Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Considering the ladies got 22,000 tickets sold for that test, with one day just under 7,000, I think the more pertinent question in my mind is why is there only one test?

Fluffy, I watch The Offsiders most weekends, do you?

I like Corbin Middlemas, and respect his opinions, but was surprised by what he said on Sunday.

Kellie Underwood asked him if he was liking the format of the Women's Ashes. He said, "the format yes, the points, no." He reckoned the test should be two points - just like each T20 match (and the ODI's).

IM-not-so-humble-O, the test should be worth SIX points.

5 days for a reward the equal of half a day???

GarlicJam wrote: 5 days for a reward the equal of half a day???

I guess it depends what the motivation is. The primacy of test cricket might be one goal, making the points awarded for the match of more importance - but from an entertainment perspective, in such a short series, if Australia win the next game the destiny of the Ashes would feel almost certain. I think for Women's cricket, we want people watching and showing an interest as much as possible, so a series that is live longer is, imo, of more benefit to the game in general than what is fair value for each game, so 2 points for each match makes more sense. I say that with no prejudice to the fact Australia won the game.... but I feel if Australia win the next 1-2 games, a dead series will impact on ticket sales and media coverage, which is what the ladies need to grow the game.

In fact, the points system for the series in many ways is a bad idea for that reason. Having three separate contests keeps each one live longer.

All the more reason to have the test the last game played, Sussex. The series is almost certain to be still alive by the time the test comes about (if it's worth six points). If the series is not still alive, it means that one side has dominated already.

Start with the T20's, the amuse bouche, work their way up to the main course.

and who doesn't like an amuse bouche?

GarlicJam wrote:All the more reason to have the test the last game played, Sussex. The series is almost certain to be still alive by the time the test comes about (if it's worth six points). If the series is not still alive, it means that one side has dominated already.

Start with the T20's, the amuse bouche, work their way up to the main course.

I can see both ways, but I think overall I agree with this. That says, sp makes an excellent point that given the attendance and the clear desire of the players to play more tests, why is it only one?

England women's ashes going the same way as the men's..... and the women's football FFS

bigfluffylemon wrote:I can see both ways, but I think overall I agree with this. That says, sp makes an excellent point that given the attendance and the clear desire of the players to play more tests, why is it only one?

One can't help but feel that there is a lot of lost opportunity for the woman's game. One test is a joke, they will be finished for the summer by 18th July. There was enough time to schedule more games. Scheduling matches at the same time as men's tests are still being played is a real own goal too, I wonder how many ticket sales that loses? I'd be tempted in Birmingham to turn up and buy a ticket, but not as Day 4 raged at Lords. And why do they even play the Ashes at the same time? I think an Australia v England series would generate interest without the men's competition - I mean, I much rather buy a ticket to an Ashes Women's test, than see England Men at home to some B/C rate side.

England win the T20 component 2-1, but I think they still need to win all 3 ODI's to reclaim the ashes.... unless there's a washout or a tie, of course. Mustn't lose one of them

appears to have been a well executed DLS affected chase. Partnerships of one hitting out and the other rotating if the scorecard is anything to go by

Well played England. Still a massive uphill battle, but the series is still alive.

Now just need to not only beat but clean sweep Australia in an ODI series - this is a side that has lost 2 ODIs in six years.

bigfluffylemon wrote:Well played England. Still a massive uphill battle, but the series is still alive.

Now just need to not only beat but clean sweep Australia in an ODI series - this is a side that has lost 2 ODIs in six years.

Yeah good luck with that

Guess these two wins for England do back up the point Garlic made about playing the Test last. Would have ensured the series stayed alive ... while it might very well be buried with two games to go now.

But it was a good effort from England in any case. Capsey as she says herself won't come off every time but when she does she can be very explosive. Thought Danni Wyatt was excellent too.

Good win for England overnight. Restricted Aus in the field, and kept hanging in on the run chase. Heather Knight deserved POTM.

The series is really tightening up.

Another very good win. I must say, I thought the series was over and done with after the first T20, but full credit to England for making a good fight of it.

Australia still have to be strong favourites, especially as they only need a draw to reclaim the Ashes. But England have cause to believe.

Watched the first hour or so last night and thought Australia were on for a big score as England seemed unwilling to catch anything ... Saw the rest on replay today and pleasantly surprised to see that excellent chase down. Heather Knight brought it home very well but also massive credit to Beaumont and Capsey for that rollicking early batting display to get way ahead of the RRR

Sets up an interesting penultimate game at least : and possibly even a decider ?

I read England put down 6 odd chances in the first 30 overs of Australia's innings.... should really have been punished for that.

So I make it 6 all... I don't really acknowledge the whole drawn series is a win for the holder