The Ashes 2023

[summerisle]

Shoehorned into little more than five weeks to make way for a ridiculous competition barely played anywhere else in the world, the series is sure to contain thrills, spills and controversy. Back up players will be an important factor, as no doubt there'll be fatigue, and injuries (Ben Stokes already.)

It boils down to Australia's fast bowlers against the devil-may -care England batters. With Crawley opening there's an early wicket waiting to happen, but if England get the good start as they have recently we could see some wilting bowlers. Hope there's plenty of nark in the matches, no friendly Ashes for me. I reckon it could go to the last match - 3-2 win by England I hope..

Fixtures and England squad for the first two matches.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/65797156

And not forgetting :

 

[Connor]

BOOOOOOOOO CONVICTS

 

[Dharma]

Hate the arrogant Aussies, but the English arses always fallout so...

 

[JimmyJeffers]

We don’t have enough bowling options if Stokes can’t bowl. Can’t see Crawley getting a score in the first test either.
Aussies have a solid team but should be beaten away from home as long as we don’t implode.

 

[tommye]

Nothing says Summer like a home Ashes series.
Cannot wait.

 

[Alanbileysfeathercut]

Aussies win 1st test then can see a draw over the series.

 

[cronullasharks]

I hate every last one of you pom pricks

 

[Moomin]

We will beat these cheats.

 

[cronullasharks]

We will beat these cheats.

It will be a rout, i hope you's retire warner by mid series.

 

[Connor]

I hate every last one of you pom pricks

COME ON THEN IF YA THINK YA ‘ARD ENOUGH

 

[JimmyJeffers]

It will be a rout, i hope you's retire warner by mid series.

Watching ireland smash Leach all over lords, I’m not so sure.

 

[tommye]

I hate every last one of you pom pricks

Get back in your cell Sheila

 

[Walken]

A fully fit England team would walk it, but I'd give Australia the edge with Englands injuries

 

[cronullasharks]

Watching ireland smash Leach all over lords, I’m not so sure.

Like warner will bat long enough to see a spinner

 

[JimmyJeffers]

Like warner will bat long enough to see a spinner

I think the Aussie openers are pretty weak compared with previous ones over the years but it only takes a couple of batsman to hit top form to win the whole thing.
Can’t help escape the feeing that the best years of test cricket are now long gone though.