Aus [662/9d] defeat Eng [403 & 218] in the 3rd Test by an innings and 41 runs to regain The Ashes

[Convict]

Lack of 140k+ bowlers is hurting them.

Bowling at 130k will be enough to get wickets in England. But in Aus, you need solid pacers who can hit 140k+ and bang it into the pitch to extract something out of the pitch.

Starc and Cummins were bowling close to 145k all thorough the day and even Hazlewood upped his pace to over 140 most of the times.

Broad/Anderson/Woakes are all bowling at Stuart Binny pace.

Hazlewood even reached 148 km on the morning of day 5 in Adelaide when Australia desperately needed a wicket.

 

[MMHS]

I wouldn't pay to watch him, he's ugly but effective.

I hope Kohli surpasses him because I want the best of this generation and GOAT contender to be someone who is easy on the eye. Smith bats like he's holding a shovel and digging balls out.

In one sense, he is unique of his own style. He is like John Mcenroe or Jack Dempsy or Ayrton Senna or say Bobby Fischer - unconventional, but someone sets own style. He is heading for 950+ ranking points, something only reached by Bradman, with 170%+ better stats than his 2nd man!!!! Smith is almost certainly an ATG already, and he played clutch innings in ODI as well.

Only 2 batsmen I can recall with such dominance was Ponting for 3/4 years at the start of this millennium and Viv between 1975 to 1980 (of which 2/3 years lost for WSC)

 

[JattMaula]

Lead of 200 and declare?

 

[MMHS]

I tend to feel that, ENG made gross mistakes in their assessment of this Ashes. Probably, because of the scar MoJo left in their last tour, their entire focus was to strengthening batting - increase batting depth, pick multi role players. But, they massively neglected their attack - with due respect, I feel this is one of the weakest AUS batting line-up since mid 80s, yet one Smith is threatening 5-0 here.

Stokes antics & Finn's injury didn't help preparation at 11th hour, but still ENG should have revisited their strategy - brought aged attack, monotonous attack, and very much non AUS track attack. I was almost certain that they won't take 20 wickets, but it's like being out-classed, and this is certainly not that AUS of 17 years back.

 

[Aman]

Anyone who has witnessed his drives and flicks would question if you have ever watched him.

I watched them, they're not elgant whatsoever.

Why must you defend everything Australian? Nearly everyone admits he's ugly to watch.

 

[MMHS]

Smith could have won Olympic gold in fencing, had he gone for that career!!!!!

 

[Gilly]

I watched them, they're not elgant whatsoever.

Why must you defend everything Australian? Nearly everyone admits he's ugly to watch.

Your loss mate, turn your TV off and do something you like.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Aus will be all out for 450 odd. Eng to score 350 . Aus fail to chase 300 and lose by 70 . Yes , you heard it here first.

Okay, champ.

 

[MMHS]

I believe 4 brothers & 1 son have scored hundreds for PAK - Wazir, Hanif, Mushtaq & Sadiq; later Shoaib.

 

[Aman]

In one sense, he is unique of his own style. He is like John Mcenroe or Jack Dempsy or Ayrton Senna or say Bobby Fischer - unconventional, but someone sets own style. He is heading for 950+ ranking points, something only reached by Bradman, with 170%+ better stats than his 2nd man!!!! Smith is almost certainly an ATG already, and he played clutch innings in ODI as well.

Only 2 batsmen I can recall with such dominance was Ponting for 3/4 years at the start of this millennium and Viv between 1975 to 1980 (of which 2/3 years lost for WSC)

Do you find him good to watch? Or do you find his batting unpleasing on the eyes.

 

[DRsohail]

At WACA, spinners doesn't enjoy much though. I think, it's the aged attack, with 4 similar type 30+ pacer isn't helping much. But, here they lost initiative on 2nd morning, from 350/4. Should have reached close to 550 from that start.

but keeping one end tight would have helped...and england need a jhonson,wahab type bowler ...though many will not agreed but i think he would have been handy<wahab>.

 

[MMHS]

Okay, champ.

Still, not over - Aussies can lose 6/13 and then Poms posting 350 by Tea tomorrow.

