It's The Ashes (again)

[wba13]

Well England like chasing let’s see what target The Aussies set us if we don’t bowl them out.
Don’t think we have a chance But.

[Tom Joad]

Some top bowling there from England. Broad particularly unlucky. Makes it all the more frustrating most of our top order threw their wickets away. If we are too stubborn to compromise this style, maybe suggest we "adapt to the situation"!

[rsbaggy2]

Some top bowling there from England. Broad particularly unlucky. Makes it all the more frustrating most of our top order threw their wickets away. If we are too stubborn to compromise this style, maybe suggest we "adapt to the situation"!

That has to come from the top. MuCullum’s attitude seems to be one of never backing down. He needs to put his ego aside and do what's best for the team.

As a kiwi does he appreciate the intensity and rivalry of an ashes series?

[pindgill]

The cricketing establishment ex cricketers reporters & commentators are laying in heavy seems all have been writing there pieces months!!!..
Stokes & MuCullum will not change despite the criticism even if they loose this test they will be confident in winning the next 3 it’s a great approach & mentally however loosing this series and the winter test series badly against India will put coach & his captain in jeopardy!!..

[SuperBob2002]

What is so great about this approach? It's insanity.

[Tom Joad]

The cricketing establishment ex cricketers reporters & commentators are laying in heavy seems all have been writing there pieces months!!!..
Stokes & MuCullum will not change despite the criticism even if they loose this test they will be confident in winning the next 3 it’s a great approach & mentally however loosing this series and the winter test series badly against India will put coach & his captain in jeopardy!!..

Losing to Australia will always put coach and captain in jeopardy but to lose from strong positions shows the system just needs a little more common sense. A silly declaration and some wrong selections at Edgbaston and then to surrender the top order from an untroubled 188-1 at Lords, against a very good side? England are the architects of their own downfall here and that really should be easy to sort out in future.

[Cheshire East Baggie]

The cricketing establishment ex cricketers reporters & commentators are laying in heavy seems all have been writing there pieces months!!!..
Stokes & MuCullum will not change despite the criticism even if they loose this test they will be confident in winning the next 3 it’s a great approach & mentally however loosing this series and the winter test series badly against India will put coach & his captain in jeopardy!!..

Losing to Australia will always put coach and captain in jeopardy but to lose from strong positions shows the system just needs a little more common sense. A silly declaration and some wrong selections at Edgbaston and then to surrender the top order from an untroubled 188-1 at Lords, against a very good side? England are the architects of their own downfall here and that really should be easy to sort out in future.

Of course we might turn it around and win the series, or at least get close. But for me the exit route is obvious. Stokes can't go on for long without a knee operation - even that might not prolong his career. So if we get hammered, he'll be off "for the op". Will McCullum's style of play be sustainable without Stokes as captain and inspiration? Or will Baz melt away into the night? Whatever happens, I see no long term legacy with Bazball. It's about Stokes, McCullum, Bairstow, Broad, the big personalities. When they've all gone, I hope we still have Root and Foakes to provide some reliability in the batting order and knock some common sense into the young talent coming through.

[ElbowGrease1973 II]

What is so great about this approach? It's insanity.

It's like any approach in any sport isn't it? If you win you get the plaudits, if you lose you get criticism. If we had won the first test, which was entirely possible throughout the game, there wouldn't be anywhere near as much criticism this test.

I enjoy the attacking approach, but do think there's a balance to be struck. A couple of batsmen who just dig in, to complement the attacking players would be beneficial.

Ultimately, in boxing terms we come out swinging every time. It can appear brainless at times, but it's exciting to watch, and we're trying to make things happen. It's always going to be open to criticism, but prior to this series, if you haven't enjoyed watching it, you're in a minority.

[Tom Joad]

What is so great about this approach? It's insanity.

It's like any approach in any sport isn't it? If you win you get the plaudits, if you lose you get criticism. If we had won the first test, which was entirely possible throughout the game, there wouldn't be anywhere near as much criticism this test.

I enjoy the attacking approach, but do think there's a balance to be struck. A couple of batsmen who just dig in, to complement the attacking players would be beneficial.

Ultimately, in boxing terms we come out swinging every time. It can appear brainless at times, but it's exciting to watch, and we're trying to make things happen. It's always going to be open to criticism, but prior to this series, if you haven't enjoyed watching it, you're in a minority.

I love the approach but it is bordering on arrogance to come out baseball style when that was tge trap set. I think we all agree,  it just needs a tweak.

[SuperBob2002]

What. A. Shitshow.

I'm turning this off.