Ashes 2025-26.

[bigfluffylemon]

I had a feeling we might sneak one after the pressure was off. Glad we've avoided 5-0 and arrested the run of losses. But FFS the second 2 day rest of the series. Pitches like this might as well be a lottery.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like we may have won one. A bit late now but at least we have shown some heart and not succumbed to a 5-0!

Shame it's not a seven Test series.

Might not do much for his average, but that looks a crucial contribution from Bethell. And great that Carse took a nice little 4-fer while the commentators were giving him a kicking.

Winning a dead rubber takes me back to the nineties. Whereas in recent times England tend to get wiped out. Though I enjoyed it more when it was Angus Fraser conjuring up a late miracle.

And it was more exciting when the Aussies were falling short of a small target.

[alfie]

Yes a little too late ... Cook summed it up fairly as "Bittersweet" .

But reckon you have to admire the fact that they were able to lift despite the disappointment of the 0-3 and all the overdone media pile on over drinks on the days off. Took a bit of character to get back on the horse and wrestle this one away , even after taking a bit of a bath on first innings.

As you say , Arthur , good for Carse today. I've been very critical of him (not unfairly , I think) ; but I am certainly ready to give him the Lionheart Award for the way he keeps giving it maximum effort all the time . Looks like he will be doing so for all five matches which will be quite an effort. Be nice if he could cut out a few of the four balls but credit where it is due...

Bethell some redemption for his bad meltdown against India in that failed chase a few months ago : might well have preyed on his mind coming in to this one but he stood up when it counted and played a vital innings. Crawley a fine knock , mixed aggression with more than usual steadiness while Duckett just did Duckett. And PoTM for Tongue well deserved : his seven for the match on top of his good efforts in Adelaide arguably makes him England's most impressive bowler all round.

Doesn't make up for the 0-3 of course. But some good signs and a bit of joy for the travelling fans who deserve it for their wholehearted support. Few pubs around here will be busy tonight. Not even going to complain because I had initially planned to go in on day three