It's The Ashes (again)

[ChamonixBaggie]

Mate the condescension really isn't necessary

[Shabby Russian]

I know it has been very successful to date.

But this strategy has weaknesses which I think a team like Australia will exploit.

Bairstows knock was entertaining, but leaves Root running out of partners. How many potential runs will we miss out on, because we decide to go so gung ho.

This is a 500 plus pitch, we might not make 400.

Deja vu, Shabs.  Folk had the same qualms about the opposition and how we ought to have tempered the approach; the first innings score wasn't par....

England WIN!

This is Australia.

Root looks on form to get a very big knock, but his fellow batsmen are making it very difficult for him.

[Borin' Baggie]

I know it has been very successful to date.

But this strategy has weaknesses which I think a team like Australia will exploit.

Bairstows knock was entertaining, but leaves Root running out of partners. How many potential runs will we miss out on, because we decide to go so gung ho.

This is a 500 plus pitch, we might not make 400.

We'll see tomorrow, the Aussies haven't got it to swing today. Cloud cover, wind and cooler weather with Jimmy bowling might be different.

Been a couple of occasions this season at Edgbaston in the CC where it looks like a 500 for par score and then the next day suddenly it's hooping and hopping and suddenly you're out for 150.

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One thing you have to credit Bazball is it really does counteract shit over rates. At this rate the Aussies will be taking the new ball tomorrow if they don't get us out. Even with the extra half an hour.

Given the forecast for days 3 and 5 there's a good chance that had England played pre-Bazball (scoring rate wise, not result wise) and posted a similar score than what we're on track to do then it's a guaranteed draw.

[spudgun]

I wonder if 2 batsmen have been out stumped on the first day of a test match before?

[Peachy]

I wonder if 2 batsmen have been out stumped on the first day of a test match before?

Johnny B went for a proper stroll there. Thumped the previous poor ball from Lyon and his adrenaline was up and he wentvstraight for another. Lyon is to clever for that....

[Hughie Reed 31]

Good knock from Joe

[Borin' Baggie]

Great knock from Root. Don't get the declaration though. I get the intent but surely you hit 400 and then declare.

[ChamonixBaggie]

I love the declaration. Get after the buggers! As I said above I'm a fan of the approach I just think when a couple of wickets have fallen in succession it's not a crime to take a couple of overs to chill before you start slogging

[SuperBob2002]

Zero wickets tonight mean the declaration will backfire. Today has been shambles and the Aussies are licking their lips.

Bizarre.

[rsbaggy2]

Zero wickets tonight mean the declaration will backfire. Today has been shambles and the Aussies are licking their lips.

Bizarre.

Shambles? Do you understand cricket? 

With the possibility of a washout on Sunday this was a very positive declaration.