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Post by Panda on Jul 7, 2013 21:51:13 GMT 1
The Ashes is upon us again.
England start as favourites but their recent poor batting form suggests a much closer series than many were predicting a few months ago. Australia have numerous problems of their own, ranging from captain Michael Clark's injury problems, batsman David Warner's discipline issues, and the small matter of sacking the coach a few weeks before the start of the series.
1st test: Trent Bridge (July 10-14) 2nd test: Lord's (July 18-22) 3rd test: Old Trafford (August 1-5) 4th test: Riverside (August 9-13) 5th test: The Oval (August 21-25)
Odds:
TO WIN SERIES 2/5 England 9/2 Australia 15/2 Draw
SERIES SCORE 6/1 England 3-1 15/2 England 3-0 9/1 England 2-1 9/1 England 4-0 10/1 Draw 2-2 12/1 England 4-1 14/1 England 5-0 14/1 England 2-0 14/1 Australia 2-1 18/1 England 3-2 25/1 Australia 3-1 25/1 Draw 1-1 33/1 Australia 3-2
A few months ago I would've predicted England to win 3-0 or 4-0 but the question marks over their batting give Australia a shout with the bowling line-up they have. The wild card could be spinner Fawad Ahmed, who has had his citizenship application fast-tracked by the Aussies so he can play in the Ashes.
I would expect England to win 2-1 or 3-1 this summer before a very closely-fought series down under at the end of the year.
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 7, 2013 22:01:12 GMT 1
I have tickets for day 2 and day 5 of the Trent Bridge test this week. Can't wait.
I agree, it will be a closer contest than many are predicting.
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Post by raliverpool on Jul 8, 2013 20:07:31 GMT 1
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Post by wonderwall on Jul 9, 2013 7:05:27 GMT 1
England should win this series I reckon 3-1 as well although if England take the Australians lightly they will be in big trouble.I remember in 1989 when Australia toured here people said England would win easy and that the Australians had the worst side they had ever had they won 4-0.I also dont like the fact joe root is opening the batting feel like a specialist opening bat like Compton would of been better.
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 9, 2013 9:20:45 GMT 1
Joe Root is an excellent player, and will probably be the next England captain. However, I do wonder whether it is too soon for him to be put under the spotlight as an opener in the Ashes. But then, the alternatives aren't too clever either.
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Post by wonderwall on Jul 9, 2013 9:30:20 GMT 1
I would move Ian bell up to open to be honest bairstow would not be in my starting line up
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Post by Maximo Mark on Jul 9, 2013 19:50:44 GMT 1
I've a ticket for the 5th day of the opening test so I'm praying it goes to the last day, even if it's only to seen an hour or two's cricket. I can't wait for the next few days though, going to properly soak up the atmosphere as I work in the office block pictured!
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Post by suedehead on Jul 9, 2013 20:21:27 GMT 1
I've a ticket for the 5th day of the opening test so I'm praying it goes to the last day, even if it's only to seen an hour or two's cricket. I can't wait for the next few days though, going to properly soak up the atmosphere as I work in the office block pictured! Are you expecting to get any work done over the next few days?
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 9, 2013 22:06:16 GMT 1
Whenever I've been to Trent Bridge, I've always been surprised how few people are staring out of the windows of that building. Delighted to hear you'll be making the most of your vantage point over the next 3 days.
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Post by Maximo Mark on Jul 9, 2013 22:42:07 GMT 1
It's usually really quiet whilst the cricket is on as people work from home as there's nowhere to park! Well those that can do anyway. I've never known it so busy the last two days as everyone has been in the office doing what they need in the early part of the week and then won't be there for the rest. Unfortunately because of the Ashes test they've erected a new scoreboard which is a lot bigger than the one pictured, that one you could see over from the 3rd floor but this you can't from the 5th, which sadly means there are only about two desks you can actually watch the cricket from.
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Post by suedehead on Jul 10, 2013 12:37:49 GMT 1
It's usually really quiet whilst the cricket is on as people work from home as there's nowhere to park! Well those that can do anyway. I've never known it so busy the last two days as everyone has been in the office doing what they need in the early part of the week and then won't be there for the rest. Unfortunately because of the Ashes test they've erected a new scoreboard which is a lot bigger than the one pictured, that one you could see over from the 3rd floor but this you can't from the 5th, which sadly means there are only about two desks you can actually watch the cricket from. Maybe your employer paid for the scoreboard
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Post by smokeyb on Jul 10, 2013 15:51:06 GMT 1
I just don't get the love for "the ashes" and cricket,outside of England & Australia no one cares.What other sport do you stop for lunch!! Why do the games last 5 days, could it not all be over in a couple of hours.
Cricket must be one of the most dullest sports ever. Who are these poeople who can watch for 5 days on end,do they not work, or do they save up their holidays to go and spend their time waiting for something exciting to happen.
It must be the only sport in the world that who ever wins the toss, actually makes the news. OMG. Can you imagine the news announcing that England won the toss at footie, you would not believe it.
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Post by Panda on Jul 10, 2013 16:58:50 GMT 1
Christ, you sound like Cait.
I don't understand this attitude people have of "I don't care about this. I know, I'll use my spare time to post about it on the Internet!"
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 10, 2013 17:00:59 GMT 1
Looks like I won't be needing my ticket for Day 5.
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Post by Panda on Jul 10, 2013 17:06:40 GMT 1
215 for England. Yet another poor start. Relying on the bowlers to get them out of trouble again.
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Post by Panda on Jul 10, 2013 17:11:35 GMT 1
Bingo. 2 in 2 balls for Finn and nearly a hat-trick. Aussies 19/2.
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Post by Panda on Jul 10, 2013 17:27:21 GMT 1
Clarke gone for 0! Aussies 22/3 and they've lost their only quality batsman...
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Post by Panda on Jul 11, 2013 11:56:53 GMT 1
Boom. England's bowlers absolutely ripping through Australia's batsmen this morning. 117/8.
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Post by Panda on Jul 11, 2013 11:59:05 GMT 1
Make that 117/9...
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Post by suedehead on Jul 11, 2013 12:38:37 GMT 1
I've a ticket for the 5th day of the opening test so I'm praying it goes to the last day, even if it's only to seen an hour or two's cricket. I can't wait for the next few days though, going to properly soak up the atmosphere as I work in the office block pictured! I assume you will get a refund for your ticket.
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