Have you been watching cricket?

Have you caught the cricket bug?

England's cricketers have dominated the front and back pages after the tense finish in the third Ashes test left the series on a knife edge.

Captain Michael Vaughan says his team have "limitless potential" after his side fell one wicket short of taking a 2-1 Ashes series lead.

The Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, David Collier, said it's important to get cricket back on terrestrial television.

Are you a cricket fan or a new convert? Have you been to any of the test matches? Does cricket get enough media coverage?

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This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views received:

SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Anon, UK How should the ECB capitalise on the increased interest in cricket generated by this remarkable Ashes series? Send us your suggestions for Have Your Say debates

Although cricket is mainly thought of as an English game, there is a strong cricketing tradition in the north east of Scotland. My Aberdonian grandfather was a qualified umpire and when my mother was a small girl she used to go to matches with him and help hold the jerseys! She became a fan and eventually passed the gene on to me. One of the nice things about being a Scottish cricket fan is that you can just enjoy the game without necessarily rooting for a particular team. The only exception is when Scotland are playing, of course!
Dave, Perth, Scotland

I have been watching the Ashes and I have found it incredibly exciting, a clash between two incredibly classy sides! Good luck to England, and well done to the team that wins, we are all watching in anticipation! "Go England!"
Alexandra Ferguson, Joburg, South Africa

I've been playing cricket all my life, but I've always been reluctant to watch it on TV because I found it very boring, especially test matches. I could easily watch one day games between the top teams, but never test matches, because it always ended in draws. It was definitely not worth wasting 5 days of my life over. This soon changed as over the years test matches have started to be played at a one day rate and the games would be over in 4 days and you are more likely to get a winner. That's why I have enjoyed the Ashes and cricket will make a comeback definitely, if test matches are played at this rapid rate. Go Freddie! Go England!
Omer, UK

One of the most outstanding Ashes tours for quite some time Iain Campbell, Childrey, UK

This has to be one of the most outstanding Ashes tours for quite some time, with some pretty aggressive bowling and gusty batting. But if I was in the England team I wouldn't be to sure of myself, as Australia will probably up their game as they will not want to lose to the Poms. I still believe that Australia will be taking home the Ashes.
Iain Campbell, Childrey, UK

I firmly believe that this England side is on equal terms with the Australians and on one to one basis even better. The Australians have no one to match Flintoff's passion and his all round abilities; our bowling is as good as theirs; and our batting has bigger potential than theirs. So, I give England 9/10 and the Aussies 8/10. I hope that with better luck, England should win the Ashes. For the first time in a decade, I felt proud to watch England give the Aussies a rough time and sleep.
Saqib Khan, London, UK

I like watching cricket like so many others, but they can forget rising popularity as of next year. The only people who'll be able to watch is on satellite, an option not everyone can or will pay for. Going with Sky was a stupid decision and will damage them. I'll miss it.
I. Noble, Stafford, UK

I'm an Australian and have grown up playing and watching cricket. I think it's fair to say Australians are more fanatical fans than the English. It's great to see the interest here in England and whilst it's not great to see Australia beaten, it's great to see them beaten by a good side rather than lose because of poor form.
Martin, London

Watching Channel 4 while listening to TMS. It's the best of both worlds, because you can ignore the adverts and hear the wonderful Henry Blofeld - the voice of an English summer for me!
Linda, Chester, UK

The series so far has been riveting. The suspense is killing me Ferg, Sheffield, UK

Tuning into the BBC's ball-by-ball coverage of the Ashes has helped me preserve my sanity over the past few working weeks. My colleagues can't understand the change in me. The series so far has been riveting. The suspense is killing me. I do hope it will last (thanks Oscar).
Ferg, Sheffield, UK

An Indian gent here in California mentioned cricket several times and it sounded interesting so I asked him where I can go to see it played. He laughed and told me that I would not like it because it is slow-paced and takes all afternoon. Well, if that is how a cricket player promotes his sport, then it is no wonder the game is unknown on this side of the pond. I would still like to see it played and explained.
Michael, Calif, USA

I agree with Al, however Scotland do have their own national side. England should either change its team name to Great Britain or Wales should also be allowed to have its own national side.
Richard, Cardiff, Wales

Not watching it but listening to it on my laptop over the internet, much to the puzzlement of my friends here.
Ian, Cochabamba, Bolivia

I find American football more strategic, action packed and on the edge Vishnoo Rath, Kolkata, India

Well, I find American football more strategic, action packed and on the edge stuff than cricket. Or could it be the direct result of too much cricket along with the hype the players have in India?
Vishnoo Rath, Kolkata, India

There seems to be a lot of excitement over the Ashes series at the moment and the sport seems to have gained some new fans due to this exciting series. Well this series is an exception to the rule, decent run rates, constant wickets, knife edge finishes. All I can say if the new cricket fan brigade are expecting this for every series, then I am sorry to inform you this will not happen. This is what turned me off test cricket, the prospect of knowing a match will finish in a draw on lunch of day three is as bad as its gets. I like the one game though and can appreciate that but the test version is a cure for insomnia.
Kal, Wolverhampton

