Opinion NMFC Board Cricket Thread III

[Passmore]

I dunno. I reckon if that catch had been paid this morning they would have won this match for certain, and probably one of, if not both of the first two tests as well.

No doubt.

I suspect "If" is going to get a Knighthood.

 

[Loose_Cannon]

For all the ‘England have had their chances’, they have been thoroughly outplayed in almost every aspect.
Australia easily the the best bowler, batsman, and keeper.
Australia have scored over 500 twice while England hasn’t even passed 400.
Australia has had many more 50+ run partnerships, partnerships win test matches.
All the ‘if justs’ work on a fantasy that things would have otherwise been perfect, that’s not life or sport. They would have just lost in different ways.

Partnerships AND catches. I reckon the English dropped a lot of gettable chances as well. Sure we spilled a few, but the English really let themselves down there as well.

 

[Lomas]

Partnerships AND catches. I reckon the English dropped a lot of gettable chances as well. Sure we spilled a few, but the English really let themselves down there as well.

Very true.

 

[Samsquanch]

 

[Lomas]

View attachment 2506931

And, unlike stokes, an empty helmet never gets ahead of itself.

 

[roo blitz]

Brook and Root have been solid, and it looks like Bethell will be a gun. Why they stuck with Pope so long I have NFI. Duckett and Crawley have had their chances this series, and I've seen them play better in the past.

One thing I always look for is the "game within the game", and this time around I think it was overs bowled that really decided things, especially 1st innings overs and how many the Aussies forced the Poms into bowling.

1st Test:
Aus bowled 32.5 overs and then 34.4 overs for a total of ~67 overs
Eng bowled 45.2 overs and then 28.2 overs for a total of ~73 overs
Aus win by 8 wickets

2nd Test:
Aus bowled 76.2 overs and then 75.2 overs for a total of ~151 overs
Eng bowled 117.3 overs and then 10 overs for a total of ~127 overs
Aus win by 8 wickets

3rd Test:
Eng bowled 91.2 overs and then 84.4 overs for a total of ~175 overs
Aus bowled 87.2 overs and then 102.5 overs for a total of ~190 overs
Aus win by 82 runs

4th Test:
Eng bowled 45.2 overs and then 34.3 overs for a total of ~80 overs
Aus bowled 29.5 overs and then 32.2 overs for a total of ~62 overs
Eng win by 4 wickets

5th Test:
Aus bowled 97.3 overs and then 88.2 overs for a total of ~186 overs
Eng bowled 133.5 overs and then 31.2 overs for a total of ~165 overs
Aus win by 5 wickets

Every single first innings the English had to work harder to get the Aussies out. In the first test, the English bowled MORE overs than the Aussies and the Aussies still won by 8 wickets. Bazball has to be retooled or die if they are to be more competitive; you've got to make the opposition work to get you out. I hope they stick with it and suffer, of course, but the answers are plain as mud. For all the talk of "exciting Bazball", did the Aussies not score as quickly or quicker most of the time? In a mostly sensible fashion for most of them (Green...Marnus...that Uzzie hook shot...).

I'm sure there are some stats out there on average pace per fast bowler per spell, and I am sure the likes of Archer and Atkinson slowed up after having to grind as much as they did; they also didn't make it through the series. Wood too but he's hardly on the park ever anyway. I'd feel aggrieved if I were an English fast bowler knowing I have to work that hard just for Duckett or Crawley or Smith to mindlessly throw away their wickets.

Thats a great review Loose Cannon

 

[roo blitz]

For all the ‘England have had their chances’, they have been thoroughly outplayed in almost every aspect.
Australia easily the the best bowler, batsman, and keeper.
Australia have scored over 500 twice while England hasn’t even passed 400.
Australia has had many more 50+ run partnerships, partnerships win test matches.
All the ‘if justs’ work on a fantasy that things would have otherwise been perfect, that’s not life or sport. They would have just lost in different ways.

Another good review of the series Lomas. Its been good chatting with you guys towards the back end of the series. Well done to the Aussies. Far more consistent and stood up when they needed to with Carey, Starc, Head starring with many cameos along the way. They were missing 3 of their key bowlers when it mattered and I honestly thought England would be in it with them neck to neck although I think everyone knew England's prep work was non existent coming into the series and would cost them which it did. I hope a few English ego's have been brought down to earth. Its easily the most bizarre series I can remember. Not really one to remember for overall greatness from both sides, but more from individual players. A missed opportunity for sure by England but a well deserved victory to Australia. They know how to win the big moments. Every time England looked like getting on top which they did during the series they would just stuff it up but I dont want to take anything away from Australia. I reckon the 150 celebration test will be a great game in 2027 but it should never be played under lights. Thats crazy to do and could result in another 2 day disaster if they dont get it right and both teams should be well prepared equally for it which I doubt will happen as orange ball tests will never be played in Uk

