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

[91Jmay]

I wouldn’t take the new ball for another zap overs if I’m England

Yeah I ain't taking it unless we get desperate this one is talking the new ball does nothing.

Wood bumpers will the new rock if we are in trouble

 

[loterry1994]

Usman ? Woakes has smashed it in the tests he played but Australia have retained the Ashes and Usman played a big role in that.

nah woakes has been a big part since his come in Eng should be 3-2 up. Uzzy had a few average tests since the first

 

[WICFan]

Weather looking OK? Light is good so should be fine there. COP at 7?

Should give them 20-25 overs if needed, if it is.

 

[chris.hinton]

Yeah without Woakes England don't get within a mile of 2-2 IMO. Took many of the critical wickets at Headingley, and been the best bowler here by miles.

could say the same about the Aussies

 

[ripper868]

Gorgeous late cut. 24 more plz.

 

[Burgey]

Woakes surely the man of the series?

Apparently Usman didn’t play five matches

 

[loterry1994]

If Cummins gets us over the line here you can’t talk crap about the bloke ever again

 

[Owzat]

I wouldn’t take the new ball for another 10 overs if I’m England

they can't take it twice, if it is going to make a difference, and I suspect they'll quickly resort to short stuff if it gets hit or doesn't take a wicket - or both. may as well weigh up the amount of time left and runs, it will speed off the bat quicker so save it until getting desperate even if by then it may expedite a loss.

I'd give it another 10 overs if I were them, won't become any less available. A shift from previous time I looked when Broad and Anderson had bowled most it is now Woakes and Ali, need to use your main wicket takers/threats and less players on how many hundreds they have taken in the past

 

[Uppercut]

It's not quite as clear cut as that though.

Most didn't have him in their side for Edgbaston. His 2019 ashes was poor and he'd barely played in 2 years.

I wanted him in for Lord's mind, as his record spoke for itself there.

Robinson was the inform man and Woakes replacement in the side really. He just didn't perform despite somehow averaging 28.

Obviously Jimmy hasn't too. But he averaged 19 last year and 16 in NZ so was never not going to play.

I understand they had options and I do rate Robinson, but Woakes at home has figures that would make him the literal greatest all-rounder of all time. I don't think the selectors have ever really internalised that. Maybe it's hard to put how bad he is outside England out of your mind. But for home tests, when he's fit, he should be the second name on the team sheet after Root.

 

[loterry1994]

they can't take it twice, if it is going to make a difference, and I suspect they'll quickly resort to short stuff if it gets hit or doesn't take a wicket - or both. may as well weigh up the amount of time left and runs, it will speed off the bat quicker so save it until getting desperate even if by then it may expedite a loss.

I'd give it another 10 overs if I were them, won't become any less available. A shift from previous time I looked when Broad and Anderson had bowled most it is now Woakes and Ali, need to use your main wicket takers/threats and less players on how many hundreds they have taken in the past

nah ali has looked dangerous I’d stick with him

 

[CartyDurham]

@CartyDurham

England haven’t bowled a decent ball all summer

and Australia have not bowled a bad ball

 

[MW1304]

Cummins such a frustratingly clutch player with the bat. More than with the ball weirdly.

 

[loterry1994]

Still pisses me off how Starc was so reckless an extra wicket this situation is useful

 

[mackembhoy]

Here,comes the man!

Let him know you were all missing him.

Most popular guy on two forums. Some effort from the bloke.

 

[Cricket CoachDB]

Oh my god now we’re talking about bowlers innings averages too ffs

Just a freak stat isn't it, but notable.

 

[loterry1994]

I understand they had options and I do rate Robinson, but Woakes at home has figures that would make him the literal greatest all-rounder of all time. I don't think the selectors have ever really internalised that. Maybe it's hard to put how bad he is outside England out of your mind. But for home tests, when he's fit, he should be the second name on the team sheet after Root.

england actually lucky Robinson went down cause they were sure as hell going to pick Wood and Anderson over woakes

 

[WICFan]

Cummins gone, a wild slog/pull.

 

[91Jmay]

Moeeennnn

 

[Coronis]

Well im off to bed… crossing fingers and toes for another Cummins miracle. Or rain.

Edit: Literally as Im about to hit close…

 

[Spark]

That's so bad