Off topic - Ashes

[Ramshank72]

It's one of the poorest batting line ups for a long time.
Sadly, I don't think there is much talent to pick from.
"Guard your wicket with your life" seems to have been replaced with "you're going to get out anyway".

[ramAnag]

I don't think it's application as I was taught that application(concentration) is an essential component of your technique hence the initial susceptibility when first at the crease.
My objective when first at the crease was to establish my off peg, one of my teachers allowed us 3 balls to do that saying that it switched on your concentration to set a timeline. After that flashing outside the line was met by a loud scream 'concentration boy concentration' the first essential of technique!
It's a fault in technique aggravated by the short game!

There’s a lot to agree with in that...but let’s not forget that the Aussies have recently become Champions at the ‘short game’ too.

Honestly I think much of the batting problem lies with the dearth of genuine openers. The grinding reliability of those such as Gooch, Atherton, Trescothick, Strauss and Cook has never looked like being replaced, so that numbers 3 & 4 might as well often be ‘openers’ anyway and the middle order seldom has the opportunity to benefit from facing a tiring attack.

[macstheman]

There’s a lot to agree with in that...but let’s not forget that the Aussies have recently become Champions at the ‘short game’ too.

Honestly I think much of the batting problem lies with the dearth of genuine openers. The grinding reliability of those such as Gooch, Atherton, Trescothick, Strauss and Cook has never looked like being replaced, so that numbers 3 & 4 might as well often be ‘openers’ anyway and the middle order seldom has the opportunity to benefit from facing a tiring attack.

Obviously the faster/harder wickets in Aussie land are a factor but to me their psyche always seems to involve Ramshank's mention of a desire to 'not lose my wicket at all costs'! We seem to have spells when that dictum goes AWOL, I'm sure the likes of Boycott must despair! However, I maintain there is a close link between technique and concentration, chuck in Ramshank's sheer bloody mindedness and you have Gooch and co!

Let's hope we take a note out of the Aussie manual under the heading 'grind the buggers down'!

[Geoff Parkstone]

Here we go again, one down in less than 15 balls....

[Ramshank72]

Whitewash looking very likely!

[macstheman]

The best comment one can make is 'no comment'!

[ramAnag]

The best comment one can make is 'no comment'!

!

[macstheman]

They're that bad I can't think of any reason to waste my life commenting on such a useless set of numpties!

[MadAmster]

They're that bad I can't think of any reason to waste my life commenting on such a useless set of numpties!

Yet you did

[macstheman]

Yet you did

Bugger!!