2023 Ashes Series

[Meclazine for Israel]

The Ashes series is one of the few series where England consistently beat Australia when on home soil. The home crowd in the UK is absolutely bananas for the series. One of the finest examples of the game being player in 2023.

It is one of Mick Jagger's favourite sports to watch.

England on top after day 1 of the the first test at Edgbaston.

Day 2 sees Australia at the crease with some of the World's best batsman.

https://live.cricket.com.au/match/3071/55391/england-men-vs-australia-men-mens-ashes-2023/scorecard



Stuart Broad at his usual best takes the wicket of David Warner for the 15th time in test match cricket. (AP: Rui Vieira)

Next ball, Stuart Broad came in to bowl to the World's best batsman, Marnus Labuschagne.



Stuart Broad gets Marnus caught behind for a golden duck. (Twitter - Fox Cricket)



Stuart Broad sends Marnus Labuschagne packing / Getty Images

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/ashes-2023-khawaja-report-day-two-england-australia-b1088524.html

You have to give Stuart Broad and James Anderson credit. One of the finest opening bowling pairs in cricket history. And on home soil, very difficult to face with a new ball.

Stuart Broad entered cricketing history when at Nottingham in 2015, he took 8-15 on the opening morning during the Ashes series against Australia.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-ireland-2015-743911/england-vs-australia-4th-investec-test-743969/full-scorecard

Opening Australian batsman David Warner is now officially a bunny of Stuart Broad in the Ashes series:

1 — 2013 — Durham, 1st innings — bowled (for 3)

2 — 2013-14 — Brisbane, 1st innings — caught at cover (49)

3 — 2013-14 — Brisbane, 2nd innings — caught behind (124)

4 — 2013-14 — Adelaide, 1st innings — caught at point (29)

5 — 2013-14 — Sydney, 1st innings — bowled (16)

6 — 2019 — Edgbaston, 1st innings — lbw (2)

7 — 2019 — Edgbaston, 2nd innings — caught behind ( 8 )

8 — 2019 — Lord's, 1st innings — bowled (3)

9 — 2019 — Headingley, 2nd innings — lbw (0)

10 — 2019 — Old Trafford, 1st innings — caught behind (0)

11 — 2019 — Old Trafford, 2nd innings — lbw (0)

12 — 2019 — The Oval, 2nd innings — caught at slip (11)

13 — 2021-22 — Sydney, 2nd innings — caught at slip (30)

14 — 2021-22 — Hobart, 2nd innings — caught at point (0)

15 — 2023 — Edgbaston, 1st innings — bowled (9)

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-18/stuart-broad-and-david-warner-bunny-stats-in-the-ashes/102493266

Broad has dismissed Warner 9 times in England for just 36 runs.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 4.

England have yet to score a 50 in their 2nd innings.

https://live.cricket.com.au/match/3071/55391/england-men-vs-australia-men-mens-ashes-2023/scorecard

I am a bit pissed that Ollie Robinson said to our batsman Khawaja "F#@k off you f#@$in little prick" after he scored 141.

Robinson was banned previously from the English team for racist and vile remarks he has made historically.

Australian blood is now boiling to beat the old foe on home soil.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

281 in the 4th innings is chase-able (weather permitting).

[Meclazine for Israel]

Australia need 281 to win

Here we go. Every time an Australian batsman gets out, the Edgbaston crowd will go totally Viking.

This is going to be huge. 10 off the first over.

Broad now bowling to his bunny Warner. This is a big innings for Warner.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 5 of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia.

The equation for victory is simple, and there will be a winner decided.

England need 7 wickets.

Australia need 174 runs to win.

That man again, Stuart Broad, got two of the World's best batsman removed from the crease, Marnus Labushagne and Steve Smith, to put England back in the game in a big way. The English crowd got their ticket price in entertainment 100 fold just from those two wickets whilst Australian hearts sank once again at the feats of this bowling phenom.


Stuart Broad sets up a thrilling finale with late Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne scalps (Yahoo Sport)

I am getting PTSD from the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test when Australia lost by just 2 runs at the end of Day 5.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-scotland-2005-139019/england-vs-australia-2nd-test-215010/full-scorecard

On that fateful day 18 years ago at the same ground, Australia chased down the English total to nearly win the game.

Day 5. Australia will be seeking revenge for that darkest day in our cricketing history.

[OSR stands with Israel]

Day 5 of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia.

The equation for victory is simple, and there will be a winner decided.

England need 7 wickets.

Australia need 174 runs to win.

That man again, Stuart Broad, got two of the World's best batsman removed from the crease, Marnus Labushagne and Steve Smith, to put England back in the game in a big way. The English crowd got their ticket price in entertainment 100 fold just from those two wickets whilst Australian hearts sank once again at the feats of this bowling phenom.


Stuart Broad sets up a thrilling finale with late Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne scalps (Yahoo Sport)

I am getting PTSD from the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test when Australia lost by just 2 runs at the end of Day 5.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-tour-of-england-and-scotland-2005-139019/england-vs-australia-2nd-test-215010/full-scorecard

On that fateful day 18 years ago at the same ground, Australia chased down the English total to nearly win the game.

Day 5. Australia will be seeking revenge for that darkest day in our cricketing history.

The difference with 2005 is that in 2005 the main Australian batters completely failed and it was up to the bowlers to try to save the day and they nearly did.

[Meclazine for Israel]

The difference with 2005 is that in 2005 the main Australian batters completely failed and it was up to the bowlers to try to save the day and they nearly did.

Heading towards a 50 over shootout which only favours Australia with 7 wickets in hand.

Play has resumed.

Australia need 90.

England need 4 wickets.

