Ashes 2023

If they did that then I’d say one of the seamers has to be woakes to lengthen the batting a bit. I reckon Jimmy will have a rest this week, maybe Robinson too. Tongue would be unlucky to drop out if Wood is selected so we might get:

Crawley
Duckett
Root
Brook
Stokes
Bairstow
Ali
Woakes
Broad
Tongue
Wood

Batting looks weak even with Woakes so I’d imagine Lawrence might play.

 

I can see those 4 seamers playing regardless, and it being a case of 10 + Ali or Lawrence. Frustrating thing is, I'd back Foakes to score more runs than either of them.

 

I’ll agree with that ( Lawrence in and no Woakes )

 

Tad risky. Wood or/and Stokes liable to break down...

 

True but Wood’s got to play some time !

Do we know that Moeens spin finger is right ?

We’re a right team of crocks

 

After we lost the second test, Western Terrace was trending for ages on social media. I wonder which poor sod draws the short straw of having to field in front of it, as it won't be pretty. My guess is Travis Head as they might go easier on someone who played for Yorkshire.

 

Pope out injured, Anderson and Tongue rested/dropped. Ali, Woakes and Wood in. Looks like Brook will bat at 3.

 

Good changes for me although Josh Tongue could consider himself unlucky. There's also a bit more strength in the lower order batting . I wish I was on the Western Terrace tomorrow, that's gonna be fun .

 

Yes. Tongue very, very unfortunate imo and the batting looks creaky at best

Crawley
Duckett
Brook
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Ali
Woakes
Wood
Robinson
Broad

 

Can be lyons!

 

Perfect chance for them to get Foakes back in the side and play Bairstow as a specialist batter, and they stubbornly refuse it.

I’d replace Ali, Woakes and Robinson with Foakes, Ahmed (or Dawson) and Tongue from that team.

 

Besides the keeper, there’s only the 2 openers who haven’t bowled in test cricket so we are pretty strong in that department but is it too much at the expense of batting ?
I suppose Ali and Woakes are capable batters.

 

Tongue extremely unlucky to be dropped. Not a fan of Ali at all but the spinner cupboard is bare.
Great to see Wood back, hope he's fully fit.

 

90's style 'bits and pieces' selection.

I'd back both Ahmed and Dawson to do better than Ali, with both bat and ball.

 

We seem to be keeping young Ahmed wrapped in cotton wool.
His one test appearance couldn’t really have gone much better.
He appears to be mature for his age so let’s do the Asian way and get him in even though he’s only 18. We brought him in as cover for Moeen who subsequently didn’t play but he still didn’t get in as we then decided not to play a spinner !
He’s a natural leggie as well which gives variety with Roots off spin.

Anyway, he’s not playing so I won’t go on ….

The Foakes thing is very strange. I’ve not yet come across anybody who doesn’t think he should be playing

 

I don’t think anyone is talking about the Umpires role in this , Bairstow was looking down the wicket at the Umpire who was messing about with an Aussie cap and not watching play , it’s fair to say this indicated the over had finished . The Umpire only looked up when the Aussies appealed

 

He didn't call over. Stokes didn't leave his ground. There is no debate to be had here, it was ridiculously stupid from Bairstow. Worst wicket given away in a game of reckless batting.

 

Don't understand Moeen being included, unless he is not expected to get many overs, what can he have possibly done to toughen up his finger in such a short time?

 

Happened to him in the last test he played before this summer as well. He barely bowls his 4 overs in t20 these days, and now 1st choice spinner in a test match. Back to selecting old pals.

 

If he didn’t call over why isn’t he looking down the pitch , you see the footage from behind the keepers end and it’s clear the Umpire is looking at gear he’s been given to hold and not the play .Stokes wasn’t looking down the pitch either .