First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

[Mantis]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Great knock by Smith, was incredibly scratchy early on, but worked through a tough period and has allowed us to be still in the game.

The level of umpiring was embarrassing, but given 7 of the 12 on the international panel are either Australian or English it doesn’t give you many to pick from. Surely we can get rid of this neutral umpire bullshit??

[Bornadog]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Paine has done a great job leading the way in navigating a difficult period - but the time has come to move on from this era.
We should have Carey or Wade keep and get another batsman in. Paine is not good enough.

Carey over Wade please

[Bulldog Joe]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

So I’m basing it on his form?

You are basing it on your interpretation of his form.

[Twodogs]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

You are basing it on your interpretation of his form.

Put me down in the "Paine is a long way short of international class" part of the penny section too. It's getting to the embarrassing stage.

[Axe Man]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Absolutely no chance that Paine will be dropped in the series.

Will he go on past this Ashes? I'd say no if he doesn't make a meaningful contribution, but there's no chance the selectors won't pick him for these 5 tests.

Spot on.

For those that want him immediately dropped, who the hell captains? Smith can't do it (yet at least). Khawaja and Lyon don't strike me as captaincy material. Cummins a possibility but really difficult for a fast bowler to do it I would have thought. That leaves Head who is in his 9th test - completely unfair to burden him at this early stage of his career.

As good as Carey was at the World Cup he averages 29 at first class level, he's hardly smashing the door down. Wade isn't a great keeper who only keeps part time these days anyway. Despite his shortcomings Tim is safe for the time being.

[westdog54]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Great knock by Smith, was incredibly scratchy early on, but worked through a tough period and has allowed us to be still in the game.

The level of umpiring was embarrassing, but given 7 of the 12 on the international panel are either Australian or English it doesn’t give you many to pick from. Surely we can get rid of this neutral umpire bullshit??

It's not a glowing endorsement for umpire development worldwide, is it?

Two clearly incorrect decisions in the first five overs of a test match is fanning.

[Happy Days]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Of course Smith can be captain again. The suspension was a branding exercise anyway, and the only thing that sponsors love more than a team of Honest Men Willing To Work Hard is teams that actually win.

[GVGjr]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

Not only was Smith brilliant, but what a great backup from Siddle. 88 partnership and 44 each.

In my opinion it may have been Smith best innings

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

In my opinion it may have been Smith best innings

When you factor in the game situation and his personal circumstances no doubt it ranks high up.
If we restrict England today, it will even be judged higher.

[Twodogs]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

In my opinion it may have been Smith best innings

One of the best innings I have seen full stop.

[Bornadog]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

England in good position at lunch. Lyon should have appealed, would have another wicket.

[lemmon]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

England are ahead but it'll be a tough wicket to bat last on. We saw Lyon get some real turn and the ball going reverse. 220 might be a tough chase

[ledge]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

England are ahead but it'll be a tough wicket to bat last on. We saw Lyon get some real turn and the ball going reverse. 220 might be a tough chase

England might not have to chase at all if they get going after they pass the score.
Stokes and Burns have seen past the new ball and with Bairstow, Woakes and Ali to come it could get nasty.
I see it two ways either England collapse trying to get a lead or they go on with it.
If England get to 500 its game over, even 400 could cause an issue with this Dukes ball.

[Bornadog]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

3 wickets in eleven balls, test poised evenly with England only 17 in front with 8 down

[Bornadog]

Re: First Ashes test, Edgbaston - Australia V England

How good is Steve Smith.