RowlattsFox

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.

Bowled 1 over and scored 2 with the bat

Think there is always mention of wasps at The Snooker Masters too so must be an Ally Pally thing. I'm sure the amounts of beer spillages in the building don't help

Weird to put all that time into Bashir with the Ashes in mind then not use him when it comes to it. What's changed? They not like what they've seen recently in the nets or just over-estimated how much they'll need a spinner so just packing the batting instead.

Bit of fun but the prize money and fact you qualify for champion of champions is madness. The fact Selby, Trump, osullivan, Williams, Wilson, Higgins, Robertson and maybe others aren't there tells a story.

Just because he goes over, doesn't mean it's a foul. Offside will rescue the referee.

He would struggle to be any worse down the middle than our other options.

Not a fan of individuals winning awards based on team achievements in football, even if they did make crucial contributions. Recent history tells you Chloe Kelly or Hannah Hampton are probably favourites. Should be Rory or Littler though, although Littler is up for the young award.

Something about Littler in that first set which makes he think he's had a drink beforehand

To an extent, I agree with this but he's currently in a shit team losing games so can't be great for his confidence. Ideally we can get him a loan up a level but not sure how likely that it.

Every time I've read Marti's post-match comments, I feel he is correct but he's obviously unable to either see this quick enough in-game or isn't good enough to get it across to the players and change. Coming across more of a pundit than a manager.