Could have went either way that. Both those last two skied balls that could have went anywhere, and Carey had the lives of a cat before he went. But Cummins can bat alright. He showed that in his debut test about ten years ago in SA, when he got Australia home in similar circumstances. Stokes did marvellously there I thought, especially with that attack, which looked a bit undercooked, especially Jimmy who's probably coming to the end now. So did theirs mind, but they have Cummins, who always looks ready. Overall though, we missed too many chances in the game, especially first innings. That shaped the game. Clearly we badly lack pace. It always helps, and lower order batsmen usually struggle against it. Wood is a cert for Lords. Maybe Potts or Tongue too, as I think we'll go without a spinner. Cricket the winner again today though, as it usually will be when these two play. And always when this England play.
Curious interview after the game by Stokes, appeared more interested in how we entertained and people enjoyed test cricket than the fact we lost. I get the trying to win, the attacking play, the random fields, letting players play their natural games but if we lose their series, not many will turn round and say "yes but it was exciting" I know since stokes came in we have won more than we have lost, but this is the ashes and a touch of balance may be needed
How the hell did we end up losing that game...great entertainment though. Australia's slow and steady approach outfoxed England.
On a really happy note Durham are heading to another defeat in the T20. Birmingham bears chasing 147 are 66/0 after 6 overs
His theory is that playing like that we are more likely to win, than lose and that you absolutely have to stick with it. We were a few skied mis cues going to open field or the tips of fingers from winning. I agree with him fully.
We've fell of a cliff in that mind Some awful bowling. The hired in lads have been very poor for me apart from Sowter. A few wickets from Parnell, but too many easy boundaries. Glover has looked hopeless too. I'll be there on Friday night. Not hoping for much!
To be fair, as pissed off as I am, I'd rather we lost in that manner than meekly played for a draw, or batted them out of the game to the point where they didn't go for the win Sport is all about entertainment and I am entertained after those 5 days. We are very closely matched with Australia and I expect 4 more close matches
It was just a strange interview imo. I think pretty much everyone has bought into what they are trying to do, so I felt it didn't need mentioning at the top of the interview. Probably just how I perceived it so soon after the game. I've moved onto the next game in my head now, team selection is going to be interesting
When we win everyone has bought into it. When we lose, the usual suspects like Agnew and Vaughan will pick it apart and say it's not proper test cricket etc If we play this way, we will win more than we lose but we will lose tests that we might otherwise win
I tend not to listen to Vaughan as I'm sure he's more worried about the legacy of the ashes summer in 2005. Haven't heard much on TMS, but the small parts I caught over the weekend where positive, be interesting to see the BBC reports tomorrow
Close game, some batters were not thinking and made some foolish shots and got out. Although Mo Ali gave it his best, we need an upgrade in a spinner. Have to say Bairstow... hmm
Our spinner upgrade is injured, heard a stat Sunday that of the top 50 wicket takers in the county championship only 2 are spinners. 2 isnt eligible for England and the other is Leach who's injured
If Moeen can't play, do we roll the dice and bring Rehan Ahmed back in? Prior to the series I was worried about the Aussies targeting him and hitting him out the attack, but this Australian side are so meek and negative that I don't think that would be an issue
Usual story for Durhsm. Excellent from Raine and Sowter, patchy from the rest, awful from some. Caught it after Ben's first wicket.
