[Archived] The Ashes

[Iceman]

Anyone know what the Oval pitch is like? Is it a bowlers or batsmens pitch?

From games ive seen before, its defo NOT a 102 all out pitch.

[Guest Walkerite]

Not that it matters but Clarke was out.

Clarke has been their best player so far. There is still a chance we can draw...yeah right Hopefully we can make the test more competitive and try to take some momentum to the oval.

[broadsword]

What was that all about?

[Guest Walkerite]

What was that all about?

The test has gone but they can't just lie down and make it easy for them. If we start playing some half decent cricket, then at least we can take that momentum and build on it for the oval. That's what that was all about.

[AussieinUk]

Good feeling

Hussey has become predictable...

From games ive seen before, its defo NOT a 102 all out pitch.

- very good Iceman.

On todays play;

Good bowling by Aust all round.. This should give the Aust bowling attack the confidence in taking 20 wickets. Not the most impressive batting performance by either team IMV. Good knock by Watson.. Another innings, another 50. Full marks to the lad for coming in, so far up the order, in this form of the game.

Flops, you still think he is rubbish?

This test still has a long way to go.. Weather tomorrow is said to be fine, so should be good for batting.

[neekoy]

Pity Lee didn't get in to replace Siddle

Finally something to smile about, If Australia can get a lead of 350+ this is all over

[T4E]

A lead of 350? Can't see that happening.

[Iceman]

A lead of 350? Can't see that happening.

You sure it wont happen T4E?

[Amo]

Is this thing over yet?

[AussieinUk]

Finally something to smile about, If Australia can get a lead of 350+ this is all over

In all honesty Neekoy, I would still pick Lee over Siddle. Siddle bowled well yesterday, but has been under real pressure so far in this series.

[pg]

Gee England are really missing Koertzen aren't they?

In all honesty Neekoy, I would still pick Lee over Siddle. Siddle bowled well yesterday, but has been under real pressure so far in this series.

I wouldn't. I'm still sceptical of Lee. I watched him bowl in Melbourne in 2008 he was just a standard pie-chucker. Ironically Siddle came of age that match and bowled really well.

Lillee without his raw pace still had smarts and guile. What does Lee have once his raw pace goes?

[Iceman]

In all honesty Neekoy, I would still pick Lee over Siddle. Siddle bowled well yesterday, but has been under real pressure so far in this series.

Dont agree with that. Lee hasnt been bowling well, or consistently when he has played. The one thing in his favour over Siddle is his batting.

[1864roverite]

Tha Aussies have put themselves in the winning slot with the start they have had today.

Good batting, quick scoring with some awful bowling from England to help them.

The Aussies may well have timed their positive attitude to the best part of the series. England face a drudging in this test and with the Oz tails wagging as they head to London for the last test it is most definately swinging towards an oz victory.

England only have themselves to blame for the shocking non batting display on Friday.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Well its Australia's match to lose.

Finding it hard to understand this continued 'bowling the wrong length' by our bowlers. The bowlers knew about the length, their coach (Gibson) talked before the game saying thats what they needed to do and yet again they didn't carry it out on the pitch. Its baffling that they aren't sticking to the gameplan.

[broadsword]

It's like watching a crash on black ice between a coachload of schoolkids and a minibus of nuns.

Absolutely gut-wrenching to watch but you can't look away.

If anyone's got tickets for Monday (let alone Tuesday), I wouldn't bother.

[Tom]

Broad takes a couple of quick wickets

Looks like Aus will take a 300 or so runs lead into the second innings, all to do for England

[T4E]

You sure it wont happen T4E?

Just about.

Wonderful century from Marcus North, he looks like a man that will occupy time in the Aus middle order for a few years.

[broadsword]

Wonder how many overs our lot will last for 2nd tiome around?

I'm not convinced any of them know how to defend their wicket. and I'm not judging that on yesterday.

[Iceman]

Its interesting, but the man with 20 ducks in his career could have been the man to bat 3 days. Im still very surprised Atherton got that many ducks.

[American]

Just about.

Wonderful century from Marcus North, he looks like a man that will occupy time in the Aus middle order for a few years.

10 runs away.

North has looked very impressive these last 2 tests.

[Exiled_Rover]

God we've been poor this test. Shockingly bad infact in every aspect. They're going to get hammered and deservedly so.

[brfcshabba]

Taxi for Bopara, get him dropped.

[cn_barlow]

Taxi for Bopara, get him dropped.

I'd agree with that. You cant carry anyone at this level, especially not your number three. Bump Bell up one and get Trott in.

[AussieinUk]

Johnson seems to be coming back to his best!.. Playing superbly in these last few overs.. England losing 5/20

I like the combination of Siddle/Clark then Hilfenhaus/Johnson.

[T4E]

God we've been poor this test. Shockingly bad infact in every aspect. They're going to get hammered and deservedly so.

The 4th test is pretty much the worst test to take a hammering in. We wont recover from this.

Gutted tonight, absolutely gutted.