The Ashes 2023

y0ssar1an22

a lead of 275 will make for an interesting 4th innings. current lead 233 with 2 wickets in hand.

head having a bash now

kowloonkev

That's two reviews Australia have lost on umpire's call. Yesterday it was not out hitting middle stump. Today it's out hitting leg stump. If they didn't have bad luck they'd have no luck .

MFPM

Head needs to just swing now, lead is not enough unless huge weather intervention though it should be said the lead is roughly what England got in their first innings when under less pressure than they will be when chasing knowing they have to win but of course they should get them.

Strumms

Do the umpires not want to clamp down on the Aussies… every third delivery or so, batsman on strike…

helmet gets taken off or gloves taken off or readjusted, stance taken, batsman stands up, walks away like they are reappraising the field…. Over rate must be way down.

think Stokes has lost the plot again with this field.

y0ssar1an22

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120822960#Comment_120822960

they need to do away with umpires call. if more than 50% hitting, it should be out would be how i would operate it.

the umps haven't been great this series

y0ssar1an22

england need 251 to win

kowloonkev

England were delighted to get 237 in the first innings so 251 could still be a tough ask.

MFPM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120822983#Comment_120822983

Not to mention the lengthy meetings between each over between Stokes and his bowlers - TMS even pointing it out!

Strumms

England can’t afford to lose more then one wicket tonight you’d think..

MFPM

251 target, Aussies need a couple of wickets this evening to make it interesting, I'd be shocked if England lose from here.

Strumms

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120823017#Comment_120823017

True, I have a suspicion from what I’m seeing that that’s a case of gamesmanship seeing what the Aussies are up to, either way it’s annoying as fûck, just get on with the cricket please. England don’t want to be all the time ‘waiting’…

seems with this England set up it’s not just the captain deciding field placing etc. it seems to be captaincy by consensus…which is I suppose indicative of modern life where everyone is now encouraged to ‘talk’ , have their say and be listened to….

Might have some relevance at training , not sure how that translates or how it can work live on a cricket field in an international Ashes match…. Or in any live sporting environment…all these get togethers and meetings . For better or worse, the captain needs to lead. Not just facilitate an on field talking shop. either way the umpires need to get a grip, especially of the Aussie batsmen….

England need 224 runs for victory, with time, wickets intact.. you’d really not want to bet against them. Australian lads need wickets and they’ve got to get a minimum of 3 before lunch…England score a conservative 70 in the mornings play. That’s just 154 for victory. Which even at 2 down , they should get fairly handily. Might be a twist in the tail but either way should be an enjoyable Sunday.

MFPM

The relatively low number of runs, the wickets in hand and the conditions point to relatively straightforward win. For England. If Australia are to win, they need quick wickets and probably need England 4/5 down with limited runs conceded by lunch.

It's probably good for the series if England win it, Aussies still favourites for the Ashes but it will make it more interesting.

MFPM

Too easy already for England. This is the problem with a relatively small total, no room for error.

MFPM

Duckett gone!

MFPM

Ali in at 3 for England!

Royale with Cheese

Moeen Ali at 3 🤨

kowloonkev

But early for night watchman but ok

MFPM

Experiment failed! Ali out for 5.

MFPM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120824902#Comment_120824902

Protecting Brook I assume? He was very uncomfortable at 3 in the first innings..

Strumms

That was weird, Ali… I was thinking if he gets even a half decent score.. 30/40 and England win it’s a stroke of left field genius by Stokes.

Scored 5 and got out doing an Ed Giddens impression so if England don’t win that bit of out there captaincy will be pummelled… nowhere near lunch, tea or stumps so any type of watchman role isn’t applicable…. Bringing out a fella averaging 18 is 😵‍💫

I just don’t see the logic, was he in to pinch hit ? Try and get a load of quick runs before the injured Stokes was required ? It’s a possibility….

170 needed. 8 wickets remaining …. Not a formality. But England favourites…

MFPM

Crawley gone now. Australia should be kicking themselves that they don't have 50-60 more runs here, the task would seem far harder for England, two more by lunch and it would be game on.

Xander10

That was poor from a player like Root

Strumms

Terrible by Root…… He and Brook were cruising….. time for another captains innings.

Stokes definitely not running very freely between wickets…. It’s noticeable.

MFPM

Root out but it shouldn't make a difference to the outcome, not enough runs, and England bat deep. Always a chance of an upset but it doesn't feel likely today.

Strumms

98 to win and 6 wickets left…. Have to imagine England have it….even with the long tail…Brook and Stokes bat another 40 minutes it’s goodnight…

Burkie1203

Stokes gone. 90 needed, 5 Wickets

Very much in balance now

Dave0301

Still think England get over the line but they are doing it the hard way.

MFPM

No Headingley heroics for Stokes this time!! England 5 down but less than 100 needed...interesting to see if Stokes fit for OT.

Strumms

Stokes goes, 5 wickets with 89 needed. Terrible shot again. England have really been artists of their own downfall here.

getting out as opposed to being got out.

Dave0301

Ha...typical Bairstow.