Ashes 2025-26.

[Durhamfootman]

I will take delight in the downfall of McCullum though. Never have been a fan of hypocrisy or arrogance. I am sure that it won't happen (unlike with English Football), but McCullum being sacked before the end of the series would be an absolute hoot.

McCullum and Stokes is a heady cocktail. It served its purpose 3 years ago, but with both of them in charge there just isn't a handbrake

thank goodness the ECB didn't just give McCullum an expanded job role, because it's hard to see Stokes getting the bullet when England go 3-0 down in Adelaide.....
What's that Skippy? they did?

Whoever mentioned Trott might be on to something. I hadn't considered that

Maybe in the fallout, Foakes' career gets a revival. Carey continues to highlight the difference to a team's performance that a sharp gloveman makes.

[sussexpob]

Archer certainly giving this an effort... some serious pace

[sussexpob]

Archer certainly giving this an effort... some serious pace

Meanwhile, Atkinson is all over the place...gets the treatment it deserves. Head puts him in the stand

[sussexpob]

Surely they are not going to take the dinner break? This could be over in 20 minutes.

[sussexpob]

Surely they are not going to take the dinner break? This could be over in 20 minutes.

Just utterly ridiculous. Why take a break 5 overs into an innings with only a few overs left of play?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Looks like the crumbs of self-respect gathered by Stokes/Jacks are being tossed way by the bowlers, with bat and ball.

Well done to the Aussies though, who are the wall against which almost every England side destroys itself.

Not ruling out an England recovery. This situation could lead to some self-analysis, and as I keep saying, the first two Tests were always going to be the biggest challenges. Though I accept the gulf in quality is almost certainly too great.

[sussexpob]

thank goodness the ECB didn't just give McCullum an expanded job role, because it's hard to see Stokes getting the bullet when England go 3-0 down in Adelaide.....
What's that Skippy? they did?

I think there is a high chance that Stokes retires at the end of this series. He will be 35 by the next time we play, he's been open in the past about burn out and his mental health issues, his body in recent years is also starting to fail him a lot. I dont think anyone would begrudge him a few years taking some easy franchise cricket dosh and a few more days on the golf course... I know I would in his position.

[Durhamfootman]

when Carse got out I reckoned that Aus would knock off the runs in 10 overs. Looks as though they are on course to do just that

Dinner! what a nonsense

[Durhamfootman]

thank goodness the ECB didn't just give McCullum an expanded job role, because it's hard to see Stokes getting the bullet when England go 3-0 down in Adelaide.....
What's that Skippy? they did?

I think there is a high chance that Stokes retires at the end of this series. He will be 35 by the next time we play, he's been open in the past about burn out and his mental health issues, his body in recent years is also starting to fail him a lot. I dont think anyone would begrudge him a few years taking some easy franchise cricket dosh and a few more days on the golf course... I know I would in his position.

maybe

except that he's in good shape atm, after all the surgery and rehab. Back to his best with the ball, at least. He'll be a long time retired. Perhaps the next injury will decide matters for him, so I'm hoping he stays fit. One thing is for certain, he won't 'do a Colly' and return to captain Durham once his England career is done.

[andy]

Atkinson gets a breakthrough

[sussexpob]

Atkinson gets a breakthrough

Poor shot, too tight of a line to be cutting that.

[Durhamfootman]

Surely they are not going to take the dinner break? This could be over in 20 minutes.

Just utterly ridiculous. Why take a break 5 overs into an innings with only a few overs left of play?

one thing I am sure of.... if the situation was different and Aus were 7 down and limping their way to the target thanks to a vital late stand, there is no way they'd have taken dinner at the correct time.

[Durhamfootman]

Snivelling Steve will be hoping one of these gets out with just a few runs to go, so he can hit the winning runs and glory in his own redemption, handed to him on a plate by the injury to Cummins and England's uselessness

[sussexpob]

Desperation review, thats clearly missing. Although Archer will note once again the very full ball to Weatherald has caused him issues

[andy]

Marnus goes! Much better from Atkinson since the interval