TOPIC:

The womens series has turned into a tight one now after Australia looked like they had it wrapped up. England beat the Aussies in the latest ODI to tie the series at 6 all. It was only the 2nd loss for Australia in about 40 ODIs! An incredible record but there have been signs that other teams are catching up with this all conquering combination.

Last nights ODI was riddled with errors with England dropping 6 catches and missing a stumping. Normally you would expect Australia to make them pay for this but they were in a generous mood themselves in the first ten overs conceding 80 odd runs including 20 sundries. It was a shock to see them playing so much sloppy cricket because of the high standards they normally set. They came back and nearly grabbed it but that first ten overs made the difference.
All to play for in the last 2 games, just like the mens ashes.

Neser scores an unbeaten 170 for Glamorgan overnight....Can't read too much into it considering Swepson scored 60 odd batting at 10. Be interesting if Neser backs it up with a 5 for tonight.....whether the Aust selectors think about giving Neser a run at Old Trafford one  can  never tell.

The ladies seem to be staggering at the final hurdle.....the English mentally seem to have no fear of the Aust ladies this series....geez if both the English teams come from 2 zip down to take the spoils over Aust, it will be talked about for as long as that Botham  knock has been talked about, way back in 81....

Neser has to play the next test based on these numbers
Since the start of last summer’s Sheffield Shield, he has averaged 52.75 with the bat and 19.56 with the ball across first-class competitions in Australia and the UK.

Surely he plays ahead of Hazelwood for this test based on those numbers

If they were picking the squad based on Shield form then Bancroft would be opening but nup, ignore Shield form, go with good blokes and old mates instead. What's the point of playing Sheffield Shield cricket if performances get ignored?

Yes men, the number three has failed too, which would see some shuffle the order up one and bat Neser at number five. Also, you can do this, and play Marsh and Green, if you make him the third seamer batting at eight. 
 Warner, Usman, Smith, Head, Neser, Green, Cary, Marsh, Cummings, Starc, Murphy.

Neser at 5 AR????????
He is a bowling all rounder, Green & Marsh are batting all rounders.
Swap Neser to 8 where he normally bats and Green at 5 & Marsh 6 and I would be happy with that line up although Hazlewood more likely to play instead, not sure about Murphy, he bowls too quick in English conditions and there is no chance Warner is dropped he seems untouchable, whilst Labushagne despite throwing away starts probably deserves another chance!

a couple of snippets out of the UK 
Renshaw has already been dismissed
Harris says he knows he isn't going to play this series

 

Not sure Neser is a test number 5 AR, definitely deserves a crack at 8 though. Really think Labuschagne needs to step up and open...in Leeds he was the pseudo opener anyway....and made 2 starts before imploding. Not sure Murphy is needed in Manchester... the weather doesn't look conducive for spin.....but traditionally Aust always play a spinner.....regardless of the conditions....

Well done to the Womens team for retaining the ashes. Gee they made hard work of it though, England were in the game right up to the last ball. Alana King was the key inclusion in this game and she justified her selection with 3 wickets. Hopefully the mens team can follow suit at Old Trafford later in the week.

England with only 1 change - Anderson for Robinson
Australia likely 2 changes - Green & Hazelwood for Marsh & Boland , Marsh could still play if they drop Murphy