up England.

Hhmm. Recent form suggests they might!

Have woken up to perfect conditions for bowling this morning. However, I'm in London. Don't know how it is in Nottingham. Given that there may be damp conditions up there this morning and cloud cover, I'm predicting a low scorer like B'ham.

Head says 2-2. Heart says Ashes regained by Saturday night.....

 

[Mogden]

Currently overcast down the road here in Derby. Looking like it might be wet later.

 

[Dan U]

Part of me wants it to be 2-2 as I am off to the oval but equally I'd like to be going to a bit of a party.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

England bowl first. Can't help feeling this is another toss it's better to lose.

 

[Teaboy]

England bowl first. Can't help feeling this is another toss it's better to lose.

I don't like that decision to bowl first at all. It smacks of the same sort of bravado Ponting had in 05 after McGrath had just stood on a ball. We've just stuffed you and don't care if our best bowler is injured we're still going to skittle you out.

 

[The Octagon]

Considering the conditions and the fragile batting line-ups of both teams it's probably the right call IMO. Any early wickets will be a massive psychological blow.

 

[littlebabyjesus]

Considering the conditions and the fragile batting line-ups of both teams it's probably the right call IMO. Any early wickets will be a massive psychological blow.

Exactly. It's the right call on the toss. Which is why it might have been a good toss to lose.

 

[Mogden]

*wedges fence between butt cheeks* I'll wait and see. Sun bursting out here. Psychological advantage will be a big shaker here though. Early wicket could easily cause a domino effect for either side. Neither seem to have the ability to shake off a bit of rough play.

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

Considering the conditions and the fragile batting line-ups of both teams it's probably the right call IMO. Any early wickets will be a massive psychological blow.

Agreed. Particularly with this Oz line-up. Their strength is their top three - use the favourable early bowling conditions to get 2 or all of them out quickly and you can really get at the rest. In theory anyway.

 

[Teaboy]

But Oz have packed their batting and gone with just 4 bowlers, they would have definitely bowled first given that team. Always do what you're opponent least wants you to do, Clarke must be a relieved man right now.

 

[redsquirrel]

Yes! Rogers gone 3rd ball on the morning

 

[Mogden]

Woo and indeed hoo!

 

[The Octagon]

300 for Broad

What a start

 

[FullFathomFive]

Boom, great start!

 

[DrRingDing]

Yes! 5 fer for Broad?

 

[redsquirrel]

Smith too! Blowers going mad on TMS

 

[FullFathomFive]

TWO!

 

[Mogden]

Good grief! TMS will need to refuel soon if they don't breathe. Very excitable commentary.

 

[The Octagon]

 

[redsquirrel]

And Warner! Fucking hell can't be many better starts than this.

 

[kabbes]

Still a good toss to lose?

 

[Teaboy]

Yeah, fuck what I know. This doesn't bode well for the team I captaining this evening.

 

[Mogden]

Ilike it but WTF!

 

[DrRingDing]

Oh my giddy fuck 10/3!

 

[Spymaster]

3-10.

Blimey!!!

 

[The Octagon]

WTF?!