*Official* Fourth Test (Old Trafford, Manchester) 19-23 July

[loterry1994]

I think he'll play because we could be short on numbers.

Broad has played every test this summer, Woakes has a knock and Wood is always doubtful for back to back tests.

If Robinson is fit, I think we'll play him, Tongue and Jimmy.

Nah think Wood and Woakes should definitely be in they played test 3 then had a 9 day break. Then played this test barely bowled the last innings. They’ve been the main difference makers in the bowling. If they don’t come in this series could be 3-0

 

[Ashes81]

Nah think Wood and Woakes should definitely be in they played test 3 then had a 9 day break. Then played this test barely bowled the last innings. They’ve been the main difference makers in the bowling. If they don’t come in this series could be 3-0

Maybe but time will tell.

If Woakes has a knock he won't play and why risk Wood in what is a semi meaningless test.

 

[Lefty]

A very topical song from England’s greatest rock band.

 

[Pothas]

That’s ok we gifted one test to a bang average England one

I happen to think both these teams are quite good.

 

[Croadymeister]

The sad truth for English fans is that they may have won this series if Jimmy hadn't played at all.
At the end of the day the only test they've won is the only time he didn't play.

Yeah too many sentimental saps and proved to be huge mistake not playing Tongue over him

 

[Gob]

I happen to think both these teams are quite good.

I think he was replying to an idiot who suggests how average Australia are and how England threw away 2 games

 

[Croadymeister]

Maybe but time will tell.

If Woakes has a knock he won't play and why risk Wood in what is a semi meaningless test.

Just meaningless not semi

 

[Croadymeister]

I think he was replying to an idiot who suggests how average Australia are and how England threw away 2 games

Not average,however will be cursing until 2025 about not winning at Edgbaston and just chasing short ball when 188-1 at Lord's.

 

[Fuller Pilch]

Just meaningless not semi

No tests are meaningless.

 

[Croadymeister]

No tests are meaningless.

Just as meaningless as 2019 and completely switched off from that dead rubber of a game too. Will find something else to occupy my mind for those 5 days as not interested.

 

[Gob]

Not average,however will be cursing until 2025 about not winning at Edgbaston and just chasing short ball when 188-1 at Lord's.

188 for 1 is nothing but a decent position when you are replying for an score excess of 400. I have seen numerous times how teams got to similar positions and lost there way. Australia must have been 190 for 2 or something Cardiff 2015 replying to England's 400 plus score and lost there way and I'm sure there are many it happens. Australia had England 4 for 40 chasing 370 and it only got close because they dropped a sitter of Stokes.

Australia had England 140 for 7 when they were 120 behind in the first innings at Headingly and 80 needed of last four wickets and several other strong positions. They threw that game away as much as England threw away Edgbaston

 

[Croadymeister]

188 for 1 is nothing but a decent position when you are replying for an score excess of 400. I have seen numerous times how teams got to similar positions and lost there way. Australia must have been 190 for 2 or something Cardiff 2015 replying to England's 400 plus score and lost there way and I'm sure there are many it happens. Australia had England 4 for 40 chasing 370 and it only got close because they dropped a sitter of Stokes.

Australia had England 140 for 7 when they were 120 behind in the first innings at Headingly and 80 needed of last four wickets and several other strong positions. They threw that game away as much as England threw away Edgbaston

Unfortunately it showed up that this team hadn't got the intensity required across the series. Maybe it will give them a much needed kick up the arse for 2025,however bowling options for down under look very sparse indeed

 

[Burgey]

Unfortunately it showed up that this team hadn't got the intensity required across the series. Maybe it will give them a much needed kick up the arse for 2025,however bowling options for down under look very sparse indeed

I think they’re better than you’ve had in a while. Would think Broad will be done by then - he’ll be missed for sure, but you’re better off without Anderson here anyway. Wood bowled well here last time and will hopefully still be around. Tongue looks a prospect, and just bring two other blokes who bowl heat.

 

[NZTailender]

 

[Burgey]

Happy to report Mrs Burgey has obtained the missing luggage and is now en route back to Athens. Well done her

 

[ripper868]

Happy to report Mrs Burgey has obtained the missing luggage and is now en route back to Athens. Well done her

Luggage Retained

 

[White Ball]

Glenn McGrath said Australia were not saved by the rain, the rain was expected and Australia played accordingly and got the result they wanted.

 

[ashley bach]

Glenn McGrath said

Please stop there.

 

[cover drive man]

Kind of sums up the mood of the country when one of the most compelling Ashes series of my lifetime turns into one of the most underwhelming of all time because of 2 days mild rain.

Also, why waste a good 45 minutes of potential wicket taking to give Bairstow a meaningless confidence boost?

 

[slippy888]

Kind of sums up the mood of the country when one of the most compelling Ashes series of my lifetime turns into one of the most underwhelming of all time because of 2 days mild rain.

Also, why waste a good 45 minutes of potential wicket taking to give Bairstow a meaningless confidence boost?

you cant blame bairstow for this one