It's The Ashes (again)

[AnelkasBeard]

Some redemption to what has been a poor series so far. 2-1 down is probably a fair reflection. 3-0 would have been harsh on us as we have had some good periods of play. However, we now need to turn our attention to the next Test. I'd be inclined to keep the same side that started this Test, fitness dependant (Robinson appears to be a doubt? If so I'd being in Tongue over Anderson, controversially). I would give serious thought to dropping Bairstow and bringing in Foakes. I believe Johnny's form with the gloves is now impacting his batting - his confidence is shot.

He was phenomenal last summer and is a fantastic batsman, but I feel a short break will do him good.

Crawley wouldn't be anywhere near the side but we all know he's got a spot for life as long as Rob Key is involved in the set up.

You’re gutted we’ve won that, aren’t you?

I'm delighted we've won. Why wouldn't I be? But I'm not so short sighted to ignore the fact it's a 5 game series and that we need to improve in order to fight back and win the Ashes.

Have you bothered to look at the stats of the series? I'll put them below so you can see. It's as tight as a ducks arse. A few moments that have swung either way have settled all 3 Tests. Looks like I'll be the third person to tell you you're talking bollocks.... sensing a theme?

Runs - England 1809, Australia 1850.
Wickets lost - England 55, Australia 58
Averages - England 32.89, Australia 31.89
Extras scored - England 99, Australia 148.

That difference of 50 in extras, plus several more dropped catches by England, is why we lost the first two Tests. None of this bollocks you reel off about philosophy and arrogance etc.

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What a difference Wood and Woakes made to this Test - absolute night and day, both fantastic players. Robinson to be dropped for Old Trafford to get Jimmy back in you'd assume. Foakes needs to come in for Bairstow. When Bairstow keeps, he averages below 20. When he just bats, the last 11 Tests played, he averaged 60, and historically has averaged much higher. Doesn't take a genius to work it out, does it?

Team for me. Keep Moeen at 3, helps the balance of the batting line up, Brook needs to stop at 5. It's not ideal, but I don't see what other option we have with Pope's injury. I don't think we'll see Foakes in for Bairstow, but it needs to happen.

Crawley
Duckett
Ali
Root
Brook
Stokes
Foakes
Woakes
Wood
Broad
Anderson

Are you putting Jimmy in because you know they will, or because you think he should have a farewell appearance at OT? On performance so far this series he should be nowhere near the team, Robinson (if fit) and Tongue are way ahead of him, and Potts much less of a risk being nearly 20 years younger. Anderson can't play the short ball game at his pace and he offers nothing with the bat. Only nostalgia gets him a game at Old Trafford. Stokes has a series to win. How tough will he be?

Mostly the first bit, a small part of the second bit.

I agree his performances haven't been good. But he'll be in the team.