It's The Ashes (again)

[Shabby Russian]

It really does feel like England aren't giving themselves the best chance of winning. They've got the selection wrong and have thrown away strong positions on the field in both the opening Tests. We really are defeating ourselves and gifting the Aussies the Ashes.

When Australia have hammered us down under they've been by far the best side and deservedly won the Urn. Whilst I don't argue that they're the stronger set of players it doesn't feel like they've been the better side performance wise. They've only had to be average to get a 2-0 lead. It really is frustrating.

I agree with this.

I have been underwhelmed by the Aussies so far, with some obvious exceptions.

That said they have won both tests having loss the toss.  I do wonder if either test would have been as close if Australia had won the toss.

[ElbowGrease1973 II]

It really does feel like England aren't giving themselves the best chance of winning. They've got the selection wrong and have thrown away strong positions on the field in both the opening Tests. We really are defeating ourselves and gifting the Aussies the Ashes.

When Australia have hammered us down under they've been by far the best side and deservedly won the Urn. Whilst I don't argue that they're the stronger set of players it doesn't feel like they've been the better side performance wise. They've only had to be average to get a 2-0 lead. It really is frustrating.

I agree with this.

I have been underwhelmed by the Aussies so far, with some obvious exceptions.

That said they have won both tests having loss the toss.  I do wonder if either test would have been as close if Australia had won the toss.

Also had Lyons not been injured last test, no way it would have been so close. 

That said, we've had opportunities in both tests to put our foot on the Aussies metaphorical throat, and we just haven't been ruthless enough. The Aussies are usually ruthless, as was seen on Sunday.

I do think it will be a completely focused England side next test. I think we'll be more ruthless from here on in. Just hope we haven't left it too late from a series perspective.

[SuperBob2002]

It really does feel like England aren't giving themselves the best chance of winning. They've got the selection wrong and have thrown away strong positions on the field in both the opening Tests. We really are defeating ourselves and gifting the Aussies the Ashes.

When Australia have hammered us down under they've been by far the best side and deservedly won the Urn. Whilst I don't argue that they're the stronger set of players it doesn't feel like they've been the better side performance wise. They've only had to be average to get a 2-0 lead. It really is frustrating.

I agree with this.

I have been underwhelmed by the Aussies so far, with some obvious exceptions.

That said they have won both tests having loss the toss.  I do wonder if either test would have been as close if Australia had won the toss.

That said, we've had opportunities in both tests to put our foot on the Aussies metaphorical throat, and we just haven't been ruthless enough. The Aussies are usually ruthless, as was seen on Sunday.

This, in a nutshell, explains where I was coming from when I said Aussies have taught England a lesson earlier in the Fred.

[Cheshire East Baggie]

Some fascinating stuff for the cricket stattos in here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66097255

England haven't been so quick to name the team for tomorrow. Probably waiting to check the fitness of various players.

[rsbaggy2]

Tongue out Woakes in
Brooks to No3
Ali for Pope
Wood for Anderson

That's according to SSN.

Crazy if true.

[Lurker#3]

Tongue out Woakes in
Brooks to No3
Ali for Pope
Wood for Anderson

That's according to SSN.

Crazy if true.

Woakes and Ali can both bat abit which shortens the tail. And Wood gives us that bit of height and pace we are desperate for. Especially at Headlingly, and as Jimmy has been miles off it.

[AnelkasBeard]

Tongue out Woakes in
Brooks to No3
Ali for Pope
Wood for Anderson

That's according to SSN.

Crazy if true.

Don't mind it to be honest. Foakes in would've been nice, but he's not in the squad and I'm not sure who they bunt out.

[ElbowGrease1973 II]

Tongue out Woakes in
Brooks to No3
Ali for Pope
Wood for Anderson

That's according to SSN.

Crazy if true.

Don't mind it to be honest. Foakes in would've been nice, but he's not in the squad and I'm not sure who they bunt out.

I would have kept Tongue in personally. Think he had a good game at Lords. Let's hope Wood is fully fit, and has been practicing the short stuff 

[Borin' Baggie]

Tongue out Woakes in
Brooks to No3
Ali for Pope
Wood for Anderson

That's according to SSN.

Crazy if true.

Don't mind it to be honest. Foakes in would've been nice, but he's not in the squad and I'm not sure who they bunt out.

I would have kept Tongue in personally. Think he had a good game at Lords. Let's hope Wood is fully fit, and has been practicing the short stuff 

Doesn't Tongue have a history of getting injured?

[Cuzer]

It will mean we will bat very deep, which arguably could have won us the last test after we threw away the first

We need to use Wood in short 5 over bursts which hopefully his body is up to, Aussies haven't played the short stuff well at all, which is surprising really given their bouncy tracks down under, such a shame Stone/Archer and Wood couldn't have been rotated which was the plan pre series

Pitch doing very little which isn't helping Jimmy but always a bold shout leaving him out as he has the ability to run through sides on his day

I think the side makes the most out of what we have, Lawrence or Brook at 3 wouldn't be ideal but it looks like it's happening

Cuzer