With the Ashes series now under three days away, England captain Joe Root has admitted the upcoming fight for the urn will ‘define my captaincy’.
As the two skippers met at the Gabba ahead of the first Test of the series, beginning on Wednesday, the England star and world number one batter also had high praise for new quick Ollie Robinson, seen by many as the ac
Micko
Roar Rookie
No surprises that Uncle In Law was talking him up on 6PR tonight! :stoked:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I’m bewildered by our test team but that’s just me!
Paul
Roar Guru
thanks for the apology but I'm not upset. Bewildered by the comment maybe, but not upset
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Sorry for upsetting you it was just an observation
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
Do your talking on the pitch....What happened past 10 years means nothing at all when they walk out to play ..India had never ever won a series in Aus last time they played ..
Paul
Roar Guru
if the weather and pitch are iffy, for sure.
Lance Boil
Roar Rookie
Mad if they don't IMHO! They both appear to be in great shape. It really comes down to which batsmen can prosper in Bowler friendly conditions. I don't expect 5 days all over lunch day 4! Uh Oh! I just made a prediction of a test match outcome for the first time. I feel a bit feint.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Probs a good toss to lose?
Paul
Roar Guru
The Hussein Decision (good name for a Robert Ludlum book), has obviously got to be at the front of Roots mind. That said, this is an Aussie side that's a shade of the Aussies 20 years ago. The conditions would have to be absolutely perfect for his bowlers, but if they were, I could still see Root making the call. I can equally see the stunned expressions on everyone's faces if he does that. I wonder if he can say "we'll have a bowl..... nah, just joking, we'll really have a bat". :happy:
Paul
Roar Guru
" if Dave goes out for a duck the Poms will crush the Aussies" Yep can see that, after all a way better English attack in home conditions in 2019 crushed Australia..... wait a minute.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
More a comment about Cummins and his recent lack of success at Sussex. ---------- You really can't combine Sussex and success!
jameswm
Roar Guru
He could use the bat as a crutch.
Tempo
Roar Rookie
It's mind games. Stokes will play unless he's on crutches (even then he might play).
Tempo
Roar Rookie
After Nasser Hussain's effort in 2002 I don't think any English captain is sending Australia in at the Gabba ever again!
Tempo
Roar Rookie
He averaged double what Warner did in the 2019 Ashes. Have some respect!
Jak
Guest
Nothing that I can see suggests that’s a given. You need to open your eyes then. England have not been competitive in Australia for over a decade. They have not just been beaten, but have been thrashed in 9 of the past 10 tests they have played here. This team is much weaker than those before. They have one and half good batsmen and no good bowlers and 10 players have never toured here before. Australia has 3 of the top 10 ranked batters in their line up plus the numbers 1 and 4 ranked bowlers. Starc is 14th and Lyon ranked 20th. Adding to the advantage, they are playing on their home decks. Not sure how this is nothing?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Hopefully the T20 lead in has been a positive in requiring Starc to be tight. He went for a few in the final, but prior to that he was pretty good.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I'm more worried about Starc bowling tight. That's my concern. If the wicket has a bit in it, it's even more important to be accurate. Very slim chance of the Aussies bowling first if we win the toss. I think there's a good chance the Aussies will bat first regardless of who wins the toss.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Surely both get picked Micko? They can rotate them afterwards, but so much hangs on the first test. The Aussies don't want it too green.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
It is a worry Paul, if Dave goes out for a duck the Poms will crush the Aussies