The Ashes 2023

[Gary]

Smith finally gone for 71. 239 for 8

[Gary]

What happened to the yorker? Was always a weapon against the tail. Bang a couple of short balls in then a yorker. I’m guess with everyone batting better nowadays it’s become less affective?

[slogen51]

Australia all out for 295

That Tom Murphy can bat a bit , I hope that doesn't inspire his bowling

[slogen51]

Near enough parity so a two innings match or the way England bat a one day international!

Just remembered Moheen Ali is injured which is a big loss on both the batting and bowling front

[plmc135]

Australia all out for 295

That Tom Murphy can bat a bit , I hope that doesn't inspire his bowling

His name is Todd Murphy

[slogen51]

Ah! I was thinking of his brother, good bloke decent with the bat

[slogen51]

England going along nicely at 5 per over ( runs not wickets)

112-1 Stokes in at three

Crawley 57 n.o

[slogen51]

130-1 at lunch

Crawley 71
Stokes 12

The world test champions look flustered

Early days but if England can bat all day ...... Will we be able to take 10 Australia wickets?

[Gary]

Just woke up, forgot to set the alarm England 212 for 2 ( really 3, because of Ali) just hit the 200 lead and Root 50

[Gary]

Stokes out for 42, 213 for 3.

[Gary]

Brook now gone, edging one to Carey for 7. 224 for 4

[Gary]

Lead just hit 300, Root 75 and Bairstow 66. 312 for 4

[Gary]

Murphy just got Root for 91. 332 for 5. England lead by 320

[Gary]

Full credit to Ali for coming out to bat. Seems to be moving ok at the moment

[adderman]

1750L
Bairstow out for 78, 360-6 still a lead of 340.
Could get some true baz-ball biffing from the lower order before a declaration at 1830 with a tricky 30 mins for Australia tonight.
Forecast for Sunday and Monday not that good, unless you're an Aussie.

[slogen51]

Broad and Anderson together for the last time?

[adderman]

Broad and Anderson together for the last time?

Broad is normally out before Anderson comes in.
My declaration by 1830 should read 'all-out'.

BTW, a quote from TMS Statto...

The highest successful run chase at The Oval is England's 263-9 to beat Australia in 1902.

[Gary]

Broad and Anderson together for the last time?

In a home Ashes yes, Anderson has said he has no intention to retire. I’d expect he’ll at least be in the squad for India in the new year

Stumps 389 for 9 leading by 377

Edit looks like Broad will retire though

[plmc135]

Broad has confirmed his retirement at the conclusion of this Test. Time for Anderson to go as well

[slogen51]

The reception the two old war horses will come out to at the Oval will obviously be electric. They will probably receive a standing ovation before they even receive a ball let alone when they get out or declare!

There will be a lot of overs that will need to be bowled over the next couple of days. It is an unlikely total for Australia given their recent performance but I have a nagging or pessimistic worry that this will be tense. I hope I am wrong and they are 7 down by tea.