It's The Ashes (again)

[Fido]

I'm not really buzzing for this series like I usually am. I think we'll win it, so it's not like the dread of the series down under, I just don't feel excited.

Maybe it's because I'm getting more and more invested in County cricket so my main passion/focus has switched.

I'll still watch, and I'm sure we'll see some superb cricket from both sides. It's weird how I feel. Maybe it'll change when the first ball is bowled next week.

I think with our bowling injuries, and with Stokes being quite obviously crocked, we're on the back foot before the series starts.

Be very interesting to see how the Bazball tactics stand up to Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood. Very excellent bowling attack.

I'm expecting a few collapses. I'm still not sold on the mentality of this gung ho approach. I'd rather have a team that plays the situation rather than has a 'brand' (I detest that phrase) and sticks to it no matter what.

Disagree on the last bit. It’s like when kids are involved in a penalty competition - tell them which side they need to hit it to take doubt out of the equation. If it goes wrong then it’s the fault of the management. Helps concentrate the mind.

Agree to disagree. If we're 3-30 on an overcast cold morning you need to play sensible and 'dig in', you just know we'll be aggressive and throw wickets away and get out for 100/150. I don't like that idea, but I do understand the point you're making. Having a captain and coach clear in their approach breeds confidence and should reach the players. 

It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.

Digging in during situations like that has usually meant tentative nicks to the slips anyway so prefer if we just take it on.