[OSR stands with Israel]

The difference with 2005 is that in 2005 the main Australian batters completely failed and it was up to the bowlers to try to save the day and they nearly did.

Heading towards a 50 over shootout which only favours Australia with 7 wickets in hand.

Play has resumed.

Australia need 90.

England need 4 wickets.

Well turns out it was sorta like 2005 as the bowlers did have to save the day here but unlike 2005 they did .

[Cassius]

How good is Australia.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Every Australian cricketing fan right now.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cs1Vtvxrvcb/

[OSR stands with Israel]

How good is Australia.

I mean had England not stupidly declared so early in the first innings they probably could have set a target of 300 or so which would have been harder for Australia to chase down

[Cassius]

How good is Australia.

I mean had England not stupidly declared so early in the first innings they probably could have set a target of 300 or so which would have been harder for Australia to chase down

Was a reference to the ScoMo quote from the 2019 Australian general election, but you’re not wrong. Rather arrogant of them, but then I suppose they were confident that they could chase down the win. Stupid of them to under underestimate the World Test champions like that.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

Sky Sport Cricket post match discussion

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

How good is Australia.

I mean had England not stupidly declared so early in the first innings they probably could have set a target of 300 or so which would have been harder for Australia to chase down

Was a reference to the ScoMo quote from the 2019 Australian general election, but you’re not wrong. Rather arrogant of them, but then I suppose they were confident that they could chase down the win. Stupid of them to under underestimate the World Test champions like that.

Bazball and the day one declaration allowed for the possibility of a result. Otherwise this would have been a draw (lack of overs to get a result from the rain). The Poms had chances they didn't take. So they just didn't capitalise on the chances they did create, which can happen in cricket as in life. They will win games with this style, no doubt about that. It also open them up to a result like this. I think on the whole Bazball will prove a net positive in both results and bringing people to the games.

So at the end of the day we can say that the forces of evil scored 666 over their two innings. The forces of light chased them down with a total of 668

2023 1st Ashes Test at Edgbaston stats:
Aus 668 runs off 1252 balls, losing 18 wickets.
Eng 666 runs off 866 balls, losing 18 wickets.

Aus 37.11 runs/wkt, 53.35 runs/100 balls.
Eng 37.00 runs/wkt, 76.91 runs/100 balls

Aus 68 fours, 11 sixes
Eng 67 fours, 7 sixes

[Meclazine for Israel]

Sky Sport Cricket post match discussion

Kevin Petersen was going ballistic in the commentary box when Australia lost their 8th wicket. His high pitched voice went half an octave higher.

I enjoyed Nassar Hussein's commentary the best.

He and Ricky Ponting showed their insightful captains opinions time and time again. It was almost as if their brains could have been transplanted into the game effectively.

For example, the new ball should have been given to Jimmy Anderson in that last session. Ricky was right on that decision.

I like the way Ricky and Nassar explained it.

Either way, test cricket was the winner. The 2nd test is going to be spectacular.

[Meclazine for Israel]

The difference with 2005 is that in 2005 the main Australian batters completely failed and it was up to the bowlers to try to save the day and they nearly did.

Cummins and Lyon (Gazza) won this one with the same points you mentioned.

Labuschagne and Smith failed both innings.

Game Summary (Days 3-4)

https://www.facebook.com/reel/592305759677580

[Filuwaúrdjan]

England's chronic lack of penetrative bowlers did them in again. You need at least one bowler who is either properly quick or is a true spin-bowler: this team lacked either. It is a great attritional bowling attack, but you sometimes need something a little sharper as well.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

Labuschagne and Smith failed both innings.

This is a nice change and encouraging that we didn't  actually need them to have a major contribution with the bat to win.

England's chronic lack of penetrative bowlers did them in again. You need at least one bowler who is either properly quick or is a true spin-bowler: this team lacked either. It is a great attritional bowling attack, but you sometimes need something a little sharper as well.

Mark Wood would have be handy for the Poms. Six matches in eight weeks makes selections harder than normal.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Ricky Ponting shuts down Kevin Petersen.

Joe Root Discussion

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtsxzErtldV/

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 1

2nd Test - Lords

It's the Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne show.

https://live.cricket.com.au/match/3071/55392/england-men-vs-australia-men-mens-ashes-2023/scorecard

If you like watching good batting, this is the best ticket in town.

I consider these two batsmen the number 1 and number 2 rated stroke players in the World.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 2

2nd Test - Lords

England can lose the test today. If Australia kick on with another 150 runs and declare, then Mitchell Starc and Cummins takes quick wickets for Australia, England can put themselves in a losing position.

Alternatively, England might take quick wickets and then bat themselves into the match.

It's a pivotal day coming up in 6 hours time.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

416 after being sent in is excellent.

[Meclazine for Israel]

England Out 1st Innings 325.

Khawaja and Warner now facing the music. The remainder of this day will most likely dictate the result of the game.

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 3

2nd Test - Lords

This day certainly favoured Australia who have now put themselves in what you would consider an unloseable position with 2 days remaining.

Stuart Broad copped a nasty ball to the side of his throat/jaw. This guy is simple an incredible sportsman who gets in the middle of everything.


It was another fascinating battle between Stuart Broad and Marnus Labuschagne // Getty

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/match-report/australia-england-ashes-second-test-day-three-lords-report-scores-video-highlights/2023-06-30

"In all, England's demise had taken 90 minutes and – unlike the previous evening – was the product of persistently good bowling rather than a litany of rash strokes, specialist batters Brook and Bairstow being the obvious exceptions."

The acid bath that is the "English Press" will now be unleashed on.....England.

Day 3 Summary

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuI3CkhpnFX/

[Meclazine for Israel]

Day 4 Summary

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuLmYCLvca2/

Darth Vader Arrested

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtogddxIUpa/