The Ashes: Fourth Test

Lee

With just a couple of days to go until it starts, I see the selectors have added Craig Overton to the squad instead of Anderson. They are keeping the same batting line up and it is expected Roy will be swapping with Denly.

Interesting they've added a bowler as Curran is in the squad and I would've thought he would replace Woakes but does it mean Overton might be picked instead? Or will they stick with Woakes?

Hopefully the rain forecast for Wednesday and Friday doesn't affect the match too much.

Leo31291

Smith is winning the series for Australia.

domtheone

He’s more annoying than 400 Remoaning MP’s in parliament

JimmyMac

People will talk about stokes after the third test but smith has been imperious. There’s no other batsman in the world like him right now

Derek S-H

I just love the fact that he is so unconventional and unpredictable. He has his own style and his own technique and he completely trusts his ability. It also helps that he has simply superb hand-eye coordination.

Did you see the stroke to reach his 50? He was practically horizontal!

Lee

I can't recall many batsman like him who look impossible to get out. Could've been a whole lot better overall if Leach hadn't bowled that no ball.

Disappointed they didn't pick Curran. He hasn't got the pace but a left arm swing bowler would have added something different. Overton doesn't look like a test bowler. Mind you, god knows what was wrong with Archer, he wasn't great.

danwel

Smith has absolutely destroyed England yet again and likely given the Aussies the 4th test but there is still 3 days to go yet

Derek S-H

You're always looking to give the opposition in excess of 200 to get in their second innings just to draw level, so England to score 700? I can't see it.

Obviously, the first priority is to bat all day and then evaluate on Day 4. Another 67 all out won't help!

You would have to say, at this stage, that a draw seems likely but I hesitate to predict anything after the last Test!

danwel

Yeah i would say a draw is looking likely but you just never know with our batting line up as they have been pretty average and that is being polite.

On paper that batting line up is awesome but it just hasn't been happening, that coupled with Steve Smith being nothing short of immense looks like the Ashes are going back to Oz but you just never know

richp007

It would be a fairytale if we took the Ashes home after what Stokes did, but I can't see it with Steve Smith. I think the best we'll get is 2 draws now. And maybe even lose this one anyway if we don't bat well.

Unless the weather saves the loss!