The Ashes Thread!

[jofillips]

Wondering if anyone else is following this?
One of the best sport series ever where England take on Australia in a 5 match Test Series every two(ish) years...
If you've seen 20over cricket (IPL) on sportsnet before then take a look at how cricket is supposed to be played - 5 long days of slow heavenly cricket!!!! An utterly different game that is the most tactical game I know of...

Its the first day of the first test today in a series that should be closer than before.

[jofillips]

sorry forgot a link for live BBC radio coverage;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bb...e_sports_extra

at times it is hilarious to listen to, some of the commentators are utter throwbacks to the jolly good old days!!
More sport needs to be covered like cricket....

[Da_Chief]

5 for 50 for Siddle on the first day so far. English struggling, 213/8.

Aussies should be batting soon.

[NBC]

Calypso Collapso!

[Da_Chief]

I wouldn't call it a collapse. There was a wicket falling every 30 runs or so then the lower order didnt do much, which isn't their fault.

[NBC]

It was in reference to a famous Henry Blofeld quote. I like when he says it.

[Imported_Aussie]

Well well well...
Botham and the other English ex-players and pundits who predicted a whitewash may need to rethink their stance. I know 2 sessions a series does not make, but I have a feeling this series will be closer than people expect.
I will be back downunder this summer for the Sydney test - can't wait for that!

[Da_Chief]

Finn with a double strike, getting rid of dangerous Watso!

[jofillips]

yea beefys comments were daft, sounded like an oz pundit in reverse!!
I reckon this'll be a really close series, if Trott and Cook are kept in check the Aussies have a good chance.

[jofillips]

thanks NBC for putting a name to the best voice in commentary; 'Henry Blofeld'.
Please check him out if you have time, sounds like he belongs in a Kipling-jungle hunting tigers with a pith helmet and a monocle...

[GirlySports]

13 wickets in 2 sessions? will definitely be a result in this 1st test

Edit: another one, Australia is 4 down, England might get a lead!

[NBC]

What a terrible day 1 wicket. Cook was right to bat first. 215 might end up being a decent score.

[NBC]

Australia 117-9. 98 runs behind. This is remarkable stuff.

EDIT: 146-9. Useful 10th wicket partnership. England will be annoyed with these 30 runs.

165-9. 51 behind. This is terrible bowling at the moment. All short. Poor lengths, no variation. Terrible.

191-9. Absolutely amazing how England have managed to turn a massive advantage into this. Australia might have a 1st innings lead. They look clueless as how to get either one of these 2 guys out. What thoughtless bowling. Absolute rubbish.

[GirlySports]

They're still going!!!!!

Edit: the 11th batter on his debut is on 93!

[NBC]

Agar has won the first test for Australia. England will struggle to get 200, which will leave Australia a modest chase of 145-odd. Wouldn't have thought that the situation at 11:00 this morning!

[jofillips]

hmm, if agar can get some wickets today then he'd have won it for Australia - but right now England could build on Cook/Pieterson and with a lead of even 200ish would be very confident on this worsening pitch....

[GirlySports]

England have had a good 2nd innings. Lead by 200 now with 4 wickets to go and Bell still there.

If they can get to a lead of 300 Australia will have no chance.

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

England have had a good 2nd innings. Lead by 200 now with 4 wickets to go and Bell still there.

If they can get to a lead of 300 Australia will have no chance.

If they get a lead of 300, it means that their tail has survived on this deck to put up a total in excess of 300 themselves. Australia's batting hasn't been its best of late, but I would hesitate to write off any team with Michael Clarke.
A lead of 300 would put them in the better position, but write us off at your peril!

The worry for England has to be Broad - he was bowled so lightly in the first innings, with an injury scare. Anderson will be deadly with the swinging ball and Swann will turn it, but Finn did not look too threatening. If the pitch stays low, Finn wont be as much of a factor, but if it gets variable, then he comes back into play.
If Australia are to win it, they need to get Bell out and wrap up the tail, then be very patient against Anderson and Swann. Play with a straight bat, build and maintain batting partnerships. And bat Agar at 8 instead of 11....

[jofillips]

for once boycott is the man of reason - England just have to stay in there as long as possible...
the bowling is my main worry when it comes to England, but anything over 300 in the second innings is a heavy heavy total.

[Imported_Aussie]

And with that Broad non-dismissal, the arguments about batsmen walking or standing their ground will re-emerge.
To be fair, DRS was supposed to get rid of these howlers, but Clarke used up his referrals on gambles...