*Official* Fifth Test (The Oval, London) 27-31 July

[Qlder]

Cummins really doesn't give a **** about Murphy, could have had him bowling last

 

[Molehill]

I know the pitch looks green, but oh God bowling first at the Oval is risky. Probably the one it was best to lose. Last two Ashes series the team bowling first got smashed.

And you can add in a WTC Final too. As an England fan, not at all disappointed by this (probably 90-8 at Lunch).

 

[Gob]

Why Dinesh Karthik?

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Pat Cummins finally wins a toss, and then elects to commit cricketing suicide

 

[Starfighter]

Seriously, did they not see the result of the WTC final after India elected to bowl?

 

[NotMcKenzie]

All my other predictions are in tatters, but my 2-2 result is looking good.

 

[Lefty]

At least the English routine of bowling first has been broken.

 

[Ashes81]

Luckily I’ve left Cheshire and on London-bound train. However, no cricket for me as ultimate destination is Walton-on-the-Naze, visiting relatives. Hopefully they’ll have the cricket on.

Walton on the Naze, just to enlighten our Aussie 'friends' on here, where is that - obviously I know exactly where it is

 

[Starfighter]

wtf we actually won a toss

Interesting we're bowling first. Important to be on the money straight away.

They'll bowl too straight. Guarantee it.

 

[RightArmMystery]

DK working this Test again. Was asking for "great one-liners" to use on comms on Twitter yesterday. Excited to hear some of absolute dire stuff he comes out with during this Test.

 

[Gob]

Pat Cummins finally wins a toss, and then elects to commit cricketing suicide

Seriously, did they not see the result of the WTC final after India elected to bowl?

You people are very hard to satisfy

 

[GoodAreasShane]

Seriously, did they not see the result of the WTC final after India elected to bowl?

Or the Oval test of 4 years ago

 

[loterry1994]

The stats and records mean nothing England nearly broke that old Trafford streak last week

 

[Molehill]

Why Dinesh Karthik?

Something else both English and Aussie cricket fans can agree on....

 

[Qlder]

Seriously, did they not see the result of the WTC final after India elected to bowl?

Well they were playing and won the match after batting first so you'd have to assume so

 

[Starfighter]

Or the Oval test of 4 years ago

Or eight years ago?

True England won bowling first here in 2014. Difference is, this England team is not that India one. You know, the one which could only struggle to 94 in the second innings. Against the might of Chris Jordan.

 

[chris.hinton]

Looking forward to a mountain of runs and 4.8-5.5 per over. While Starc & Cummins look for ideas

 

[Spofforth]

Not so sure bowling first s a good idea.

 

[KungFu_Kallis]

Ironic if this turns out to be the toss that you didn't want to win given the record of teams opting to bowl here.

Also, slightly odd picking the spinner who won't get to bowl in the 4th innings.

Yes, it makes absolutely no sense from a logical point of view. He hasn't won a toss for so long maybe he didn't plan for it.

I guess if there is any chance of movement they really didn't want to get Broaded out for 60 again.

 

[chris.hinton]

Crawley to Murphy "Who are you"