It's The Ashes (again)

[hudds]

I much prefer the approach to 'keep it steady then be 40-3 anyway' which used to be our modus operandi. On any other day Brooks gets another 30 odd and so does Root meaning Stokes comes in with us 60-80 runs better off and has more license to go big.

However, it wasn't any other day and unlucky or not Brooks was out and we needed to keep it tight for a couple of overs. Clinging blindly to a philosophy despite the situation in front of you rarely works well (ask Monsieur Ismael)

Has worked frequently for England.  This sort of post has been repeated frequently for the same set of cirumstances and then humble pie eaten by the barrow load.

[ChamonixBaggie]

I'm not sure how I would eat humble pie by talking about something that's already happened?

Stokes got out stupidly and now Root & Bairstow have steadied the ship with very few rash shots while still ticking over - exactly what Stokes should have done. If anything, this proves the point?

[hudds]

I'm not sure how I would eat humble pie by talking about something that's already happened?

Stokes got out stupidly and now Root & Bairstow have steadied the ship with very few rash shots while still ticking over - exactly what Stokes should have done. If anything, this proves the point?

I was talking about the deja vu of such previous posts saying the exact same thing about Stokes and England in many previous games and then folk having to eat humble pie.  Almost to the word.  Your reply to my first post is of the exact same kidney.  I'd steak my life on it. Dig 'em out. Easy as pie.

[ChamonixBaggie]

Why would they (or I) have to eat humble pie I don't follow? Just because England might go on to win doesn't mean Stokes' approach was correct.

[AnelkasBeard]

I think a big part of the reason that Stokes has been quite so aggressive as captain, is that he has to lead by example, if he wants the others being more attacking and aggressive.

Root and Bairstow have both played some very attacking shots. He has to live by his mantra.

[hudds]

Why would they (or I) have to eat humble pie I don't follow? Just because England might go on to win doesn't mean Stokes' approach was correct.

I mean the same immutable philosophy that leads to wickets apparently given away yields wins.  Including Stokes' talismanic giving his wicket away.  It is what it is.  These are my principles I live by, too.  If you don't like them, well, I have others.

[Shabby Russian]

I know it has been very successful to date.

But this strategy has weaknesses which I think a team like Australia will exploit.

Bairstows knock was entertaining, but leaves Root running out of partners. How many potential runs will we miss out on, because we decide to go so gung ho.

This is a 500 plus pitch, we might not make 400.

[hudds]

I know it has been very successful to date.

But this strategy has weaknesses which I think a team like Australia will exploit.

Bairstows knock was entertaining, but leaves Root running out of partners. How many potential runs will we miss out on, because we decide to go so gung ho.

This is a 500 plus pitch, we might not make 400.

Deja vu, Shabs.  Folk had the same qualms about the opposition and how we ought to have tempered the approach; the first innings score wasn't par....

England WIN!

[ChamonixBaggie]

Well I'm glad someone is still confident...

Moeen out trying to launch it into orbit

[hudds]

Well I'm glad someone is still confident...

Moeen out trying to launch it into orbit

Deja vu.  This time first innings in so many recent games has seent he same sort of rueful comment and yet....