Despite my location, I'm a passionate Lancashire fan and have always enjoyed watching cricket. The problem is that if cricket becomes as popular as, say, football, it will lose what makes it special. It's wonderful to be able to walk around the stadium and run into someone like Andy Flintoff or (previously) Mike Atherton, and stop and have a conversation with them. That just doesn't happen in other sports, because the stars are semi-celebrities and far too special to stop and talk to the average fan. I'm all for attracting bigger crowds, but I'm concerned that it could have a negative effect on the sport as a whole.
Andy, Droitwich, UK

But it's no good watching it, are enough youngsters playing it? Joanna Kavanagh, Essex

As a teenager, I used to spend Sunday afternoons over in the park watching cricket. I even ended up doing the scoring. My mother has always preferred cricket to football. I can't watch it all day on the TV, the commercial breaks irritate me, and I'll be really sorry when it moves to Sky. If they treat it the same way as football, they will over-analyse every shot and ball bowled; question every decision, etc, etc. But I wonder, is cricket's current popularity anything to do with the fact that we are playing well against Australia? But it's no good watching it, are enough youngsters playing it?
Joanna Kavanagh, Essex

Watching cricket is as enjoyable as watching grass grow.
Brane, Canada

I haven't been watching the cricket, but I have been listening to TMS over the internet whilst at work. Ever since a child I've listened to the tests this way, even to the extent of watching the TV with the sound down and the radio on for the commentary.
John, Miami Beach, USA

I was a cricket fan before it was fashionable and love the game. I have however, two gripes. a) I cannot get radio 4 LW on the radio in my Rover (A British car!!) and b) the Headingly test match in 1981 was won by Bob Willis and not Ian Botham! Seriously, the media (of which the BBC is part) need to stop obsessing about Premiership football, it damages all other sport in this country.
Sally, Sheffield, UK

It's a truly cerebral battle Isabella, Newcastle, UK

I've been a passionate cricket fan since listening to the radio with my Grandad on drowsy summer afternoons. It's a truly cerebral battle - there are so many factors to balance and consider. And going to a test is unforgettable! Even my very resistant 11year old daughter has been hypnotised by this Ashes series- a big fan of The Other Game, she has said more than once that cricket is 'bo-ring'.
Isabella, Newcastle, UK

In short no. It is one of the most boring television experiences I can imagine. But what I find boring some do not. There does seem to be an inordinate amount of live cricket on our televisions however, as with a lot of other sports. One is tempted to think that the programmers can't find anything decent to put on, so give us hours and hours of sport as a stopgap, or is it really that popular? I went to a live game once and all I could stand was 30 minutes. 'Tis a good job I don't I have a telly really isn't it? I'd refuse to pay for a licence if all that was on was sport.
Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, UK

Love Cricket. Can't get it here.
JKL, USA

I have watched cricket for a number of years and enjoy sitting at Lord's soaking up the atmosphere. Also it's a lot cheaper than watching two teams of overpaid arrogant and violent oafs swearing at a referee for 90 minutes. I can spend a day watching or a walk around amongst friendly people. I love it!
David Hamilton, Ilford, Essex, UK

I've always been a lover of the game and this summer's series is simply the best cricket I've ever seen. Had a great day at Old Trafford last Thursday. But I can't understand why people feel the need to rubbish football at the same time. When people criticise football they forget that most of its problems are down to its popularity. Let's just delight in the cricket and stop the patronising drivel about football.
Greg, Fife, UK

I was once fielding during a game of cricket at school and it was so boring that I lay down on the grass and fell asleep. You either stand around in a field doing nothing, scratch a ball on your leg or crouch behind three sticks. There's more action in a game of darts. I fail to see how it can even be called a sport. It's utterly boring and pointless.
John O'Rourke, Sutton, Surrey

Just when our team starts to be competitive again the ECB sells the rights to Sky so the majority of the fans won't see any test cricket next year. And should we change the name to GB cricket rather than England to reflect the fact that Welshmen and Scotsmen can, and do, play for "England"?
Al, UK

We shouldn't lose sight of the fact that they were playing a below par Australian team Rav, Coventry

I've been a cricket fan/player all my life and really love the game, especially the tests. As far as England's performance goes, we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that they were playing a below par Australian team and still couldn't beat them. People should get real and wait until Australia hit top form and stuff England as they always do. And yes I am a fan of Australia.
Rav, Coventry

After 20 years of watching some excellent cricket, I never believed it would get any better than last year. England played in four series and won them all. But it took a monumental effort at Edgebaston and Old Trafford for the sport to finally hit the front pages and it has been fantastic! To newcomers: welcome and enjoy. To old hands: this is why we sat through all those horrible losses of the 90s. Happy happy days!
Andy, Cardiff, UK

What a great test series so far! and what great crowds, no violence, no trouble, even when the umpire makes a wrong call he does not get any abuse from the good-natured spectators. A bit different from football.
Mrs Elizabeth MacGrath, Rochester, Kent

My dad used to play cricket so it would usually be on the TV, and as a child I absolutely hated it. But, feeling a bit lazy last Sunday I switched on the TV and the usual load of garbage was on - the best of a bad bunch being the cricket, or so I thought. What a fantastic game! And Monday's game defined tension. I'm hooked. Can't wait for the fourth test; and Scotland vs Australia.
Stu, Angus