 

[roo blitz]

Crazy thing is if England came back in 3 months with a proper preparation and back in form, took their catches and cut out the stupid Bazball craziness which I once was a fan of I reckon they would be real hard to beat with a team of Duckett, Tribe, Bethell, Root, Brook, Stokes, Smith Atkinson, Archer, Tongue and either Leach or Rehan Ahmed as a proper spinner.
I doubt Duckett and Smith would play as badly again as both are talented. Brook has to settle down and make big 100s again instead of giving it away. The spinners are a concern but Leach is better than anything they have had on this tour. Rehan looks like he could really develop into a good test player if given the opportunity. Tribe is one to watch out for the future. Keep an eye on him. Its like crying over spilt milk and irrelevant and silly to say now but with 3 proper warm up games and Paul Collingwood back as fielding coach and less time in Noosa and on the golf course and ego's in check I reckon it would be much closer.

 

[Passmore]

"If" was certainly their player of the series.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Ashes throws up one more contentious decision that could have been solved through using hot spot.

 

[zoomba23]

"If" was certainly their player of the series.

View attachment 2507072

'It would've been a different story. Australia.'

In addition to exaggerated theatrics, shithouse batting, and a generally dislikeable nature, Ben Stokes is now apparently having a Ben Stroke (not a euphemism)

 

[gokangas]

These boys obviously like to drink. Leadership severely lacking.

England’s Ashes star Harry Brook allegedly involved in altercation with bouncer before series​

England’s Ashes humiliation has taken another embarrassing turn, with revelations team vice-captain Harry Brook was involved in a fight with a bouncer on the eve of the series.
Ben Horne

January 8, 2026 - 6:34PM
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...ory/b87db5930d719766db409ebed7bedd27#comments

England’s 4-1 Ashes humiliation has exploded with revelations vice-captain Harry Brook was involved in a fight with a bouncer on the eve of the Ashes.​

The Telegraph in London has exclusively reported that Brook was struck by a bouncer in New Zealand, where he was captaining England’s white ball team on the October tour immediately before taking on Australia in November.
The late-night fracas took place just hours before he was to lead England onto the field for the third one-day international of the series against the Black Caps.
Brook was reportedly fined and almost lost his job as the England white-ball captain and arrived in Australia on his final warning, but the drunken conduct has only now come to light after Bazball’s last rights were served at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

England's Harry Brook reacts after he was dismissed during play on day four of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
It’s a shocking look on the back of revelations earlier in the tour of England’s drinking sessions in Noosa, including video which emerged of opener Ben Duckett engaging in a conversation with a member of the public when he was highly intoxicated.
The reports about Brook’s conduct in New Zealand will heap even further pressure on England coach Brendon McCullum over the culture he has overseen.
The Telegraph reported that on October 31, Brook was refused entry to an establishment after security believed him to be intoxicated.
An argument ensued according to the report, and the 26-year-old was hit by the bouncer, but not injured.
In the modern day, it’s an extraordinary incident to happen on the night before the captain was to lead out his team in an international match – especially given England went on to lose and Brook was part of a top order collapse to be out for six off 11 balls.

Brook plays a shot in front of New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Latham during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval in Tauranga on October 26, 2025. (Photo by DJ MILLS / AFP)

“We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process,” an ECB spokesman told The UK Telegraph.
“The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion.”
Brook reportedly dobbed himself into England management and was fined the equivalent of $60,000 – the maximum amount an England player can be fined for misconduct.
The England star who fell way below expectations on the Ashes issued a statement to The UK Telegraph.
“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” Brook said.
“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my teammates, coaches and supporters. I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me and the standards expected of those representing your country.
“I am determined to learn from this mistake and rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. I apologise unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again.”
There are now major questions to be asked about a drinking culture in the England set-up under McCullum.
England head of cricket Rob Key said after the Noosa incident involving Duckett that the ECB would conduct a full investigation.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

'It would've been a different story. Australia.'

In addition to exaggerated theatrics, shithouse batting, and a generally dislikeable nature, Ben Stokes is now apparently having a Ben Stroke (not a euphemism)

It's a piss poor graphic trying to be purposefully inflammatory for clicks.
What he said following that was "Australia is a great team, they play incredible cricket, they have some outstanding bowlers so we have to give them a lot of credit"

 

[DarkPhoenix]

I think everyone knew England's prep work was non existent coming into the series

Nah, McCullum said they OVERprepared

 

[Passmore]

'It would've been a different story. Australia.'

In addition to exaggerated theatrics, shithouse batting, and a generally dislikeable nature, Ben Stokes is now apparently having a Ben Stroke (not a euphemism)

"It was 4-1, but if we'd batted better, bowled better, fielded better, and not pinned our hopes on a couple of injury prone quicks, it could've easily been 4-1our way"

 

[Passmore]

These boys obviously like to drink. Leadership severely lacking.

