I thought Stokes looked very subdued today. I wonder whether the criticism he got for that declaration has got to him a bit? In fact the whole team looked lacklustre to me, with the possible exception of Tongue and Root.
Yep we didn't bowl well but we went past the outside edge 29 times, Aussies inside edged 14 times and missed the stumps. 2 dropped catches and 2 overturned lbw's ! I'd say you had more than a reasonable amount of luck.
Whatever Pope has done to his shoulder, he should've gone off holding his head. Then just like when Archer hit Smith on the noggin, we could've got in a replacement batsman under the concussion rule. Hoping he can bat with whatever he's done though
You could say we "got out of gaol". But if England keep leaving the "keys in the lock" with their dropsies and lacklustre bowling (trying to keep it clean Didley), then you can't blame luck mate. Still too early in game, but Aussies have "stolen a march" on the Poms.
I've had a lucky week, so to speak. Nearly got electrocuted ( and should've been ) from some fcukin ****** electrician who decided to do something totally illegal, at my detriment. Enjoy life and appreciate it as if there was no tomorrow, you never know what is around the corner. Come on Day Two.
I'm beginning to wonder whether this new brand of kamikaze cricket is indeed good for test cricket and will work against most other sides, as long as we have the talent available. However, injury and old age are revealing our bowling attack to be very bland and rather ineffective. The Aussies really should only have been 3 down at the close, although I suppose they did also get a lot of luck throughout the day. This friendly, only here for the laughs cricket won't regain the Ashes from the nuggety Aussies, however good on the eye it may be.
Col, With a green wicket, l was expecting the bowlers to rip thru our guys and was quite surprised when it didn't happen.
New day, new optimism....... If and it's a big IF we can bowl them out for under 400 and then bat 3 or 4 sessions then we're in the game...... Forecast is less humid so should be a better day for batting..... need to get Smith out quickly....
Just watching some replays ….. The Aussie batsman, Kwajba, not offering a shot is totally unforgivable. l can never nor will l ever understand why a batsman does such a thing. The ball always varies its bounce & angle, regardless of it hitting the same spot. Not offering a shot is plain dumb.
Bollocks, the ball wasn’t even on the pads, way too high. Umpires never gave out any appeals above the knee. It’s just not cricket l say.