Ashes 2017-18

[bwildered]

Will we return with them ?

[IlfordEagle]

It will be closer than last time in Oz (0-5!!), I think if Eng start well in Brisbane then they can nick it 2-1/3-2 but if they lose the 1st Test they will be up against it. At least they won't have Harmison bowling the first over!!

[JasonP]

I think we'll lose comfortably if Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood stay fit.  They do though have pretty dodgy fitness records.  It's a better attack than we have.  They also have a much better spinner, Moeen struggles away from England.  Our top 5 batting is weak bar Root.  I'm a huge Cook fan but he's had 1 brilliant series against Australia and 5 ordinary ones.

[Andy]

Will we return with them ?

Not unless we cremate Bayliss' contract!  Seriously, it is about the fitness of their and our seamers.  I'd suggest their spinner is better as is there batting line-up.  I suspect we'll get a hiding but from a not particularly impressive Aussie side.

[essexfan548]

We'll come back with the ashes - either the 'ashes' of our dreams or the little urn.

I agree that the First Test is important.

[JasonP]

We'll come back with the ashes - either the 'ashes' of our dreams or the little urn.

I agree that the First Test is important.

Australia haven't lost a Test in Brisbane sinch 1988, 28 Tests ago.  So the omens aren't good!

[oldhasbeen]

Finn out of the series  - why am I not surprised?

Leaves us with the ghastly prospect of being one injury away from the pie-chucker Jake Ball in the Test team.

Who are we gonna replace Finn with - someone from the Lions squad? Will they risk Mark Wood? Or risk another rookie on top of Overton?

Can't see a good option unless the police announce they aren't charging Stokes

[LeedsExile]

Finn is no loss but I don't think it matters who they pick as I expect another thrashing. Stupid thing is that in less than 18 months we do it all again over here when England would be favourites to win. Teams seem not to travel well these days.

[JasonP]

Finn out of the series  - why am I not surprised?

Leaves us with the ghastly prospect of being one injury away from the pie-chucker Jake Ball in the Test team.

Who are we gonna replace Finn with - someone from the Lions squad? Will they risk Mark Wood? Or risk another rookie on top of Overton?

Can't see a good option unless the police announce they aren't charging Stokes

Wood is the obvious choice.  If he stays fit he could do well.  A big if though.  A shame for Porter as he would have had a good chance of being the replacement had he not been injured.

[nat]

This series is a good one for Porter to miss. Has the smell of a disaster already.

[JasonP]

Tom Curran called up.  25 wkts at 35 from 9 CC matches this year, 33 at 45 in 15 matches the year before.  Shows how desperate we are.

[nat]

Tom Curran called up.  25 wkts at 35 from 9 CC matches this year, 33 at 45 in 15 matches the year before.  Shows how desperate we are.

ECB only interested in 1 day cricket. TC getting in some practice for the bish bash stuff.

[IlfordEagle]

At least Curran can bat & stays fit unlike some of the other seamers, I think Test cricket might be a year or two early for him though, I do rate him having watched a few times since his debut, much rather him than Finn though!!

[Crisp]

This may be a defining point in Jamie Porters career, would he if fit have been called up to replace Finn.............?

[oldhasbeen]

At least Curran can bat & stays fit unlike some of the other seamers, I think Test cricket might be a year or two early for him though, I do rate him having watched a few times since his debut, much rather him than Finn though!!

I've liked what I've seen of the Currans in one day cricket but it I agree it may be too early for him. I would have rather gone for Liam Plunkett, despite his lack of first class cricket last year.

I see we've now called up George Garton as well, which, looking at his stats, seems a tad desperate . I haven't seen him, has anyone else?