Off Topic The Ashes

I have made this a sticky.

 

I’ve just watched Geoff Boycott on an Ashes preview this morning.

The poor man doesn’t look well at all. He’s had multiple cancer scares & his voice is all but unrecognisable now.

 

Sir Geoffrey, thanks.

 

Do Boon and the Waugh brothers still play?

 

Depends what with.

 

I met David Boon at Edgbaston in 1989.

The opposite in real life of his public persona - a real gentleman.

 

Team for the first Test.
Crawley
Duckett
Pope
Root
Brook
Stokes
Smith
Carse
Atkinson
Tongue
Archer

 

Imperative the top 3 score big runs if we are to have any chance this Winter.

We can’t keep sending Root in at 30-3.

 

I’ve just seen the pitch / wicket in Perth, and it’s as green as a cabbage

This is likely to be a toss-dependant Test - essential you bowl first.

 

I don’t think it will last five days.

 

Not a chance. A low scoring Test.

 

Jimmy Anderson would be good on that pitch.

 

Starts 2.20am on Friday morning.

 

I won’t be staying up. Am recording it so will watch it when I can.

 

It’s got to be experienced live.

It plays havoc with your body clock though.

 

I agree, but I will make a point of not looking online before I watch the game. I don’t feel very confident about this game.

 

Close of play will be around 10-11am UK time.

 

England squad for first Ashes Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

I must admit I am surprised to see Bashir in the squad, We have got real pace in that squad. Each one of the fast bowlers is capable of speeds of 90 MPH

 

Perth stats -

Average First innings score - 374

The last 5 Tests there have been one by the team that batted first.

We need to win toss, and post 400, as the pitch will detiorate. That’s why they have had to put a spinner in ….although the Aussies have a top class one in Lyons.

If we bat first & only post 150-200, we are in trouble.