It's The Ashes (again)

[AnelkasBeard]

Looks like they're trying to get Moeen back in to the team for the Ashes.

Full Bazball mode engaged then, it seems.

[SuperBob2002]

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.

[AnelkasBeard]

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.

[Fido]

The usual trepidation for me but the plus points are there’s no other sport getting in it’s way, I’m working from home so will have it on most days and apart from the doubts about Crawley we seem to have quite a solid batting line-up.

[SuperBob2002]

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.

But I also believe we'll see a test where it really clicks and we'll batter them. Hopefully the clicking of the brand happens more than the collapses.

[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.

[SuperBob2002]

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.

[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.

[AnelkasBeard]

1 win in 17 Tests before. 11 wins in 13 Tests after.

Digging in and playing tentatively doesn't work for England. Go gung ho, try and win at all costs. If we lose, we lose, but at least we tried, far more entertaining as well.

[SuperBob2002]

Fair pints to both!