The Ashes 2017/2018

[The Bedge]

Although Sayers appears to be the next in line, let's not forget Bird is in the squad, was released to play in Adelaide over the weekend and collected 8/81 for the game.

Perhaps his efforts will elevate him above Sayers who was forced to sit out and watch the Aussies in Brisbane.

[locky801]

IMO think they will go in unchanged, bowlers weren't over worked and most got a start with the bat but didn't go on apart from Smith

Think unless he gets injured Paine will keep for the series, apart from the one dropped catch didn't do much wrong.

[The Bedge]

IMO think they will go in unchanged, bowlers weren't over worked and most got a start with the bat but didn't go on apart from Smith.

No they weren't, but part of the managing workloads is also forecasting future efforts these days - they'll have BBL and the One Day series to consider as well.

The bowlers (you'd think) will already be locks for the Boxing Day test and the Perth Test. Should the series still be up for grabs they'll have Sydney also - they'll be conscious of not over working them too early in the series and risking break down when they need them most.

[Booney]

IMO think they will go in unchanged, bowlers weren't over worked and most got a start with the bat but didn't go on apart from Smith.

No they weren't, but part of the managing workloads is also forecasting future efforts these days - they'll have BBL and the One Day series to consider as well.

The bowlers (you'd think) will already be locks for the Boxing Day test and the Perth Test. Should the series still be up for grabs they'll have Sydney also - they'll be conscious of not over working them too early in the series and risking break down when they need them most.

If Adelaide goes for 5 days it's 8 days to the Perth Test, I reckon they'll leave the side as is as it's unlikely the pink ball will go to 450 overs.

[The Bedge]

If Adelaide goes for 5 days it's 8 days to the Perth Test, I reckon they'll leave the side as is as it's unlikely the pink ball will go to 450 overs.

Of course, but I meant they'll have them already pencilled in for the Perth test - they'll be salivating at the thought of unleashing the quicks on the fastest deck in the country - the discussion will be around the risk of getting through the Adel test, particularly if it goes the 5 days.. that's about the only think playing in Sayers/Bird's favour at the moment, otherwise unchanged you'd think.

[Lightning McQueen]

If Adelaide goes for 5 days it's 8 days to the Perth Test, I reckon they'll leave the side as is as it's unlikely the pink ball will go to 450 overs.

Of course, but I meant they'll have them already pencilled in for the Perth test - they'll be salivating at the thought of unleashing the quicks on the fastest deck in the country - the discussion will be around the risk of getting through the Adel test, particularly if it goes the 5 days.. that's about the only think playing in Sayers/Bird's favour at the moment, otherwise unchanged you'd think.

Is the WACA still as pace friendly as we had grown to know.

[am Bays]

IMO think they will go in unchanged, bowlers weren't over worked and most got a start with the bat but didn't go on apart from Smith.

No they weren't, but part of the managing workloads is also forecasting future efforts these days - they'll have BBL and the One Day series to consider as well.

The bowlers (you'd think) will already be locks for the Boxing Day test and the Perth Test. Should the series still be up for grabs they'll have Sydney also - they'll be conscious of not over working them too early in the series and risking break down when they need them most.

If Adelaide goes for 5 days it's 8 days to the Perth Test, I reckon they'll leave the side as is as it's unlikely the pink ball will go to 450 overs.

I don't think they were overworked either, i was merely think of the entire series workload, give them a rest now so they can have the a high out put if needed at Melbourne and Sydney

[Booney]

If Adelaide goes for 5 days it's 8 days to the Perth Test, I reckon they'll leave the side as is as it's unlikely the pink ball will go to 450 overs.

Of course, but I meant they'll have them already pencilled in for the Perth test - they'll be salivating at the thought of unleashing the quicks on the fastest deck in the country - the discussion will be around the risk of getting through the Adel test, particularly if it goes the 5 days.. that's about the only think playing in Sayers/Bird's favour at the moment, otherwise unchanged you'd think.

Is the WACA still as pace friendly as we had grown to know.

Getting back to it, not as fearsome as it once was but it's getting back to a pace friendly pitch.

[PatowalongaPirate]

Considering this is the final WACA Test, I am hoping they will prepare a deck that winds back the clock.

A hard and fast farewell would be fitting.

[The Bedge]

Thoroughly enjoyed Bancrofts interview about the head butt

He must realise now how thick some journos can be haha!

[Booney]

Bancrofts post match interview.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/cric ... -on!654231

[whufc]

My first Test Australian Ratings

David WARNER (8)
Failed in the first innings but was all class in the second chasing a low score. Warner sets the tone for any run chase and stepped up brilliantly not giving England a sniff. Catch to dismiss Jake Ball was also crucial, Ball with 14 from 11 balls had the potential to put on a tricky little partnership at the end.

Cam BANCROFT (7)
Similar to Warner failed in the first innings but more than made up for it with a classy second innings knock to secure Australia the win. On debut that was a very courageous effort especially after failing in the first innings. Will hold his spot for the AO test.

Usman KHAWAJA (2)
Poor performance, first innings 11 and once again dismissed by a spinner (if you can call Moeen that). Has a clear weakness at test level that will continue to get exposed.

Steve SMITH (10)
The scorebook will read 141* but oh it was worth so much more. One of the best, calmest, faultless test innings you will see. As usual fielded superbly and hard to fault his captaincy.

Peter HANDSCOMBE (3)
Got out to a good nut by Anderson for 14. Potentially may be exposed by the English attack with his very interesting technique. Fielder well holding 3/3 catches which saw him score slightly higher than Khawaja.

