O/T:- The Ashes 2023

[Elite_Pie]

Wow! An unprecedented declaration on what looks a good pitch.

England are rewriting the tactics of cricket.

[i961pie]

My Kiwi son in law keeps reminding me where Mc Cullum and Stokes were born😜

[laddo]

Stunning! You've got to love it. Being listening in the car and checking the score throughout the afternoon.

Test cricket today (England) is unrecognisable compared to what I grew up with and used to. 393 off 78 overs in a test match?! Day one?! And then declare.

Superb.

I do hope we bat first at the Oval.

[The_Don_ORiordan]

I’m there tomorrow.

I have a feeling I’ll be watching a lot of Aussie batting…..

[countygump]

I’m there tomorrow.

I have a feeling I’ll be watching a lot of Aussie batting…..

It was a very flat track today, little or no movement. Let's hope that England can coax a bit of swing out of it, or get their spinners into the game.

[Magpies1959]

It is possible that the way England's test team play their cricket, could breath life into the two innings format of the game, (tests and county championship and overseas equivalents) rather than the hope that the 'Hundred' would drag in new fans. Amazingly enough I think that format might die off before test cricket now, hopefully.
In the last couple of days we have seen the beauty of the two innings formats of the game. Notts epic rearguard action to gain an unlikely draw against Warwickshire, and England's gung ho style in which to get them firmly on the front foot. Both fantastic to watch in their different ways.

[magpie_mania]

It is possible that the way England's test team play their cricket, could breath life into the two innings format of the game, (tests and county championship and overseas equivalents) rather than the hope that the 'Hundred' would drag in new fans. Amazingly enough I think that format might die off before test cricket now, hopefully.
In the last couple of days we have seen the beauty of the two innings formats of the game. Notts epic rearguard action to gain an unlikely draw against Warwickshire, and England's gung ho style in which to get them firmly on the front foot. Both fantastic to watch in their different ways.

The Hundred - could never understand why we needed that (apart from the financial side of course).

T20 Blast is here to stay though, hopefully. The two scenarios may be a fantastic watch for a serious cricket fan but the 20 over format is much more attractive to those who just want a good night out with a result at the end of it.

[countygump]

The Hundred - could never understand why we needed that (apart from the financial side of course).

T20 Blast is here to stay though, hopefully. The two scenarios may be a fantastic watch for a serious cricket fan but the 20 over format is much more attractive to those who just want a good night out with a result at the end of it.

Anyone think our bowling attack looks a bit lightweight? 2 over 35's, one seamer, one spinner and 3 part timers? you get the feeling that the Aussie "patience" method will always be too much for our "death or glory" method. Goowon England , prove me wrong.

[jackal2]

Anyone think our bowling attack looks a bit lightweight? 2 over 35's, one seamer, one spinner and 3 part timers? you get the feeling that the Aussie "patience" method will always be too much for our "death or glory" method. Goowon England , prove me wrong.

What strikes me about both sides is how relatively little young talent is coming through. Our two leading pace bowlers will need zimmer frames before much longer, and Australia are relying on a similar bunch of golden oldies, including players who only made their Test debuts in their thirties.

[Mark_Ross]

What strikes me about both sides is how relatively little young talent is coming through. Our two leading pace bowlers will need zimmer frames before much longer, and Australia are relying on a similar bunch of golden oldies, including players who only made their Test debuts in their thirties.

It's a fair point!

For instance, have we not got a single spinner who could be called up? Instead we bring somebody who hasn't played any long-form cricket out of retirement.