2015 Ashes

[Montreal Wanderer]

From the minute they scored such a big total, it was always going to be about how we bat. We're clearly going to be chasing an unlikely total, so I really wouldn't expect to see any reverse sweeps etc...

With Lyth, Bell and Root dismissed for a total of 2 runs in 8 balls, how we batted does not bear thinking about.

[Prufrock]

If we're to have any chance at all of saving this once they stick us back in, we need, for what would feel like the first time in a long time, not to be f*ck all for three 15 overs in.

[Worthy4England]

^^ Realistically, we'll need to be any-amount-for-none at the close.

[Prufrock]

Pretty much. I reckon we could maybe get away with losing one but definitely no more. At least two of Lyth, Ballance and Bell need to step up, or all three if Cook can't repeat yesterday's efforts.

[TANGODANCER]

Always liked Ian Bell but he's really lost his edge, has been doing for some time. I think he needs to go back and prove himself at county level and give somebody else a chance. Not sure who because I'm out of touch in that area. We sure need somebody like another Stokes.

[bobo the clown]

I really should pay more attention .... having been bowled out yesterday 250+ behind I assumed it was England who closed at 70-0 last night.

I hadn't realised we weren't made to follow on. Why ??

[TANGODANCER]

Upside-downers have kindly declared so if we can get 500 plus .......

[Prufrock]

I really should pay more attention .... having been bowled out yesterday 250+ behind I assumed it was England who closed at 70-0 last night.

I hadn't realised we weren't made to follow on. Why ??

Soft gets were worried their bowlers might get "tired":D!

[Nicko58]

The Aussies have shown that it's still a good batting deck four days in, and it's probable that there are a few in our middle order who are batting to save their test match careers.

Bell and Ballance, in particular, had better make the most of the opportunity and put up a fight.

[TANGODANCER]

From the commentary....very positive..

"England still above the required rate of 3.35 runs per over. Nervy times now for Australia."

[TANGODANCER]

Kinell....what sort of opening batsman is Lyth? Top order and gets 7 runs off two innings?

[Prufrock]

Jesus. Fecking ridiculous from Cook.

And Christ Bell nearly gone first ball.

[TANGODANCER]

Commentators are saying this is a good batting wicket. You really wouldn't think so. I think they mean for good batsmen.

[bobo the clown]

Kinell....what sort of opening batsman is Lyth? Top order and gets 7 runs off two innings?

Well, to be quite honest ... who the fck is he ?

[Prufrock]

If we're to have any chance at all of saving this once they stick us back in, we need, for what would feel like the first time in a long time, not to be f*ck all for three 15 overs in.

Oh dear.

[TANGODANCER]

Kinell....what sort of opening batsman is Lyth? Top order and gets 7 runs off two innings?

Well, to be quite honest ... who the fck is he ?

I don't really know Bobo. He's in good company right now though. I'm beginning to get a slight feeling we might not win this.

[Prufrock]

Oh fcuk off Bell. Get this over with!

[Prufrock]

Good lord. That's embarrassing.

[bobo the clown]

^^ well there's little option than to plan not to lose 20 wickets over 3 days. Top quality players set that simple target should be capable of doing it on a benign pitch.

Now we'll see if they are top quality players.

.... well, it seems they aren't !!

Quite disgraceful really.

[Worthy4England]

Day off, tomorrow for additional batting practice?