Tests

The first Ashes Test was an excellent cricket match which went right down to the last session and was ultimately won by the team that played the most conservative cricket.  England entertained as they had promised and had some great sessions but Australia hung in there.  With a close game we look at the crucial moments and decisions; the much talked about declaration, dropped catches, having an injured player bowl.  England should have won this match.  I would contend the biggest mistake made by England occurred before the match started and was in fact announced weeks ago.  For the first time in the Stokes/McCullum era we didn’t put our best eleven on the field and we won’t be doing so next week either.  Ben Stokes is a great cricketer and a fantastic captain who makes some inspired, instinctive decisions but he’s also made a couple of piss poor ones.

The only test in the Women’s Ashes was also a good game.  England’s efforts were built around individual brilliance but Australia’s was more of a team effort with everyone contributing and they were comfortable, deserved winners in the end.