There is much to criticise the England team for, but that last hour or so at Headingley was unbelievable. And let's not overlook Stokes contribution to that amazing Leach innings. Bad night's sleep last night, so at about 3am just gave up and listened to the TMS commentary again.

Not expecting us to win - and on current form we don't deserve to, but lovely to have the hope that has killed so many times actually be vindicated for once!

at who's just posted

It's taken that absurdly "Roy of the Rovers" last day at Headingly, normally a dream of insane proportions, to promote this outburst

And in t' good old days there would have been banter and predictions galore so thank you for highlighting it
(feels guilty for not having done it oneself)

The last few days have been unusually good up here and, taking full advantage to complete construction of grandkids' climbing frame and slide, TMS and crew has been my constant companion - sometimes with passers-by enquiring after the score!

Even my better half who is "not" into Fiat Coupes or cricket began to get drawn in by the excitement....when I messaged family in Leeds (Far Headingley) to ask if they could hear anything from the ground's direction they replied "yes, what's all the noise about?"

A day of history, nay legend, for which Stokes (yes, and Jack Leach) will have redeemed himself somewhat and made himself a national hero.

Hi, how are you doing MJ by the way?!

An amazing day and the whole test was just balmy. I too re-listened to the TMS fell asleep about 45 mins a three hr session. Woke to hear Leach join and next it was morning. Then I watched the highlights I'd recorded the previous night. Still unbelievable!

Still no place for Ian Bell

Ha

Though it seems one or two up the order are doing their best to usher him in...

Ticketty boo, thanks for asking! On a par with Nathan Lyon before the umpire's finger didn't go up

Amazing game - privilege to watch it

We have joined the Evil Empire (Sky) for the F1 and - obviously - the cricket. It was another classic case of can't watch, can't NOT watch.

MrsC stayed in the garden "until we only need 20", whilst I dithered between TV, kitchen, garden.

Absolutely unbelievable. And so soon after the World Cup.

Probably the peak of my cricket-watching life!

I too rejoined Sky after a significant sabbatical and whilst not a massive cricket fan, I had a sense of history in the making when I could hear my cricket-loving neighbours getting a tad rowdy next door!
Sport at it's best.
Amazing!

Let's see if their faith in Roy is justified by his move down the order tomorrow. Denly at least looks as if he can apply himself as befits an opener. Woakes misses out and hopefully his replacement Overton will find something in the pitch - Broad though is my bet to rip into the Aussies...

And... it's Steve Smith Groundhog Day.

A good result in Manchester with Australia retaining the Ashes by 185 runs and with 81 balls to spare.

I didn't watch any of it, they were at lunch when I checked my phone on going to bed last night, but it looked promising. Good news when I checked this morning, it's been quite a wait to give it to the poms on home soil.

Has to be said the better team won. But were it not for Steve Smith it could have been so different....

Warner must be terrified in his sleep from Broad nightmares. He can't be far off being dropped.

There's few batsmen who don't go through a poor run - Root and Alasdair Cook in his day for a start - but Warner's brilliant fielding is still a potential matchwinner...

A shame that where the urn goes has not come down to the last test. It has been a really good series thus far. If England win the final test, I will take some solace from that - but if not, on current form the better team will have won.

That said, Smith is a freak and his performance has distorted everything. Him aside, the teams have been pretty much par.

He's certainly a joy to watch when he's on song.

The final throws of summer are now in motion as the last test match gets underway. England to bat, an all out by 17:00 I would say, with some sad regret

At least Sam Curran is playing, a much deserved cap this summer.

Should have given Ian Bell another go