The Ashes 2023

Good start for England, they've got lucky with the conditions this morning, poor by Labuschagne.

Two pretty bad shots by the Aussie batsmen. Looked nervy and reaching for it….they’ll be hoping that’s not going to set the tone for the innings…. England will be satisfied, no they won’t they’ll be thrilled, Stokes gets Smith lbw…. 😳

Australia are too preoccupied with batting time, to show the conservative approach is better they’ve got themselves in a right mess. It’s not even their natural way of playing.

Seeing the replay of Smiths wicket, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him called for dissent due to his reaction to the umpires decision. It really wasn’t on. I’d be a firm advocate of law 42 being invoked responsibly… of course in 2023 it won’t be.

Is it just me or is Eoin Morgan an absolute pain to listen to on commentary.

If you think he's bad be happy that Danny Morrison isn't commentating, the most annoying man in history, a trundler who couldn't bat, and just keeps rabbiting on, the Australian home commentary team is pretty annoying too, think they are funny laughing at their own jokes

I take your point, and it’s probably going to start annoying me the more I see it. But I feel it was just an instinctive expression of displeasure at himself. I’m glad they don’t all do it, though.

Khawaja bowled off a no ball 266/5

Khawaja deserved that bit of luck on the no ball he's been immense today, the fact it came off Broad makes it even sweeter 🙂

Warner's continuing presence is a mystery to me, are the Aussies that short of alternatives, he hasn't merited a test place for a couple of years IMO?

Khawaja excellent - tough to bat through a full day with wickets falling just at moment when a partnership might really get going. Puts the pressure back on him each time to steady things. Great opening batsman performance.

Warner? Did he not get 40+ recently as opener? If he can get a half decent score in any second innings here, be worth the place surely?

Where's this match going though? Assuming Aussies manage tomorrow morning, could well have a lead of 100. But suggested above that a day+ likely to be lost, so guess a draw is most likely. Unless the wicket/ weather turns devious and wickets tumble.

Carey out for a very well made 66, Australia 338/6

Which BBC website/ page is this? I looked in BBC radio and at Radio5 but can't see that option?

I see Khawaja is gone now, very patient innings from him but I guess they needed to get back in gear a bit as runs were drying up.

Some long tail for the Aussies, 9, 10 , 11 all genuine rabbits, 378/9

Australia made a hames of that. Very uninspiring so far Khawaja, Head and Carey aside. They will need a rethink.

England must be in disbelief they cleaned up the tail so quickly. Not what they usually do.