My first childhood memory is of my father putting a cut down cricket bat into my hands - and I have been hooked ever since. I have seen England hammered over and over again, and it is a source of wonderment that over the last two years our team has beaten all before them and risen to no 2 in the world. And now this Ashes series has pulled me in further, if such a thing were possible. A true contest between the oldest foes in sport and one which England can win.
Andy, York, England

I only started watching cricket last summer during the tests against the West Indies and I am hooked! I am so excited by the cricket now that the new football season seems dull and boring and is an unwelcome intrusion. I was at my first test match on Sunday and it was fantastic (both the cricket and the atmosphere). I will definitely be going to more matches next year and will be going to Oz to watch the Ashes there. Those who say cricket is too hard to understand are just not trying!
Mark S, Manchester, UK

Of course. It's about time that another sport made it into the limelight, instead of boring football all the time. By all means restrict football to the pay-per-view channels, but leave cricket free for all on terrestrial!
Andy, Leeds, UK

I'd rather sleep or shop than watching cricket Christina Spybey, London, UK

Despite my husband's best effort, I am not drawn into cricket. I find it a waste of time and it bores me totally. I'd rather sleep or shop than watching cricket. Every time there is a commentary, either I distract my husband to go shopping or we will be in two different rooms. As long as it is out of sight and out of earshot, I might still tolerate it.
Christina Spybey, London, UK

It is left to be seen who will win the series but full credit to English players for showing great temperament and team spirit.
Suraj Chhetri, Kathmandu, Nepal

Don't forget cricket has moved on beyond all recognition over the past twenty years or so. It was always a good game but slow to the point of being negative, a draw will do. Now the players' fitness levels have made so much difference, runs usually were boundaries or gently walked singles, now those singles are twos or often threes, the fielding is often exciting in itself. Also remember the new 20 twenty completion and the limited over leagues all action. And for those who would rather watch paint dry they can pop round to mine and paint while I watch cricket with a clear conscience.
Freddie C, Maidenhead, UK

No, I can't get into it at all. Once I sat in a pub with my husband and got him to explain the rules. It took about two hours and three pints each, but by the next time cricket was on the TV I'd forgotten it all. I've no desire to learn it again, because I remember that some of the rules didn't make sense in the first place. Cricket is very popular and if you enjoy it, great! But count me out!
Lynne Chapman, Chudleigh, Devon

Oh, I love it, I love it. I've always been a cricket fan, but kind of lost touch with it after I moved to Canada in 1994. England's performance over the past 10 years has done very little to inspire me, however this current series has re-ignited my fervour for this fabulous game. Listening in to the live broadcasts on Radio 5 via the internet has certainly helped!
Anne Harris, British Columbia, Canada

Having been dragged around various cricket grounds in Gloucestershire throughout my childhood, I have had no interest in cricket. Didn't understand it, didn't want to. Until now! I have been glued since the start of this series. Flintoff, Harmison, Jones make it even more enjoyable to watch! It has left me on the edge of my seat everyday waiting for the next. Come on England! Flintoff for Sports Personality of the Year! Please save the cricket C4.
Vicki, Cheltenham

Brilliant, what a series, congratulations must go to both sets of players for the entertainment so far. A 2/1 win to the boys would be fitting and just rewards for their efforts over the past couple of years, just what the country needed after the events of July.
Martin E, Forest Of Dean

These tests have been fast-paced and full of turns of fortune Sue, Barcelona, Spain

As a child, I used to find cricket unbelievably boring, but I now count myself as a new cricket convert. These tests have been fast-paced and full of turns of fortune. One of the features of these tests is that the teams are relatively evenly matched, and you need worthy opponents to create tension and suspense. Congrats to the BBC for its website coverage and its boards for fans' comments. I spent far too much time yesterday trawling from the match report to these boards and clicking refresh every second or two, especially towards the end of play!
Sue, Barcelona, Spain

I was up at 5am yesterday morning for the 2 hour trek to Old Trafford, how it was worth it! I went with no hope of England taking 10 wickets on a placid wicket, but with regular dismissals throughout the day it never let spectators think about going to the bar! What has been most impressive throughout this series is the tenacity and willingness directed at winning each and every session played, in my life time I've never seen an England team like it! Forever and always a true cricket fan.
Ben Wynne-Davies, Pershore

Yesterday's game has showed the rest of cricket, that England are at last back. No chance of a whitewash now, bet this has jolted the Aussie's. And 20 thousand could not get in to the ground either. Anyone got a spare ticket for the oval!
Bert Chigley, London, UK

This test series is incredible. My heart is racing at work even though I'm only following the scores online!
Amanda, Los Angeles, California

As a female who has never liked cricket and is not a sports fan I was surprised. My mum and dad came down for a visit and my dad is an avid cricket fan so it was on constantly. As such I couldn't help watching and became increasing engrossed in it - brilliant! Loved every minute of it and I would watch it again and again. I am a complete convert.
Sam, Milton Keynes, UK