 

[Aman]

Australia should look to get a lead of 250 and declare.

If England can score 400, Australia should be able to score 600+

 

[Aman]

200 run partnership.

Another 100 runs and hit out for the last 150.

Ashes over.

 

[MMHS]

Do you find him good to watch? Or do you find his batting unpleasing on the eyes.

I do watch his batting and enjoy it, for it's uniqueness - sometimes too perfection becomes monotonous. His stance, elbow, standing position, footwork, head position might not be perfect, but his 3 qualities are at the highest level - balance & body position at the time of hitting, his timing & placement, and his almost cent % success in connecting the ball at the perfect spot on bat, from any position.

 

[Rafa]

Will this be a draw? What if England get another 400 in the third innings?

 

[kingusama92]

 

[JattMaula]

I do watch his batting and enjoy it, for it's uniqueness - sometimes too perfection becomes monotonous. His stance, elbow, standing position, footwork, head position might not be perfect, but his 3 qualities are at the highest level - balance & body position at the time of hitting, his timing & placement, and his almost cent % success in connecting the ball at the perfect spot on bat, from any position.

He is superhuman. Those amazing reflexes would make any batting style work.

 

[MMHS]

This Test might be over in 4 days.

The rate Aussies are batting, if they use the heavy roller tomorrow morning and declare with 80 overs at hand (88, considering 8 overs extension), don't think Poms' top order would survive first 25 overs of Kookaburra either side of lunch.

 

[MMHS]

Will this be a draw? What if England get another 400 in the third innings?

May be in their 3rd innings - that's in 2 weeks time at MCG.

 

[Aman]

I do watch his batting and enjoy it, for it's uniqueness - sometimes too perfection becomes monotonous. His stance, elbow, standing position, footwork, head position might not be perfect, but his 3 qualities are at the highest level - balance & body position at the time of hitting, his timing & placement, and his almost cent % success in connecting the ball at the perfect spot on bat, from any position.

Fair enough.

 

[Hasan123]

What I like about Smiths batting is that his technique is unique. It's not something we have seen before . For it to be this successful is amazing. Technique isn't about having a textbook one. It's about something that works for you and allows you to score runs. With Smiths technique he's found a way to make the most of his brilliant hand eye cordination.

After Kohli he's my favourite player in today's game.

 

[Aman]

[MENTION=132373]Convict[/MENTION]

Merry Christmas

 

[MMHS]

Fair enough.

Actually, I like him for a different reason as well. Last year, after Hobert Test, he said (to jurnos) that he was feeling embarrassed talking in front of them as Aussie Captain, despite being the lone wolf - that needs great, great heart & self respect. Imagine most of our Asian players (& Poms as well) - last month Shakib bunked SAF Test tour and he is playing T10 now!!!!!!

 

[Convict]

Actually, I like him for a different reason as well. Last year, after Hobert Test, he said (to jurnos) that he was feeling embarrassed talking in front of them as Aussie Captain, despite being the lone wolf - that needs great, great heart & self respect. Imagine most of our Asian players (& Poms as well) - last month Shakib bunked SAF Test tour and he is playing T10 now!!!!!!

Yeah. Right attitude for a Captain.

 

[MMHS]

If Root doesn't hit a hundred at MCG or SCG, he should step down as Captain. He is risking a Trott or Trescothic like fate here.

 

[kingusama92]

If Root doesn't hit a hundred at MCG or SCG, he should step down as Captain. He is risking a Trott or Trescothic like fate here.

Smith has completely outclassed him as captain and batsman.

 

[MMHS]

Smith should get a triple here, so far chance less double and Pom pacers are on their knees.

 

[Hasan123]

Actually, I like him for a different reason as well. Last year, after Hobert Test, he said (to jurnos) that he was feeling embarrassed talking in front of them as Aussie Captain, despite being the lone wolf - that needs great, great heart & self respect. Imagine most of our Asian players (& Poms as well) - last month Shakib bunked SAF Test tour and he is playing T10 now!!!!!!

Also after CT exit I'm sure he said he was embarrassed as well.

Brilliant batsmen and a good leader.

 

[Madplayer]

Smith has completely outclassed him as captain and batsman.

