OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

[Mr Ducie]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

I think the pitches aren't as fast as they were but im sure Smith would still prefer a low to mid 80s bowler to face rather than Archer or Wood bowling 90 plus at his head.

Archer and Wood are accurate enough anyway.

Tongue is the only one id say who falls into the category of maybe a traditional English seamer may be more effective.

Steve Waugh on facing the scatter gun Devon Malcom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0fgeUCnE2o

[The Bloop]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Josh Hazlewood is also out of first Test -

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cwy7z7xjep1o

[Hilts]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

I believe the day nighter is the 2nd Test so England really cant be fancied in that so its vital they win the 1st Test.

Unless there's rain I don't see draws in this series and the day nighter may not see day 4.

[Lord Worcester]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Looks like it’s bashir v 5th seamer. If wood doesn’t make it guess they’ll go the bashir route. If he does then we could see a 5 seam attack.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

No matter how badly the Tests go, England can at least say they won a game in Australia. Looks like Pope has seen off the challenge of Bethell.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_scorecard#mdfb90000-7a08-761c-f5f7-08dded5af61d

[Hot Shot Hamish.]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

No matter how badly the Tests go, England can at least say they won a game in Australia. Looks like Pope has seen off the challenge of Bethell.

https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_s...7-08dded5af61d

Bashir got tonked in both innings. He wasn’t worth a place in Glamorgans side let alone an Ashes series.

[MacAdder]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Anyone seen the trailer of the series on TNT Sport with the frighteningly imposing figure of Alistair Cook baiting the Aussies?

I bet they're absolutely quaking in their boots...... NOT!!!!!

[Hilts]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Anyone seen the trailer of the series on TNT Sport with the frighteningly imposing figure of Alistair Cook baiting the Aussies?

I bet they're absolutely quaking in their boots...... NOT!!!!!

5 Ashes centuries I think....

[ToTaL ITK]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Now if i was a mod* this thread would be immediately banned...Grown men running about with balls and rubbing their balls! Disgusting.

*Ready to hop in at any time Mike.

[MacAdder]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

5 Ashes centuries I think....

Not disputing the man's career as a batsman and captain, he's up there with the best, it's the actual content itself and his delivery (no pun intended).
You need to see it to understand what I mean.
I thought it was funny anyway.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Not disputing the man's career as a batsman and captain, he's up there with the best, it's the actual content itself and his delivery (no pun intended).
You need to see it to understand what I mean.
I thought it was funny anyway.

I’ve seen it, I think it’s meant to be tongue in cheek and playing On Cook’s image as a nice bloke.

[Majorblue]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

I’ve seen it, I think it’s meant to be tongue in cheek and playing On Cook’s image as a nice bloke.

Exactly, as he is right up there as the least intimidating individual on the planet and more like the dream man your daughter would bring home as her new partner.

[The Bloop]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

England all out before tea with Starc taking 7. Oh well.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

England all out before tea with Starc taking 7. Oh well.

Surprising to see Stokes win the toss and decide to bat, not so surprised that England only batted a pathetic 32 overs. Seems a fairly dodgy wicket and Archer has just hit Smith for a second time, so I wouldn't write England off yet, but you can't hope to win many test matches when you bat for what should be barely more than a session in your first innings, but isn't with today's ultra slow over rates.

[bluesp]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

As always it’s best to wait until both teams have batted an innings on a pitch before predicting the outcome. Aussies 2 down now and Smith looking very erratic