After half paying attention to cricket over the years this Ashes series has truly changed me into a cricket fan. I was lucky enough to be at the fifth day at Old Trafford, The atmosphere was electric and better than any football match I've been to. Shame about the result, come on boys!
Nick, Cheshire, UK

Its nearly as boring as watching golf!
Ed Hollinshead, UK

Before this series, I'd never watched cricket in my life - but this years' Ashes are addictive! I'm compulsively sitting down to watch at 10 in the morning, and biting my nails by 6 o'clock!
Rebecca Randall, London, UK

Football cannot compare with cricket - the sheer courage needed to face a ball coming at your head at 90 mph from 20 yards away would have Beckham and co squealing on the floor. Reaction times of .3 second to catch a ball hit from 2 yards away at the best part of 200 mph, as Ian Bell did, are skills our footballers could not dream of.
Kevin, Luton

The sheer exuberance of the England team was really infectious Marie Howard, England

The sheer exuberance of the England team was really infectious and how wonderful for so many people to be able to see the discipline, patience and courtesy displayed by all the players in this great match, qualities which are so sadly lacking among many today. Being able to watch matches like this makes the many hours I've spent on fund-raising, preparing match teas, laundering whites, ferrying colts to mid-week matches etc over the years almost worthwhile! The only jarring note yesterday was the booing which a minority of the crowd aimed at the Australian players. Perhaps they thought they were at the other Old Trafford Ground.
Marie Howard, England

I have always been a huge cricket fan, what a series for those to learn to love the game, this current England team know how to win and how to beat the Australians. They also know how to be humble in defeat, graceful yet hugely competitive and above all sportsman like to their opposite number. They use their ability rather than their mouths to do the talking. Good On them, I hope we win back the Ashes, it will be the best thing for English and Australian cricket, long may the football season be held off the back pages and maybe just maybe our highly overpaid underrated footballers will learn how you need to behave to receive genuine public adoration.
Nick Davis, London

I am an American now living in the UK, so I do confess that the subtleties (and a lot of the rules) of cricket escape me, but this is exciting stuff! Sure it has its moments of 'downtime', but it had me on the edge of my seat; I was gutted when it all ended in a draw. I still love my football, but English cricket has a new fan!
Anna, Essex

Before the Ashes began this year, I had always thought that Cricket was boring. However, recently it seems that the world has gone cricket crazy, so I slowly began to take an interest. I have been taught a range of things, from how many players are in a cricket team, to understanding the series, to where the Ashes originated from. And believe it or not I am actually finding it really interesting (probably because now I understand it), and I even have the scorecard up at work when the matches are on. Bring on the next test!
Hannah-Jayne Richards, Truro, Cornwall, England

I'm a keen cricket fan. In normal circumstances I would perhaps not care about this Ashes series. But finally there is a team out which can and will beat Australia. Way to go the English team!
Ammar Ahmad, Baltimore, USA

You cannot take it away from the Australians how good they are Rachel, Kidderminster, Worcs

I used to watch a bit of the test matches when I was younger but I never recall them being as exciting as they are now. My husband, who is a football fan, thinks it is the most boring game ever invented but I have been trying to explain the basic rules and how the bowlers bowl. I am very excited I have it on the TV when in the house and on the radio in the car and I cannot wait for the next test to start. I really want England to win the series obviously, but you cannot take it away from the Australians how good they are. I think Shane Warne's bowling has been outstanding at times and let's face it, it takes both teams to be good to make the matches great. So good luck to both sides for the next tests but come on England! Win! Win! Win!
Rachel, Kidderminster, Worcs

I love cricket! To me, there's just something very English about a game that can last for five days and still not have a winner at the end!
Chris Day, Oxford, United Kingdom

I used to hate cricket, I found it really baffling and boring. I really like football and read 442 magazine every month. I thought the fact that cricket didn't have anything like that, only more boring, old bloke stuff, meant that cricket really was incredibly dull. Now I've been bitten by the cricket bug with the Ashes. I also found a magazine too - Spin. Has anyone seen it? It's like a breath of fresh air into (what seemed to me anyway) to be such a tedious game and yawn-making business. Roll on the next test!
Michaela, London

Why all the sudden debate about the game and it's popularity. Cricket has always been the national summer game and this wonderful series just further emphasises that fact. I am a fan of soccer although I fear that its yob culture is about to take over our country again as soon as the Ashes are over. Football's popularity is in fact over emphasised with as many people, if not more, actually hating it as liking it. Cricket rules!
Andrew, Edinburgh

I'm a huge football fan and usually think of cricket as a bore to watch. However, after watching Friday's session I'm hooked!
Chay, London, England

I suspect that this will be the last summer that cricket will have this magic, as TV coverage goes to Sky Jane Holland, Bauge, France

This test series has caught the imagination of the British public, not least as the England team is a strong one with a clear will to win and some real characters. Sadly I suspect that this will be the last summer that cricket will have this magic, as TV coverage goes to Sky and as the ECB followed the money. Guys - I hope the offer next time from Sky is as good, or short term gain will have killed cricket in the eyes of the public. However, as I live in France, I cannot see the coverage now at all, so BBC, please promise to keep up the good work with Test Match Special - your coverage this year has been better than ever. Please get the winter series back as well, as the "other" lot don't do internet commentaries.
Jane Holland, Bauge, France

