Day 53 - England’s Ashes Hopes Wilt in the Heat

​I woke up this morning feeling a little ‘meh’ as I seem to be a bit allergic to something in Adelaide, but thankfully felt more human after a shower and breakfast. The forecasters had promised that today would be HOT and it was already very warm (just thirty-odd degrees) as I walked to the ground. ‘A good day to bat’, I thought optimistically. 


The first mission of the day was to get the last two Australian wickets quickly and cheaply. The England bowling was wayward and, whilst the wickets did come quite quickly, the Aussies had put on an annoying 45 runs before England could bat. Archer did at least get his five-fer though.


There was a lot of hope around. The pitch looked good to bat on, and Crawley and Duckett made a good start. Then the wheels came off. Crawley was out to a good ball, and then…. Shall we not discuss Ollie Pope’s shot? England were three down by lunch and things were not looking good.

But where there is Root, there is hope….. except that he was out soon after lunch. Brook and Stokes rebuilt, but Brook getting out just before tea was very deflating. 

This was also the hottest part of the day, with temperatures topping forty degrees. Whilst I was very, very lucky to be in the shade, it was still very warm. I tried to use my portable fan, but the air temperature meant that even that felt a bit like a hair-dryer! Massive respect to the Barmy Army who were out in the sun  all day. 



The evening session was more of the same, but with some added Snicko controversy and with Stokes gutsing it out. With Stokes and Archer still there at the end maybe there is still some hope…. Maybe…… Maybe….!?

I was thinking of going out after play today, but simply wanted to get back to the hotel to cool off. As such, I have had a quiet evening and will have an early night tonight, ready to go again tomorrow! 

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