I agree Norfolkbhoy about hindsight and try not to do that but lookign at the highlights last night the replacements did look very poor indeed. I appreciate that we need to blood other players for the future and standing at 3-0 is as good a time as any but as Boycott said these guys were never even seriously considered in the build up and to be then thrown into the test arena did and does seem very odd. I understand as well that Kerrigan did not play well for the Lions game either which makes the choice even more strange. Hopefully we can have a decent bat and contribute to a higher scoring game that may even get to the 5th day.
I dunno, having thought about it for a while I think a draw was the best result in all honesty, however it may have ended up there. It was a great gesture by Clarke to give us a chance as they were never realistically going to bowl us out on that track if we needed to dig in. It made for a great day's cricket for the day five punters with three innings, 447 runs, 17 wickets and a few dropped catches, and whilst a win to finish would have been nice it wasn't as if the series hinged upon this one, and it probably sounds a bit lame but I think it would have been harsh on the Aussies - and Michael Clarke in particular - to have ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline. Also perhaps a little bit of karma for some of our tediously, and deliberate slow play and pedestrian over rate
What a fitting way to put an Ashes series to bed. Enjoy - I spat my coffee out at certain points http://cricketwithballs.com/2013/08/26/cops-stop-oval-party/
Congrats to the girls last night. A really good game to watch. This format covering all 3 types of games is a real innovation,keeps the interest going. Next match at Southampton on Thurs before the mens game Well worth watching on SKY
Do you think the 'points system' should be implemented into the men's series, yarco? Could make the ODIs and T20s more interesting/popular.
I still prefer a 5 Test series for the Ashes,but against the other countries it might be worth a try.
2 great games yesterday. The girls started it off be beating Aussie and regaining the Ashes. The mens game was terrific entertainment with Finch hitting 156!!!!!! Root did well with his 90 not out,but faced with a total of 248 we did well to get within 39 runs of Aussie. Looking forward to Durham - another double header tomorrow.
What a terrible idea the ashes is a test series. Arguably it is THE test series. The women's game was cut down because they couldn't justify the cost of playing a test series in front of empty seats. The Ashes was sold out no need to change the format.
Whoa. I'm not in favour of a points system in the men's series, I was just trying to get another opinion. I guess it's clear what side of the fence you're on, Bath!
Not directed at you JK, I didn't think you were advocating it, but i have seen other who are and its annoying me.
Oh well, at least we know your stance on this crucial issue No disrespect to the girls, who played brilliantly yesterday, but as a 'support act' to the main event later in the day, I think it works really well and I'd love to see the ICC consider making it more of a feature in the one day game. If the boys had managed a win yesterday, it would have been the equivalent of a cricketing orgasm for the Aegeas Bowl crowd
Cromer, you old fool, I do like cricket and I do like 10cc Womens' cricket has come a long way from when I started watching Rachel Heyhoe-Flint and co! Same as Womens' football it will never be as good as mens' because the lovely ladies are built differently!
Too bloody right, Gandy. After 5 weeks (of 6 ) of school holidays unfolding on my doorstep, I think most of us would be a bit "sharp" with our hoomer Roll on Thursday (local skoolz go back) - and tomorrow, for our first three points of the season!
