OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

[FormerlyJohnnyBreadhead]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

England have obviously looked closely at India's blueprint for winning here last year; the game is following a very similar pattern.

To the extent that I wonder if England's intention was to get at least 150 on the board, and then get 5-10 overs in before tea to maximise Jofra's output. That would at least explain the braindead way they lost their last 4 wickets, which was ridiculous even by Bazball standards.

Either way, given the players Australia have coming back - and the fact Archer and Stokes are unlikely to last all 5 tests - they absolutely have to win this test.

[The Bloop]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

England's bowling today is as brutal and quick as anything the West Indies offered in their prime.

[Hilts]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

To the extent that I wonder if England's intention was to get at least 150 on the board, and then get 5-10 overs in before tea to maximise Jofra's output. That would at least explain the braindead way they lost their last 4 wickets, which was ridiculous even by Bazball standards.

Just no. A pathetic start from the batting line up.

[FormerlyJohnnyBreadhead]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Just no. A pathetic start from the batting line up.

It was beyond pathetic, it was almost a declaration.

Which is why I genuinely don't think they were bothered about getting a big score in the first innings. India were skittled for 150 last year on this pitch and still won the test by 300 runs.

I'm sure they'd have been aware that Khawaja couldn't open, too.

[MacAdder]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Maybe they all just agreed to get the game over with and have two days on the piss.
It's like watching a one dayer!
:angry:

[poc]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

finished 123 for 9

[Rjk]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Ah I forgot this was happening today, did much happen?

[Hilts]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

This England attack is extremely hostile.

Absolutely key that the batsmen perform tomorrow and bat all day.

Australia are going to struggle facing this bowling all series.

[poc]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

This England attack is extremely hostile.

Absolutely key that the batsmen perform tomorrow and bat all day.

Australia are going to struggle facing this bowling all series.

they wont last all series

[Pedro de la Rosa]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

they wont last all series

They will play Wood and Archer in Brisbane and then can rotate them in the back to back tests with Tongue. If they keep bowling on these decks, they'll be able to play more matches as they won't have to bowl long spells.

[insider]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Another mad day after lunch in this incredible test match.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Switched the radio on when I woke up and England were 99 ahead with one wicket down at lunch. Switched it on again less than two hours later and the first thing I hear is Atkinson getting caught to signal the end of the England second innings and Australia need 205 to win! I can't go off on one about England's batting because I've not seen any of the second innings yet, but if I could choose one word at the moment to describe this England ream, it would be exasperating.

[Des Parrot]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Oz ticking along with Weatherald & Head who seem to have the measure of Archer. Currently 39-0

[poc]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

that went well:hehe:

[Hilts]

Re: OFFICIAL 2025/26 ASHES THREAD

Genuinely pathetic.

Crawley has had more chances than many before him and they refuse to drop him thinking he will be suited to the bounce in Australia. Hasn't scored a feckin run.🤣

No back up opener and Bethell as back up.

12/13 day nighters won by Australia. It would be typical of this England side to turn this form on its head and make it 1-1.