The Ashes 5th Test. The Oval. August 20-24.

[Making_Splinters]

yeah true, but he was always going to get the whole summer..

Why? I mean I look at Sam Robson and think, ok I understand him being dropped, I wouldnt have dropped him but I understand it. He was weak outside off stump, he has to improve in that area. Compton had no obvious technical defects, if anything he boxed himself into really negative innings and got stuck going nowhere and played poor shots once pressure mounted.... same can be said of Carberry, but both at least lookede capable of occupying the crease to see off new balls and bring others into the game.

Lyth had no redeaming features. He looked incapable of scoring runs, incapable of hanging about, very poor concentration for an opener. He wanted to feel bat on the ball, but didnt play any shots with convinction. All his innings bar what I have to think was the NZ fluke, have been the same.

Block unconvincingly for 10 balls, see a few pass the edge, lose his nerve, play at ball he shouldnt, get out.....

He is the worst test bat I have seen England produce in a long time. I came to that conclusion 4 tests ago

All young players should get at least two series when they first come in to the side. England have finally given an opener a fair chance after messing around Robson, Compton and Carberry and you're criticising them for it?

Lyth isn't good enough, but we know that. The others were picked and dropped for with questions still open.

[Aidan11]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

[dan08]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

[sussexpob]

All young players should get at least two series when they first come in to the side. England have finally given an opener a fair chance after messing around Robson, Compton and Carberry and you're criticising them for it? Lyth isn't good enough, but we know that. The others were picked and dropped for with questions still open.

As stated, the others mentioned looked to have something about them. Not perfect polished players at all, but defects or attributes that were identifiable or could be managed given time. I dont know where to start with Lyth, he didnt show me anything this summer that suggested he is anything but well out of his depth in test cricket.

I believe in giving players time, but not for the sake of it. If a player is clearly utterly rubbish, then get rid quickly. There was point in sticking with the others, there was no point sticking with Lyth, imo. If you disagree, fine. Thats the way I seen it, he just doesnt look good enough or have the balls for it.... another 5 tests wont improve that.

[Aidan11]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

[dan08]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

It could be frustrating for Johnson as well if he takes a wicket. He would have no idea he's overstepping every delivery if he never gets called.

[captaincolly]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

Why doesn't the third umpire call them? Takes seconds to check after a wicket has fallen so why not do it after every delivery?

[Aidan11]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

Why doesn't the third umpire call them? Takes seconds to check after a wicket has fallen so why not do it after every delivery?

Makes you wonder why we even need a standing umpire now.

[captaincolly]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

Why doesn't the third umpire call them? Takes seconds to check after a wicket has fallen so why not do it after every delivery?

Makes you wonder why we even need a standing umpire now.

They could do away with them and have Bob Willis adjudicating in the third umpires chair!

[dan08]

If we were to make a combined Ashes XI, how many English players would get in? Root, Stokes, Broad and Anderson? Possibly Moeen.

[Dilbert]

This no-ball situation is getting ridiculous.

We're about 10 runs down from where we should be.

This is the bit that annoys me. All very well checking for a wicket, but the extras will be incorrect if the umpires don't call them when they happen.

Why doesn't the third umpire call them? Takes seconds to check after a wicket has fallen so why not do it after every delivery?

Makes you wonder why we even need a standing umpire now.

No point increasing the unemployment, the govt wont allow that

[Aidan11]

We're going to lose this.

[Aidan11]

Siddle got quite excited there.

[Aidan11]

If Clarke was out then so is that.

[Aidan11]

May be harsh but it was the same as Clarke's.