The Ashes.

[K]

...
Really, for the Ashes, it's all 'bout the conditions.

Stokes wants it "fast and flat"... For Bazball. But that'd play into Oz hands. If it's like Oz, it makes it much easier for Warner.

Flat-Track Bully Smith has built his career off dead pitches. Just a teeny weeny bit of swing is enough to destroy his defective technique. To score runs, he has to swipe across the line of the ball to legside. Works on dead pitches, but fatal on pitches that are fair to bowlers. (Look at the latest example, where he was LBW to Josh Tongue in County Cricket, before Tongue's Test debut against Ireland.)

And Khawaja nicks off whenever there's sideways movement. When there's not... he scores 1000+ runs in a year.
...

Yup, I was right.

On day 1, they said it was the smallest degree of swing in England on day 1 on record. On day 2, Mr Nickit scores an unbeaten century. (And then still gets bowled by Broad with the second new ball --- saved by the no ball.)


"The overt emotion was doubtless a reaction to the struggles he has previously endured playing Tests in England, where prior to today's knock he had scored just 236 runs from 12 innings at an average of 19.67, having lost his place in the team during his 2013 and 2019 sojourns.

His previous best was the 54 he scored on his first visit to Lord's almost a decade ago."

(A. Ramsey, cricket.com.au)

On the broadcast, SO'K said Mr NickIt has scored 1600+ runs in the last 18 months.

[K]

...
Flat-Track Bully Smith has built his career off dead pitches. Just a teeny weeny bit of swing is enough to destroy his defective technique. To score runs, he has to swipe across the line of the ball to legside. Works on dead pitches, but fatal on pitches that are fair to bowlers. (Look at the latest example, where he was LBW to Josh Tongue in County Cricket, before Tongue's Test debut against Ireland.)
...

Yup, I was right...

It happened again!!! And this is a flat pitch.

Stokes hobbling on one knee got FTB Smith out LBW. Pinned right in front of his stumps, all squared up, desperately swishing all around the ball with his bat.

In the broadcast home studio, Aaron Finch said FTB gets so far across his stumps that we just have to accept these dismissals, 'cos that's the way he plays.


Video:

https://twitter.com/englandcricket/stat ... 3695547393

And worse, FTB again blew a review.

Folks used to laugh at Watto for getting out LBW and blowing reviews. But Watto was nowhere near as bad as FTB.

[Pies4shaw]

Stumps. 5/311. Magnificent effort by Special K to bat through (126*). And great support from Carey (52*), late in the day.

Australia looks to have rested back control. Presently, Cricinfo has the probabilities of winning as Australia 44%, England 30% (draw 26%).

[watt price tully]

Friggin old man Anderson picks up Carey

[Donny]

6/360. Ussy 138*.

[Donny]

STFU, Tubby Taylor. He's appalling.

Would win Mastermind's Stating the BLEEDING Obvious., easily

[watt price tully]

STFU, Tubby Taylor. He's appalling.

Would win Mastermind's Stating the BLEEDING Obvious., easily

[watt price tully]

6 for 369. Over 110 completed. AUS trail by 24.

[watt price tully]

Not that it’s going to happen but “we” need to be 150 up (at least) imo at the end of the first innings.

The longer we bat (logically) the longer they field and bowl which adds to their physical toll. Already their spin bowler has damaged fingers. In a 5 test series slow and sure is a good tactic against an ageing attack.

[Donny]

Khawaja bowled for 141, by Robinson.

7/372.

[watt price tully]

Terrible shot by Khwaja but great innings. Brought Australia back into the game. Now we’re holding on keeping above water.

Khwaja 141 bowled Robinson

Trail by 21.
7 for 372.
Over 113 completed.

Cummins 27
Lyon 0

[watt price tully]

Collapsing like a house of cards. No surprise after the poor shots by Carey and Khwaja and a mostly hopeless tail.

Lyon poor shot.

Australia trailing by 16 in the first innings

8 for 377.
Over 115 completed.

Boland 0 - only faced 3 balls
Cummins 30 off 58

[watt price tully]

Here we go. Losing wickets. Can’t expect the tail to do much and sure enough they’re playing their role.

Boland fends off a good short delivery from the arrogant plick Broad for a duck.

9 for 378

Accurate seam attack by England mopping up our tail

[watt price tully]

Except Cummins not playing: hit a great 6 off Broad in front of square.

[watt price tully]

Australia trail by 7 in the first innings.

Cummins 38 off 62
Hazelwood 1 off 1

Till Cummins skys a catch

All out 386

Collapse as predicted. No lead indeed trailing by 7 after the first innings.

So called Bazball winning imo so far.

Here’s hoping for some quick wickets after lunch.