Ashes 2021-22.

[sussexpob]

I guess Silverwood and Root will tell you its because he bowled 94mph balls, and you need a guy who can crank it up...... although evidence would suggest his extra pace just means the ball is getting to the boundary slightly quicker.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Backing him to clean up the tail for nowt tomorrow, and guaranteeing himself another 7 years of instant selection when fit, and the mediocre performance along with it.

Seriously though, how is Wood always in the team when available? Hes been constantly rubbish

If he'd cleaned up the tail in this series he would have done a useful job!

I think the second half of his career has improved a bit on the first. And it might have been tempting to get him to crank it up in Australia, maybe one last time.

But given his injuries and his value as a limited overs bowler and his general lack of success in Tests, time to park him up and move on.

[Arthur Crabtree]

First three years of Wood's career, 11 Tests, 28 wickets, average 42.

Last three (and a half), 14 Tests, 45 wickets, 29.5.

Overall, 25 Tests, 73 wickets, average 34.

His record rests on a good Test in WI in 2019, and a good tour of SA in 2020, with not much success either side.

[bigfluffylemon]

England yet again showing they can't seize a strong position. The first hour was great. Broad and Robinson bang on the money. Then Wood and Woakes were dire. Even 86/4 was a good position at tea, but England, Broad aside, couldn't convert. Again.

On this pitch, 300 batting first will be a winning score.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Well they got the 300. Burns run out for nine on his return. Run out by his partner. If it wasn't for bad luck....

[sussexpob]

Well there's the game gone with that burst. Good thing we have another slogging wicket keeper at 7

[bigfluffylemon]

The Head/Green partnership will be the difference.

Match to end tomorrow.

[sussexpob]

Australia continuing to beat the bat. Conditions are tough, the bowling mostly quality....

[sussexpob]

Boland has woakes on toast here, but when the chance finally comes it's put down in the slips

[Arthur Crabtree]

One positive is that Engand have escaped their usual thrashing in Perth this time.

[sussexpob]

England out for 188. Quality bowling and tough conditions, England had no chance.

Australia want to bat as long as possible, not for the match, but to save the board refunding any advance ticket purchases.... If I had tickets for day 4, I'd probably be looking to cancel.the hotel

[Arthur Crabtree]

Held out for under 48 overs.

Tempting for Australia to finish this as quick as possible so they can get out of the bubble?

Another good day for the Aussie skipper.

[sussexpob]

Warner bags a pair.

[Arthur Crabtree]

5-2. It's on!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Smith won't get any...