Test Cricket 2023 & Onwards

[antongould]

....I agree about Anderson....does anyone know whether "over" was called prior to stumping....?

My understanding is not 8o ….. I was always taught to shout over, very loudly, as I walked away from the stumps …..

[LHC]

First of all, Bairstow was out. Indeed as a keeper he should have known to remain in his ground before going for a stroll up the pitch. Personally I think Carey should have warned him that he had noted the behaviour, and that there would be consequences if he did it again - I’m sure others will disagree. Stokes was galvanised by what had happened and launched a ferocious attack, coupled with the booing and jeering of the Australians from the crowd. I have never heard such a barracking at any cricket match I have attended. What happened in the Long Room as the Australian’s walked through was unprecedented and regrettable. The atmosphere was febrile, there was booing and it is alleged that Australian players were verbally abused by some members, which is unacceptable. It’s a shame because this bad behaviour has overshadowed the astonishing innings by Stokes. His blistering attack unsettled Australia, they were rattled and started to make errors, with Broad seeming to assume the role played by Jack Leach at Headingley. The previous day saw the bizarre sight of Lyon hobbling to the crease, and England bowling bouncers for far too long in an attempt to dislodge him. England were on the backfoot through failing to take advantage of perfect bowling conditions during the first morning (although Broad clearly gives Warner the heebie geebies), and sloppy batting in the first innings (but Stokes was out to a good ball from Starc). Two wickets from Anderson is not enough. Root has subsequently tried to pour oil onto troubled waters prior to Headingley, but I suspect those on the Western Terrace will have other ideas. The blue touchpaper is lit.

It was a bit of sharp practice by Carey, who had clearly spotted Bairstow's propensity to wander off in a world of his own at the end of each over. It was clearly (and legitimately) out, although Cummins had the option of withdrawing the appeal. However, Bairstow is the one really at fault, and has no one else but himself to blame for getting out in such an idiotic manner. He should also have known not to take anything for granted when playing Australia, given their history of seizing any possible advantage (whether legal or not).

[DracoM]

Anderson 'rested' .................ahem?
Or dropped?
And / or end of an era?

[antongould]

Well we have lost our first wicket as we set off in pursuit of the Ashes …… listening to Bradman playing the piano courtesy of Petroc and BBC Sounds … now there was a batsman …..

[antongould]

Well we have lost our first wicket as we set off in pursuit of the Ashes …… listening to Bradman playing the piano courtesy of Petroc and BBC Sounds … now there was a batsman …..

Can we do this ??????

[eighthobstruction]

Are we going to be allowed to....are the Gods going to allow us to....is Manchester going to throw off it's cloak of mizzle and wrend the suns dazzle free....or just Gene Kelly lookalikes just singing just singing in the rain....do be do do, do be do be do do do be

[antongould]

Are we going to be allowed to....are the Gods going to allow us to....is Manchester going to throw off it's cloak of mizzle and wrend the suns dazzle free....or just Gene Kelly lookalikes just singing just singing in the rain....do be do do, do be do be do do do be

is Cliff Richard there to burst into song ….. ?????

[antongould]

Absolutely incredible ….. what a series

[Ein Heldenleben]

Absolutely incredible ….. what a series

Quite possibly the greatest test series I’ve ever witnessed. So many twists and turns….So many if onlys…So many bizarre incidents …..Just today : the dropped catch by Stokes , the bail switching , the Woakes spell, the Broad closing spell. Unforgettable..

[Belgrove]

I don’t think I can recall a more enthralling and well balanced Ashes series, it’s been quite captivating. As suspected, the compressed schedule has had its toll on too many players through injury, they not having sufficient time between matches to recover. But it did result in ‘substitutions’ that gingered things up a bit. I hope the injured’s long term prospects to return to full fitness has not been damaged by the venal ECB’s stupidity. A series draw is probably the correct outcome, for the two sides had strengths and weaknesses in equal measure; the weather put pay to there being a series result. I must eat my words for suggesting that Crawley would be a walking wicket, he and Duckett have cemented their positions as openers - their style is certainly unorthodox, but has proved successful overall. Woakes thoroughly deserved the England Man of the Series, a considerable achievement considering he was only drafted in for the final three matches. And Wood also punched well above his weight, or rather, pace. It is remarkable that Broad played in every match and played such a significant role. Fitting too that his last innings ended with a six and he got the last Aussie wicket - fairytale stuff. I hope he joins the media in some form, for I’ve always enjoyed his post-match analysis, he has interesting things to say, and does so with charm and wit - a new David Gower or Mike Atherton possibly? And I’ve always admired Stokes as a cricketer, I believe he has the makings of being one of England’s finest captains. As for Australia, Smith remains a freaky phenomenon, so ugly to watch with all that incessant fidgeting other than when he makes a stroke, when he is imperious. Khawaja is a superb opener with a classical technique that is difficult to penetrate. Australia’s bowling attack remains one of the finest in the game, a shame we didn’t see more of Lyon’s considerable skills. Broad said to Carey that he’ll be remembered for one thing - he may be right. But all tolled it’s been a treat that will live as long as does the memory. Caught up with old friends, drunk some splendid wines, and witnessed some remarkable cricket.

[gradus]

I entirely agree and I think we'll see a lot more of Mr Murphy too.

[Historian]

Stokes is crocked. The Aussies will be loving this. Bazball is done.

Are you sure about that?

Extraordinary result in the First Test, India vs. England. To come back from such a first innings deficit in India is exceptionally hard. Pope has never batted better. Hartley's debut one for the record books. Behind it all Stokes and McCullum instilling remarkable belief and confidence.

[Belgrove]

Extraordinary result in the First Test, India vs. England. To come back from such a first innings deficit in India is exceptionally hard. Pope has never batted better. Hartley's debut one for the record books. Behind it all Stokes and McCullum instilling remarkable belief and confidence.

Indeed so, a remarkable victory. An auspicious debut by Hartley, and it shows what can be done if you have a proper wicket-keeper behind the stumps.

[Historian]

Indeed so, a remarkable victory. An auspicious debut by Hartley, and it shows what can be done if you have a proper wicket-keeper behind the stumps.

Yes, agree with your view on the best 'keeper.

[Ein Heldenleben]

At approx 11.00 this morning despite vowing not to I took out a £31 p.m. TNT a sports subscription. Quite a good investment as it turned out. The TNT offer is much better than the NOW sports stream in that it allows you to rewind an entire days cricket so I watched the whole of the final session.
The comments above are absolutely right. With the ball turning that much it’s absolutely imperative to pick the best keeper available. The use of umpire reviews on each stumping appeal has really meant it’s worth trying for a stumping at every opportunity. But if you don’t catch a turning ball…

[DracoM]

That BBC is NOT providing a ball-by-ball commentary on a major English Test team series I find utterly astonishing and a disgrace. Why are they not doing it?