It's The Ashes (again)

[Ted Maul]

This could get ugly quickly if we're not careful.

Was chatting about this series at work yesterday and a colleague likened it to when a newly promoted side plays one of the PL big boys, lots of effort, endeavour and tries to play the game the right way but makes a couple of mistakes early before surging back, only to be suckered on the counter attack late on. I thought that was a pretty apt way of looking at it.

Good teams do the basics well and take their chances when they come their way, that's the difference here; not Bazball, not the weather, we missed some sitters and they didn't. The only criticism I have with this team is perhaps there too great a focus on the sublime and whether we've neglected the boring, mundane things that are the foundations of any good team in any sport. Only time will tell but this England side will be better for the experience I'm sure.

Also, some positive news to read that Jofra Archer is expected to be fit for the World Cup later this year. Having him coming back into the test side in the next 8-12 months would be a real bonus.