Ashes 2025-26.

[alfie]

At least we've made Australia bat again. So a 9 or 10 wicket win rather than an innings.

Nice to still have cricket to watch this afternoon. They've played well today on a pitch that is playing a few tricks - all the more frustrating in that failings over the last couple of days make it such a forlorn looking effort. Though worth pointing out that if several easy catches had been held on Friday they would likely now be over a hundred ahead and setting up a fascinating finish...

[sussexpob]

England's batting today is like turning up with flowers for your wife the day after she caught you in bed with her sister...

[Durhamfootman]

when did this happen?

I know they look the same, but....... really!

[sussexpob]

when did this happen?I know they look the same, but....... really!

Hypothetical talk, Footman.

[sussexpob]

Neser smashes Stokes in the box...the stump mic picks up the "ah sh*t, got me in the balls" quite clearly

I felt that... and so did Ben. He looks in a lot of discomfort

[sussexpob]

If FIFA can create an award for the Orange man, then I feel the ICC should send me a medal for waking up at 6am and listening to Steven Finn, Matt Prior and Izzy Westbury..... Its like all three have been hired to make Alistair Cook sound interesting in comparison.

I guess Westbury is the diversity hire, because posh privately educated people from elite schools are not represented at all in cricket..... yesterday she expressed shock at the fact no one could understand when she was speaking Latin

[sussexpob]

That's a stunning catch from Steve Smith, takes a brilliant bit of cricket to end the partnership. Neser gets the edge, and Smith pulls of a one handed grab dying low at his feet at pace.

Hearty applause to Jacks.... I can't fault that resistance

[andy]

Sorry guys that wicket is my fault, watched every single ball this morning got up for 5 mins to have a shower and wicket goes down thoroughly enjoyed this today proper cricket all hard work undone now but what a grab by smith

[sussexpob]

Think he hit that didn't he? I wouldnt review it

[sussexpob]

Yep, inside edge... not out.

[Durhamfootman]

when did this happen?I know they look the same, but....... really!

Hypothetical talk, Footman.

I know

I was just being silly

7 down.... England won't last half an hour now

[andy]

50 for stokes..slightly surprised Smith hasn't used marnus a bit more even if mixing up between leggies and seam especially against stokes Starc looks knackered no suprise there

[sussexpob]

Played Ben, 50 up... Hope your colleagues are watching and taking notes.

[Durhamfootman]

at what point does Stokes tee off?

maybe not yet

[andy]

50 lead comes up....I don't think he will tee off before the new ball is due he has to be there for that