The Ashes 2023

[Zzzptm]

In US football, if the ball isn't whistled dead and the team in possession walks it into the endzone as the other team walks off the field, it's a touchdown.

In baseball, if there isn't a timeout and the batter wanders away from the plate, it's a free strike.

In soccerball, if the goalie thinks the game's about done and heads to the sidelines, it's on him if the other team sends one into his net.

But, somehow, "that's not cricket!" is something the Brits can howl when the intricate unwritten rules just don't go their way. Time for them to wake up and face facts that they need to step up their Cricket IQ and not justify sloppy play "in the spirit of the rules".

[Jack the Stripper]

A key part of the “spirit of cricket” is accepting the umpires decision and being gracious in defeat, something the English cricketers, English media and English fans have not done.

This third test match is evenly poised, Australia hold a 142 run lead in its 2nd innings with 6 wickets in hand. 24 wickets have fallen in 2 days. This match could be over in 3 days. Crazy!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Looks like rain will affect today's play, otherwise I think your thought that it could all be over today would be reasonable.

[Jack the Stripper]

Yeah still plenty of time to get a result. If it was Day 4 that might be in jeopardy. Not sure who the rain suits. If it’s overcast and humid it will help the bowlers get more swing, if the outfield is wet it will be harder to hit boundaries but the ball getting wet makes it harder for the bowling team.

TBH an England win would be great in that it keeps the series alive. This Ashes series has been so entertaining and enthralling to be over in 3 Tests.

[Vyn]

This Ashes series has been so entertaining and enthralling...

That's awesome - I don't know a thing about cricket. In fact, for the longest time I thought it was just the pro version of croquet LOL. I don't see myself ever getting into it, but it's always great to see "a thing" draw out passion and fun.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I couldn't call this, as I type England are 53 for 1 needing another 198. Moeen Ali came in a 3 which seemed strange to me (I'm only following it on line so I haven't heard any reasoning in commentary).

EDIT: Ahhh! I can't look!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

England win!! Phew! It would have been a shame for the series if they hadn't, but they sure don't make life easy!

[Jack the Stripper]

The Aussies made a good fist of it but 250 never really seemed enough to defend.

Australia 2 England 1

Series on

See you in Manchester

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

4th test day 2.

Aussies batted first and got a solid total of 317. Many of the batsmen got a start but then got out. England are 61-1 at lunch in reply, a solid start but too early to say how we will do.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Third day. England took a big lead, making 592 all out, a lead of 274. Zac Crawley top scored with 189, with support from Barstow, Root, Brook and Stokes all making 50+.

The weather is likely to play a big part in the result.

[Zzzptm]

That's a big hill to climb for the Aussies!

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

At the close on day 3 the Aussies had got to 113 for the loss of 4 wickets. If it wasn't for the weather which could well see the next two days abandoned, the chances of an England win looked good! It'll probably be a rain affected draw.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

We actually got some play today, Aussies got to 214 for 5, Labuschagne completed his century before being the 5th man out, and the weather stopped play again. Fingers crossed for more play on Sunday, the Aussies still need 61 to make England bat again.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Rats, no play today, so the game ends in a draw, the Aussies retain the Ashes as a win for England in the last test will only draw them level on 2 games each.

UK weather sucks!!

[Jack the Stripper]

Yeah pity about the rain but this pretty much sums up my feelings

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/07/23/cry-me-a-river-england/