The Ashes Thread

[MK Shrimper]

But it gives the Australians time to regroup. If our wickets start tumbling as then they're back in the game.

On the radio they're wondering if it's a commericial decision enforced by the MCC and Sky, as they've sold tickets for all 5 days, because there was a (slight) possibility it could have been all over by this evening.

 

[EastStandBlue]

On the radio they're wondering if it's a commericial decision enforced by the MCC and Sky, as they've sold tickets for all 5 days, because there was a (slight) possibility it could have been all over by this evening.

Absolute bollocks.

I bet they told you the Lizard Men told them.

 

[MK Shrimper]

Absolute bollocks.

I bet they told you the Lizard Men told them.

Why the vitriol? Just reporting what they said on the radio.

 

[BrettieAngell]

Thats ridiculous!

 

[EastStandBlue]

Why the vitriol? Just reporting what they said on the radio.

Well, it wasn't exactly directed at you was it...

The notion of them suggesting it's an MCC decision to potentially put the match in jeopardy simply to appease ticket sales is akin to accusing them of match fixing. If I were the MCC, I'd take a very dim view of what's been said and I'd imagine they'll certainly be words after this.

Stop being so sensitive MK.

 

[Grayson]

But it gives the Australians time to regroup. If our wickets start tumbling as then they're back in the game.

On the radio they're wondering if it's a commericial decision enforced by the MCC and Sky, as they've sold tickets for all 5 days, because there was a (slight) possibility it could have been all over by this evening.

See the post I made. Australia had a lead of 450 in 2006-2007 first test (so scores were the same at 0-0) yet they still batted again. It rubs the opposition's nose in the dirt.

It's when you bat too long there's a problem. However, with Johnson bowling horribly and Hauritz injured, I'd fancy us to score at the same quick pace that has allowed us the luxury to be batting again with a lead of 200+ in the 3rd day's morning session. Therefore we will have ample time to bowl them out, and if we fail to do that, we do not deserve to win.

 

[* ORM *]

Conditions today favour the batsman... Bright, Sunny and dry. They'll be little swing with the ball and, because we're 200 odd ahead already, we can get 400 today and give them 600 to chase and 2 days to bowl at them.

You haven't watched England much have you :D

There's no reason to throw the bat around and give stupid wickets away but at least 3 of our players will. I'd settle for a anything over 500 to defend.

 

[EastStandBlue]

Judging on how the Aussies are bowling, and lacking Hauritz, it certainly compliments the batsman.

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

Right decision, I think. Make the most of the conditions, head towards a 500 run lead by close of play, then make them bat under the (probable) leaden skies of the next two days, trying to chase down 550+

 

[MK Shrimper]

At 74-2 with Bopara and KP playing like it's 20-20 is it still a good decision?

 

[EastStandBlue]

Yes. Yes it is.

 

[EastStandBlue]

Ponting misses the stumps and then drops Bops on 9... I think the Aussies'll look back on that come Monday evening.

 

[MK Shrimper]

Bopara out? Third umpire deciding. And not out.

 

[EastStandBlue]

I'm with Bumble on that one... It's an impossible decision to give and, if the benefit of the doubt goes with the batsman, then it can't be given out.

 

[Shrimper]

He's gone now.

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

Big lead now. Posho Strauss has got this spot on.

 

[EastStandBlue]

Big lead now. Posho Strauss has got this spot on.

Yep... Slog it about tomorrow morning for an hour or so, build it up to 550 and the Aussies have the best part of 2 days to survive. With it forecast to be slightly wet and overcast the next two days the ball should swing about and cause them no end of bother.

 

[canveyshrimper]

Spot on by England today, they've scored their runs at a good rate, and will bat for 30/45 minutes in the morning weather permitting. They will then have 5 1/2 sessions to bowl out the convicts for our first win at Lords since 1934.

As much as it galls me to agree with the drug taking mummy's boy Warne he is absolutely correct about not enforcing the follow on.

 

[SUFC Forever]

After all those brutal beatings at the hands of the Australians for more years than I car to remember, isn't it wonderful to see them severely on the end of the cosh in this Test?

Bloody brilliant day but still a good wicket so hopefully we will bat on for a while in the morning and set them an ungettable target and give ourselves the time to bowl them out with ultra attacking fields.

 

[Ron Manager]

I genuinely love living in Australia all the time - however it's even better whilst England are spanking them in the Ashes :D