The Ashes: Fourth Test

Greg Hook

I can't recall a test series where one person is the reason for the team winning in every game.

richp007

Plus as well the one we've won (thus far) was the one where he didn't play.

This series will likely only be remembered for Stokes' innings and Steve Smith.

JimmyMac

Big session this evening, we need to make it through to close without losing more than a wicket or two at most. Play through to lunch/after lunch tomorrow and hopefully it won’t leave enough time for Australia to win it.

Go into the final test at 1-1 and something to play for!

JimmyMac

Ugh!

Drop Roy for the last test if we still have a chance

danwel

Roy seems to be having a nightmare series, i really was hoping for big things from him. Have to say it looks like this has got draw written all over it barring a huge collapse from either team.\

Smith has just been outstanding and if the Aussies retain the ashes then it is pretty much down to him and him alone.

domtheone

Just got home to see the headline.

2 in 2 balls.

Thats it then.  I’m calling it.  It’s over.

gavinl1967

It's over.  There's not a cats chance in hell of lightening striking twice.

Derek S-H

This is a very different scenario from Headingley:

1. Ben Stokes is currently playing through a shoulder injury which may affect his batting.
2. Mitchell Starc looks like a very good addition to the Aussie attack as he brings in pace and a different line to the batsmen.
3. To score 365 in one day will be very difficult, especially as we're already two down.

I would have to say, overall, that the Aussies have outplayed us across the Series. We've been sloppy in the field and haven't applied enough pressure when they have been in trouble. Their bowling attack is also better than ours and we've badly missed Jimmy.

And credit where credit's due: the Aussies are pushing for the win despite coming unstuck at Headingley, would we have done the same under similar circumstances?

I still hesitate to call it as we just need to occupy the crease and create a big partnership. Mind you, batting fourth on a worn pitch with variable bounce? The Aussies would have to bowl extremely poorly to allow England to win.

Derek S-H

Oh, and easiest Man Of The Series award ever: Steve Smith!

richp007

I'm pretty sure I told people to put their mortgage on Australia winning the last one

But yeah I don't see anything happening again like last time. Steve Smith has done us big time. Along with a few of our own players being nowhere near good enough.

I guess we'll just have to pop over there next time to get em back!!

Edit: That is unless Steve Smith is playing again!