The Ashes
 

A Great British summer of sports, Lions victors, that scottish twat, Froome to win the TdF and can England do it?

England won the toss and will bat, hope the weather holds in Nottingham, this first test is a vital win for us.

Re: The Ashes
 

They've dropped Warner for a 19 year old rookie spinner , if he gets tapped about they could get a hiding !

Re: The Ashes
 

Aren't you nervous though?

I mean we thought we'd waltz around Aus smashing them on the Lions tour and it was a lot harder (initially) than we thought.

I'm thinking:

Draw
Eng
Aus
Eng
Eng

Re: The Ashes
 

Michael Clarke (Aussie Captain) on Ashton Agar's selection: "It's maybe a surprise to some but not to us he's bowled really well leading up to this match. England have a lot of right handers so I think he can play a big part in taking 20 wickets. Our chairman made it clear we had the option to bring other players in."

If he screws up we can have a run fest.

I think we'll win the first test - but bookies love me!

Re: The Ashes
 

You can never write them off mate . They'll battle until the very end even with a mediocre side which i believe they have at this present time . The Aussies have 2/3 class cricketers , not the 8/9 of the last 12 years in their side .

You need match winners in test cricket , it's the last gladiatorial sport for me , you need mental strength , killer judgement and tactics with great players in every position .

I think the England side have all those attributes . If they play to their ability they'll win The Ashes .

Re: The Ashes
 

TMS on BBC strike again - I quote:-

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, BBC Test Match Special
"You have to set the tone as an opening batsman and so far England have sent a nice message, they look in control, and Australia are so inexperienced. There has been enough through the air to create some opportunities but nerves have been a factor for the bowlers, there hasn't been the control."

Next over, Cook out for 13.

Re: The Ashes
 

Been watching it all day. I agree with scamp 3-1 to us though I think we will win this one and draw somewhere else. Will be interesting to see how KP does having played little cricket lately , I had decided single figures or a Ton - So a ton it must be..............

Re: The Ashes
 

You twat.

Out for 14.

Re: The Ashes
 

Wrote that as he threw his wicket................Still, good start by the bowlers.

Re: The Ashes
 

Absolutely. They've certainly made it interesting.

Wish I had OSN and Ramadan hours to take full advantage.

Re: The Ashes
 

Yes I'm really glad I have OSN, finish work at 2.30pm and have a good stock of beer. As for the cricket, we may struggle if Broady cannot bowl. I predict a narrow loss in this test as we always seem to play crap at Trent Bridge. Hope to win the series however. Bresnan would have done well on this pitch.

Re: The Ashes
 

Apparently Pinoy plus or something will get me the sports channels needed for only 130ish a month.

Ramadan hours may be irrelevant anyway, didn't leave the office until 19:15 last night anyway.

Re: The Ashes
 

You could watch on Laptop, or do you have people lurking behind you?

Re: The Ashes
 

Big statement from The Dean:

I happen to believe that Anderson's ball that removed Michael Clarke was one of the, say, ten best deliveries I have ever seen at any level in cricket. The term 'unplayable' doesn't do it justice. Anyone? :unsure:

Re: The Ashes
 

My laptop is now successfully hooked up to two screens. I site next to my boss but have a carefully positioned file holder to hide one of them.

I think I'll probably stream some of it today on that screen whilst bashing through linkedin on the other.

Definitely leaving on time today though.