The Ashes

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

A good day for England bowling Australia out for 179 just before the close. The weather played its part in shortening the day, but the rest of the match should be played in sunshine!

I thought England started well with two quick wickets, but Woakes and Stokes were expensive in their bowling and pretty much let Australia back in. Once Warner eventually fell the only resistence was from Smiths replacement Labuschagne who has been a worthy substitute. Good nowling numbers for Jofra Archer getting 6 wickets for 45.

I'm not going to get my hopes too high for an England win until I've seen them bat!

[Jack the Stripper]

Australia's in big strife n this test. Was great conditions for fast bowling on the first day. Weather looks fine and sunny with clear skies over the next few days which will be great for batting but not so much for bowling.

[Jack the Stripper]

England all out for 67 

Their lowest score against Australia since 1948 

Australia hold a first innings lead of 112 

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

We're just lulling you into a false sense of securoty... ahem!! 

[Jack the Stripper]

I'm not sure what the record is for a 4th innings run chase at Headingley but if Australia can push on to a 350 lead that's going to be awfully hard to get and will put Australia in the box seat to retain the ashes.

Wow! 26 wickets have fallen in two days

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

While 300+ chases aren't unheard of, I think this pitch is not going to help in a big run chase, it's obviously not a good batting wicket.

[Zzzptm]

England all out for 67 

Their lowest score against Australia since 1948 

Australia hold a first innings lead of 112 

WOW

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

359 needed in 5 sessions, so they have the time, just not sure the team are mentally ready for the challenge.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I'm curious that Labuschagne is only Smith's replacement, I would have thought on these performances he deserved an automatic spot in the team.

Anyway, England have fought back well, after the afternoon and evening sessions they have reduced that 359 to 203 for the loss of just 3 wickets. Root has batted well for the first time in ages and while he is still there England could still snatch the win tomorrow. I think it is still Australia's to lose.

[Jack the Stripper]

^^It was between Labuschagne and Khawaja for the no 3 role. I dare say Khawaja will lose his spot when Smith comes back for the 4th test and Labuschagne will bat at 3. He can also bowl some tidy leg spin as well.

This test series has had so may ebbs and flows nothing would surprise me tommorow. Good fight back by England. Austrlalia is still in the stronger position, especially with the new ball due in 8 overs time but as I said nothing will surprise me.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Wow!!

England actually did it scoring 362 for 9 to tie the series 1-1 with 2 tests to go! At 286 for 9 I thought that was it -- our middle order have been hopeless inthis series -- but Ben Stokes stood strong as the backbone of the innings scoring 135, and with Leach defending the other end it was one nerve-racking finish but with 76 runs for the last wicket they did it!!

I think I need to have a lie down!

[Jack the Stripper]

Amazing finish and what an enthralling test series. Ben Stokes played an incredible innings.

Nathan Lyon fumbled a regulation run out which would've won us the match and retained the ashes for Australia 



How good is test cricket though Kilo

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I know! It doesn't get much better than that.

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

The fourth ashes test starts today. Australia won the toss and decided to bat. At lunch they were 98 for 2, but rain has come in and the restart is delayed (but should start again shorlty after a 2 hour delay). Hopefully the forecast for the next few days is better.

As it stands if Australia win then as the holders they retain the Ashes as England would only be able to tie the series. If England win then the series remains alive but they have to get a win or a draw in the fifth test to win back those Ashes.

[Jack the Stripper]

Bloody English weather 

They say if it's not raining in Manchester it's about to rain.

I hope this test doesn't get rained out. I'd hate for it to come down to the final test at the Oval. I feel England will be due to put in a dominant performance by then.