Cricket fan? Life-long. Enough media attention? Nope. How many first-class cricket sides have the profile of a third-rate football team? A footballer can hit the press for doing something despicable and still keep his job. A cricketer can lead an exemplary, accomplished career and remain relatively unknown. That disgusts me and my interest in football has waned to nothing since the days of the old first division. Cricket remains a sport, first class football is business (Glazier?). Now that Channel 4 have lost the TV rights - dumb decision by the ECB - it's up to the likes of the awesome TMS team to maintain the momentum that these deserving sportsmen, English and Australian, have built up.
Ged, Oxford

I was planning to watch the cricket but decided to watch paint dry instead. I wouldn't recommend this to cricket fans - the excitement might kill you!
Derek S, UK

I wasn't really a fan of cricket despite all my family being mad about it! However, I went along to Old Trafford on Monday and apart from the disappointment (so close!) at the end it was great. The atmosphere was brilliant and people were cheering England on right up to the last ball! It was a good idea to reduce the tickets as people who wouldn't usually be able to go could get in if they were prepared to get up early enough.
Kate, Manchester, UK

Test cricket is a war. Each session is a battle. Football is just a 90 minute skirmish. When two finely balanced teams go into battle people finally appreciate the tension, strategy and thrill of the best game in the world!
Daren Austin, Oxford

All this silly stumpy square leg stuff is still a bit of a mystery Claire, London

Two weeks ago I was a cricket hater and holding forth against the blokes in my office about what a boring pointless game it was. The last two matches have converted me into a furtive internet scorecard checker - and if not quite a fan yet, I'm certainly a lot more informed and interested. Though all this silly stumpy square leg stuff is still a bit of a mystery.
Claire, London

Surely now the cricket authorities are seeing the folly of handing the TV rights to Sky. This is the sport's chance to capture the public's imagination and it won't feature on most people's TVs next year. A disaster of a policy and so short-sighted.
Chris, Wooburn Green

I watched the Test this weekend with my 7 year old nephew. He hasn't given up yet on football but he is hooked. It is refreshing to watch two teams of highly committed sportsmen who can take a decision against them without crowding the umpire and intimidating him as would be the case with our football "stars". Looking forward to Thursday; if Scotland beat Australia, now that would be interesting!
Stephen, Edinburgh

I've been a proud English cricket fan over 15 years and never thought I'd see the day when England made the Australians look so ordinary. A world-class Australian side that struggles against the 'might' of the Pommies! It is tremendous that the sport I so religiously played for such a long time is getting the recognition it deserves. I believe that this England team is set to do wonderful things for our nation to be proud of! However, I'm also a mad football supporter so I must say that cricket can never quite be the beautiful game for drama, action and miracles, which football has provided me over the years.
Rak, England, UK

Doesn't matter who wins - it's still the second most boring sport to watch, behind golf.
Rich, Sheffield

Thankfully the office has been gossiping about The Ashes and not Big Brother this summer.
Martin, England

I have been a big fan of cricket since I can remember. It's great that the sport is now getting the publicity it deserves. I cant help think though, that when the Ashes is over (and won by England!) that football will dominate English sport again.
Matt, Lincs, England.

As a Scotsman, and ostensibly neutral, I have found the Ashes fascinating in the extreme. Sport doesn't get any better than this, and for the first time in my life I find myself supporting England at something. However, this is a one-off. Any other Test series would not have the same interest. And also remember when we were all curling fans? I don't see any boom there!
Craig, Stirling, UK

This test series has made me sit up and watch Lizzie, York

The bits of cricket I have watched in the past have been dull and very boring. But this test series has made me sit up and watch, and for hours at that! Michael Vaughan and the lads are doing a great job.
Lizzie, York

I am not a fan of English cricket team, but this series has made me one. Somebody has to beat Australian they are too good.
Andy Khan, Milpitas, USA

No Cricket is still a boring sport. How can you play for five days have one team score more runs then the other and it be called a draw! What a waste of time
Andrew Dobrowolski, Dukinfield, England

Unbelievable test. I'm gripped but then I always was.
Tracy, Watford

Yes, I will watch cricket, but only when I haven't got any paint to watch drying.
Bob, Cardiff

I've never been interested in Cricket until now. My dad watched has watched it for years after his dad introduced him to it, and only recently have I become addicted to it. This Ashes series has been excellent so far and I was rushing home from work last night just to see the ending. It's a shame we couldn't get that last wicket.
Chris, Purley, UK

This summer truly has become the summer of cricket Gavin Clarke, Portsmouth, England

I've never been a great lover of cricket, until the 20/20's and now this test, I thought that it was just as dull as darts and snooker. How wrong I was, since this test began I have been riveted to the TV, and watching the highlights when I missed some. It has been nail biting stuff, this summer truly has become the summer of cricket.
Gavin Clarke, Portsmouth, England

