The Cricket Thread 2016

[aj2k77]

A good series is a bit harsh. We've been fantastic and hammered what was seen as an excellent side. But harsh to ask Moeen to go on and score more. He's batting 8.

Haha maybe I underplayed it a bit, we have played very very well. As for Moeen, when I see some of the shots he plays.. I think he's capable of getting more than 40's.

Yes but he's playing those shots because he's at 8 batting with the tail.

You have a point. Maybe in the form he's shown he could have switched places with Buttler but I'm just nitpicking. We've done the Aussies and that's all that matters.

[olaftab]

Well done to every Engkand player, the coaches and the grounds man at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge. A very goodall round effort.

[LeeB]

Whilst I'm overjoyed at whipping the aussies, it's a bit disappointing that were 4 tests down and move of them have been a real contest.

[olaftab]

Yes agreed specially in the last two where Saturday and Sunday have been wiped out with lack of cricket for supporters.

[Villan For Life]

Thrilled to regain the Ashes and I really feel pleased for Cook. He seems to be a thoroughly decent bloke and has been through some shitty times during the 600-odd days since the end of the last Ashes series. Lesser men would have walked away so fair play to him and it's good to see him come good again.

That's Ian Bell's fifth Ashes series win. After the 2005 series, the squad all got MBE's. He must be in line for a knighthood now!

[aev]

Despite not being a Clarke fan he came across well in the interview....there were tears all round and I ended up with something in my eye too.

[KevinGage]

Yes agreed specially in the last two where Saturday and Sunday have been wiped out with lack of cricket for supporters.

Fack that.

Good to see the Australians humiliated.

The two wins that England accrued in 2005 and 2009 were in really tight series, so the Aussies could leave with their heads held high and a fair bit of credit. Even in 2013, 3-0 probably wasn't a fair reflection of the contest.

This time, they emerge with very little credit.

They can't blame the pitches, weather, substitute fielders or any other bobbins. They have nowhere to hide.

I feel for people like Rogers and even Clarke, to an extent.  Though he blotted his copybook with some of his carry-on in the last series down under.

But there are quite a few arseholes in that team. I hope they are crying into their ale tonight.

[PaulWinch again]

This was so much better than 2013. The team that won in 2013 had become arrogant, aloof and far too self contained. They also played a pretty dull side. This side plays with real flair and take gambles. They also come across as a lot more humble and have a better connection with the fans. I'm really pleased to see Stokes emerging as the brilliant player he was always going to become.

[PaulWinch again]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

[Whiney MacWhineface]

And that would allow us to play Rashid against Pakistan.

[paul_e]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

I'd give him a go and then pick another spinner down at 8.

[adrenachrome]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

I'd give him a go and then pick another spinner down at 8.

That is the problem; finding another spinner.

[Whiney MacWhineface]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

I'd give him a go and then pick another spinner down at 8.

That is the problem; finding another spinner.

Rashid should get a go.

[Villan For Life]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

I'd give him a go and then pick another spinner down at 8.

That is the problem; finding another spinner.

I would have thought Rashid will be the next spinner that they will try. We will need two spinners in the UAE against Pakistan. I'm not sure who else would be on contention after Rashid and Moeen.

[paul_e]

Incidentally I think there's half a chance that if Lyth fails at the Oval our next opener with be Moeen.

I'd give him a go and then pick another spinner down at 8.

That is the problem; finding another spinner.

I would have thought Rashid will be the next spinner that they will try. We will need two spinners in the UAE against Pakistan. I'm not sure who else would be on contention after Rashid and Moeen.

I'd give Kerrigan another look, I've been impressed whenever I've seen him at county level.