Beoz

The reality is England would have won had they won the toss.

Like all Ashes in England, it will come down to the best tosser.

scrubbedexpat098

You may have a point, but if I tried saying it was down to the toss you could quite rightly call it a case of sour grapes. The Aussies deserved the win because they showed more spirit and patience, onto the next one I suppose and fingers crossed England sort themselves out and step up to the plate.

Amazulu

Partly agree but test cricket is littered with examples of good teams losing tosses that were vital to win, and still winning

Losing Anderson - one of the best bowlers in the world - early, before he made an impact was a blow
Their spinner, Ali was hopeless. Australia's was on fire on Day 5
And of course, Smith

I'm no fan of either team but a truly great win IMO

Beoz

Yes, but when sides are evenly matched the wash up is generally who gets the choice of when they bowl in order to take those 20 wickets.

I wasn't sure if they were going to be evenly matched. I thought England would have been well and truly ahead, especially at home, in English conditions.

I think the Aussie selectors got the bowling attack absolutely spot on. Whilst Starc and Hazelwood are no mugs, in England they just haven't quite got there in the past in tests. I was a bit sceptical about Siddle but he does bring constant line and length, holding up one end.

I suspect to see a lot more grass on the pitch for Lords.

Beoz

This is going to be a rollercoaster of a series. It could even come down to day 5 of the 5th test like 2005. Let's hope so for the spectical.

scrubbedexpat098

That would be special indeed , fingers crossed

Gordon Barlow

Let's hope the umpires get some new spectacles!

ozzieeagle

Full Page Ad in the Mirror today.....Got to laugh when the banter gets to this level So what's your Vegemite or Marmite?

scrubbedexpat098

Quality, love it

Amazulu

Great stuff - and Vegemite really is better too

scrubbedexpat098

As a proud and unashamed Marmite lover , I actually agree with this, the spreadability was a revelation.

Amazulu

I like Marmite too but much prefer Vegemite

DeadVim

scrubbedexpat098

the booing the was very annoying and as you say pretty uncool, they should hang their heads in shame.
The English batsmen collectively look scared for some reason, it's quite odd for professional cricketers.
Archer though, he was playing some sweet sweet chin music and he ended up making Smith look as scared as the pond do. He might have a weak spot afterall, although to be fair if you throw something at me at 95mph, I'd shit myself too.

Beoz

I started wearing a lid after Phil Hughes died. Also the eyes were getting a bit old. I hated it at first but you do get used to it.