Ashes 2015

[Will27]

The usual Aussie haters will be along shortly (this isn't directed at you 7by7),

saying how despised the Aussie team is, cheaters etc etc.

Some of those people have short memories. Funny, I can't remember an outcry

in the Pommy press over this one.

]

Your memory has let you down.

The boos from The Oval crowd were as loud as those at Lords on Saturday.

Collingwood was roundly criticised in the English press.

The one big difference, though, is the reaction of the two captains afterward.

Collingwood says sorry for run-out furore

"I have never been in that situation before as a captain. It is a difficult decision to make. In hindsight I wish I had called him back. You come off the pitch and wonder if you should have done things differently. I hold my hands up and say I probably made the wrong decision, and that is something that I will have to live with. I apologise to the New Zealand lads.

This is what should have happened in both the above incidents:

Of course, no team would ever bowl the last ball of a match underarm to ensure the opposing team couldn't score the 6 they needed to win, would they?

Oh well.

I guess that's why the Aussies have won 5 World Cups and England haven't won any

[emilymat]

After reading all the posts and reflecting on the issue, this is my take on the 'incident'.

Stokes, as we know, is a brilliant acrobatic fielder and has taken many excellent catches. However, this business of whether it was 'deliberate' or instinctive' is a bit of a red herring (in my view).

When Stokes takes a brilliant catch, say at point, jumping off his feet and catching it one handed, that is instinctive rather than deliberate. (After all, you don't say "I intend to catch it". He just does it.)

Now, I think his action was 'instinctive' to stop the ball. His hand was some distance from his body, so I don't buy the 'protective' argument.

English and support the team but I believe the appeal was valid.

As has been mentioned, I vividly remember the Collingwood incident where an English player collided with the batsman, knocking him to the floor. The (I think it was KP) removed the bails and appealed for run out. The umpire - whilst the player was recovering - put his hands on Collingwood's shoulder and appeared to be strongly suggesting he ought to withdraw the appeal. He would not, even though he hadseveral minutes to reflect on the matter. He lost the English captaincy over that.

We can't have it both ways and suggest we are whiter than white and the Aussies are the baddies. I hope we win the next ODI tomorrow. We have every chance with the changes forced on Australia.

[Will27]

All banter aside, the decision by the umps was a tough call.

If Smith had more games as captain under his belt, he might've

done things differently.

But if he thought Stokes was trying to avoid being run out and

asked the umpires to have a look at it, I can't see a problem with it.

Whether you agree with Smith's and the umpires decision or not,

I can't see how it's bad sportmanship.

He thought Stokes was obstructing the field and the man in charge agreed with him.

Anyway, game 3 on tonight with Australia having to make 3 forced changes.

England need a win to keep the series alive.

Should be a bit of spice in this one.

[7by7]

We can't have it both ways and suggest we are whiter than white and the Aussies are the baddies.

I, for one, am not suggesting any such thing.

As I hoped I'd made clear, I believe that technically both dismissals were within the rules. Although as there is an element of doubt in Stokes' case, should he not have been given the benefit of that doubt? The batsman usually is.

In both cases the English crowd made perfectly clear what they thought by loudly booing. The Oval crowd booed Collingwood just as loudly as the Lords crowd booed Smith.

Both Collingwood and Smith were roundly criticised in the English media.

Whilst not excusing Collingwood, the big difference between him and Smith is that after the game Collingwood said he made the wrong decision and that he should have called Elliot back; he also apologised unreservedly to the New Zealand team.

Anyway, it's done and dusted now; so let's look forward to today's game with the hope that, whoever wins, it is played in the proper spirit.

[emilymat]

We can't have it both ways and suggest we are whiter than white and the Aussies are the baddies.

I, for one, am not suggesting any such thing.

As I hoped I'd made clear, I believe that technically both dismissals were within the rules. Although as there is an element of doubt in Stokes' case, should he not have been given the benefit of that doubt? The batsman usually is.

In both cases the English crowd made perfectly clear what they thought by loudly booing. The Oval crowd booed Collingwood just as loudly as the Lords crowd booed Smith.

Both Collingwood and Smith were roundly criticised in the English media.

Whilst not excusing Collingwood, the big difference between him and Smith is that after the game Collingwood said he made the wrong decision and that he should have called Elliot back; he also apologised unreservedly to the New Zealand team.

Anyway, it's done and dusted now; so let's look forward to today's game with the hope that, whoever wins, it is played in the proper spirit.

My post was in no way a criticism of any other poster. It was just a view.

Anyway, as you say lets get on with the series. I really thought Roy was in for a big score.

[tigerfish]

bad batting order management in my honest opinion.

missed a trick by not pushing Ali up the order ahead of Stokes. plenty of overs to play himself in, a fine player of spin would have had Smith clutching at straws come the last 10-5 overs with England on course to posting a big total.

[emilymat]

bad batting order management in my honest opinion.

missed a trick by not pushing Ali up the order ahead of Stokes. plenty of overs to play himself in, a fine player of spin would have had Smith clutching at straws come the last 10-5 overs with England on course to posting a big total.

