The International Cricket Thread

[paul_e]

Yeah but let’s remember for all those points we’ve had the number 1 side in the world clinging on and literally being saved by obliteration by the weather. To do that is impressive. Hopefully we can get the luck we haven’t had in this game, because we hammer them there and it’ll be the weakest Ashe’s retention ever.

The biggest failing for me is I think we went into the series undercooked. The preparation wasn’t good enough.

The bowling and fielding wasn't as good as we're used to, losing Leach played a big part in that and Anderson looking totally out of sorts in the first 2 tests really hurt us. He was a bit better this test but still couldn't quite find his line and rhythm.

[PaulWinch again]

Hopefully we’ll dominate and win at the Oval - whatever ever we say about those mistakes, we have played the best Test side in the world and for a decision points and some better weather we could easily be 4-0. Australia are the side hanging on, and we need to take the learnings and then take them out on their patch.

The tricky thing for us is we’ve got to do a fair bit of transition, mainly in the bowling attack. It was an old attack this week. We also need to see if Stokes’ knee is something fixable.

Woakes exceptional performances have shown he needs to play, and equally that an all rounder is required at 8 even if Stokes can bowl. I could imagine Sam Curran being Woakes’ back up.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Even more annoying that the weather was cracking the stones down here

[PaulWinch again]

Also one other thing - next summer’s schedule shows why they need to fix test cricket. Sri Lanka are a reasonable side, the Windies, sadly, are a mess. But two 3 match series feels very meh. There needs to be stronger competition to mean that there are at least a couple more sides who warrant 4 or 5 match series. That takes funding and financial incentive to pay the game.

[Aldridge Villa]

Been super cricket to watch but I’d say our one hour of madness in dishing out catching practice to the Aussies on the Thursday or Friday afternoon at Lords easily outweighs the Edgbaston declaration in terms of why we failed to win the Ashes.

[Behind Bluenose Lines]

 :'( :'( :'(

[KevinGage]

Don't think this series will live long in the memory - even for the Aussies who've somehow spawned their way to a draw at worst now.

Too many passages like yesterday with the ball not doing owt or batsmen just ducking under the short ball.

[Jon Crofts]

It’s no use bellyaching about the weather, go and moan at the ECB for not naming ‘reserve days’ and maybe ask them why you need to take tea on a rain affected day.

[PaulWinch again]

Do the ECB have jurisdiction over either of those? Genuine question.

[Beard82]

Really hope we stick it to them next week, the cheating, spawny wankers

If cricket did banners this would be it

[Beard82]

Hopefully we’ll dominate and win at the Oval - whatever ever we say about those mistakes, we have played the best Test side in the world and for a decision points and some better weather we could easily be 4-0. Australia are the side hanging on, and we need to take the learnings and then take them out on their patch.

The tricky thing for us is we’ve got to do a fair bit of transition, mainly in the bowling attack. It was an old attack this week. We also need to see if Stokes’ knee is something fixable.

Woakes exceptional performances have shown he needs to play, and equally that an all rounder is required at 8 even if Stokes can bowl. I could imagine Sam Curran being Woakes’ back up.

I think thats a good summary - we need more variantion in the bowling which Woakes and wood provided.  Robinson coming back from an injury and (maybe) anderson and mo being at the end.  I think its probably a bit more of an evolution over the next few years to get ready for the Ashes in Oz.

A little like the evolution Im trying with Mrs Beard as to why its ok to spend our savings going to Oz for  the series.

[Risso]

I'm thinking of the same thing Mr Beard.

[PaulWinch again]

My sister lives in Aus so need to parlay that into something I think.

[Risso]

My wife's favourite niece does, so it'd be lovely to go and see her.

[Jon Crofts]

Do the ECB have jurisdiction over either of those? Genuine question.

I suppose the ICC would have an overall say, surely they can see the benefit of a reserve day, the ECB should take the lead for a change and as for tea, fucking hell, hello the 21st century, grown men in a pavilion taking tea? Get over it and move on.