Voll Blau

TNT just describing this as a "roller coaster of an Ashes so far". How did they manage to find seemingly the only broadcasters in the country who've never visited a cricket match... or a theme park?!

Next time you're there, try the selection in Harborough Stores on Northampton Road.

Says they could have played a Shield or Australia A side at the MCG - and could have trained at the WACA if they wanted. Both better prep than what they actually did.

They offered England a competitive first-class game before the series. Even the Aussies knew how undercooked we were. https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/ashes-premium/england_first_class_game_test_ground_ashes_warmup_option_cricket_australia_ceo.html?t=639015421741065161

In fairness to Duckett, the guy's chat is horrendous. Just the kind of story you knew was on the way at some point in this tour...

Biggest 'Arbrah celebrity dining story since Steven Segal's visit to Zizzi's.

George Dobell speaking sense as usual...

TGC are pretty self-aware. They're usually very good at both playing up to the Aussie stereotypes and pointing out how ridiculous they are at the same time. I do enjoy giving them a listen but reckon it'd be too painful to do today's episode.

His head is absolutely all over the place when he plays that kind of shot, so he's bound to fall at some point. Compare to how he looks playing the two shots before. Heard Harmison say this morning that it's a proper coach they need because so many of their issues are technical flaws. He's absolutely right.

Credit where it's due as I wasn't backing Smith to last more than 5 minutes this morning. Fun while it lasted but that'll be that now.

Carse opening up.

He's treated the Merc with contempt thr entire time he's been in his role. It's only now he's finding out the tactic of "never complain, never explain" is always doomed to fail at some point.

A few Sleigh Bells (well up there with the UK's best Xmas ales) in the Soar Bridge. Then Charnwood Snow Fox in the Moorings (not my choice), which was surprisingly empty. Deeeeeeeeano (do they know) it's Christmas time at alllllllll?

Pleased for Archer. The whole "going quick when the game was lost" thing was weird, but he's a cut above everyone else in our squad and works his arse off. Gets unfair stick that others wouldn't get. Even in this day and age, you do wonder why that might be...

Thank goodness that cameo didn't go any further. Starc already showing our top order how many runs are easily out there today without needing to be daft.

Only issue might be giving him enough runs to bowl at, but the likes of Jewell and Andersson being about for a second year should mean they're way less brittle than they used to be in that department.

Bairstow was being dozy and literally nobody walks nowadays. He's no better or worse than anyone else at that level.

Reckon Adelaide's the ground I'd want to do the most if I ever do make it over there. Helps that I've got a mate who moved there but the place looks a picture anyway.

I'll message him and let him know about you guys.

Rehan or someone like Carson at Sussex, if they wanted a sensible option actually based on a mixture of form, talent, potential and batting/fielding ability chucked in. In reality, who knows if any of the current regime or their methods survive this. What's changed is they've shat the bed with him after realising too late that he was well undercooked as a cricketer for a series like this. Apparently he hasn't looked great in the nets over there, either.

Very strange he didn't bowl more. Commentators were suitably impressed with the one he did.

King Charles a bit too "old man" vibes I reckon, maybe the Scottish Stores. Cosy atmosphere but could feasibly pass as a date venue without overtly coming across as one.

Is Jack H involved with you? Top guy.

Don't think I'll be far off that tonight. Off up to Farsley. Always get either mugged or unappreciated whenever I go tbf.

Out around King's Cross yesterday evening after work's Christmas do. Scottish Stores, King Charles and a new'un ticked off with Mabel's Tavern. Crunchy peanut butter stout from Hammerton brewery at the King Charles was the pick. Love that place but never seen it so rammed.