The problem with cricket is the game is too slow to capture the TV audience, frankly the game needs to be speeded up. So, why not give the bowler a minimum set time to bowl the next ball. Do not let the game lull out as it so often does, which is why it will never compete with the likes of Rugby and especially football. The fact is, there is rarely any excitement in Cricket. It needs a revolution, some spark that takes it into the 21st Century, otherwise the game will peter out of the limelight once more (as it so often does), maybe forever even. Remember the Upper and Middle-Classes are now joining the masses and going for the Adrenaline rushes provided by the other ball sports. Something needs to be done, and it needs to be now!
Kevin Feathers, Swansea, UK

What a cracking Test series! I'm getting into the cricket for the first time, its just a shame Sky TV has nabbed all the rights for future cricket games. I fear cricket will not be as popular once this happens due to that fact it will lose a lot of its audience.
G Horne, Shoreham-by-sea

There's a cricket match going on? Passed me by totally...sorry.
Dan, Plymouth, UK

I remember sitting on the sports field, at school in 1981, playing a house cricket match, and listening to the great Ashes tests of those days. Heroes made and revelled in by my school chums. Now, at last, away from all the troubles in the world we can celebrate fantastic sporting achievements and amazing (if nail biting) entertainment again. They call football the beautiful game, but what is more beautiful than seeing a glorious cover drive or a stump cart wheeling out of the ground, or an amazing catch. Cricket is, and has always been the best team game. Well done England and Australia for proving it so! What a crying shame we won't see it on terrestrial TV next year. Our national sport, in our own country, relegated to subscriptions channels. How can this have been allowed to happen?
Philip, High Wycombe

I have caught the cricket bug! I never watched it before but my Dad has now finally explained the scoring and I was glued yesterday! Also was good to see the Aussies out in town on Friday night. We were so close to winning yesterday keep it up England.
Adele , Manchester

I wonder whether the hype around the cricket will all go the same way as it did after the last Rugby World Cup. Everyone becomes a fanatic for a few weeks, then go back to football.
Ian, UK

I have never followed cricket until this summer when my patient boyfriend sat down and explained to me all the rules. Since than I followed it with passion and interest and it turned out to be less boring than football. Come on England!
Simona, London UK

I am from a cricketing family, but I have never been sat on the edge of my seat before in any other game. I had the score card on the News Channel on the internet at work and was willing our boys with every ball, every over and nearly woke every body in the office when we took every wicket. I just wish I was one of the 19,000 that was at Manchester. Unfortunately I will be out of the country when we go to Trent Bridge next week, but I will be there in mind willing them on.
Anon, Bridgwater - Somerset

I grew up watching Botham, Gower etc play the Ashes series in the 1980s and always loved Cricket as a child. I stopped watching for most of the 1990s but this Ashes series has got me totally hooked again! I watched every day of the Old Trafford match and will be tuning in from day one at Trent Bridge.
Clare, Nottingham, UK

I have enjoyed every minute of the cricket I have seen on TV. We have even been listening on radio when not able to watch TV. How nice to see the crowd at Old Trafford enjoying too, all ages, all sexes. I think everyone is getting fed up with football because they are all so badly behaved, swearing, spitting and fighting even with their own team mates, and further more paid far too much money. Let's all stop paying to see them and perhaps it would bring them into line. Cannot wait for the next match and neither can my eight year old son.
Jane Burden, Hastings, East Sussex

I want to say thank you to all England supporters out there Richard P, London, UK

I want to say thank you to all England supporters out there. You have made this series as unforgettable and enjoyable as the game. As passionate as I am about Australia winning, enjoying the game with supporters of both teams, it showed not only a passion for each team but a love for the game. Thank you all supporters, you do the game proud!
Richard P, London, UK

The media has always placed sports into two categories: football and others. It's brilliant to see cricket finally taking the centre stage. Even with the Premiership starting, everyone is still talking about the Ashes. I hope people finally realise why cricket is the best sport around. Go England!
Abhinay Mehta, Wembley

I was actually playing cricket yesterday and when my team was batting no-one was watching our game, everyone was glued to the TV. We even missed someone's century we were so tuned in.
David W, 15, W Sussex

My car radio can only receive LW and I was forced to constantly listen to Test Match Special, to my initial annoyance. However, I decided to give it a chance and learned about all the fielding positions etc on the internet. I am now a proper fan and am irritated by radios that don't have LW.
Ben Corrie, Southampton

I must admit that even I watched the last half hour last night. However, the game still baffles me and I don't think I'll bother again.
Dave Godfrey, Swindon, UK

I have been watching cricket for years and very rarely has it ever been so genuinely compelling. It is hard to believe after the crushing defeat at Lords that 2 matches later we would be bitterly disappointed at just missing out on the chance to go 2-1 up. Unfortunately I am out of the country for the 4th test but as the 5th is now guaranteed to still be alive I can hopefully get some time off work and watch it from start to finish.
David, London, UK

Cricket today is not as good as in the days of the greats e.g. Compton, May, Cowdrey, Trueman etc. All we see today are batsmen with faceguards and helmets who from time to time do come good. Equally bowlers are not as good relying on bouncers or wides. Fielding is also more erratic. I do not rate either the current England or Australian sides as great teams. Whoever wins the ashes will do so by luck not skill. Peter
P Thomas, Bournemouth

