Thread: Ashes 2013!

I can't see why everyone seems to think a test match is won or lost on a single decision - either way. That's just the game. Has the DRS changed the way things are done - certainly - for the better? - not so sure. It was designed to stop howling umpiring stuff ups, and it is not used for this - Australia may of paid a high price for using this system incorrectly, but it is what it is. Clarky spoke very well at the post match interview, and wouldn't blame either the Umpires or the DRS, but he did admit thier use of the DRS would need to be looked at.

Hopefully Australia can look at what went well, and what went wrong - not hard to se really, but we will see if they can do anything about it in the next week before they head to Lords.

Personally, I think Australia did very well to get as close as they did to winning, as they were certainly not the better team on the field most of the time, and if the tail end hadn't wagged on BOTH innings, we would have been screwed a lot sooner.

We can't keep going hoping that the the tail will be good for 100+ runs every innings and expect to be competitive, even though we can bat right down to number 11, the middle order need to step up to the plate and get their **** together, or things will get worse.

Just my 2 (Frustrated) cents.

What a first day - some terrific batting from belly and Trotty, bookended by some super captaincy and bowling changes.

Pattinson looking ropey. Smith and Harris doing a fine job. Nighwatchman in, I can't see England putting on more than 330-350...which should hand the advantage significantly to Australia....

...who will need some consistency from their batsmen, for a change. No reason why the wicket won't support a decent total....but Timmy Bresnan will be up for it, as will Swanny and Stuart Broad.

I'm away fishing and camping all weekend so the radio will be on. TV in the rooftop tent might be one modification too far.....