O/T:- The Ashes 2023

[laddo]

No, I'm afraid you have read it wrong.

My ideal "would to be 3 up at a canter.." = Option A.

Option A is considered by most to be preferable to Option B.

And no need for an apology.

[countygump]

Been saying Foakes is a far better option since after the first test.

Prob the only change I'd make. This side looks far more balanced than the side that played the 1st two tests. They have till 19th July now to rest up and go again.

[Magpies1959]

Well played England, that took bottle from a precarious position of being 6 down needing another 80, my glass half full self was thinking the Shackle Draggers would win from that position. Totally agree about the balance, gump. Foakes would certainly improve the side, but it will never happen with the type of cricket England are trying to promote. I don't like the way the art of wicket keeping has been tossed by the way side, in favour of hopeful quick runs.

Hopefully today's innings from Brook will have matured him a little. He doesn't appear to be short on confidence, but he will now feel he can perform at the top table.he can perform at the top table. However if we had lost, he would have been berated for the manner in which he got out.

Ashes game on.

[Elite_Pie]

Option A is considered by most to be preferable to Option B.

It definitely is by me. But you said "if this close entertaining thrilling series is option B, I'll take it".

I'll stick with option A, but you will take option B.

[laddo]

I think you need to re-read my original post that you quoted.

Also see bule1 post.

[Elite_Pie]

I think you need to re-read my original post that you quoted.

Also see bule1 post.

So are we in agreement?

For clarity, I would rather have a 3-0 lead even if the games were incredibly dull over a very exciting series where we trail 2-1.

Agree or not?

[Mark_Ross]

I think you need to re-read my original post that you quoted.

Also see bule1 post.

Great win for England today, but must admit that when Stokes & Bairstow went in rapid succession I thought it was another gonner. Onto the next test hopeful. Surely the real England will turn up now?

[Proactive not Reactive]

Wood was the biggest difference pace scares even the best batsman in the world and made a big contribution as did Woakes
Fewkes in for Bairstow for me and Anderson will probably come in for Robinson as it’s at Old Trafford

[Mark_Ross]

Wood was the biggest difference pace scares even the best batsman in the world and made a big contribution as did Woakes
Fewkes in for Bairstow for me and Anderson will probably come in for Robinson as it’s at Old Trafford

Agreed. If Wood is fit he must play. Definitely gives the Aussies something to think about. Also time to give Jonny "a rest".

[Elite_Pie]

Wood was the biggest difference pace scares even the best batsman in the world and made a big contribution.

Wood did seem to scare them, he offered something different that they struggled to cope with. I hope the reports that he struggles to play more than one test due to fitness are false. We have 10 days rest, so Broad and Anderson should be available and raring to go. Bairstow is a tricky one, he's had a poor series behind the stumps and with the bat so far, but his overall record is impressive. One last chance maybe?