From a neutral perspective, these Ashes suck

[Stapel]

That is rotten luck! Out of curiosity, how many Ashes matches since 05 you have really enjoyed from a neutrals perspective? I would guess Adelaide 06, Cardiff 09, TB and Durham 13... And that's about it? It's not like the Ashes was awash with competitive cricket pre 05 either.

A general answer to this questions lies in Furball's reply:

You're confusing quality with exciting. The two of course aren't mutually exclusive, but periods of bad cricket can lead to great games/series.

We've seen three matches in a row that were more or less decided (from a neutral persepctive that is a conclusion easier made, tbf) at the close of:
-stumps day 1
-tea day 1
-lunch day 1

 

[LegionOfBrad]

They should have won the game at Durham in 2013. 100 opening partnership chasing 270 odd and then completely folded to Broad (recurring theme) with some abject dismissals.

2013 was miles closer than this. Lords apart it's been 3 gubbings with Cardiff the only game of the three England wins not sealed by tea time on the first day.

Also without rain Aus may well have won at Old Trafford.

 

[vic_orthdox]

When's been the last close Ashes Test?

 

[Jono]

When's been the last close Ashes Test?

first test 2013?

 

[OverratedSanity]

first test 2013?

4th at Durham was close too.

 

[Howe_zat]

5th was close too, albeit a bit manufactured

 

[LegionOfBrad]

5th was close too, albeit a bit manufactured

The ultimate lose to win that was. Given the fact he would have lost if he hadn't cried like a girl.

 

[Son Of Coco]

2013 was basically just Ryan Harris though wasn't it. I don't remember the others being that good.

I think a couple of the other bowlers at least maintained some consistency on occasions. I guess the difference this time has been wild inconsistency mixed with periods where bowlers like Starc took a bag of wickets pretty quickly...often both in the same period of play. I don't think the English batting is particularly strong though, which helps.

 

[Flem274*]

nah these ashes have been great. i love series where one of these ****s gets disemboweled and skulks off home.

 

[The Sean]

From a neutral perspective, these Ashes suck

I can assure you that, from an Australian perspective, they're not too hot either.

 

[mullarkey]

yawn yawn