Ashes 2017-18

[nat]

George Garton - promising left arm pace bowler. Primarily 1-day experience so far.

[Andy]

Well, we've jumped a generation.  Not sure he'll play in a serious match, but the great white/black hopes for our left arm seamers (Topley/Mills) aren't up to the job so we've moved on. We do tend to forget how little experience Aussie players have when they debut.  Garton has been involved in the u-19 so is part of the set-up.

[IlfordEagle]

Seen Garton a couple of times , he has potential as yet unfulfilled but he could/should develop in the next couple of years.

[bwildered]

Unbiased New Zealander Matt Quinn on the local radio thought that home advantage would be the key to the Aussies winning .
When was the last time we had a good first ball or day at the Gabba ?

[essexfan548]

Simon Harmer [on his podcast] thinks England will win.

[IlfordEagle]

If it's good enough for Simon Harmer then it's good enough for me!!

[nat]

Told you James Vince is good.

[bwildered]

How many times does a well set batsman get himself run out . Could forgive him if they were trying to reach some milestone of sorts or batting with the tail , but a five day test,  run outs should be has rare has Fozzie dropping a catch .
Vince must be kicking himself for not reaching three figures .

[IlfordEagle]

Not a bad day's score especially after losing Ally for 2 to a loose shot playing away from the body, Vince (surprisingly) & Stoneman in his solid way did well but we must get up to at least 350 even 400 & get Warner & Smith in particularly quickly. Good bowling by the Aussies , Lyon especially bowled very well & deserved better.

[Andy]

Not a bad day's score especially after losing Ally for 2 to a loose shot playing away from the body, Vince (surprisingly) & Stoneman in his solid way did well but we must get up to at least 350 even 400 & get Warner & Smith in particularly quickly. Good bowling by the Aussies , Lyon especially bowled very well & deserved better.

Mmm, 302 ao not such a good second day batting performance. Still, as may be the pattern for this series, the Aussies got themselves into a bit of a pickle as well until the skipper dug them out. Could actually be a very interesting series - irrespective as to who comes away with the Ashes at the end.

[bwildered]

Has become a one innings shot out . Whoever holds their nerve, just needs someone from either side to take the game away. Will bowling last be a benefit on the wicket, providing we can stack up enough runs ?

[IlfordEagle]

We really need a Captain's innings from Root tomorrow a la Smith's great effort. If he goes early then we will be in trouble, we will need a lead of at least 250 to have a winning chance, should prove to be another absorbing day on Sunday, roll on.

[Oldhasbeen]

For 2.5 days, it looked pretty good for us, then ....

Oh well, (almost) slaughter at the Gabbattoir - back to business as usual! As numerous commentators have said, our batsmen have got to turn some 50s into big 100s to get us into winning positions.

However, I wouldn't be too hard on the selectors, given the paucity of options available (And a poor decision, IMHO, to give Moeen out stumped).  I just can't see Jake Ball as a test bowler but the only real alternative, Overton, has both batted and bowled poorly on tour so far.

Positives? Well, all the top 7 except Ally have got one decent score and some good crease time under their belts; our aged opening bowlers look to be fit and up for it. And the Aussies batting ain't that great.

Having said that, the Aussies start the next test as clear favourites, unless injuries intervene.

[nat]

I'm informed that Overton has bowled well on the tour. Anyone still think Woakes is anything more than a bang average county player?

[JasonP]

I'm informed that Overton has bowled well on the tour. Anyone still think Woakes is anything more than a bang average county player?

He looks good in Tests in England but not so much away.  He's a very good county player and a much better one than Ball, Overton and Curran.