RowlattsFox

Frustrating thing with Brook is that he's had plenty of starts. Got himself in and then got himself out, although got a good ball in the first innings. Like KP did, he'll look bad when he gets out but it's a productive shot for him.

I agree Ducketts average cuts him a bit of slack but he has been found wanting when it mattered most. You'll never get consistency from Crawley unfortunately but 2 half centuries and a 40 odd in 3 tests, considering he got a pair in 1 of the matches, shows he can do something. However having got into them positions, he should've gone on. Need a solid 3 behind him for when it doesn't come off and a middle order who can fire. Agree about Pope, you can add Sibley and Hameed to that list too. County cricket can highlight ability and give you confidence but it doesn't prepare you for test cricket. You need to be able to rise a level.

He's probably done as a number 3 but he will go back to county cricket and smash a load of runs and come back at 5/6 or even 7 as keeper.

More of an old fashioned ashes defeat this one. Bowlers have done well enough despite being inconsistent but batters unable to cope again. Some decent starts but not nearly enough. Always felt Duckett would struggle in Australia and he's been woeful again. Manages to escape a lot of criticism with Pope and Crawley either side of him.

Feel a bit sorry for these last games, it's a late start and decent amount of the crowd have left.

Real shame Beau couldn't deliver in the pressure moments because a win was there for her. Too many 50 something visits. She looked like she belonged on the big stage though which bodes well for the next year.

Be great for the sport if Greaves can play well and win.

England to bat for one and half days and save the draw

What a guy this is, loving life.

The walk on of a guy who expects to only get one chance to enjoy it

Hameed is young enough to have another go but he was one of the main reasons baz-ball was invented. Struggled to get off strike until he was out. His scores on the last Ashes tour 25, 27, 6, 0, 0, 7, 6, 9 I think it is difficult for batters on winter tours, even more so if you are solely a test player. Finish the English summer in September then nothing competitive until the next Test Match. Our county system allowed Smith, Labuschagne maybe even others to play a couple of games. Our lot wouldn't be able to get a game in Sheffield Shield, if they were allowed too.

Whilst the bowling hasn't been great at times, it's always them that get changed. They aren't getting support from the batters at all. May aswell change the top 3 for the lions top 3 and see what happens. Pope will go back into country cricket this summer, and absolutely dominate I'm sure. Looked back at the 10/11 series scorecards and how important that top 3 was, Cook, Strauss and Trott. If you had Brook coming in at 200 he would take the game away from a tiring bowling attack.

As good a player as Root is, he does get out playing nothing shots some times. Brook got a good one when he's set, can't blame I don't think this time. Poor shots from Pope and Smith again.

I think Stokes is starting to look like a man who is regretting some choices. And the toll it's taken on him, he's not going to last the 5 matches. Big difference is the consistency of bowlers, rare bad balls and don't give any momentum, and this batting line up needs momentum. There was hope this time, but like many before them, they've proven not to be good enough. Winning is one thing, but barely even been competitive.

The irony of Stokes being the one who is able to show a bit of dedication to survive is funny. He's created a monster with the baz ball mindset and he can't get them out of it.

Really thought I'd wake up to us making a real good fist of this first innings. Not seen any of the wickets yet but its predictably disappointing.

Think my dodgy fire stick is a bit behind

OK Starc is getting annoying now.

After the Smith dismissal in the other test, can't believe that Carey one hasn't been given out. Sicko proving rubbish.

Not sure how to feel about waking up to that score. Finish it off for 350 tomorrow and it's a good effort. However have let them recover in the middle order, just knew khawaja would get runs. Looking at the figures, again lacking a spinner to hold an end, although has picked up key wickets.

Wow what a catch that is

Much needed but probably means the double down on the short ball being the option. Just about to give in for the night but will give it 10 more monies now...

Carse continously can't get 6 good balls together. Some decent ones and then 4. He's not an opening bowler.

Of all the tosses Stokes as won, this is the one you'd probably want to win and Australia win it. Long day in the sun ahead.

Steve Smith out Means nothing if our batters don't perform though.