Not taking anything away from smith but ts easier to do it at home. I expect root to do much much better when they play next in England.

 

[Hasan123]

Smith should eye triple century here. Overton has a cracked rib, so Poms down to 4 bowlers here. One of which is Moen on this flat wicket that has nothing in it for the spinners.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Is Smith seriously the second best batsman in the history of the game? Something doesn't sit right about the state of the game if the answer to that question is yes. However, if Smith maintains an average above 60 for the course of his career, you won't be able to form a coherent argument against him being the best after Bradman. Even if most of the bowling attacks in this era are no more than cannon fodder.

 

[kingusama92]

Not taking anything away from smith but ts easier to do it at home. I expect root to do much much better when they play next in England.

I agree but Smith did far better when he went to England in 2015.

Got his highest score there.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Marsh about to score a double.

 

[MMHS]

Smith has completely outclassed him as captain and batsman.

Very good player, but probably not mentally tough enough to lead the side. Would have got away with had he got a peak Cook & KP, but not with this team. Also, I don't know if he is alive or not, but as I said 8 months back, instead of Vince or Balance, I would have risked Bell for one last time, through 3 Tests against WI - he could have reduced pressure on Root.

 

[Ab Fan]

If Root doesn't hit a hundred at MCG or SCG, he should step down as Captain. He is risking a Trott or Trescothic like fate here.

He should get one atleast when series is alive. Even a game changing 70-80 could have worked.

What is the point of getting a hundred on dead rubber? He has got two fifties which till now has been of no use.

 

[Madplayer]

I agree but Smith did far better when he went to England in 2015.

Got his highest score there.

That certainly is true. Root has to score a big one in his next few innings to be able to make a case for himself. He has been abysmal so far.

 

[Ab Fan]

Think they are eyeing for a 200 run lead here. Completely demoralizing show it would be if happens.

 

[Ab Fan]

Smith has outperformed Kohli and Williamson last time when he toured those countries and was very good in England also getting outscored only by Root which was the best series for Root himself.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Very good player, but probably not mentally tough enough to lead the side. Would have got away with had he got a peak Cook & KP, but not with this team. Also, I don't know if he is alive or not, but as I said 8 months back, instead of Vince or Balance, I would have risked Bell for one last time, through 3 Tests against WI - he could have reduced pressure on Root.

Bell has done absolutely nothing in first-class cricket to warrant a recall. He averaged 26 with no centuries for Warwickshire this past summer. He is finished as an international cricketer.

 

[MMHS]

He should get one atleast when series is alive. Even a game changing 70-80 could have worked.

What is the point of getting a hundred on dead rubber? He has got two fifties which till now has been of no use.

True, but a failure even in dead rubber would crash him as a batsman. English cricketers have stress related issues. Also, I don't think MCG or SCG is dead rubber, because from day one, it was a fight against 5-0. I doubt, how many ENG supporter believed that ENG can compete for Ashes - I knew, first 3 Test will decide the Ashes with Adelaide being D/N Test.

 

[MMHS]

Bell has done absolutely nothing in first-class cricket to warrant a recall. He averaged 26 with no centuries for Warwickshire this past summer. He is finished as an international cricketer.

Bro, Vince is averaging 20 and that's playing mostly at home Tests ..... then they put him at 3!!!! At least Bell won't have thought that an 83 is Oscar winning effort.

 

[Ab Fan]

True, but a failure even in dead rubber would crash him as a batsman. English cricketers have stress related issues. Also, I don't think MCG or SCG is dead rubber, because from day one, it was a fight against 5-0. I doubt, how many ENG supporter believed that ENG can compete for Ashes - I knew, first 3 Test will decide the Ashes with Adelaide being D/N Test.

Even if they win other two, I dont think it will be regarded competitive anymore if they lose this match also. But yes, runs in dead rubber will atleast save Root from getting crashed as a batsmen.

However, Australia would continue to dominate because they aren't satisfied by just series win in general.

 

[WengerOut]

This is getting depressing. Somebody scores a century , his rivals are getting admonished.

 

[Convict]

Bro, Vince is averaging 20 and that's playing mostly at home Tests ..... then they put him at 3!!!! At least Bell won't have thought that an 83 is Oscar winning effort.

