The Ashes: Australia in England 16th Jun - 31 July

[GarlicJam]

Big mistake from Starc, sliding that ball on the ground. He had no need, he had the ball well in his control.

Ducket still in at the start of play with Stokes will give England and their supporters some hope. It would have been a lot less if they were five down.

[bigfluffylemon]

How is there even controversy about the catch? He grounds the ball while not in control of his own movements (sliding along the ground). End of story,

[alfie]

And into miracle territory.

With regards to the baseball debate, I agree and am not advocating for a complete change in approach. But maturing it so rather than relentless attack all the time for its own sake, you have a bit more situational nous. It's not as if that's particularly radical.

You do have to wonder how the series would be looking if England could hold their catches and stop overstepping.

Well if the chances - or even half of them - had been held at Edgbaston they'd almost certainly have won fairly easily. But I suppose in this match both sides have been about equally guilty of drops and no ball wicket cancellations. Main difference being the Australian errors haven't tended to cost them as much.

Totally agree with the "situational nous"

[alfie]

As to the catch - as the lawmakers have confirmed - the umpire got it right. If Starc had spilled the ball when he hit the ground from his dive no one would have argued : this was a bit different - and somewhat unusual. But the same principle applies- you have to keep the ball off the ground until the catch is completed. Which he failed to do.

McGrath better not take up umpiring

[Arthur Crabtree]

Well, no early wickets. It'd be a coup if England could take this into the final session. If you can't win, lose magnificently.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hundred partnership, by the way.

[Gingerfinch]

Stokes and Bairstow have history of chasing down large totals. Dare to dream!

[Arthur Crabtree]

I'm dreaming of rain.

[Gingerfinch]

I'm dreaming of rain.

You Australian? !!!

[Arthur Crabtree]

I was going to say I'm a realist, except it's not going to rain.

I presume if offered, England would take a draw now. Australia wouldn't.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yesterday, all out for 100 looked a good bet. So at least they haven't just thrown in the towel.

[Gingerfinch]

I was going to say I'm a realist, except it's not going to rain.

I presume if offered, England would take a draw now. Australia wouldn't.

Yeah still a long shot. Stating the obvious but Lyon missing is a massive blow. That's why I'm slightly hopeful.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I might reassess the whole hope thing if these two get to the new ball without another wicket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Does someone have a Jack Leach style knock in them?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Stokes dropped by the Aussie skipper in a moment of solidarity between captains.

Seems to be controversy over Bairstow's run out.