Ashes 17/18 thread

Even as I said it, Stoneman out.

Cue collapse.

 

With Cook on form, Stokes at 6, Bairstow 7, Moeen 8, we could give it a go maybe

 

258 to win with 7 wickets remaining....need a massive partnership or it won't be happening.

 

Maybe yeah, but the problem remains at opener and No.3, as this morning has once again proven too clearly.

Stoneman needs a confident and in form Cook to partner him and none of the No 3 options are anywhere near good enough. Vince just showed that.

 

Root with Moeen or Bairstow maybe?

Malan won't last long #reversejinx

 

I think Moeen has that Pakistani cricketer trait in him where he could give his wicket away easily however if he gets settled he can play a good anchor role for Root. On the other hand if he comes in to rescue the game...I don't think he's good enough. I hope I'm wrong though.

Maybe Root will need a couple of partnerships.

If we can get close to 200 with maybe 4 wickets down, maximum...ill feel more confident.

 

I would have Moeen as No. 3 myself. He's definitely good enough.

Forget him as a bowler in the meantime and pick an actual spinner if needed.

 

Game on! ****ing hell.

Root firmly in with Moeen and Bairstow to come. Woakes can bat as well, as can Overton based on 1st innings.

It would be massive to win this one, would put us right on the front foot.

 

It's the hope that kills you chief!

Aussies have a nice rest and new ball to look forward to!!

If Woakes and Root bat til lunch and we are 240/4 when I get up then I will start dreaming!!!

 

New ball in daylight though. They've seen through the difficult stuff under lights.

I hope to wake up at seven am and we need another 100 to win with five wickets to spare.

I expect to wake up to us having collapsed and lost by over 100 runs!

 

Yes. The spread is that England will get 295.

No rain forecast.

Let's hope we make them work for victory so at least Cummings and Starc are tired for Perth

 

Lol what a pathetic straw to clutch

 

It is a tad desperate. We shouldn't be looking at it like that, a loss will be exactly that, a loss with zero positives.

The truth is you look at what is required with the time left and the batsmen available and we should win.

Root, Ali and Bairstow all senior batsmen with plenty experience. Woakes is also a senior player and I would trust Broad to get the runs necessary if he's needed to stick around and add 15 -20 runs.



That all said, I don't expect that unfortunately. 40 years of troughs with the occasional spell of peaks tells me to be realistic!

 

Bookies have the spread at England to get 295. That seems about right.

Making their pacemen bowl lots is crucial if we are to have any chance in this series.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...a/news-story/341af7799c2254ab202e7fb1e568199e

 

Just one big partnership...I think this is do able. Morning session will be critical.

 

Top level test cricket played like this is ****ing superb.

Anyone who wants to get rid of the 5th day can do one.

 

Yep. they have no reviews left too

 

So, that went well then.

 

**** cricket.

 

We bottled it as usual