It's The Ashes (again)

[AnelkasBeard]

So who was exulting the virtues of "classic, boring test cricket"? 7 down, still 98 behind. They've scored about 120 runs all day.

This is exactly why we play with "bazball" tactics. If we batted "properly" we'd be all out for around 150 anyway in double the overs.

So you're just ignoring excellent bowling and very tough batting conditions? 

This is why Test cricket is fascinating and intriguing. Australia going at 2 runs an over wasn't boring. Unless you're a moron. 

They played correctly and tried to see off very good bowling by not risking their wicket. Unfortunately for them, and fortunately for us, Broad and Co have bowled on another level since lunch.

If you want to see consistent boundary hitting go an watch the Hundred.

Australia also bowled very well, and had good conditions to bowl with.

You are so so entrenched in your view that you just cannot see the benefits of how England currently want to play.

[SuperBob2002]

I think you'll find I've given credit to England and a number of players on numerous occasions throughout this thread. If anyone is entrenched in their vews it's yourself, I'm afraid.

[SausEggBaton]

Bye, bye Smith!!

Always a joy watching him get out.

[SuperBob2002]

That's a fantastic run out. But apparently I can't see that as I'm so entrenched in my views.

[SausEggBaton]

WHAT?????????

He's OUT!

[SausEggBaton]

Fuggin hell Bairstow!

[SuperBob2002]

Desperately unlucky from Bairstow, but would a genuine wicket keeper have taken that cleanly and not knocked the bails off before catching the ball?

I know I'm entrenched in my view but we really need to find a way to get Foakes into the side. Let Bairstow concentrate on his batting game.

[AnelkasBeard]

I think you'll find I've given credit to England and a number of players on numerous occasions throughout this thread. If anyone is entrenched in their vews it's yourself, I'm afraid.

Of course buddy, of course.

---

Genuinely can't believe how lucky Smith has got there.

[Tom Joad]

So who was exulting the virtues of "classic, boring test cricket"? 7 down, still 98 behind. They've scored about 120 runs all day.

This is exactly why we play with "bazball" tactics. If we batted "properly" we'd be all out for around 150 anyway in double the overs.

So you're just ignoring excellent bowling and very tough batting conditions? 

This is why Test cricket is fascinating and intriguing. Australia going at 2 runs an over wasn't boring. Unless you're a moron. 

They played correctly and tried to see off very good bowling by not risking their wicket. Unfortunately for them, and fortunately for us, Broad and Co have bowled on another level since lunch.

If you want to see consistent boundary hitting go and watch the Hundred. (Not you personally, the idiots moaning at Aussies playing 'boring' cricket).

I would argue, Australia dug themselves a hole by not attacking the bowlers. We all know their objective is to win the series and that is fair enough but if you refuse to attack at all, you will buckle under pressure.

[Ted Maul]

Desperately unlucky from Bairstow, but would a genuine wicket keeper have taken that cleanly and not knocked the bails of before catching the ball?

Yes.

There is no controversy in that decision for me, he's broken the stumps too early.