The Ashes Thread.

[David48atTD]

I think we tried the right way, if we'd been 130 or so for 2 then we could have got maybe 250+ and maybe bowled them out. Now, looking like a draw unless we have another collapse and get bowled out for 160/170.

Betts, I believe you are giving way to easily.

If you guys can scrape your lead to 175, maybe 200 ... England are in with a real chance.

Don't forget, the Aussie batting, less Smith aren't very intimidating.

One thing the Aussies do have are a swinging tail and even if the pitch turns into something resembling a Thai Village road they will hit and miss and maybe get Australia over the line.

Test Cricket, despite losing almost 2 days to the English Summer is alive and well and, most importantly ... damm exciting.

Day 5 ...

[Saint Willy]

Sending thoughts and prayers that you do

[David48atTD]

Morning, day 5. Sigh ...



Edit ...

The radar suggests another hour of rain or more

[klong toey]

Smith ruled out with concusion ,England will be bowled out by tea or sooner they cant bat for toffee .

[Bettyboo]

^ & rightly so. That was a really nasty smack on the neck he got, a few cms, perhaps mms, to another side and it could've been tragic. They should bring in better helmets that cover the skull/neck properly - it's not as if they don't know what could happen.

Let's hope the rain stays off.

What score do England need to declare and have a go? 200 lead? 230? 260?

How many overs do we need to have a bowl at them?

I'd like a 250 lead and 45 overs to have a go at them, but that's not very realistic, is it. What are you lot reckoning?

We currently have a 125 run lead - can we possibly get to 250 and still have a fair few overs to bounce them out? If we try that, what score can Australia get if they go into one-day mode? 40 overs at 5 an over is 200 (yes, I can count... one, ha ha ha ha, two, hah, ha, ha, ha...)

[Saint Willy]

You're dreaming Betty, the Aussies had a chance of winning with a few early wickets, but that's fading away now. Draw it will be.

[Bettyboo]

You're dreaming Betty, the Aussies had a chance of winning with a few early wickets, but that's fading away now. Draw it will be.

Let a man dream!

My standard dream:



But today, 148 runs head, stepping on the gas a little, could we, maybe, should I dream, is it reasonable or just another pointless moment before the inevitable England (& Wales) collapse followed by begging for rain to save the day...

Could Stoksey & Buttler throw in another quick 50 runs, maybe 75? a 100, an early Xmas present?

I suspect they'll both be out in the next over before we collapse to a 200 lead... That could set up a very interesting end, something within the Aussie sights if they choose to dream...

[Saint Willy]

I think it's getting too late, even with a collapse.

Stokes 50up .

[Bettyboo]

I think it's getting too late, even with a collapse.

Stokes 50up .

Stokes has done pretty well all summer; decent support bowling and solid batting.

More rain probably coming too - it's worth their while having a go after lunch for 5 - 10 overs, try to get over 200 quickly then perhaps the collapse of all collapses by the Aussies? Probably not. Looks like a draw.

[Saint Willy]

Finally.

Butler caught deep off a Cummins bouncer

5/161

[Bettyboo]

Hmmm...

It's a kinda interesting time, a collapse and the Convicts could go for the win. Buuuuuuut, going for the win could make them vulnerable to losing wickets and potentially losing the test match. Anything could happen here; any result is possible.

Does Archer have a twin brother? I'd like to see him bowling from both ends - he's also a very economical bowler. Considering he was bowling fast and going for wickets yesterday, he shows a good economy - sometimes, a fast bowler like say an MJ can go for a lot of runs while taking wickets.

[Saint Willy]

It's all happening now.... Aussies use Another review...but not out.

[Saint Willy]

Totally agree about a low total being tempting and can cause trouble either way...keep it interesting. I just think too little time, and possible rain as well.

[Bettyboo]

191 lead, we only need another 20 or 30 before we can think about putting you back in to face Archer's headcrackers...

Are England looking to up the rate? If we can have half a dozen one-day style overs then, and get a bit lucky, then we'd have an interesting total to put you in for 40-50 overs of worry.

[Saint Willy]

That will not be fun..

[Saint Willy]

[Bettyboo]

Yeah, hard to disagree.

But, let Archer have a run out and fire some quick ones down.

[Saint Willy]

Knock out a few more Aussies?

Short turn around to the next test. 3 days I think.

[Saint Willy]

Stokes been told to hurry up....2 sixes in a row.

[Bettyboo]

Yep, just what the Dr ordered... Maybe been given 15 minutes to get to his century, when's he's out we start bowling. We have enough runs to make it interesting...

& the whole crowd goes oooooo, as he gets one in the nuts! hahaha, always funny. A very nice quick 50 partnership here, just what we wanted.

[Bettyboo]

232 lead - we can slog from here for 5 overs then bowl at you for 45 overs with you needing 260+

Was that a 3 more overs sign from the dressing room?

[Saint Willy]

Stokes century Almost there.

The google worm has increased Eng win to 9%

[Saint Willy]

Stokes got his 100. Fantastic and match saving performance.

Lyon also has 100.


Lead is 250

[Troy]

England need to declare soonest. Without Smith, the Aussies could be all out for 150, unless the weather changed, as it has here today.

[Bettyboo]

266 to get in 48 overs - game on!

Well played by Stokes, an important knock.

Let's have some cloud cover and the lights on...