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

[ianp1970]

what a seriously weird test series this has been - if Pak had been playing I'm sure plenty of questions would have been raised about the ebbs and flows!

Really didn't see this coming at the start of this test - Aus looked out for the count. MJ has been a major disappointment though.

Will Aus enforce the follow-on, especially given the weather forecast for Sunday?

Apparently Clarke has never enforced the follow-on...

...a final chance to lose his virginity

[Durhamfootman]

didn't go so well today then.

just as well then that England are fortunate enough to have the outstanding captain of his generation. He'll pull his team out of the sh1t

[The Waugh Twins]

I'm not following this match anywhere as closely as the previous 4, almost entirely due to the fact that the series is already won.

My point was asking: would an Australian forum (similar to ours) really be overly worried about this test if their team had won 3:1?

I know you're not a big cricket fan because I don't see you here very often, but it's still a test match. It's still important to both sides to compete. After Oz won 3-0 we still intensely followed the last 2.

Didn't mean it to sound like a sledge Ian, just thought that might have been the case, and I apologise for making that assumption. I'm sure the viewing audience does drop for the dead rubbers, but unlikely for the 3 or 4 Aussie supporters on here.

I'm more concerned with the way this series has been fought, or lac of fight.

[sussexpob]

Tbh, I really dont care about winning this test.

I just wish England had tried new blood.

Bell failed...surprise suprise, never been a one drop ever
Lyth failed
Mo went at 5.5 an over or such
Stokes bowled a stock ball of wide, short balls and got out very poorly
Cook didnt make a score
The keeper failed again
Wood was underwhelming again
Bairstow failed again

Same old same old...... Just really emphasises how poor Australia have played to lose this series... they have been beaten by less than half a team, the other half have been incredibly poor

[Aidan11]

The rain might save us if we hang in long enough.

[backfootpunch]

Tbh, I really dont care about winning this test.

I just wish England had tried new blood.

Bell failed...surprise suprise, never been a one drop ever
Lyth failed
Mo went at 5.5 an over or such
Stokes bowled a stock ball of wide, short balls and got out very poorly
Cook didnt make a score
The keeper failed again
Wood was underwhelming again
Bairstow failed again

Same old same old...... Just really emphasises how poor Australia have played to lose this series... they have been beaten by less than half a team, the other half have been incredibly poor

i thought wood was our best bowler, was unlucky not to take more wickets

[alfie]

Agree Wood was quite clearly England's best bowler. He hasn't achieved any sensational figures yet in his brief career , but he looks extremely promising. Provided he isn't too easily injured (which may be a concern) I think he will be a regular in and around the team over the next few years.

Despite Australia making a big score here , I'm not too worried about the bowling. Anderson to return too , of course. A better ( or a second) spinner would be nice ; but Swanns don't grow on trees.

Batting though

I turned in at the interval last night : rather glad I did . That last session sounds pretty grisly. Must admit I was fearful of trouble when Cook was out on the stroke of tea - but what happened was in worst nightmare territory !

Suppose it is a win - win for CMS though . England have already secured the prize - against most posters' expectations ; and to the delight of many of us. The loyal Aussie posters will at least have a consolation success : and those who nominally support England but actually live only to moan about how awful it all is have another excuse for some metaphorical wrist slashing

I will address the matter of team changes when the dust has settled . Now off to set up the rainmaking spell...

[rich1uk]

well as someone who apparently is only a nominal supporter of the team I really didn't see a lot to be happy about yesterday and inept performances like that, which may have been close to the bottom of the last couple of years but certainly not a rarity, deserves all the flak us nominal supporters give

[Making_Splinters]

The only real question seems to be will this Test last the day. Surely Clarke will enforce the follow on unless England somehow bat till lunch.

[Aidan11]

Today is Blue Day but England's cricketers have been feeling blue for the previous two days.

[Aidan11]

Atherton has just stolen my joke.


Get yer own Athers.

[rich1uk]

Atherton has just stolen my joke.


Get yer own Athers.

i'm sure one of them is reading this

maybe its benedict

[Aidan11]

Atherton has just stolen my joke.


Get yer own Athers.

i'm sure one of them is reading this

maybe its benedict

Yeah, he's sneaky.

[hopeforthebest]

We're on the way to a big total here.

[Aidan11]

These two are showing the others how to bat.