Was a bit embarrassing when after scoring 80 he went out with that self satisfied "now they know who we are spiel".

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Smith is unreal

 

[Last Monetarist]

Bro, Vince is averaging 20 and that's playing mostly at home Tests ..... then they put him at 3!!!! At least Bell won't have thought that an 83 is Oscar winning effort.

The fact Vince has failed abysmally doesn't indicate Bell would have been successful. He has one first class century over the past 2 seasons, it's not like Bell has been overly successful on Australian tours in the past. There was no plausible justification for selecting him other than the old subcontinental deference for 'seniority'. There's a deplorable lack of batting talent in England right now, which is compounded by timid tactical decisions such as not forcing Root and Bairstow to bat at 3 and 4 respectively.

 

[MMHS]

My hunch is MM will get some wickets as well in next innings, ball is rolling for him.

 

[MMHS]

The fact Vince has failed abysmally doesn't indicate Bell would have been successful. He has one first class century over the past 2 seasons, it's not like Bell has been overly successful on Australian tours in the past. There was no plausible justification for selecting him other than the old subcontinental deference for 'seniority'. There's a deplorable lack of batting talent in England right now, which is compounded by timid tactical decisions such as not forcing Root and Bairstow to bat at 3 and 4 respectively.

One solution can be to play Foakes, bat Malan at 3 and JB at 5; but TB is probably hell bent to extract extra juice from JB.

 

[MMHS]

If anything ever comes with written "hit me", Woakes just bowled one.

 

[troodon]

Marsh playing like Viv and Smith playing like Bradman.

Never seen Marsh destroy a bowling attack with such utter disdain before. He looks set for a double too.

Marsh has scored bulk of the runs in this partnership too.

 

[Last Monetarist]

One solution can be to play Foakes, bat Malan at 3 and JB at 5; but TB is probably hell bent to extract extra juice from JB.

I fully agree with playing Foakes instead of Vince and then push Root to 3, Bairstow at 4. Malan is by no means settled at this level either so keeping him at 5 is probably advisable. It's utterly foolish to require Bairstow to keep wicket when he is easily their second best batsman. Bayliss needs to be fired after this tour.

 

[Ab Fan]

If you are allowing M Marsh to score like this, then you are seriously very mediocre.

 

[MMHS]

Sometimes, I feel posters are too harsh on our boys. After building career on Mirpur, they went to SAF after 7 years, played first Test on 7th day of tour after a 2 day match against few kids, last toured ENG in 2010 and last toured AUS when Mitch Marsh was almost in his nappy - here Poms tour AUS/SAF twice every 4 years for 9-10 Tests and they played 1st Test 3 weeks after reaching - and they are bowling like Rubel & Shafiul!!!!!

 

[WengerOut]

I wouldn't drop Vince. His cover drive to any length and the eventual nick is such a moment to cherish.

 

[Ab Fan]

If you are allowing M Marsh to score like this, then you are seriously very mediocre.

But I guess the reason is that England have already given up and have no fight left. Full Credit to Smith for doing all the dirty works.

 

[MenInG]

I see no reason to declare until Lunch time tomorrow! Aus will only want to bat once.

 

[Ab Fan]

I see no reason to declare until Lunch time tomorrow! Aus will only want to bat once.

Yes a 250 run trail is more than enough to completely demoralize the visiting side when they come to bat again. Only rain can save England from here in my view.

 

[Madplayer]

Sometimes, I feel posters are too harsh on our boys. After building career on Mirpur, they went to SAF after 7 years, played first Test on 7th day of tour after a 2 day match against few kids, last toured ENG in 2010 and last toured AUS when Mitch Marsh was almost in his nappy - here Poms tour AUS/SAF twice every 4 years for 9-10 Tests and they played 1st Test 3 weeks after reaching - and they are bowling like Rubel & Shafiul!!!!!

Atleast Rubel bowls 140 +

 

[Last Monetarist]

Sometimes, I feel posters are too harsh on our boys. After building career on Mirpur, they went to SAF after 7 years, played first Test on 7th day of tour after a 2 day match against few kids, last toured ENG in 2010 and last toured AUS when Mitch Marsh was almost in his nappy - here Poms tour AUS/SAF twice every 4 years for 9-10 Tests and they played 1st Test 3 weeks after reaching - and they are bowling like Rubel & Shafiul!!!!!

