The Ashes; Fourth Test, Trent Bridge, Aug 6-10

[Arthur Crabtree]

Might be more said about this at the Oval, but rather sad news that Clarke has announced his retirement. An underrated batter I thought, whose figures were least inflated against minnows of any of his contemporaries. A player of legendary Test knocks, and a very switched on skipper. It is at least very regrettable that injury should have played such a big part in truncating his career. He grew considerably in stature over the years in many ways.

[alfie]

Yes a rather sad end for the admirable Clarke. To be honest I thought he was on his last lap even before the tour started ; and suspected it might prove a tour too far. Can't really blame him for trying to get that elusive win in England ...but his senior players largely didn't turn up...

He will get a bit of flak in the Australian press - who have always had a slightly awkward relationship with him , for ill defined reasons. But I think with a bit of time and perspective he will be fairly honoured for his achievements . Which were considerable.

He spoke well and generously in the after match interviews. I won't begrudge him runs at The Oval. Though I'm sure England will be keen to keep him - and his team - underfoot.

[Aidan11]

Had to go out after the final wicket so missed all the post match excitement.

Still feels great.

[Aidan11]

I'm guessing it hasn't gone unnoticed that Rashid has a century at Scarborough.

[Arthur Crabtree]

It's his bowling that is the issue. No doubt he is good enough to bat at eight. He may end up at nine in UAE.

[Aidan11]

Can't be bowling worse than Ali.

Got to be worth a punt now the Ashes are won.


We need two spinners in the UAE.

[backfootpunch]

It's his bowling that is the issue. No doubt he is good enough to bat at eight. He may end up at nine in UAE.

i said this yesterday

moeen is neither holding up an end or taking wickets so there is no way rashid could possibly be any worse

we shouldnt be picking our spinner because he is a front line batsmen, rashid is more than good enough to bat number 8, in fact other than moeen would probably be the best number 8 in test cricket

watching rashid though i have always thought he bowls to slow, if he ups his speed from high 40s to low 50s i can see him being succesful

[KipperJohn]

There may have been more 'flair' this series but it's not been as nail biting as 2013 when England had to dig themselves out of a few holes. But a great effort by England nonetheless

Have to say that despite all the concerns about the future of Test cricket there seems to have been a marked improvement in relations between the two sides, for which both captains should take some credit.

There's little doubt in my mind that the sad loss of Hughes and his own chronic back condition have had a massive effect on Clarke - he hinted at retirement last year. He has led Australia through a quite difficult time of transition against a background of a quite hostile home press at times. Make no mistake form is temporary and class is permanent - that is particularly the case with Clarke. Whatever happens at the Oval - well played.

[Aidan11]

Ian Bell - 5 times Ashes winner.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England are picking Moeen because they don't think any other spinner available is better. He took 9 wickets in the first three Tests, so he has contributed.

He reminds me of the role Greg Matthews performed for Australia in the 80s/90s, breaking hearts with tail end runs. But I reckon Mo is a better spinner.

Moeen has been a little expensive, but compared Swann in Australia, and the Kerrigan experiment, he's holding his own. I'm not convinced he is doing badly.

[dan08]

England are picking Moeen because they don't think any other spinner available is better. He took 9 wickets in the first three Tests, so he has contributed.

He reminds me of the role Greg Matthews performed for Australia in the 80s/90s, breaking hearts with tail end runs. But I reckon Mo is a better spinner.

Moeen has been a little expensive, but compared Swann in Australia, and the Kerrigan experiment, he's holding his own. I'm not convinced he is doing badly.

A bowling average of 49 and an economy of 4.2 in this series suggests otherwise...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Have to say that despite all the concerns about the future of Test cricket there seems to have been a marked improvement in relations between the two sides, for which both captains should take some credit.

I was thinking about that. My impression is that it may have stemmed from the Kiwis earlier this summer. Though England have hinted they have changed for pragmatic reasons; their behaviour was turning off their own supporters. Still, full marks for listening.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England are picking Moeen because they don't think any other spinner available is better. He took 9 wickets in the first three Tests, so he has contributed.

He reminds me of the role Greg Matthews performed for Australia in the 80s/90s, breaking hearts with tail end runs. But I reckon Mo is a better spinner.

Moeen has been a little expensive, but compared Swann in Australia, and the Kerrigan experiment, he's holding his own. I'm not convinced he is doing badly.

A bowling average of 49 and an economy of 4.2 in this series suggests otherwise...

The bowling average is standard for an England spin bowler in a supporting role in this kind of series. It's the same as Giles in 2005. The economy is disappointing. There has been little for him to do in Birmingham and Nottingham. The Oval might suit him more.

I'm not convinced Rashid would have kept the runs down.

Given England had control of the pitches, their strategy undeniably did work.

[Aidan11]

Joe Root's impression of Bob Willis sounded more like Brian Clough.


Looking forward to what Bob thinks about it.

[Gingerfinch]

3-1 with one to play. We must be favourites to take this 4-1, which is credit to the new coaches, Cook, and his players. As for our opponents, well they have been poor, in fact as bad or worse than the 85 team, certainly with the bat, from what I have seen, and read.