England’s Ashes star Harry Brook allegedly involved in altercation with bouncer before series​

England’s Ashes humiliation has taken another embarrassing turn, with revelations team vice-captain Harry Brook was involved in a fight with a bouncer on the eve of the series.
Ben Horne

January 8, 2026 - 6:34PM
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...ory/b87db5930d719766db409ebed7bedd27#comments

England’s 4-1 Ashes humiliation has exploded with revelations vice-captain Harry Brook was involved in a fight with a bouncer on the eve of the Ashes.​

The Telegraph in London has exclusively reported that Brook was struck by a bouncer in New Zealand, where he was captaining England’s white ball team on the October tour immediately before taking on Australia in November.
The late-night fracas took place just hours before he was to lead England onto the field for the third one-day international of the series against the Black Caps.
Brook was reportedly fined and almost lost his job as the England white-ball captain and arrived in Australia on his final warning, but the drunken conduct has only now come to light after Bazball’s last rights were served at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

England's Harry Brook reacts after he was dismissed during play on day four of the fifth and final Ashes cricket test between England and Australia in Sydney, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
It’s a shocking look on the back of revelations earlier in the tour of England’s drinking sessions in Noosa, including video which emerged of opener Ben Duckett engaging in a conversation with a member of the public when he was highly intoxicated.
The reports about Brook’s conduct in New Zealand will heap even further pressure on England coach Brendon McCullum over the culture he has overseen.
The Telegraph reported that on October 31, Brook was refused entry to an establishment after security believed him to be intoxicated.
An argument ensued according to the report, and the 26-year-old was hit by the bouncer, but not injured.
In the modern day, it’s an extraordinary incident to happen on the night before the captain was to lead out his team in an international match – especially given England went on to lose and Brook was part of a top order collapse to be out for six off 11 balls.

Brook plays a shot in front of New Zealand's wicketkeeper Tom Latham during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval in Tauranga on October 26, 2025. (Photo by DJ MILLS / AFP)

“We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process,” an ECB spokesman told The UK Telegraph.
“The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion.”
Brook reportedly dobbed himself into England management and was fined the equivalent of $60,000 – the maximum amount an England player can be fined for misconduct.
The England star who fell way below expectations on the Ashes issued a statement to The UK Telegraph.
“I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team,” Brook said.
“Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my teammates, coaches and supporters. I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me and the standards expected of those representing your country.
“I am determined to learn from this mistake and rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. I apologise unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again.”
There are now major questions to be asked about a drinking culture in the England set-up under McCullum.
England head of cricket Rob Key said after the Noosa incident involving Duckett that the ECB would conduct a full investigation.

Lightweights.

 

[RooInNorthLondon]

The English press are reacting to ECB giving Key and McCullum the chance to decide to stay by savaging all three, going after the lack of preparation and professionalism on display. The average sports fan tuned the series out after Perth feeling the outcome was inevitable. People have not talked about it much at work or socially. English cricket is a mess and becoming increasingly peripheral to the national consciousness. Not great for the game overall but my tiny violin is overworked now

 

[zoomba23]

It's a piss poor graphic trying to be purposefully inflammatory for clicks.
What he said following that was "Australia is a great team, they play incredible cricket, they have some outstanding bowlers so we have to give them a lot of credit"

Very unlike a media outlet to distort reality so that I can comment scathingly and come away looking like a muppet. How disgraceful

 

[Samsquanch]

Very unlike a media outlet to distort reality so that I can comment scathingly and come away looking like a muppet. How disgraceful

Speaking of muppets...

 

[gokangas]

Tee hee hee

 

[Lomas]

"It was 4-1, but if we'd batted better, bowled better, fielded better, and not pinned our hopes on a couple of injury prone quicks, it could've easily been 4-1our way"

Needs more ifs.

 

[Roostorm]

What a delusional bunch they are..reminds me of a certain coach we had…long may their delusion continue


but l loved this post pick as well. job done.

 

[RooInNorthLondon]

Needs more ifs.

The very first CFO boss I had in industry met every ‘if’ excuse offered to him by commercial folk with a ‘why’ e.g. if X,Y,Z would have given you a better outcome why didn’t you do them? The ECB needs some smart people asking good questions as Key, McCullum, Stokes et al wheel out their excuses.

 

[Dan]

Deluded optimism, a lot of false confidence that team had coming here.

Look at what was said in the months prior from them lot before the series started and looked what happened.

And they continued with the excuses and optimism after every loss.

4-1 doesn't sit well with me....should be 5-0.

 

[ferball]

What a delusional bunch they are..reminds me of a certain coach we had…long may their delusion continue


but l loved this post pick as well. job done.

How long since the Poms won a test in Australia?