Shaun MARSH (6)
Solid return from Shaun Marsh, 51 in the first dig was more than acceptable but once again saw his innings end with a very soft dismissal. Loses a point for what an absolute dolly of a catch dropped in the deep.

Tim PAINE (5)
Failed with the bat scoring 13, in fairness getting out to a decent delivery. Had 1 marvelous "keeper specialist' moment with the gloves making a crucial stumping. This was offset however with a drop catch you would expect your keeper to take. Very lucky to have been give the opportunity but for mine gets another go in Adelaide.

Mitchell STARC (7)
Finished the match with 6 wickets despite never having one of his blazing spells. Highlight was picking up Cook in the first innings. Also took 3 valuable tail end wickets in Englands second innings to keep their lead at a manageable distance.

Pat CUMMINS (8)
Brilliant first test in Australia, 4 wickets and a game changing 42 runs and partnership with Smith. So much to like about this kid. imho he bats at 8, generally puts more value on his wicket compared to Starc. Will one day potentially be an out and out all rounder.

Josh HAZELWOOD (7)
Struggled in the first innings only taking the one wicket of Stuart Broad, more than made up for it in the second innings though taking three including the vital wickets of Cook, Vince and Root. Ever consistent performer.

Nathan LYON (9)
The pick of the aussie bowlers for mine with 5 wickets including 3 in the second innings. Picked up the dangerous Ali on two occasions. Looked as if he could get a wicket off every ball. On another day he may have picked up 5 in the second innings.

[am Bays]

Bancrofts post match interview.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/cric ... -on!654231

Were you expecting that sort of greeting?

If Bancroft had come out with: "No, I was expecting something more like a grope, a lick, a dry root, that's certainly the most manly way to show your affections" well he would've become my most favourite Australian cricket ever....

[The Bedge]

My first Test Australian Ratings.

Far too generous on many.

[locky801]

Bancrofts post match interview.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/video/cric ... -on!654231

Steve Smith just about wetting himself, thick Journos

[Booney]

Steve SMITH (10)
The scorebook will read 141* but oh it was worth so much more. One of the best, calmest, faultless test innings you will see. As usual fielded superbly and hard to fault his captaincy.

England's bewildering tactics to Smith (10)
With the match evenly poised with Australia 4/202, 100 behind, England chose to stack the leg side with 6 fielders and bowl bumpers ball after ball at Smith. It restricted his scoring for a short period but never, ever, even a little bit, threatened to get him out.

[whufc]

Steve SMITH (10)
The scorebook will read 141* but oh it was worth so much more. One of the best, calmest, faultless test innings you will see. As usual fielded superbly and hard to fault his captaincy.

England's bewildering tactics to Smith (10)
With the match evenly poised with Australia 4/202, 100 behind, England chose to stack the leg side with 6 fielders and bowl bumpers ball after ball at Smith. It restricted his scoring for a short period but never, ever, even a little bit, threatened to get him out.

Yeah I agree with you but interestingly the commentators were complimenting the tactic.

I think England underestimated Smith resilience and were expecting that once they went back to line and length bowling Smith would snick up through frustration from the leg side tactic

Anyway you spin it it didn't work!!!

[whufc]

Although Sayers appears to be the next in line, let's not forget Bird is in the squad, was released to play in Adelaide over the weekend and collected 8/81 for the game.

Perhaps his efforts will elevate him above Sayers who was forced to sit out and watch the Aussies in Brisbane.

I'm not much of a risk take and prefer what I know so personally in a tight Ashes series I would be going with the infirm bloke with a test bowling average of 25 over a debutant.

For me Birds experience albeit small amount is the deciding factors between two blokes almost impossible to seperate on any ability

[Booney]

Steve SMITH (10)
The scorebook will read 141* but oh it was worth so much more. One of the best, calmest, faultless test innings you will see. As usual fielded superbly and hard to fault his captaincy.

England's bewildering tactics to Smith (10)
With the match evenly poised with Australia 4/202, 100 behind, England chose to stack the leg side with 6 fielders and bowl bumpers ball after ball at Smith. It restricted his scoring for a short period but never, ever, even a little bit, threatened to get him out.

Yeah I agree with you but interestingly the commentators were complimenting the tactic.

I think England underestimated Smith resilience and were expecting that once they went back to line and length bowling Smith would snick up through frustration from the leg side tactic

Anyway you spin it it didn't work!!!

The most confusing part of it is we weren't 4/550. If we were, sure, slow it down, stop the scoreboard ticking over but all they did was make it easy for him to keep getting 1's around the corner and that's his bread and butter.

I know he's a gun, I know he's unique, but surely getting him to play in his least comfortable zones are the way to attack him and not just restrict him. Full and outside off, point, cover point, catching cover, mid off, mid on, catching mid wicket and see if he wants to work it through mid wicket from outside off.

[RB]

Although Sayers appears to be the next in line, let's not forget Bird is in the squad, was released to play in Adelaide over the weekend and collected 8/81 for the game.

Perhaps his efforts will elevate him above Sayers who was forced to sit out and watch the Aussies in Brisbane.

I'm not much of a risk take and prefer what I know so personally in a tight Ashes series I would be going with the infirm bloke with a test bowling average of 25 over a debutant.

For me Birds experience albeit small amount is the deciding factors between two blokes almost impossible to seperate on any ability

I'd go with the only bowler of his generation with a first class average under 24.