It's The Ashes (again)

[AnelkasBeard]

Is it too early to be negative and pray rain saves us?

That may be a little far. But I agree with your negativity much more this test than last test. If these two continue to bat they way we know they can, we're in a really poor position.

[Lurker#3]

The second half of that last session was really poor.

Not having a full time spinner in the team looks like it will be a shocking call. We can't seem to build any pressure and we are not putting enough pressure on using the field. Lots of mid length fielders, trying to coax them into playing shots they won't play.

[Ted Maul]

Is it too early to be negative and pray rain saves us?

That may be a little far. But I agree with your negativity much more this test than last test. If these two continue to bat they way we know they can, we're in a really poor position.

It's just really sloppy. There has been no appreciation given to the game situation by England, it's our way or the highway won't win a lot of matches against the best opposition.

Perhaps a 0-5 against the Aussies will be what it takes for us to remove our heads from our backsides and appreciate that there are many ways to skin a cat.

[SuperBob2002]

Sloppy is a good word to use. That's what we have been. We're talented and if (more likely when, for me) the Aussie give us a series hammering, we don't need a massive overhaul. We just need home truths to be told, certain people to stop being so pig headed arrogant and play the game situation more sensible and select the best available team, and not your pals. We're a good side with some damn good players, but we're not making the best of our talent.

[AnelkasBeard]

What we haven't seen is the aggressive "get them out" tactics we've seen through most of Stokes' tenure. It's been quite passive and just lijne and length.

They've bowled pretty well, but Australia have batted better. We've let them, which is actually very un-bazball. THis is like the England of old.

[Lurker#3]

What we haven't seen is the aggressive "get them out" tactics we've seen through most of Stokes' tenure. It's been quite passive and just lijne and length.

They've bowled pretty well, but Australia have batted better. We've let them, which is actually very un-bazball. THis is like the England of old.

This is how I see it. 

Predictable field, no personality and all abit boring. 

Feels like Val-ball when he tried to tweak it, and it lost the benefits and got caught in the middle.

[rsbaggy2]

The bowling has become a bit mundane and expensive.

Tongue has been getting a lashing.
Robinsons' effect has been diluted.
Broad has bean ineffectual.
Anderson is like a puppet with no strings.
Root candig them out.

Edited in light of the last few minutes.

[ericlegrisly]

It's turned into a larruping. Slightly embarrassing. When we lose this one, I think we can write the Ashes off. Bit of a squib really.

[Beachboysbaggie]

I’m quite sanguine. We’re double world champions in the white ball formats and 3rd in the test rankings. It’s never been better and probably never will be

[SuperBob2002]

Root taking wickets. That doesn't bode well when Lyon gets a go!