5th Test, Oval

[Otto42]

Am planning on doing a holiday of a. lifetime 2025-26. Want to do the Gann train from Darwin to Adelaide and then all 5 matches.

That's on my bucket list, well at least the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, My son went to the WACA with his mum and then partner, was incredibly jealous and he was only 7 at the time - think it was the only Test we lost in the 2010-11 series. While I'm replying Cardiff I remembered the other day that it was down to you I got my tickets for the first day at Edgbaston, so thanks again. We've just had the call to subscribe for Windies next year haven't we!

 

[Otto42]

I've got this down as the 2nd greatest series I've seen after 2005.

For what it's worth, I consider the stumping incident a positive for the series. It was hugely controversial, but who doesn't love a great argument? It didn't spoil the series; it wasn't against the rules, but it has added a whole lot of spice an intrigue to the following matches, and the series nearly ended with Bairstow catching Carry off the last ball.

I think 2005 had the edge in a couple of areas.

1. A limited role for spin bowling, of which I'm a big fan. It didn't help both teams lost their first choice spinners early on. Nor is it fair to expect anyone to equal the heroics of Warne from 2005. But 2005 had that in its favour. Glad to see Ali come to the party yesterday.

2. Settled sides. I think both teams changed line ups more this series. I felt in 2005 more personal rivalries developed as a result of mostly unchanged sides.

I'm saying this because 2005 remains the gold standard for me, but I think it's too easy to assume it will never be equalled. Just saying why I think this was slightly below it.

A vote for 2023 for me too. Loved 2005 - was even at the last day at Edgbaston. Remember that one the Trent Bridge and Old Trafford test being thrillers, but we were well beaten at Lords and desperate for rain at the Oval to win back the urn. This time, probably helped by being so recent, all the matches have seemed thrilling - even the Old Trafford one for the way we batted second innings - never seen an Aussie team so rattled, it reminded me of what their great sides used to do to us in the 90!