Don't think Bangladesh or West Indies would have bowled any worse than England in this match so far. This has been painfully mediocre bowling.

 

[Madplayer]

Pretty classless from the underwear guy in the crowd.

 

[MMHS]

Is Tremmlett active? Is he older than Berbi?

 

[Protea Fan]

Marsh batting better than smith apparently

 

[MMHS]

Marsh batting better than smith apparently

That a bit trick question - if you take out the names, someone coming from outer space would say MM is batting with Stuart McGill; but what Smith has done here is he has crashed the confidence out of ENG bowling. 400+ isn't a bad 1st innings total here - at 80/2 had Smith gone into shell, by now Poms could have been batting. He counter attacked and ate up the deficit for his fastest hundred. Now, what MM is doing is smashing a dead snake.

 

[WengerOut]

That a bit trick question - if you take out the names, someone coming from outer space would say MM is batting with Stuart McGill; but what Smith has done here is he has crashed the confidence out of ENG bowling. 400+ isn't a bad 1st innings total here - at 80/2 had Smith gone into shell, by now Poms could have been batting. He counter attacked and ate up the deficit for his fastest hundred. Now, what MM is doing is smashing a dead snake.

Now change the scenery to sub continent with Asian batsmen, it will be soft runs on flat pitch .

 

[Robert]

I fully agree with playing Foakes instead of Vince and then push Root to 3, Bairstow at 4. Malan is by no means settled at this level either so keeping him at 5 is probably advisable. It's utterly foolish to require Bairstow to keep wicket when he is easily their second best batsman. Bayliss needs to be fired after this tour.

I concur mostly. He picked the wrong team. Four FMs and a flat offie were never going to work here.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Bayliss was sent in as a spy to set England up to fail this tour. Job well done.

 

[MMHS]

Now change the scenery to sub continent with Asian batsmen, it will be soft runs on flat pitch .

These days, most valuable Test runs are scored in Asia - any where.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Malan bowling some beauties.

 

[DRsohail]

MM is handling england bowlers like club level.

 

[Ab Fan]

MM has gone to relentless mode against tired English bowlers now.

 

[Ab Fan]

Partnership- 273(415)

 

[Robert]

If Root doesn't hit a hundred at MCG or SCG, he should step down as Captain. He is risking a Trott or Trescothic like fate here.

Oh for goodness sakes, hyperbole much? He’s been in the job six months. Five matches without a century and he’s risking mental illness?

 

[Ab Fan]

Bat till lunch tomorrow and declare with 300 lead.

 

[WengerOut]

England will always be flogged by Mitchell , be it Johnson, Starc or Marsh.

 

[troodon]

From Cricinfo
Jonas: "If Mitch Marsh gets a double, what forfeit should I do?" It'll never happen. Like President Trump and my failure to invest in Bitcoin ... it's just a bad dream”

LOL

 

[Markhor]

England need to have a long, hard look at their developmental/Loughborough system and why there is a dearth of fit, fast bowlers. England do have fast bowlers but they're all fragile from Wood to Finn to Jamie Overton. Reece Topley has had FOUR stress fractures of his back !

Tom Helm is one of the most promising young quicks, he's 6ft 4 and generates decent pace and bounce but again, he's had his share of injuries.

Without pacers capable of consistently hitting 85mph+ or spinners who can produce wicket-taking spells not just hold up an end, England cannot compete in Australia or in Asia.

 

[Chip32]

There’s a weather warning for Perth on Monday, and Tuesdays forecast ain’t great either. Rain might save England’s as***.

 

[Chip32]

Gotta feel for the Barmy army, they’ve been in full voice all day despite their team performing like a bunch of school boys playing international cricket for the first time.

 

[Convict]

Gotta feel for the Barmy army, they’ve been in full voice all day despite their team performing like a bunch of school boys playing international cricket for the first time.

Most of them probably locals. Perth has whole municipalities which are 30% British born.