The Ashes 2023

[plmc135]

Close of Play 27 - 0

Time to switch from Mr Starc to Mrs Starc

[slogen51]

I have also been out most of the day but keep in touch with radio and mobile

In this modern era 224 should almost be a routine chase with 10 wickets remaining but still very much looking forward to Sunday as there are bound to be some tense moments and worry!

[colp]

I'm normally pessimistic but I think we might actually win this test match now. If we do then it will be interesting to see who plays at Old Trafford. Someone will have to make way for Anderson no doubt.

[James Cutting]

Is Foakes still injured? Could do with dropping Bairstow, Jimmy for Robinson?

[colp]

Feel sorry for Foakes but I don't think they'll be changing their minds on that one. Good call on Robinson out and Jimmy back in.

[slogen51]

I'm normally pessimistic but I think we might actually win this test match now. If we do then it will be interesting to see who plays at Old Trafford. Someone will have to make way for Anderson no doubt.

I too think England will get the runs but there is a lot of pressure because if they don't then the ashes are gone. England got through a tricky 20 minutes before close of play but early wickets tomorrow could be stressful.

Why not pick Bairstow and Foakes? Bairstow can change the direction of a match almost Dhoni like but popular opinion is that Foakes is the better keeper and as mentioned catches win matches.

I think Australia have been poor especially the top order batsmen

[James Cutting]

The other difference for us this Match has been Wood. Had we had him in the first 2, and also taken our catches, we'd be looking at a different score. But, there's a reason Australia are the Test World Champions.

[slogen51]

Not being in the 'know' I am rather making an assumption ( similar to spotting!) but from earlier reports it sounded to me that Wood was ready for the second Test but his fitness was unproven and for once England took the cautious approach. But that is gone now.

Was going to Luton for the F1 Biz but think I will stay in and chill with F1 and Cricket and is Wimbledon on or is today a rest day?

Under Baz Ball rules the cricket could be over before lights out at Silverstone!


Can't wait

[James Cutting]

Ah okay, I mean that would make sense.

Why not, it sound like a plan! Think some tennis is on today, not sure as don’t follow as much. Lights out at 15:00 soon hopefully the cricket is wrapped up

[Gary]

Duckett gone, 42 for 1

[slogen51]

Ali coming in and number 3

Bish bash bosh out ?

Why?

Just play normal cricket and make them grovel

[James Cutting]

Some weird reverse psychology of bat the tail higher up

[Gary]

Ali has batted at 3 a few times. Surprised Stokes didn’t send out Wood, really confuse the Aussies

[James Cutting]

Leave the big hitters til last, get the tail to build us to 150, before Brook Stokes and Root bash us to 250 by tea

[plmc135]

Ali experiment failed now 68 - 2. Not sure I would rely to heavily on Brook at this moment. Classic cover drive by Root for boundary

[Gary]

Root seems to swing at things he never would have tried a couple of years ago.

[adderman]

Crawley nicks one to the keeper on 44. Eng 93-3
Just once can they manage a run-chase SENSIBLY!

1255L
Hour till lunch and halfway there...think positive.

[plmc135]

Root caught behind for 21. 131 - 4 still need 120 to win

[Gary]

153 for 4 at lunch, 98 to win

[plmc135]

161 - 5 Stokes out caught behind