I certainly wouldn't agree that cricket hasn't had enough media coverage in the past - in fact the holy trinity of cricket, football and rugby absolutely dominate the BBC TV sports news. It would be nice to see some true minority sports for a change, and maybe even a bit more coverage of motor racing which regularly draws crowds of 5 times the size we saw for the Ashes series. Oh - I'm not complaining about the cricket - it's been marvellous to watch!
Rob O'Connor, London, UK

A lot of the interest in cricket of late can be owed to the 20/20 Cup which has provided great entertainment Matt, London, UK

At last people are starting to sit up and take notice of a truly great sport! It is too much to ask the average man (and particularly woman!) in the street to appreciate cricket with the same fervour of a true fan because of the intricacies and time it takes to play the game, but it's refreshing to see some impressive coverage from the press.

Not unlike the World Cup winning rugby team of 2003, it is refreshing to see relatively poorly paid (when compared to footballers) sportsmen work so hard at their game and team unit through some very tough times and come out the other side with sporting heroes able to provide suitable role models for grass roots players. Although it's still a lot to ask for an Ashes series win this year, it's shaping up to be the talking point of an average sporting calendar; no doubt something that will have a positive impact on young people looking to take up the game, and particularly TV and Media executives who will hopefully provide a much needed cash injection for the coaching and development initiatives up and down the country. Dare I say it, a lot of the interest in cricket of late can be owed to the 20/20 Cup which has provided great entertainment to so many in it's short lifetime. Best of luck fellas, there's all to play for!
Matt, London, UK

So Matt in London you think women find it hard to appreciate the intricacies of cricket? What utter tosh! I have watched and loved the game for over 20 years. I know the difference between seam and swing bowling, where gully is and the difference between a cover drive and a hook shot. Welcome to the 21st century - having a womb doesn't make understanding sport impossible!
Kirsty W, London

I think it is marvellous that cricket is finally getting the attention it deserves! However, could it be because it is shown on Channel Four and not sky?!
Andrew, Fleet

I have been watching and it's wonderful! The two best teams in the world pushing themselves to the limit but still conducting themselves with dignity and true sportsmanship. Who can forget Shane Warne at the end of the Edgbaston screaming "Well played" at Flintoff 14 times and would not stop until he had heard him? Give me this any day instead of those spoiled, over-paid footballing brats.
A proud English cricket fan, London

Have I been watching cricket? No! A five day long game that ends in a draw? What a pointless endeavour. Thank God the footie season has restarted and all this cricket rubbish will soon be over.
Ally Binns, Glasgow, Scotland

The cricket has being outstanding! Truly cricket that you cannot turn off, watch away and you miss something amazing!
Vik, Yorks

Yes! I have even signed up for a team and persuaded several of my friends to join up with me too. Cricket is the new football! It's a shame that professional cricketers don't get even a quarter of the salary as pro footballers despite being more talented.
Mark, Duddington, Northants, England

I can't wait for the next test Gemma Swiers, Harrogate, England

I've always been a fan having been brought up in a cricket environment. HAD to go yesterday to watch the boys, and queued since 5.30am to do so. A day that I'll never forget and I can't wait for the next test.
Gemma Swiers, Harrogate, England

No, don't watch cricket, I have a life thanks.
Paul Robson, Cannock

What true British person didn't miss their evening meal to watch the epic event? I was waiting for a 'Jonnie Wilkinson' last second (or ball) coup - oh well; at least I had some great entertainment.
Tom, Ipswich, UK

Have The Ashes turned me into a cricket fan? No! Why would it, when I have never been before?
Ric Morris, Shropshire, UK

As a female and Scottish - cricket doesn't feature highly in my life BUT I've been gripped by the current Ashes matches. Much less boring than I remembered cricket and the players are more sporting than their football counterparts. One downside - the adverts on TV - come on Beeb.
Jill, Edinburgh, UK

It is wonderful to watch real sportsmen who are a credit to their countries and sport. Compare this with the prima donnas of tennis and football. Was there a moment's dissent about decisions? Did anyone try to cheat? Aren't these matches the most exciting thing since Liverpool beat Milan? This is sport played by gentlemen; I don't care who wins the game because cricket has won.
Vic, UK

"Have you been watching cricket?" - No. "Have you caught the cricket bug?" - No
John Raggett, Nailsworth, England

Being fair, first it giveth, then it taketh away. When I saw England win the second test, I watched the third test avidly, by TV and by internet scorecards when not near a TV. If England lose the series, though, I suppose I won't watch Cricket ever again (until they win another test against the Ashes, of course.)
Dan, London

I was on tenterhooks last night Anthony, Glasgow, Scotland

I knew next to nothing about cricket before this Ashes test, and frankly thought it was boring. But after this series, I totally appreciate the drama that it can provide. I was on tenterhooks last night, hoping that England would seal the win.
Anthony, Glasgow, Scotland

