They have a lot of lefties in the team, so there's always a bit of a chance against them. But their bowlers generally look better, and that normally clinches it. 3-1 to them I think.
Really looking forward to this series. Will we be able to maintain the approach we've taken over the last year or so playing against the best team in the world? It'll come down to mental strength,as it always does against them. Will Zak Crawley be able to overcome the attack he's going to face in Cummins,Boland and Starc/Hazlewood? There's no doubt they'll target him...he's the weak link....can he rise above it? Are Jimmy and Stuart going to be up to one last effort....and are Woods and Stokes fit enough to back them up? Can't wait!
Think Crawley will be okay, though he is not an opener. But he can play fast bowling. Ducket is a worry as he has a low stance and likes to play late square of the wicket. He deserves his chance though, but I think gully and third slip are going to be busy when he's in. Their bowlers are fit though, and I think that will make the difference. And we aren't playing at Trent Bridge either, where we are very strong.
The Aussies look in good form, and I worry about this plan for "flat, fast pitches" as it plays into their hands when we traditionally have bowlers who perform on green seamers, or under cloud. Having said that, almost everything Stokes and McCullum have done in the last 12 months has been a success so who am I to judge If we can get on top of Smith, then we have a great chance. If he scores as freely as he has done in the past then it puts huge pressure on. Need Root to have a good series IMHO
Aye. One cheating episode had most giving him the benefit of the doubt after some ( as it turns out theatrical) blubbing . But then to go scuffing the pitch up when they were getting beat in another game tells us what he really is made of.
Great batsman. Absolutely unreal cricketer. But a **** of a man! If he gets knocked out first ball and doesn’t play again, I wouldn’t be upset!
I've been binge watching England cricket on YouTube to get me in the zone lol. I watched the Stokes and Leach win against the Aussies and now watching when we bowled them out for 60 five years ago.
Understand concerns about Broad over Wood but it's a hard long series and good to try and eliminate Warner early. Time will tell but don't fall out with it personally, they'll all get a go in the series and no way can Wood play all five
That was me last night. Told the wife (at 10pm) that I'd be up in "10 mins" Was midnight when I put the alarm on
In the olden days it was always a Thursday start mate. In the REALLY olden days it was a Thursday start and Sunday was a rest day and would finish on a Tuesday!
I remember those days. I also remember that Botham used to host a BBQ at his place on the rest day for both teams. Elite sportsmen they weren't
