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

[sussexpob]

Smith's 100th test tomorrow. After his mediocre start to test Cricket, where he was a batter who could bowl a bit, did anyone seriously believe this man would not only make 100 tests but have 32 test tons to his name with an average of 60?

Smith was actually a leg-spin prospect who could bat a bit. At the time, Hauritz career started to fade as the post Warne option (and IIRC, he smashed his shoulder in fielding in a Shield game, and that was him done for good). Australia picked some pretty filthy options in desperation - Beau Casson, Xavier Doherty, Dan Cullen, Michael Beer, Jason Krejza. It got to the stage they gave Bryce McGain a game, and I think without reservation, he looked like the worst bowler I have ever seen in test cricket. Certain bowled the worst I have ever seen in a test (I cant remember the exact figures, but he went for something ridiculous like 150 runs in 15 overs with not a single wicket or chance).

Going back a while, but I think Smith was picked after the McGain debacle. Was seen a raw, left-field punt, mostly because he could turn the ball sharply and bat a bit- which he really could, but he sprayed and prayed it all over the wicket. I might be totally wrong, but I think after his short initial run where it seemed his bowling would never work at the required level, he started ripping runs out of nowhere. Enough for Australia to give him a go with the bat, and the rest of course is history. A bit of a similar story to KP, who went from nowhere to become suddenly a brilliant batsman.

Where does he stand in the grand pantheon of run makers? 2nd to Bradman?

[Gingerfinch]

I remember him touring in 2013 time. I think he scored a flashy 40 odd in one game and looked liked a decentish number 6.

Impossible to compare through history but he has to be the best test bat of his era.

[sussexpob]

English papers claiming its going to be Brook moving to 3. I am not sure I like that idea at all. On paper, Brook has done ok this series, but I think out of all the batsman from both sides, he has had the most luck of all of them. Been dropped 3? times I think. And he has never really looked that comfortable at the crease, looks one ball away permanently.

Id personally have got Foakes in, and put Jonny at 1-2, Crawley at 3.

[sussexpob]

I remember him touring in 2013 time. I think he scored a flashy 40 odd in one game and looked liked a decentish number 6

Him and Watson had a huge partnership in the last game. Think he got a 100

[Gingerfinch]

I remember him touring in 2013 time. I think he scored a flashy 40 odd in one game and looked liked a decentish number 6

Him and Watson had a huge partnership in the last game. Think he got a 100

Cannot remember now to be honest.

I reckon though he wouldn't have been averaging much over 30 from his first 20 tests. From then on, he's been a machine.

[Slipstream]

The press rarely get selection right, or are just sparking talking points.

I'd like to see Tongue retained. But maybe they think there's crossover with Wood.

He was right, that is the team

[Arthur Crabtree]

Never happens!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Mo weakens the batting, but Woakes strenthens it.

I really thought Woakes was finished as a Test bowler.

[Gingerfinch]

Is Jimmy injured?

[sussexpob]

Woakes record in England is unbelievable. His record away is tragic. He should really be the first name in the team sheet at home if fit. Average 35 with bat, 22 ball.

Wonder if we will see Jimmy again.

[Slipstream]

Mo weakens the batting, but Woakes strenthens it.

I really thought Woakes was finished as a Test bowler.

Well Curran was preferred to him, left-arm being the point of difference. The commentators were saying in the last cc England want him in the Ashes.

Woakes last Ashes in England batting in last 2 Tests 5, 1, 6, 2. Bowling 1, 1, 1, 0

Anderson has better figures in Australia than England in the Ashes now. 68 at 34.01 and England 47 at 36.06 - not good against Aus.

Broad likes Aus, SA and NZ and Anderson Pakistan, India and WI. Leave Anderson out of the rest of the Ashes and take him to India and leave Broad out of India.
Should look at stats. Bet you Woakes and Broad go to India 81.33, Broad 61.70

Woakes Aus 16 at 51.69 and 11 at 38.82

[Gingerfinch]

Looks like we're due rain. Jokes aside, we could see a very brave declaration from Ben, given we need to win.

[sussexpob]

I see that Geoffrey Boycott is currently touring every single English language news show to blast Australia for their appalling behaviour. Apparently, Australia have tarnished cricket forever with their behaviour, and that the sport is not for them if they can't behave in the proper manner.

I hope the Aussie take heed. Its ok to support racist governments by going on rebel tours, running out your partner to protect your batting average, and beat your wife to a pulp if your dinner isnt up to standard.... but my god, don't stump a batter not taking a run. May even get a knighthood, too....

[Arthur Crabtree]

I guess the tv stations know they will get plenty of hits from cricket fans and reflex patriots.

[Gingerfinch]

I remember him touring in 2013 time. I think he scored a flashy 40 odd in one game and looked liked a decentish number 6

Him and Watson had a huge partnership in the last game. Think he got a 100

Just checked. He got two fifties in the series but no tons.