I tend to agree. I thought we were on track for 330 ish 20 overs out. A bit of a slow century from Taylor, but, in hindsight, it's a good job he stayed there until nearly the end.

The big question now is.....Can I,(we) stay awake until 3.30am????

[Bangkokhatter]

bad batting order management in my honest opinion.

missed a trick by not pushing Ali up the order ahead of Stokes. plenty of overs to play himself in, a fine player of spin would have had Smith clutching at straws come the last 10-5 overs with England on course to posting a big total.

It seems every man and his dog, including me, think Ali should bat further up the order. Why can't the English management team recognise this ?

A total of 300 should be enough but you do feel we fell 30 odd runs short of saying it was a good innings.

[rijit]

Tbh was double busy and forgot it was on!!!

rijit

[Will27]

Congrats to the Poms.

I reckon the "old fashioned" way of runs on the board is still the way to go.

You'll win more than you lose defending 300.

I'm with you guys, cannot believe Ali is batting at 7.

As far as the Aussies go, the missed stumping of Moin when he was 15 was costly.

As was the decision not to review Taylor's LBW on 41 which would've been over-turned.

To me Starc is looking tired. Maybe give him the next game off and bring him in for the decider

if there is one.

The fast bowling stocks look good with Cummings and Pattinson.

Agar didn't look out of place either.

Joe Burns doesn't seem up to it and neither does Bailey to be honest.

Also a question mark over Wade's keeping.

Only 4 players from this years World Cup played yesterday.

Saw on the TV it was the most inexperienced Aussie side for 25 years.

Looking forward to the next game.

I reckon it will go to the decider but I hope not.

[7by7]

At one point England were on course for a score around 350, maybe even 400.

Then came the usual panic attack when a couple of wickets fell!

I was not convinced 300 was enough; but thanks to some superb spin bowling from Ali (10-1-32-3) and Rashid (10-1-41-2) it was.

That and two spectacular catches from Finn and Roy.

If England win on Friday, that will set things up nicely for a thrilling decider on Sunday.

[stoneyboy]

Bit disappointed in England's last few overs there.

Was looking really good for us at one point.

Should be a decent run chase let's hope we can do it.

[Bangkokhatter]

Agreed, bit of a rollercoaster innings with both teams having the edge at times. I think Australia will be more than happy with that total and we will have to bat well to keep the series going to Sunday.

[stoneyboy]

Can't believe that Plunkett wicket wow.

[stoneyboy]

Good show England.

Happy days.

Makes Sunday's game at old Trafford more interesting.

[Will27]

Can't believe that Plunkett wicket wow.

That was the best outfield catch I've ever seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZDrfCeSn0U

[Will27]

Another cracking game.

All of the momentum with England now.

All of the marbles played for this Sunday.

[Crossy]

Good show England.

Happy days.

Makes Sunday's game at old Trafford more interesting.

I was late turning on, talking to Mum.

England 4 for 1 off 4 balls

[stoneyboy]

Oops 2 down.

[7by7]

Surely that's got to be it for Hales? He's been given enough of a chance, time to find someone else.

Roy given out lbw; replays show the ball would have missed the stumps; he asked Hales if he should review, Hales said no!

Roy had already reviewed an lbw decision from the same umpire, which showed he hit the ball.

Let's hope the English middle order can rebuild and post a competitive total for Australia to chase.

Whoever wins, I'm sure no one wants this decider to be a walkover.

[stoneyboy]

Looking very lacklustre this morning England 3 down.

[rijit]

Got a funny feeling we might lose this one!!!

rijit

[stoneyboy]

Got a funny feeling we might lose this one!!!

rijit

I'd have to agree.

[stoneyboy]

Absolute garbage from England today a complete contrast from Friday it's really hard to see how they can be so different,perhaps they had a night on the lash last night it was Saturday after all.

[ripstanley]

Not over yet. 2 for 36 after 10 overs.

[ripstanley]

Not over yet. 2 for 36 after 10 overs.

Sorry for the false hope.

2/140 after 24.2 overs.

Australia win 3/2

Well done Australia

[rijit]

Absolute garbage from England today a complete contrast from Friday it's really hard to see how they can be so different,perhaps they had a night on the lash last night it was Saturday after all.

Yeah a night on the lash could explain why we choose to bat !!

Or perhaps tbe capt took a bang on the head b4 the game not during

rijit

[7by7]

Well done Australia.

To sum up the tour:

Tests; England won 3 - 2

T20; England won.

ODIs; Australia won 3 - 2.

Despite England's poor performance yesterday, they've had the more successful summer!

[Will27]

Well done Australia.

To sum up the tour:

Tests; England won 3 - 2

T20; England won.

ODIs; Australia won 3 - 2.

Despite England's poor performance yesterday, they've had the more successful summer!

Yep

Glad to see the boys win the series, with my boy Mitch Marsh doing so well.

A good season by England who also beat NZ in the ODI's.

With the English selectors finally getting it right and picking specialist limited over players,

I think they're going to be pretty successful in the ODI game now.

[rijit]

well,, anyone want to sum things up?