2nd Test, Lord's, London

[Dan]

Depends on if Smith actually broke his arm or not. If it's only concussion he's still in trouble for the third Test but will be back for Tests 4/5.

And Australia only need one more win if this Test is a draw to retain the Ashes.

"only" concussion is such a backwards way to look at it imo. Arm takes him out of the series while the concussion may let him play Tests 4/5, sure, but a concussion is a much, much worse outcome for Smith himself.

 

[mr_mister]

You don’t think he’s been sconed before?

Got sconed twice in a short time. Will no doubt have to face Archer a lot this series now

 

[Spark]

This has all been great fight from the Aussies though, batting around Smith. The days of #intent seem long ago now.

Yeah we have been shot out for pathetic scores on this very ground facing much less hostile bowling in the recent past.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Why are there men at the boundary for tailenders?

 

[Burgey]

If Archer can rattle Smith like that we've got no hope.

Go to bed. I’ve had a dozen vodkas but you’re drunk here. Seriously.

 

[Spark]

Got sconed twice in a short time. Will no doubt have to face Archer a lot this series now

You'd imagine he'd have to face a lot of English bowlers, given how many runs he gets

 

[morgieb]

Another well-played edge down 3rd man for four. WAG.

 

[Spikey]

Wait, what?

You been watching the same series as me?

Worst English top order I can remember.

the australian batting order isn't exactly in great condition either

 

[mr_mister]

"It was a fair fight apart from one lad having a tactical nuclear firearm and the other a pea shooter."

But he might be out of the next match not too mention 'rattled' if he does play. Wel see

 

[stephen]

If Archer can rattle Smith like that we've got no hope.

I got the feeling that Smith started batting aggressively against Archer because he feels that as Australia's best batsman it's his responsibility to stamp his authority on the guy who hit him. Don't want the dressing room to get the willies because Archer scares Smith.

It's a bit of a macho thing more than anything else.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Trail by 15

 

[Burgey]

"only" concussion is such a backwards way to look at it imo. Arm takes him out of the series while the concussion may let him play Tests 4/5, sure, but a concussion is a much, much worse outcome for Smith himself.

It did t him in the head though. Would say it’s very much a wait and see thing. Just hoping he’s well moving forward

 

[flibbertyjibber]

You don’t think he’s been sconed before?

Probably not at that pace.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Have a crack Gaz, this is boring now

 

[morgieb]

the australian batting order isn't exactly in great condition either

Plus England at least can get some runs out of their lower order. Admittedly Australia has too but there's no-one like Woakes in the Australian lineup batting 8, for example.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Cummins' done well with that bone marrow of a bat

 

[morgieb]

"only" concussion is such a backwards way to look at it imo. Arm takes him out of the series while the concussion may let him play Tests 4/5, sure, but a concussion is a much, much worse outcome for Smith himself.

Oh yeah I don't disagree that a concussion could lead to nasty effects in the long run. Selfishly I was thinking 100% about what it meant for the series when writing that.

 

[Spark]

Plus England at least can get some runs out of their lower order. Admittedly Australia has too but there's no-one like Woakes in the Australian lineup batting 8, for example.

Fair to say Australia's lower order has done more this series so far though

 

[Burgey]

Probably not at that pace.

You know there’s other blokes who bowl 90+, yeah?

 

[TheJediBrah]

If Smith is out, Aus need to bring KPat in otherwise I can't see them passing 200