So are we all sitting comfortably, ready for the den of politeness and etiquette that is the Gabba?

I see Eng have plumped for Jake 'not-sprained-ankle' Ball ahead of Overton.

Bring it on!

Bring it on is right. I’m “working” late all this week and maybe the weekend depending on how the match proceeds. Takeaway booked although I need to pop out to get the lager in. Hoping the rain lets up as it’s a bit crass to take a cab to the liquor store.

Shame about Stokes though. Hoping Woakes takes up the slack, I think he has the talent to do so.

What are the ashes?

In short, the cricket test series played between Eng & Australia

Named after Oz won a test at the Oval in 1882 and The Times wittily proclaimed the 'death of English cricket' The stumps were cremated & 'the ashes' were taken back to Oz.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ashes

We currently hold them.

Prob not that exciting to non cricket fan, although many a non fan was turned into one through following Ashes (1981, 2005 especially)

Does it start tonight? Shit I suppose it does.

A long no sleep time approaches.

Not if you live in BC

No, it's quite a civilized time.

Joe wins the toss & elects *not* to 'do a Nasser'

c'mon Chef & Stoneman....

I miss Bumble

The next test will be worse as its a pink ball day/night test

Chef back in the hutch. Need Vince and Stoners to steady the ship

I hope i am wrong but i think Cook may be the weak link in the batting line up, we need stability at the top of the order and having to bring in a new opener if he has a few failures will upset the whole balance of the team.

Anyone using Willow TV to watch?

Didn't think it was on Willow TV