The Ashes

[Jack the Stripper]

Frightening stuff with Smith hit in the neck by a lethal bouncer from Archer who could be seen smiling as Smith lay motionless on the ground. Absolutely appalling!

[Jack the Stripper]

Looks like it's gonna be a draw with these rain delays but I was at least hoping the Aussies got a chance to bowl to Archer   

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

They may get that chance to bowl at Archer yet as play has started now. I suspect England will just bat out the day if they can, I doubt they can get a big enough lead to risk putting Australia back in.

[Jack the Stripper]

Yeah I'm not sure what the weather forecast is for the rest of the day but I'm sure England will use whatever time they can have out in the middle to get some batting practice in and keep the Aussies out in the field as long as possible given there's only a 3 day turn around to the 3rd test.


We lost an Australian test cricketer to the exact same incident that floored Smith. Phil Hughes died in a Sheild game(which is our county cricket) a few years ago and it really shook Australian cricket and also forced the helmet manufactures to add extra protection under the ears towards the side of the neck.

The sight of Jofra Archer laughing as Smith lay motionless on the ground has not gone down well over here let me tell ya.

He can wait until the next test...

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

And it ends in the inevitable draw. Generally a better performace by England but the draw is probably the correct result.

I haven't see Archer's reaction to Smiths injury so I'll reserve judgmement, but there has been no mention in the UK media.

[Jack the Stripper]

https://7news.com.au/sport/cricket/ashes-jofra-archer-slammed-over-response-to-steve-smith-injury-at-lords-c-405180

Of coarse the English media wouldn't make mention of it, unless the roles were the other way round. 

[Zzzptm]

No penalties for violence like that?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

No penalties for violence like that?

The short pitched ball which arrives around head height is an accepted part of the game. That's why the batsmen wear helmets, and if handled correctly it can be a source of easy runs, but if mis-judged you can get hit and hurt. A lot pf players will just duck under it or step out the way because you can't be out to a ball like that unless you try and hit it.

[Zzzptm]

So if a batsman takes a revenge whack at a bowler, would he be out for "Obstructing the Field"?

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

I imagine he'd be dismissed for unsportsman-like behavior, I'm not sure it's ever happened!

[Jack the Stripper]

I can't ever recall it happening either. The closest I can remember was Javed Miandad shaping up to hit Dennis Lilllee with the bat after Lillee kicked him.

Anyhow, Smith has been ruled out of the 3rd test still suffering concussion symptoms from the ball to the head, which has lifted England's spirits no end.

This 3rd test starting tomorrow is going to be enthralling viewing with England now having a bowler of the explosive calibre of Archer.

[Jack the Stripper]

Rain delay before a ball has been bowled

[KiloDeltaCharlie]

Just the last dregs of rain, it's supposed to be good weather for the next few days.

[Jack the Stripper]

They reckon it can turn very quick up in the North. Rain from out of nowhere.

[Zzzptm]

They reckon it can turn very quick up in the North. Rain from out of nowhere.

Wait, the match is in Texas?