WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Let’s say a lot. I’m in the Upper Bedser Stand, up by where the players are.
The Ashes 2023
- Thread starter WhyLikeThis
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Let’s say a lot. I’m in the Upper Bedser Stand, up by where the players are.
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
He only told Anderson last night. I don't know how much of a moment in the spotlight Anderson wants, but I doubt he wanted to be bounced into it. He may well be thinking he wants to carry on, but I do think this speeds up his departure. Even though the other bolwlers are knocking on a bit, he'll be around 7 years older than the oldest of them. Dunno, he might retire on Monday, though he certainly wasn't planning on doing so before this.
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Anderson is 10 wickets short of 700 and 18 away from Warne. If he plays a few of the tests against India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies he should achieve that.
I reckon he wants to take both of those records down and then a few more wickets after that and he’ll be above 1000 international wickets (think Warne got 1001?)
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Lest we forget
Spymaster
Plastic Paddy
I walked past the Grace Gate, on the third day of the Lords test and heard a tout; "tickets, tickets".
I asked him how much and he said "no mate, I'm looking to buy"!
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
Good point, though there will be a lot of touring and not getting picked every match before he gets those 18. But yeah, if he doesn't go now, it looks like he may be after that 2nd place, or biggest run taker who isn't double jointed.
I looked at those figures above earlier on and had assumed Murali and Warne were way better than Anderson on all counts. They do have better averages, but the strike rates are very similar from my maths (Murali 55.04, Warne 57.49 and Anderson 56.71). Though maybe spinners tend to bowl longer spells and build pressure slowly?
Worth noting that none of them are anywhere near the top of the strike rate list: Top 8 bowlers with best strike rate in Test cricket with more than 200 test wickets
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
Some decent catches there.
He's about to turn 41. He needs to get realistic. I don't think there's a chance he'll go to India. McCullum should have a quiet word with him and let him retire with grace rather than be dropped.
Ted Striker
Foot's on the other hand
Same!
Feel a bit dirty dealing with the ticket resale sites but I missed out on something similar recently, and realise it's one of those regrets that may haunt me
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
An in form Anderson is a very handy player to have in India. Different calculation for Broad, who has a poor record in India where conditions don't suit him, so wouldn't realistically be looking to feature again until next summer anyway. In that sense, Anderson in form is a more complete bowler than Broad - Anderson has had success everywhere in all conditions.
It's not so much his age as the fact that he's had an appalling summer. I wouldn't have picked Anderson for OT, and I definitely wouldn't have picked him for the Oval after his OT performance. His form just doesn't merit selection.
I hope the pair of them do well tomorrow. But players don't always get the perfect ending. I will be surprised if Anderson doesn't follow suit. He has every right to put himself up for selection for as long as he likes, but the selectors have a right not to pick him.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Interesting tactic protecting one another.
How the hell did that bounce that much, mind you?
So there it is, target 384. 382 for England to square the series.
How the hell did that bounce that much, mind you?
So there it is, target 384. 382 for England to square the series.
Zapp Brannigan
Built like a steakhouse, handles like a bistro
Not often I agree with Eeyore, but should have done. Broad got a lovely moment walking out and a lovelier one belting a six, but that's 4 overs down and we could need every ball available with the weather.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
It's a dodgy forecast, but nothing like Manchester. Should be enough time for Australia to win still.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
I suspect it will be Wood and Woakes who do most of the damage, but a new ball wicket for Anderson here would be great. Plus Broad getting Warner one last time.
One of the big turning points for me has been the return of the two Ws for the last three tests. They've been outstanding.
One of the big turning points for me has been the return of the two Ws for the last three tests. They've been outstanding.
Well presumably Wood's injured so thats that one out
Zapp Brannigan
Built like a steakhouse, handles like a bistro
Spitting with rain, right on the verge of lunch.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Nope. As mentioned on commentary, they're holding him back for reverse swing. Expect to see him imminently.
He's not come out after lunch. Dan Lawrence on instead.
edit: apparently the guardian OBO was wrong about that
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I didn't realise Broad is a Mail columnist. Presumably a lot more of that coming our way over the next decade or two.
www.dailymail.co.uk
STUART BROAD: retiring after the Ashes means I bow out at the top
STUART BROAD: There is a saying in sport made famous by the All Blacks rugby team that you want to leave the shirt in a better place - that is what I have tried to do.
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Credit the Aus openers here. England have been a bit flat. Moeen clearly not right and he could have been a handful today. Wood also not quite right. 'down' at 140kph. But Warner and Khawaja have played very well. Warner's had a funny series. He's looked very good most of the time, but just hasn't gone on to anything big.
WhyLikeThis
Something, something, something
Mo was getting some decent turn, regardless. More than a bit lacklustre. At least there’s tomorrow
littlebabyjesus
one of Maxwell's demons
Intriguing final day set up assuming a good chunk of play. Aus don't need to force anything. England need to find a bit of energy.
It is odd that Anderson bowled twice as many overs as any other seamer today. I'm afraid it has to be more in hope than expectation that he will discover some magic. He currently has five wickets at 81 for the series. Clinging to Anderson is now damaging England's chances.
It is odd that Anderson bowled twice as many overs as any other seamer today. I'm afraid it has to be more in hope than expectation that he will discover some magic. He currently has five wickets at 81 for the series. Clinging to Anderson is now damaging England's chances.
