The Ashes

[Irishnev]

Ahem

Innings defeat almost certain now - so predictable

[Buzzo]

Just hearing that only 5 teams ever have gone on to lose by an innings after scoring over 400. 3 of them are England within the last 18 months.

[Buzzo]

Australia regain the Ashes.

[Zapater]

Just hearing that only 5 teams ever have gone on to lose by an innings after scoring over 400. 3 of them are England within the last 18 months.

That's an alarming stat. Root looked like he was fighting tears in that interview. He'll get a lot of blame for everything retrospectively especially because his own form has dipped but if you look at management, the other players, an ageing squad, off the pitch problems etc. there are a lot of factors at play for these results.

If there isn't a rally it could easily be 5-0 for England if Australia don't get complacent. Even though Australia have improved I think people are going overboard in their praise, the bowling is good, but let's see, Cummins for example has a lot to prove still. Their batting can still be fragile and prone to a collapse. Their next few series will be telling.

[Irishnev]

Looking at the teams before hand it looked like a Smith vs Root series and first blood to the Aussie captain

Joe Root averages 29.33 in this series.

Steve Smith? 142.

Australia talked before the series about nullifying Root, and how quietening the captain can affect the team. They've been proved right so far.

[Leyton388]

Well done Australia totally deserved and truely pathetic from England.

[Irishnev]

Well done Australia totally deserved and truely pathetic from England.

I still don't think they are anywhere near a great Aussie side but they have Smith & Starc who can make things happen with the bat and ball.

One thing about Australia in any sport (recent rugby results aside - Buzzo ) is that you have to EARN it against them, they'll never be found wanting for effort and bottle. The other thing is if they sniff even a fraction of a chance they'll gobble it up.

[Irishnev]

All doom and gloom merchants obviously

Saw this headline this morning and though it was an April fool....

[ame="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/945923295161053184"]https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/945923295161053184[/ame]

Maybe 5-0 can be avoided..............cue impending collapse

[Shaggy]

I want us to lose 5-0 so I can win my bet

Well annoyed with those ****s. Why can't they do it when it matters.

[Liverpool]

I want us to lose 5-0 so I can win my bet

Well annoyed with those ****s. Why can't they do it when it matters.

Already lined up how I was to spend the winnings

[Irishnev]

Already lined up how I was to spend the winnings

Do you really think that England won’t lose this, one wicket and they’ll collapse

[Liverpool]

Do you really think that England won’t lose this, one wicket and they’ll collapse

Broad looks good, No Starc. Root/Cook still in. Could go anyway

[Shaggy]

Root gone. Here we go. Come on you Aussie ****s.

[Trippendicular]

Root gone. Here we go. Come on you Aussie ****s.

I’d expect either Malan or Bairstow to have a good knock against us today, but it’s England so you never know.

[Shaggy]

Malan gone

Looked like a massive inside edge too Never out