I think Channel 4's coverage has turned me into a cricket fan. It is fantastic and available to all. It is a real shame that this is the last test series to be covered on terrestrial TV. Because I fear that the popularity that cricket is now enjoying will be diminished once coverage goes to Sky.
Mark, Brighton

I have avidly watched several hours of cricket when the endings have been close lately, but as a newcomer I still find the rules incredibly confusing. If you don't know what silly point is or understand why batsmen whose pads are hit are sometimes in and sometimes out then the gaps between good shots and wickets can be terribly boring.
Jason Holdcroft, Mytchett, Surrey, UK

They certainly have! Before this Ashes series I wasn't really interested in cricket, it was football where I got my kicks. Now I'm itching for the next test!
Matt, Preston

I think this years Ashes and 20/20 competitions have done wonders for Cricket. I too am a Football fan however I feel it's about time football stopped hogging the limelight so much. The emergence of football has only hit one group of people, the paying public. It is about time football chairmen realised that Football isn't the only sport people are keen on watching and stop ripping ordinary fans off, it's an absolute disgrace. You can watch excellent 20/20 cricket for a tenner! yet pay £40 to get into a premiership ground. Well done Cricket and keep the momentum going England!
Kevin Wright, Colchester, UK

Just wanted to say that the boys have evoked my interest in Cricket again! Loved the game as a kid, but as I grew up became more detached from it, and watching the last few tests has really ignited the joy of the game again, Keep It Up Fella's!
Jason, London, England

The Ashes has been brilliant to watch - and its popularity will snow-ball, because part of the excitement is the atmosphere in the crowd and the crowds are big!
Jonny Hornig, London, England

I was glued to the TV all day yesterday Adam , West Sussex, UK

I was glued to the TV all day yesterday, willing Vaughan and his men on. It's nice to see a sport other than football in the papers attracting attention. Keep up the good work, boys and bring the Ashes back to England.
Adam , West Sussex, UK

I was converted after watching England v South Africa, which was incidentally shown on Sky probably because of a lack of media interest. Since I've been watching the Ashes series, I've found it hard to think about anything else and it amazes me that the papers still believe everyone is more interested in reading about football. Though I've heard that Michael Vaughan doesn't read the papers, he certainly was while England were batting in the last match.
Sarah, Sandhurst, UK

Long gone are the days when the likes of Geoffrey Boycott would stand at the crease all day and only score 50 runs (if he was lucky). The new breed of cricketers from all around the world have brought a spark into the game that is well worthy of front and back page coverage. The media panders to football and is to some extent guilty of giving our footballers over inflated egos and prima donna status for approximately 3 hours work a week. When the likes of Vaughan and Flintoff go out on the cricket pitch day after day without so much as a mention. Yet footballers only have step outside of their front door to get front page attention. I have long been a lover of cricket and this interest by the media can only spell good times ahead for an under-rated sport. Come on England!!
Margaret, North Lincolnshire, UK

For years England have been praying for rain to save them from defeat. Now teams are praying for rain against England. Teams should be scared of us-we're the best in the world
Ed, London

It's just a real shame football culture has crept in... booing the Australians. Not necessary! Paul Hartley, Nottingham, UK

Definitely got the cricket bug. I've been glued to the Internet broadcasts of Radio 4's coverage! It's just a real shame football culture has crept in... booing the Australians. Not necessary! It's also good to see cricket headlines taking what the FA's Chief exec in a recent BBC interview called "Our space" at the start of the football season. It's Sport's space, and it's great to see that people are realising that football is not the be-all and end-all of sport!
Paul Hartley, Nottingham, UK

I used to hate cricket so much I actually had it on my CV under 'dislikes'. Over the last five years, however, I have slowly started to warm to it and this Ashes Series has just added to my growing passion for this sport. I have had the BBC running score in a corner of my desk-top at work and have been keeping all my colleagues updated with the latest results. I can't wait for Trent Bridge to start and I hope it proves to be as exciting and as nail biting as the last two.
Kiltie Chisholm, Staffs, UK

England totally bottled it, as all our national sporting teams usually do in the games that matter.
Ron, London

Knife-edge stuff, England just lost out on the win, not through their own error but through Australia's (and particularly Ponting's) stoic defence of the tail end. A truly epic battle that will be hard to top.
James, Hull, UK

I have been watching cricket since I moved to England and am a big fan of it! The Ashes have turned out to be fascinating and I am convinced England will win this time!!!
Franziska, Sevenoaks, UK (ex Germany)

I can't wait for our boys to bring the Ashes home in a few weeks time Sharon B, London

One thing that was made very clear to me at the start of my relationship with my boyfriend, was that cricket was going to be a fundamental part of our lives for the foreseeable future. My heart sunk a little as memories of my childhood came to mind, spending tedious hours on the local village green watching not much happening and feeling thoroughly bored. However, I was soon introduced to the joys of the Barmy Army, and after learning a few chants and cheers and watching the all-day matches where both Bangladesh and England trounced the Aussies, I was soon swept up in the pandemonium and actually found myself voluntarily watching more than 4 hours of cricket last Friday! We have now made plans to be in Australia for December 2006 to catch the next games and I can't wait for our boys to bring the Ashes home in a few weeks time. Come on England!
Sharon B, London