Ashes 2019...

[ramAnag]

I believe Sam Curran played last year due to Stokes being suspended didnt he? That's his slot, 4th seamer cum all rounder: backing up our new national hero!. If Stokes plays purely as a batsman after injury at Old Trafford, then I surmise he comes in instead of one of Roy/Bairstow/Buttler,

Think he took over from Stokes because of injury rather than suspension, GP.

Other than that, we probably have to assume that Stokes won’t be bowling and Bairstow hasn’t done much wrong in his wicketkeeping role so we agree...in for Buttler or Roy.

[AngryRam]

1 down already.
Have we won a toss this series

[Geoff Parkstone]

So, the best opening partnership for either side in the series has ended at 27. What odds on that statistic lasting until the match is over after two more opening stands?

On a related note, I imagine I will be seeing another 100 from Smith tomorrow

[ramAnag]

So, the best opening partnership for either side in the series has ended at 27. What odds on that statistic lasting until the match is over after two more opening stands?

On a related note, I imagine I will be seeing another 100 from Smith tomorrow

At lunch your suggestion about Smith tomorrow looked decidedly pessimistic. Four hours on...I suspect you may be right.
Pitiful batting performance...again!
Really disappointing...thought they’d have something to prove today.

[AdiSalisbury]

Butler has given us something, game on

[Geoff Parkstone]

Buttler finish off his hundred tomorrow morning as w get 350; Broad gets Warner for nothing, Archer clean up Smith and Sam Curran cleans them out for 175. England have 5 overs to survive in the evening, and end on 4 for 3!

or

2 overs finishes off our innings for 275, Australia end the day on 327-2, with the sandpaper boys notching up 100's

[AdiSalisbury]

You may as well stay in bed GP, I'll have you're ticket if you like

[ramAnag]

Butler has given us something, game on

Yep...thank goodness for Buttler...and Leach again!
Not over convinced by the latter’s bowling but he shows more commitment and game awareness than many. Seems to be one of the few to grasp the concept of a five day Test match.

What are the chances of GP’s long awaited Oval trip coinciding with a Steve Smith duck?

[AdiSalisbury]

A collectors item, but you never know!

[MadAmster]

Have we won a toss this series

No. It sems the Aussies are simply faster......