England v Australia, Only Test, Wormsley, 11-14 August 2013

No interest?

Ive umpired 3 of them

A brilliant extract from a Grauniad genius

Ahead lie three one-day matches and three Twenty20 matches. For the first time, and in a format which may find traction in men's cricket in the years to come, the victor will be decided across the three formats of the game. A win in the Test will earn six points with two points on offer for each of the other matches.

Don't agree with the across format idea to decide an Ashes.

Aussie women did ok in their first tour match, should be good to see how they do here.

Fields is an injury concern, after she spent so long out before.

I guess the cross format idea is logical, as there's little marketability in women's Test cricket as a stand alone format, and this will allow the Test to get the profile it deserves by capitalising on the increased exposure of shorter formats in the women's game. Hope Sky are covering it anyway.

I can't see the men's Ashes going down the same route for decades at least though - the Ashes will still be contested over the longer format even if (when?) England and Australia are the only two countries still playing Tests.

Yeah, was pointing out the "gain traction in men's cricket" part. The way the Ashes (and quite a few other series) are supported, it could stand commercially, and there isn't just a stand alone test played every two years.

I don't understand why they are playing this the same time as the men's Ashes. Surely they're missing out on a lot of their potential audience?

Playing the T20 on the same day before the men's match is a good idea though.

I missed the fact the start date was today, thought it was in between the 4th and 5th Tests which would have made sense (other than the clash with T20 finals day). Only a 4 day Test as well - do the scores generally registered not justify a fifth being scheduled?

 What are you on about - this has been on for two days already.

I'm a big fan of Ellyse Perry. Although you have to get past the fact she looks a little bit like Stuart Broad.

Gary 111 wrote:I'm a big fan of Ellyse Perry. Although you have to get past the fact she looks a little bit like Stuart Broad.

After yesterday you'd probably boff him anyway, surely.

Brass Monkey wrote: What are you on about - this has been on for two days already.

What what? He didn't say starting on the same day, did he? He said at the same time.

First wicket down for Aus W. Shrubsole springs back.

PeterCS wrote:
What what? He didn't say starting on the same day, did he? He said at the same time.

First wicket down for Aus W. Shrubsole springs back.

I was... wait for it... calling the English boys the English girls.

Ah.

Anyway, the Aussie Women batting like a proper Test team. 100 up for 2 down.

Looking at their stats...they really don't get that much of an opportunity to play Test cricket.

Makes 1 test seem even more baffling.

Oh well, solid start by the Aussies although no big scores yet.

Slow and steady, the girls seem to be settling in for a long grind.

baggygreen wrote:Looking at their stats...they really don't get that much of an opportunity to play Test cricket.

Makes 1 test seem even more baffling.

Oh well, solid start by the Aussies although no big scores yet.

Are they professional? Test tours can take a long while.

I think some of the England girls work part time for the ECB coaching. Not sure if others have various other part time jobs or whether you can live comfortably off an ECB/ACB contract?

lardbucket wrote:Slow and steady, the girls seem to be settling in for a long grind.

You feelthy beast, sir!

Gary 111 wrote:

baggygreen wrote:Looking at their stats...they really don't get that much of an opportunity to play Test cricket.

Makes 1 test seem even more baffling.

Oh well, solid start by the Aussies although no big scores yet.

Are they professional? Test tours can take a long while.

I think some of the England girls work part time for the ECB coaching. Not sure if others have various other part time jobs or whether you can live comfortably off an ECB/ACB contract?

They are paid, but it's still not really a livelihood for the majority of them, it seems.

Elliot reached 50 a while back. Nifty partnership this.

baggygreen wrote:Elliot reached 50 a while back. Nifty partnership this.

Trevved Cameron as she got her 50

What do we call the bat wielding persons?

Batsperson? Batswoman? Batter? Still Batsman? Batchick?

Batter, usually. Though batchick sounds far better.

Batter? Will, if she's willing...

Sexist jokes aside, quite the crabbing from Aus at the moment. 90 overs and only 3/223

Still, setting up for a nice first innings