Ken

You've been loving to express rhyme poems of late haven't you?

Has family there and has a few "practice" games arranged if given the green light. No chance that he'll get a recall for the 2nd test, I would be surprised if England do, but he is definitely preparing for the third I reckon.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-ashes/bairstows-actions-put-team-under-greater-scrutiny-20171128-gzu5hg.html

So I guess it's fair to say that Kevin Pietersen will never become an English selector. Advocating the removal of a paceman, regardless of how out of depth he is in Ball, for a leg-spinning rookie.

Pigeon-holed as a ODI player these days isn't he? Fitness and stamina must be it. Like Shaun Tate for us. Could get it to 160 clicks but couldn't do it for long. Became a specialist T20 player.

So would you stick or change?

Ball was shit. Offered nothing, was asked to play short balls and with his pace we lapped it up. He looked the most uncomfortable when batting too, he had no idea what to do.

Hard to predict what will happen, only that the pitch plays faster at night. A pink kookaburra with different lacquer painted on it degrades differently.

Don't fret we've laughed it off; https://www.cricket.com.au/video/cameron-bancroft-explains-jonny-bairstow-headbutt-classic-press-conference-australia-england-ashes/2017-11-27 Unlike Bairstow; https://www.cricket.com.au/video/jonny-bairstow-press-conference-statement-england-headbutt-claim-cameron-bancroft-ashes-perth-bar/2017-11-27 Heard Kevin Pieterson going on about putting Crane in in for Ball and play two spinners, and I've heard Vaughan saying that they should stick with the same eleven if fit. I guess it all comes back to the options availiable. They haven't played a day/night test match before have they? Pitch plays faster at night.

FYP

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/the-ashes/ashes-2017-australian-opener-david-warner-tells-england-not-to-headbutt-mates-20171127-gztet7.html Dirty ginge

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-5118695/Jonny-Bairstow-headbutt-evidence-drink-indiscipline.html

Yeah, heard that earlier. Crucial part of the story is that no police were involved/required so there wouldn't be any repercussions you would think.

Bairstow is a decent batsmen and needs to bat up the order at 6 or even 5. As for Ball, how shit is he? Can barely get it up to 135 clicks, you must have somebody else that could come in for him. Too much pressure on Broad and Anderson to get wickets.

England whinging about intimidatory bowling - as in purposefully aiming for the body and head.

Demoralising is what comes to mind given the very short turnaround until game 2. Ali has a bad cut to his fore finger and Anderson has a 'sore' shoulder as I understand it. The pitch quickened up and your lot couldn't handle it. Lyon was immense and he has a great record in Adelaide so that is ominous as well.

Joe Root now under IMMENSE pressure. How long can he hold on...

Completely agree, not a boring match at all, far from it and it has been up and down all the way through. It is why I love test match cricket between these two countries.

Who?

Twists and turns, eh?

Don't get me wrong, we're shit as well Not convinced of our batting lineup with a heavy reliance on Warner, Smith and a wagging tail as evident by today's proceedings. Advantage Australia now weather permitting.

Bonzer? Sensation.

I respect you mate.

Better to watch the cricket. But I understand your POV. You are middle-aged.

Yeah. It is only played in some parts of Northern England, Wigan, Hull, St Helens, Bradford. I understand that. But you like darts too, so... Rugby League has tradition here since 1908.