The Ashes 2023
- Thread starter WhyLikeThis
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SpookyFrank
A cheap source of teeth for aquarium gravel
Broad's a perpetual child. Would be Kevin Pietersen all over again.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Broad pisses off the opposition. Pietersen pissed off his own teammates.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Also there is the fact that players can surprise you when they step up. I didn't guess that Stokes would be a superb leader in all regards. Not in the way he has turned out to be.
An interim captain, maybe? While the next leader comes of age. You’re probably right though.
Monkeygrinder's Organ
Dodgy geezer swilling vapid lager
Well Stokes hasn't gone anywhere yet. And Woakes is a couple of years older.
I agree about Brook. You need a bit of an ego to be an effective captain and he's definitely not short of that. Vaughan is a shit, but he was immensely arrogant and very successful.
I think once Brook grows up a bit he could be it. He's fearless at least. I think we can all agree that Ollie Pope succeeding Ben fucking Stokes would be hilarious. But who would want that job.
I think once Brook grows up a bit he could be it. He's fearless at least. I think we can all agree that Ollie Pope succeeding Ben fucking Stokes would be hilarious. But who would want that job.
True. I was more just addressing the hypothetical of “what if Stokes had to quit tomorrow?”
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Re: Stokes, he doesn’t need to bowl. His captaincy and that ability to perform when it’s most needed will keep him in a job for a while yet. Let him gingerly hobble around mid off for a few years. We want to see him captain in Australia in 25/26. Hopefully Archer’s body would have hardened by then. One last tour for Wood. Olly Stone would have matured by then.
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
From the timestamp on that, it looks like it was published in the Telegraph yesterday, before the squad for the 4th test was announced. Maybe there's a bit of latitude for Anderson as he's been playing for decades, but I can't imagine the selectors would be that chuffed at their key decisions being publicly pre-discussed by the players affected.
Edit: I particularly meant his discussion of Bairstow, which would have been the big decision for the selectors (in the sense of calling Foakes up or not).
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
I agree with the sentiment but I doubt the longevity. We need to enjoy him while we can.
Monkeygrinder's Organ
Dodgy geezer swilling vapid lager
I agree that Stokes obviously gets in for as long as he's able to play. If he does end up being unable to bowl that creates some big problems though I think. The team as it was last test and presumably next needs Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes to balance it up. It worked OK at Headingly but even in the short term Moeen has retired already and probably won't stick around too long and Woakes' record overseas is atrocious. Maybe Rehan Ahmed replaces Moeen but he's still only 19, and there's not an obvious Woakes alternative - maybe Sam Curran I guess and I don't see that going down well in some quarters. 
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Judging by his fielding, Rehan Ahmed appears to be one of those annoyingly gifted people who are brilliant at any sport they choose to play. A lot of good judges think he'll end up as a batting allrounder. That could be very handy in places like India or Sri Lanka on pitches where you want three spinners. I can see him getting a run in India. We'll find out more about him then.
As for Sam Curran?
As for Sam Curran?
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
He's a test specialist, so he has until the New Year to recover. That's when England tour India. Hopefully will be enough time.
Monkeygrinder's Organ
Dodgy geezer swilling vapid lager
As for Sam Curran?
Well we'll see. The point isn't 'Sam Curran is great' though, it's that the selectors are going to want at least one if not two all-rounders in the team. If that's no longer Stokes and Ali then who? It's a pretty short list I'd say and Curran will definitely be one they're considering IMO.
Can someone explain to me why women don't umpire men's games? I get why they can't compete in the athletic stakes as far as actually playing is concerned due to pure brute strength. But I mean, umpires, you're just standing there. I'm sure one of these women umpiring in the womens ashes is just as capable as Marais Erasmus. The umpiring today has been very good.
I'd like to get rid of umpires altogether of course, they're irrelevant and unnecessary in today's world but baby steps. I will win eventually.
I'd like to get rid of umpires altogether of course, they're irrelevant and unnecessary in today's world but baby steps. I will win eventually.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
England comebacks are on!
England level up the Ashes in Bristol. 9 to win, 2 wickets left, what does Kate Cross do? Ramp a four over the keeper's head, natch.
England level up the Ashes in Bristol. 9 to win, 2 wickets left, what does Kate Cross do? Ramp a four over the keeper's head, natch.
tommers
Fuck it, it's fine.
must not bite
Puddy_Tat
naturally fluffy
what would the bowler do with their hat / jumper? have a hatstand at the non-striker's end instead?
What point do they serve?
To stop play when it's drizzling a little or the sun's gone behind a cloud and they want a cup of tea so fucking up everyone else's day? All other decisions can be made with technology now. Lose them. 'Umpire's call' is my bete noire and I can be fairly determined when I put my mind to it.
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
Women can and do umpire men's matches, inc. internationals.
Female umpire Cotton makes history in men's T20
Kim Cotton becomes the first female umpire to stand in a men's international between two full-member nations.
www.bbc.co.uk
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Confirmed. And rather insanely, Moeen to bat at first drop
www.theguardian.com
England recall Anderson for fourth Ashes Test and Moeen to bat at No 3
England have made one change to their team for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford, with fast bowler Jimmy Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
It's the team I expected, but Moeen at 3 is silly. Let's hope it comes off, but history suggests that it won't - he's never made runs in the top three. Root should be there with Moeen at 7. Hey ho.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
England women pushed hard, but eventually failed to take the Ashes, although a tied series is still on with victory at Taunton.
I fear England men may go the same way.
I fear England men may go the same way.
Monkeygrinder's Organ
Dodgy geezer swilling vapid lager
It's a punt isn't it, probably because neither Root or Brook want to do it. I don't really like it in that it only works if he sticks around for a while and I suspect he'll be sent out with a 'have a swing and if you get out then fine' message.
