Rain ruins our chance of winning The Ashes. Need a win in the last Test next week to square the series. Been a good series, but we lost it early on.
Cricket does like to shoot itself in the foot with slow over rates and minimal flexibility to increase the amount of play if there's bad weather. Real shame to see this series fizzle out rather than head to the Oval for a winner-takes-all Test.
Our declaration at 398/8 on the first day with Root still at the crease may have lost the first test. Strange decision to say the least. Management said they wanted time to bowl at the end of the day, but a poor decision in retrospect.
Summary England lose both openers in quick succession after bright start - 66-2 Australia win toss and bowl first; Murphy replaces Green Australia lead series 2-1 and have retained the Ashes England looking to avoid first Ashes series defeat at home for 22 years
Summary Sluggish Australia close on 61-1 after Woakes removes Warner Moeen injures groin while batting & not able to field England bowled out inside 55 overs for 283 Brook top-scores with belligerent 85 off 91 balls Moeen (34) & Brook share 111-run stand for fourth wicket Starc 4-82, two wickets apiece for Murphy and Hazlewood Australia, who lead series 2-1, won toss England looking to avoid first Ashes series defeat at home for 22 years Aussies day, need early wickets tomorrow
They were all out for 12. I saw one over just before bed where Anderson beat the outside edge of a well set Smith then beat the inside edge and then promptly got smacked for two fours later in the over. This series has been fascinating due to two different philosophies with England attacking and Australia playing (in general) more attritional cricket, it is a shame the last test was ruined by rain.
Good morning for England. 130 - 1 Creepy dominating yet again. This guy has really surprised me. Outstanding attacking player
Broad just announced his retirement from cricket, live on Sky A terrific player, will be greatly missed
Gosh I wasn't expecting that though I think the last few seasons away he hasn't been special at home he is still excellent. I was thinking if either of the two were to retire it would be Anderson.
Broad hits his last ball in Tests for a 6. That's got to be unusual. Now we need a 5for,to finish off the Aussies and his career.
Apparently he is the second player to do it. The Sky statistician Bermange? unearthed another, but I cannot remember the name.
Stokes catches Smith, and then drops the ball in his celebration. Massive decision, bur not out is the verdict. Rain on the way, so England victory doubtful
