Off topic - Ashes

[ramAnag]

On the subject of cricket, rather than the dreaded Ashes, but sad to hear that David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has announced his retirement today.
For me one of the ‘voices’ of cricket and summer. Fine player, decent coach and umpire and the most entertaining of commentators.
Hard to believe he’s 74 now. Many, including me, will miss him.

[macstheman]

Most definitely a big miss! Made watching England bearable!
Brilliant sense of humour, knowledgeable, down to earth and entertaining, all delivered with his own special dulcet tones!
Thanks, Bumble!

[macstheman]

I see England are in festive mood giving the Aussie's early Xmas pressies, two down already!!

[macstheman]

61 for 3 at lunch!! Deja vu!!

[Ramshank72]

Is it possible to just forfeit, save any further embarrassment?

[macstheman]

Had a most pleasant Xmas Day so stuff England!!

[JackRussel]

On the subject of cricket, rather than the dreaded Ashes, but sad to hear that David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has announced his retirement today.
For me one of the ‘voices’ of cricket and summer. Fine player, decent coach and umpire and the most entertaining of commentators.
Hard to believe he’s 74 now. Many, including me, will miss him.

Retiring at 74 is an achievement! How many people stay active until that age? I don't think so.

[macstheman]

68 all out!
Pitiful, disgraceful, shameful but not unexpected!
Two of the lowest scores in the history of England in the Ashes have come from this batting line up in the last couple of years! Says it all...... they are ****e!
The great worry is that I don't see any others waiting the wings, just more ****e!
Depressing!

[ramAnag]

I didn’t actually expect them to win the series, mac...but I didn’t expect this level of shame and embarrassment either.
Tbh the writing has been on the wall since Trevor Baylis left. Nothing against Silverwood, seems like a decent enough bloke, but we were a shambles against India last summer and the Ashes performance has been beyond bad.
Something is seriously wrong with the coaching...none of the openers - if that’s what they are - have made any progress at all over the last two or three years, only Root provides a reliable spin option and we’ve actually gone backwards in terms of finding a front line spinner, while you have to be concerned when our two best pace bowlers are about 75 between them.
Feel sorry for Jimmy and Root. The former has performed heroics over the years but this is no way to end such a great career... maybe one last hurrah in English conditions next summer but our dependency on him speaks volumes. As for Root...one of England’s best ever batsmen for sure but as a captain? I’ve never been convinced but then who could captain this lot?

[macstheman]

It's easy to blame all our problems on the short game because quality is flexible. Anybody who has a modicum of ability can score a quick 30, 40, or 50 in a game of restrictions such as fielding restrictions, bowling restrictions etc etc. However, a modicum of ability won't help you in Aussie land on hard wickets against genuine pace bowlers who can lay down 5, 6 or 7 consecutive overs at 90 mph or in India where the ball turns at right angles in the hands of a spin wizard! But money talks as always and 170 for 8 in a 20-20 game is on the button and then the crowd can enjoy watching the opponent try to beat it under the lights! Great fun, watch the tills ring as England's big hitters chase it down with reverse sweeps and scoops over the stumpers head whilst some one hit wonder is blaring out!
So, what's wrong with 170 for 8 against the Aussies on their muck heap in a Test Match they ask?? Oh, and why is he still bowling, hasn't he already had his allotted 4overs?? Well, he can bowl as long as he likes and very fast and they got 500 for 6 declared might be the frigging answer! That's not fair is the response, nobody taught us how to do that! Anyway, I prefer a quick bish bash and back in the dressing room it's bloody hot out there! Diddums!
So, the question is 'where's the quality'?? Answers on a postage stamp and send it to the TCCB via Santa!!