Guardian 25244

[clanargyll]

It wouldn't be the weekend if I didn't feel the need to pour my soul out to you generous folks and beg you to help me finish this black and white checked version of hell!

However today is different. Today I need help to start the damn thing.

I can't seem to be able to stir the grey lumpy soup that I use for a brain into any kind of activity. I am stirring but all I am achieving is a worn spoon so without more fuss and nonsense I ask you for these answers

26a Like men we won (5) A???? (I know you are impressed I have 1 letter here!)
2d scenes for 26 (2) crooked deal by assistant ... (8) ?D???I?E

Can anyone explain the meaning of the numbers in brackets found in the middle of some of the clues too? Cheers!

I thank you all in advance you clever clever people! I will not give in.......

[vegasmad]

26a. as hes?

[Lie-in King]

I haven't got the puzzle, but how about -

26a As-hes (?)
2d Adelaide - anag 'deal' + 'aide' (?)

[vegasmad]

2d. Adelaide - anagram of deal + aide (assistant).

[roslyn251254]

The numbers in brackets are the 5 test grounds of the recent Ashes

[clanargyll]

Thanks again I am starting to make progress at about the same speed as continental drift. But its movement in the right direction!

Thanks again