The Ashes. 1st Test

Theseus

I just checked the score for the first time since yesterday!

That’s a very good win for Australia.

gavinl1967

It is.  Englands batting frailties were all too obvious in their second innings.  England also need to figure out a way to get Smith out and if Jimmy is out for the rest of the series, then that's a serious concern

faiz0

Atrocious from England today. Precipitated by that shocking hoick from Roy.

There’s so much wrong with this England side:

1) it’s clear already Roy isn’t a test opener;
2) Denly is not international class;
3) Buttler isn’t a top 5 batsman;
4) Bairstow isn’t contributing, time for Foakes to be given a go;
5) Moeen’s batting has gone to pieces. It was painful watching him today. I think his international career is over, certainly in home tests.

Other than all of that we’re fine.

richp007

Couldn't believe that from Roy. Must have thought for a minute he was playing 20/20 and we needed a 6.

When In Rome

Absolutely disgusting. Series over.

When In Rome

I won't watch any more of the series unless some kind of miracle happens. The psychological supremacy now is entirely with the Australians. The England team has been found out and look to be a bunch of no-hopers. Thank heavens the English Premier League is back!

gavinl1967

They said that in 1981 and 2005.

When In Rome

Different squads, different teams. Dare I say it, far better players.

These are not like Petersen, Vaughan, Trescothick, Flintoff, Jones, Hoggard, Harmison...

While we love Moeen it wasn't right to include him in that test and yes, Anderson might have put a different light on that game (especially at 122/8) but we tire of making excuses, you have to play the best with what you have and Root's bowling changes and overall tactics as captain have certainly come under the spotlight.

On Roy and Burns, I'm a fan of both but you have to give these things time. I'm still not convinced of Roy being in this test side.

Joe Denly oughtn't to be in this side either, fact it's mid-boggling to me how he managed to get a ticket, a decent county cricketer at best.

So the selecters play what they think are the best available, we must grin and bear it.

When you have the psychological upper hand, the ball really is in your court and after Edgbaston, that is exactly what Australia have.

I wish I could be more hopeful and enthusiastic and hope I am proved wrong!

Leo31291

I'm currently watching the complete 8 hour highlights from 2005 on youtube. I was taking my GCSE's back then in that summer. What a mad couple of weeks. Such a shame the Ashes full test matches aren't on terrestrial anymore. Aside from the crazy 2nd test where England were bowling great, Shane Warne's batting in the 3rd test and McGraths 23-5 in the 1st were unbelievable.

Same year as Brian Laras cricket 2005 on the PS2, what a game! Are any of the new games any good ?

faiz0

Moeen has taken more test wickets in the last year or so than any other  bowler. It was right to include him.