*Official* First Test (Edgbaston, Birmingham) 16–20 June

[CartyDurham]

And rightfully so, don't you think? That decision more than anything else lost England this test.

The reason england lost was dropped catches, a no ball wicket , Khawaja being truly outstanding and a fantastic gutsy 9th wicket partnership

the declaration is irrelevant

 

[Cricket CoachDB]

Probably a victory for old school Test cricket values, but it looks like the series will be close. A fascinating ideological battle for the ages.

 

[Bahnz]

Honestly think Stokes should’ve bowled himself at the end there. Just has that habit of producing bull**** when it’s needed.

 

[subshakerz]

But oh so right on this one. This is a chokejob by the bowling side when down to the last 2 wickets, with so many runs to score, pure and simple.

Imagine now if Australia win something like 2-1, with a couple of rain effected draws?

Stokes' idiotic captaincy decision making in the critical moment of this first match, would be really justifiable grounds for crucifixion by the English fans and media.

And I'm here for it.

Well I dont think England did much wrong towards the end, Australia just held their nerve more and luck favored them.

 

[Shri]

And he’s dead ***y with it. Get in line ladies

unfortunate to have to celebrate with lyon tho but perfect wins in cricket are rare

 

[a massive zebra]

Rubbish. He wanted a wicket late

he was wrong but it’s nowt to do with arrogance

It's arrogant to think 393 is a comfortable enough score in which to be confident of winning. You don't need a wicket on day 1 after batting first and putting together a decent score. It doesn't take four days to bowl a team out twice. If it does, you don't deserve to win. All Stokes did was increase his chances of losing a close match by chosing to forgoe scoring opportunities. Result: the loss of a close match.

 

[Socerer 01]

Questions about his tactics for sure but you want leadership, that's leadership

not Cummins fault if the other batsmen decided to be mugs on a flat pitch

 

[Calm_profit]

Does this heal the wounds of Edgbaston 2005?

It already did in 2019

 

[CartyDurham]

One thing that should be noted. Anderson did not bowl a ball in the last hour

he must be injured going forward

 

[Alex0paul]

Stokes’ desire to be the centre of attention in everything has backfired spectacularly

 

[anil1405]

Cummins busting the myth 'nice people finish last.'

Well done Australia. This was the first time in my life I was actually cheering for Australia.

 

[Shri]

 

[subshakerz]

Whatever cred Cummins lost in India, he will gain back in England.

 

[Molehill]

The reason england lost was dropped catches, a no ball wicket , Khawaja being truly outstanding and a fantastic gutsy 9th wicket partnership

the declaration is irrelevant

Got to disagree, no way England lose that match if they declare.

But well played Australia, and in particular Cummins, Lyon and Khawaja.

Promises to be some series because doesn't look like there's much between these teams. Both can improve going to Lord's.

 

[trundler]

Righto, get a proper keeper in and take risks that have an actual upside next time. And a proper bowler who hasn't forgotten to bowl at 8. Aside from that Stokes was excellent and I hope England come back strongly. Australia deserved this thoroughly.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Cummins is obviously the hero but... Holy **** i still can't get over that Lyon lofted on-drive.

 

[Aidan11]

One thing that should be noted. Anderson did not bowl a ball in the last hour

he must be injured going forward

Wood could be in for the next one then.

 

[Cricket CoachDB]

The reason england lost was dropped catches, a no ball wicket , Khawaja being truly outstanding and a fantastic gutsy 9th wicket partnership

the declaration is irrelevant

Do you reckon these guys get close if it's another 40 runs?

 

[Shri]

Whatever cred Cummins lost in India, he will gain back in England.

he lost nothing in india. went through a traumatic period i his life.

 

[Bahnz]

It's arrogant to think 393 is a comfortable enough score on which to be confident of winning. You don't need a wicket on day 1 after batting first and putting together a decent score. It doesn't take four days to bowl a team out twice. If it does, you don't deserve to win. All Stokes did was increase his chances of losing a close match by chosing to forgoe scoring opportunities.

Tbf it wouldn’t have been close if Bairstow could ****ing catch.