The Ashes | 2025-26 | 5 tests | Nov 21 to Jan 08 | Discussion Thread

[Nikhil_cric]

8 minutes ago, Gollum said:

Usually rare for teams to field their best XIs every single time in a long series. 

 

Pak had good showings in Eng in 2010 (both against Eng and Aus), 2016, 2018. Won 2017 CT, had a creditable 2019 WC campaign where they beat both NZ and Eng. They have good memories in England, may change this decade. 

True but those were 2 very crucial players to lose for a home series. We cop it for 2018 which did not have Smith or Warner 

[Gollum]

Just now, Nikhil_cric said:

True but those were 2 very crucial players to lose for a home series. We cop it for 2018 which did not have Smith or Warner 

Only from jealous Pooks, (some) Poms and self hating coolies. 

 

Aussie fans rarely hide behind that excuse, bigfooty folks are no fans of Indian cricket (or anything India) but almost all of them were generous in praise about what we achieved in that series.

[Gollum]

[Gollum]

On such pitches, what Head and Carey have done is remarkable.

 

But Starc is the frontrunner for POTS, ATG all-around performance by the veteran. 26 wickets at 17 each, and 150 runs at 30 avg, this is 'peak Ashwin/Jadeja at home' territory. 

 

Ashwin had similar crazy numbers in the 2016 home series against Eng, 30 wickets and 300+ runs in those 5 tests. Kohli won POTS and IMO deservingly so, 650 runs at 100+ average, great captaincy, and banished mental demons both for himself and the team (we had a terrible record against Eng from 2011). It was redemption for both those guys, Ashwin for 2012 and Kohli for 2014. 

Edited December 27, 2025 by Gollum

[diga]

2 minutes ago, Gollum said:

On such pitches, what Head and Carey have done is remarkable.

 

But Starc is the frontrunner for POTS, ATG all-around performance by the veteran. 26 wickets at 17 each, and 150 runs at 30 avg, this is 'peak Ashwin/Jadeja at home' territory. 

 

Ashwin had similar crazy numbers in the 2016 home series against Eng, 30 wickets and 300+ runs in those 5 tests. 

Imagine how would have England played if Josh Hazelwood was available 

[Gollum]

1 minute ago, diga said:

Imagine how would have England played if Josh Hazelwood was available 

Had Cummins and Hazlewood been available, certain 5-0 loss.

 

Not to take anything away from Root because he is a great player and humble guy (all the noise comes from others, not him), but he wouldn't have had it so easy in Gabba. 

[AKane]

The two fancied guys before the series - speed merchants - Archer and Wood out and Gussy boy, Carse and Tongue, esp the low rated Tongue, help win match.

 

Kind of like us in England with Akashdeep and Prasidh.....

 

 

Edited December 27, 2025 by AKane

[vvvslaxman]

I think Australia should have started with an in out field set bit like how India did on day 5 at the oval.

[AKane]

I guess this pitch was the pace equivalent of "rank turner" - but not quite a green mamba.

[rollingstoned]

Del

Edited December 27, 2025 by rollingstoned

[Lord]

Let the bazball hype start

[Chaos]

1 hour ago, Lord said:

Let the bazball hype start

Where do u live uncle? 

[sage]

 

[Chalks]

20 hours ago, The Realist said:

 

Seem to have zero younger batters coming through. Become a retirement home/old friends club with same old always backed or recycled.

Cooper Connolly and Campbell Kellaway (to name but two) are early 20s, and have all the talent. Up to Australian cricket to properly nurture these types.

 

Sam Konstas put in that performance in Melbourne last year - which the Aussie team's media lackeys can't stop creaming themselves over - and got found out after that (even if Bumrah probably hasn't been the same since).

19 hours ago, G_B_ said:

First win since 2011...

Uzzie Khawaja's debut test, and Michael Clarke's first test as Australia captain.

[Chalks]

"BazBall" term,  like "Bodyline", was coined by someone in the media. I don't think the Eng team themselves have ever used it.

[Gollum]

 

[G_B_]

There has been all round condemnation of the pitch in England from media pundits. Mostly due to broadcaster pain.

[New guy]

17 hours ago, AKane said:

The two fancied guys before the series - speed merchants - Archer and Wood out and Gussy boy, Carse and Tongue, esp the low rated Tongue, help win match.

 

Kind of like us in England with Akashdeep and Prasidh.....

 

 

And when we won the 2021 series final test in Gabba with a bowling attack of natrajan, siani, siraj, sundar and thakur against an attack of Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, Lyon and Greene

[Gollum]

31 minutes ago, New guy said:

And when we won the 2021 series final test in Gabba with a bowling attack of natrajan, siani, siraj, sundar and thakur against an attack of Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, Lyon and Greene

Also Saini got injured in his first spell of that test, and was limping after that even while batting. 

[goose]

im a believer in cycles theory. my body expects cricket today. it's happened every 28th Dec since forever. not happy!