The Ashes - August/September 2019
- superfrank
- Posts: 2762
- Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:28 pm
A valiant effort which was good to see. Australia the better side though throughout the series.
I don't see how it was not a difficult time? And Australia actually punished its players for cheating. It probably cost them the series against India. Whereas England potentially won the 2005 Ashes on the back of ball tampering and championed it by giving 15 players MBEs. Trescothick, Flintoff and Panasar have all admitted to using various things such as mints, sunscreen, zips etc.
Fair comment. Wasn't aware of the zip thing, but the other 2 have been common practice since the year dot.Aarondewit wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2019 5:36 amI don't see how it was not a difficult time? And Australia actually punished its players for cheating. It probably cost them the series against India. Whereas England potentially won the 2005 Ashes on the back of ball tampering and championed it by giving 15 players MBEs. Trescothick, Flintoff and Panasar have all admitted to using various things such as mints, sunscreen, zips etc.
Baffled why Roy has been picked again. Are they thinking the 5th test can be used as "test match training" for him. He's had 4 matches and is averaging barely more than the bowlers. Must have friends in high places.
Then again, with Smith in the equation there seems to be no change we can make to catch up.
Then again, with Smith in the equation there seems to be no change we can make to catch up.
- wearthefoxhat
- Posts: 3221
- Joined: Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:55 am
Without stating the obvious, Smith was the difference for sure. However, England's bowling was limited due to Anderson being rules out completely and Archer not bowling the fastest due to a slight knock. He also had to cope mentally with nearly "killing" Smith with the bouncer in an earlier test. He was told to focus on line and length after that as well.
Add in the mix, in the last test, Stokes had a shoulder injury and couldn't bowl.
In summary, Australia weren't firing 100% themselves, but their bowlers had enough savvy to do enough to win.
Add in the mix, in the last test, Stokes had a shoulder injury and couldn't bowl.
In summary, Australia weren't firing 100% themselves, but their bowlers had enough savvy to do enough to win.
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:09 am
Looking at backing the draw here at 7.
The Oval has had a lot of 400 run + innings the last few matches and half the county champ matches this season have ended in a draw.
Looking like sunny weather which may compliment batting conditions.
Will look to trade out after a decent first innings total if goes to plan.
The Oval has had a lot of 400 run + innings the last few matches and half the county champ matches this season have ended in a draw.
Looking like sunny weather which may compliment batting conditions.
Will look to trade out after a decent first innings total if goes to plan.
2.00 for England looks generous if you expect Smith to repeat his previous performances.
And thats what I'm expecting.
From what I've seen he's a machine, great coordination but his shot selection, discipline and adjustment when he detects a weakness (getting clobbered by Archer) is an example for players at any level.
And thats what I'm expecting.
From what I've seen he's a machine, great coordination but his shot selection, discipline and adjustment when he detects a weakness (getting clobbered by Archer) is an example for players at any level.