The Ashes

[Holmes_and_Watson]

435 to win!

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Oh for...

1st wicket down for 4 runs

[austsaint]

On 06/12/2025 at 06:27, Gloucester Saint said:

Duck-ett by name, Duckett by nature.

One thing we’ve probably learned in these first three matches - neither Duckett or Pope have test match techniques against high class pace bowling.

[badgerx16]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/dec/19/waste-of-will-jacks-talent-speaks-volumes-england-bodged-ashes-planning-cricket

[Gloucester Saint]

4 hours ago, austsaint said:

One thing we’ve probably learned in these first three matches - neither Duckett or Pope have test match techniques against high class pace bowling.

Duckett only leaves 1% of deliveries. This was touted as new and revolutionary but in Australia where you need to be able to leave the new ball on steep bounce from back of a length on 4th/5th stump, I feared it would be a weakness and it was. Pope doesn’t have it inbetween the ears but tbf to him, he was no #3 and shame on Stokes and Brendon for that cock up. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Got closer to that total than I thought they would. But the outcome's the same. 

[Stripey McStripe Shirt]

4 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Got closer to that total than I thought they would. But the outcome's the same. 

Yep, woke up at about 3pm for a wee and had a quick check of the score, pleasantly surprised that they were still going. Obviously woke up a few hours later and not even remotely surprised we lost, fairy comfortably.

[badgerx16]

Meanwhile in New Zealand, both NZ openers score centuries, for the second time in the match, and all 3 completed first wicket partnerships have passed 100.

[Gloucester Saint]

5 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

Got closer to that total than I thought they would. But the outcome's the same. 

Simply not fit enough for the physical and mental intensity of the Ashes. Playing golf is a good rest day activity but not the main preparation. I don’t think it will be 5-0 this time as the Bazball bottlejobs will turn up for one of the last two Tests but the bullshit has been well and truly seen through.