The Ashes Thread.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Jeez - MJ can bowl.

Yes - we have been trying to tell you that

The one that got Root was 92mph

Watch it again here if you like

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[Wally Dorian Raffles]

The follow on is rarely enforced these days anyway.

Yep...nobody wants to bat last...anywhere

Resting bowlers is always considered too - prolly the main reason we don't see follow ons anymore

[Bettyboo]

MJ is far too metrosexual for my liking; if the Village People wanted to change out the Native Indian for a cricketer than MJ would certainly be top of their list...

I blame the groundsman for making the pitch too fast.

Today, while I make no prediction, we need to bat out 100 overs for the 1st innings. I don't care how we do it, but if we bat out 100 overs (that's another 71 overs) that'd be a good initial step towards a glorious draw.

[Bruce Bayliss]

MJ is far too metrosexual for my liking

Tell that to the stumps he hit

I blame the groundsman for making the pitch too fast.

Jaysus

we need to bat out 100 overs for the 1st innings

towards a glorious draw.

Ask an Australian what he thinks of a draw...and hope the English team don't think the same as you BB

[Bettyboo]

Tell that to the stumps he hit

There's no coincidence that he has chosen a profession where he tosses his balls at woodies all day long then gets to have big hugs with his mates...

Ask an Australian what he thinks of a draw...

Within the context of the Ashes series, 4 draws will do just fine.

[Bruce Bayliss]

Within the context of the Ashes series, 4 draws will do just fine.

When you have an Aussie by the throat...snap his bloody neck or pay the price...England will

[Bettyboo]

We're not capable; we have some decent players and an improving team, but we are still struggling with the bat and ball. To be world class we lack a very fast bowler, a top class spinner, an opener and a number 3.

The Convicts, don't lack much in the bowling department although they could do with a decent number 3 to get some runs (). I'm hoping they bring Watson back at no 3...

If we are competitive this series, and we were in the first game and I hope we show some grit today with the bat - batting through the day - then we would have done well.

The Convicts are top of their game, it took them some miserable years of rebuilding, but we are still rebuilding and still lacking important elements.

I'm looking forward to the Bokks beating the Convicts up today.

[pseudolus]

Well it looks like its going to rain at Lords tomorrow. Even if it brightens up in the afternoon a wet outfield will give little chance for scoring. Today is looking even more critical.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Homemade bomb' found outside Brad Haddin?s home days after he quit Ashes 2015 tour | Daily Mail Online

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Smith will be taking over not long from now - even sooner than we all thought if Clarke does not find form. It's too early yet to call it but he has actually been looking a bit 'old' so who knows - I quite like Joe Burns and think he is a near future top order batsman for us

Is this the same Clarke whose praises you were singing this morning Wally? Your loyalty is as stable as a legged dining table.

Well done Smudger.

I said he was a far superior captain than Cook. His batting form and dodgy back are a separate issues. He's not that old yet, but his footwork is not what is used to be which could be due to his back - who knows, but I would not be surprised if retires a little early because of his back. He very rarely bowls anymore because of it.

[cyrille]

MJ is far too metrosexual for my liking

Tell that to the stumps he hit

It's amazing just how much stupidity you manage to squeeze into so few words, Bruce.

Sometimes I'm just aghast.

Have you spent your entire life trying and failing to make that kiwi pithiness work for you?

[chassamui]

I said he was a far superior captain than Cook.

I can't be arsed to check but I believe you said he was considered by many to be in the top 2/3 in the world.

It seems he is not even consulted by his own selectors and his batting is 'a bit shit' and that's being generous. Cook has so far outperformed him in this series.

[cyrille]

Apparently the weather forecast has 'worsened' and rain is highly likely at Lord's tomorrow morning.

[cyrille]

I said he was a far superior captain than Cook.

Cook has so far outperformed him in this series.

You're forgetting that according to bob's diagnosis the first test has been expunged from the memory of all Australians.

It's a bit like what happens in 'eternal sunshine of the spotless mind', it seems.

Perhaps substitute 'gormless' for 'spotless'.

[pseudolus]

Looking a bit more composed this morning having rested their pegs over night.

[chassamui]

You're forgetting that according to bob's diagnosis the first test has been expunged from the memory of all Australians

It seems increasingly likely that result could be the key to the series.

Clarke is only on the pitch because they don't have a set of whites big enough for Lehman.

[pseudolus]

A what point were the rules changed that bowlers are permitted to throw the ball with bended elbow like MJ does? Reminds me of Fatima Whitbred chucking a javelin.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

^ Shows how much you know about the sport. His arm is straight at the point of release - once thing they have clamped down on is suspect actions and MJ's has never been questioned.

Need to break this partnership. Good 50 from Cook - have a feeling Stokes will go in the same fashion as Warner..

[pseudolus]

^ His isn't most of the time. Also, the 45 degree arm angle is fine now as well then? Cheating Aussies yet again heh?

He's a chucker.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

^ No. You are an idiot.

[pseudolus]

^ Are your eyes painted on or something?

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Yes! Another one gets mitchelled!!


Marsh to Stokes, OUT, inside edge and gone! With lunch looming, Australia's unlucky number strikes in their favour! Half forward to one that kept just a smidgeon low, and that crashes into his timbers.

[pseudolus]

OUch that will smart a bit.

[Wally Dorian Raffles]

Oooooh. I think Cook may have a broken fucken arm ..

[chassamui]

Yet again that suspect throwing action fells a batsman. No way is his arm anywhere near staright at the point of delivery. Odd isn't it that the umpire will always be looking at the bowlers feet at the point of release.