Ashes 2021-22.

[Arthur Crabtree]

400 up. Maybe the Aussies should declare in a spirit of imperious Waughism.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Just to head off those demanding batting changes, England Lions are 19-4.

[GarlicJam]

Lyon is out, the lead is at 273, and they bat on.

Plenty of time, of course.

[bigfluffylemon]

How many dropped catches, missed chances and other stuff-ups were there in that innings? Unbelievable.

In theory it looks like a good batting day, given Australia added over 200 for the last 4 wickets. In practice, England will be all out shortly after tea.

How many times have we seen this script? Australia 5-6 down for a not great score, and their lower order plus the one not-out recongised batsman leads them to a big total? Why can't we deal with Australian tailenders?

Just to check I'm not imagining it, I ran the numbers. In the last 6 Ashes series (and that includes 2015), Australia have averaged 26.5 runs per dismissal v England for wickets 7-10. In the same period (2013-now), those wickets average 20 runs per dismissal for Australia against teams that are not England.
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engin ... s;type=fow
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engin ... s;type=fow

If you just run the query for Australia v England in Australia, those last four wickets for Australia average an astonishing 31 runs per wicket since 2013.

England's top 7 wickets in that time (when in Australia)? Average 29 runs per dismissal
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engin ... s;type=fow
https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engin ... s;type=fow

[alfie]

Good to see FTS back aboard

Day three hasn't improved England's fortunes much so far. Few more dropped chances - not that they were easy - and another annoying eighty odd runs added by the Australian tail (plus the excellent Head , of course !) Have to say I did not expect such a Gilchristian performance from Travis H - and I'm not going to anoint him as a new super star just yet either : have seen a few players down the years who had one great innings among a lot of less exalted times ; but very well played and looks to have essentially sealed an Aussie win - and a MoTM award.

At least Burns and Hameed made it to lunch. Only about 180 overs to bat then , to be safe

[bigfluffylemon]

Jinxed, alfie.

You'd think one day we'd learn not to go chasing wide ones when this far behind.

[alfie]

Jinxed, alfie.

You'd think one day we'd learn not to go chasing wide ones when this far behind.

That's why I only comment during breaks , BFL : can't count as a jinx then can it ?

Not saying anything about the Root/Malan partnership...

[bigfluffylemon]

Jinxed, alfie.

You'd think one day we'd learn not to go chasing wide ones when this far behind.

That's why I only comment during breaks , BFL : can't count as a jinx then can it ?

Not saying anything about the Root/Malan partnership...

Me neither.

[Durhamfootman]

Just to head off those demanding batting changes, England Lions are 19-4.

103 all out

good to see Root and Malan make a stand, but it's far too little and far too late. Only a prolonged period of rain can save them now. Remember Cook, Strauss and Trott...the Dunkirk of the Gabbatoir? A feat so remarkable (for an England side) and so celebrated that it's easy (and convenient) to forget that it wasn't a stunning victory. This is not a side that could get even remotely close to that draw

[Arthur Crabtree]

Rare good news for Yorkshire CCC.

England could set a handy target here. Game on.

[Gingerfinch]

Well, turned that around. Was expecting a collapse from our guys and a mini one tomorrow morning won't be a massive shock but whatever happens, they have at least shown some fight.

[Durhamfootman]

If Australia do have to bat again, they're unlikely to need very many. Once one of these two goes early on day 4 the rest will fold like a pack of cards

[Arthur Crabtree]

I expect so. But if the pitch is in a coma and the bowlers get tired... they could set about 200. The batting isn't very good, but if everything is in its favour it might luck a couple of partnerships.

[bigfluffylemon]

Root and Malan did well, no doubt. But let's not lose sight of the fact England still need 60 to even make Australia bat again. 200 more needed to have the barest chance, and even if they bat all day they'll probably still lose.

New ball due soon in the morning, and one or two quick wickets will change the tenor of things very quickly.

[bigfluffylemon]

New ball due soon in the morning, and one or two quick wickets will change the tenor of things very quickly.

And so it begins