The Ashes

[Fido]

If you have a system where pretty much only privately educated kids have any hope of becoming a cricketer, then the fact we actually have spells of the game where we actually compete with Australia is actually quite impressive. I was totally wrong with my previous predictions. This Aus team is at peak performance with an impressive bowling attack. Bazball papers over the cracks of our poor technique and the preparation for this series is a total disgrace. Glad I didn't waste my money going.

PS: 5/17 players in England's Ashes squad didn't go to a private school.

This. It’s a glorified posh boys’ club and has been for years. That we do win some series is a minor miracle given the “talent pool” existing at county level. The inherent exclusivity of the game at the highest level is a disgrace, but given how much cricket has disappeared from the curriculum in state schools don’t expect much change any time soon.

My lad goes to a decent-sized secondary in an area of higher than average income and he has never played cricket on a cricket square with a cricket ball in the six years he's been there. It's easy for a school to "outsource" football as it's a thriving sport and there are hundreds of teams for all abilities in the area but cricket hasn't got anything like the same resources at club level.