The Ashes.

[only1billybonds]

Just been announced that Josh Hazlewood will miss the first test due to start in Perth next Friday. This is a big blow to the Australians as they will already be without their captain and no.1 pace bowler Pat Cummins.

Englands preparations for the tour has been questioned by many as they have opted to play no warm up games aside from a one off against the English lions. 

Many are saying that its crucial that we get of to a good start in Perth which basically means we cant afford to lose seeing as the 2nd test in Brisbane is a day/night game ( fucking ridiculous) where the Aussies are strongly fancied.

Looking forward to this now but really unsure of how it will play out, I guess I'd still make them slight favourites due to home advantage. Going to be a few all nighters in the coming weeks for me, let's hope it'll be worth it.

[Westham67]

The pitch is cracking up, so we need to set the Aussies at least 170 for their second innings to give our bowlers something to bowl at. Then again, if our bowlers are bowling before lunch on the 4th day or by mid-afternoon, they are going to be running on empty, and Australia will have a day and a half to make the runs, so no need for them to go throw the bat

[onsideman]

They're all dense
English ineptitude is costing Cricket Australia millions of dollars in match revenue though, which is nice

[Takashi Miike]

none of these cunts, bar root, have the required attention span for test cricket

[only1billybonds]

Crawley ffs!!

No wonder Boycott says he can't take these cunts seriously.

[fraser]

You have to laugh right 

[only1billybonds]

Pope was begging to be out. Three times hevplayed at a ball that should have been left. Anyone with a brain would bank their luck and spend a little time focusing on survival. Once again, terrible shot selection.

[fraser]

I don't get it, I can understand a wafty brain fart first time, but when you've got away with one just before there really is no excuse not to knuckle down and not offer another chance. 

[Takashi Miike]

pope the dope, useless fucker

[fraser]

Awful from Pope ffs

[onsideman]

It's so frustrating. That ball wasn't threatening the stumps. Just fucking leave it

[Far Cough UKunt]

England needs someone like a Geoff Boycott or a Trevor Bailey to anchor an innings.

Bazball is shit for test matches, save it for one dayers or T20s

[onsideman]

11 runs off the over and Crawley wafts at the last ball. No need. 

Yes, exactly

So many false shots from him. Play and miss, edge over slip. He could get 140 or be out next ball and it'll all be down to luck

[fraser]

11 runs off the over and Crawley wafts at the last ball. No need. 

[fraser]

That stayed very low that ball, hopefully just a one off 

[Westham67]

See where are that the close of play 50-1

[Eastside surge]

Don’t want to jinx it obviously but that’s a decent enough start , be good to put them under some pressure for a change!

[Massive Attack]

Much better batting this 2nd Test. A little risky at times but to be expected playing Bazball. These 2 are beginning to motor along getting runs on the board. Keep it up!

[happygilmore]

Looks like The Ashes are over already.

Heads should roll after this debacle. McCullum and Stokes should both be sacked.

Crawley, Pope and Stokes should all be dropped.

Brook should be told to buck his ideas up else he will be dropped.

None of the above will happen though as it's just one big boys club under Key.

The pitch has nothing in it. Bat sensibily and England could rack up a big score here

[Westham67]

511 All out England 177 behind
 

The last time we won the Ashes in Australia, Strauss, Cook and Trott scored 517- 1 to draw the match at the Gabba 2010/11 Tour

Our bowlers are fucked because they are not match fit. I assume Starc will open the bowling. I fear the worst that our openers wont try to see him off to the first change of bowler but go after him

[onsideman]

Obviously a benign pitch and every convict batsman into double figures... but 4 ducks for us. What's wrong with this picture?

[only1billybonds]

Well if we were ever going to bat sensibly and properly, it'll be in the 2nd innings of this game.
But it'll be no surprise if a minimum of 4 wickets are lost as a result of batsmen playing needless and ridiculous wafting shots!

[Come On You Irons]

Looks like The Ashes are over already.

Heads should roll after this debacle. McCullum and Stokes should both be sacked.

Crawley, Pope and Stokes should all be dropped.

Brook should be told to buck his ideas up else he will be dropped.

None of the above will happen though as it's just one big boys club under Key.

[Westham67]

Cummings back for the 3rd test

[stubbo-admin]

Sent this message to my mate yesterday when Brook got out...all a little bit predictable unfortunately:

England will limp to about 320 I reckon here, pat themselves on the back for job well done, then Aussie will go and graft out nearly 500 and beat us by tea on day 4

[only1billybonds]

Australia 450/8 at end of 1st session, a lead of 116.

When we eventually bowl these out, the absolute minimum requirement will be to be batting til this time tomorrow. 
However, it wont be a massive shock if we get skittled out without an Aussie batsman having to strap his pads on.
Broook,Pope and Stokes in particular really need to step up now. The ease with which Boland dealt with the bowlers is an indication of how docile the wicket has become. 
The oncoming evening conditions could prove a massive factor though.
Looking more and more that this series was lost in that 2nd innings in Perth.