You have a strange sense of responsibility if you think thats acceptable for an international cricketer Chaddy.

Stokes got what he deserved Chaddy. This can’t be defended. https://youtu.be/RvXDg4IcYiw

Nice one Kamy. ?

Getting back to pace, I agree that an English bowler with 90+ mph speed and control would be fantastic and I think we’ve had a few over the years. Trying to do that over here nowadays though for an entire career on the softer ground must be so difficult. I doubt that in today’s cricket, with so many games now, it’s possible. How do we encourage bowlers to bowl flat out over here for their entire career? You have to try to give them the wicket to bowl on. Sorry Matty, I’m going round in circles.

Yes, I agree with you. We’ve always struggled in Oz because the bowling conditions are completely different. I can also understand why the coaches slow them down a bit over here (if they do?). Movement of the ball has to be controlled movement. It’s no good swinging the ball around if it’s not in the right areas and that’s much easier to do if it’s done at a slightly lower pace. In Oz, bowlers just need to have pace. As we see all the time there’s little for the medium pacer out there. Oz gives bowlers all the encouragement to bowl as quickly as they can, while in England it’s exactly the opposite. I don’t think we really differ very much Matty. That’s just the way it is.

We can only bring bowlers up to play in English conditions Matty. In England bowlers must move the ball. I can’t see how or why that should change to be honest.

We’ve never had the bowlers to flourish in Oz, Chaddy and it’s unlikely we ever will. English conditions mean bowlers need to be able to move the ball around and generally speaking, when you up the pace, you lose control to some extent. Exceptional pace isn’t necessary in England.

Good day for England, but there’s a long way to go yet. Warns reckons 400+ will see a good contest, while the guys on 5live reckon 550 to give England a chance of a win. I tend to agree with 5live. However, I’ll be amazed and very happy if we get anywhere near to that score. Anything less than that will, I reckon, see the Aussies at least level on first innings and that would be a worry for me. We must have a sizeable lead of 100 or more to be able to put real pressure on them. But..... so far, so good. ps. What were the selectors thinking of playing Bairstow lower down the order? He’s a class act now, even if he is from the wrong part of England.

We all have to remember they could get worse owners. Stability is what they need.

I think the Oystons argue that they have simply reclaimed money they previously “invested” into the club. So are we sure Venkys haven’t already taken out money, or could do so in future? That wouldn’t make them any different would it. however, Venkys don’t have any co shareholders, so it’s different in that way.

Managers fault. It always is (unfortunately).

Piers Morgan.... BREAKING: I'm hearing that Ben Stokes intervened to help two gay guys who were being abused by yobs, one of whom was armed with a bottle.

Got to agree with Jim. That video, - while not being comprehensive - makes it almost impossible to pick him.

Don't see Hales as a test cricketer to be honest.

Good on yer Matty. Should be great.

It'll be a sad day for me when test cricket takes secondary importance to any form of one day cricket. Where you going Matty, I'm envious?

We've just beaten South Africa 3-1 Gav and lead Windies 1-0. Patience Gav.

Chairman believes Lancs on the brink of something big. "Now, with The Point, redeveloped pavilion and hotel all in place and able to generate non-cricketing revenue greater than any other county ground, Hodgkiss feels the club is in a wonderful position – especially with the new city-based T20 tournament due to start in 2020 and a hectic 2019 which will see the club host an Ashes Test and a World Cup semi-final." http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/cricket/lancashire-david-hodgkiss-one-love-13518967.amp?service=responsive

With a blind dog? I know, how can the blind dog find it's way there?

Yep, I don't like it either Gav.

From solid Premier League club with little debt, to a club losing its first two games in the old third division and £100m+ in debt, closing radio rovers and staff redundancies. for Gods sake, just sell up, just go! You've failed and you're still failing.

How can you not be a protestor Chaddy? I thought everyone was a protestor in one way or another.

Hope it stops raining Gav. Not convinced about day/night test matches in this country to be honest.

If you're playing three at the back, those three need to have pace. Where is it?

Yes, I was very surprised at the pace and power from the ladies. Good player Konta. First time I've watched her.