Only ten hours to go

[donnyjay]

Let's hope that if England are bowling and the first ball ends up at second slip it's via an outside edge this time.


The good old days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rybPvBa3Oc

[GM-MarkB]

I was going to post something similar at some point today.

I can't wait to be honest. It's about time we shoved Ricky Ponting's head up his own arse to be fair. And I think we have a great chance.

They've got nothing that we should be scared of.

We've got the best bowler in the world at the moment within our ranks.

I might blag a couple of hours kip later so I can at least see the first session.

COME ON ENGLAND !!!!!!!

[I-was-there1976]

Over hyped England to struggle me thinks. If Oz bat first i reckon 300/5 at end of 1st day. If England bat first 250 all out.

I think England will improve throughout the series though and might snatch a draw 1-1 or 2-2

[RobTheRover]

Ahem..  *cough*  *cough**

A bit of work to do with the ball here....

[GM-MarkB]

They were looking pretty solid until Siddle produced his wonder over. But that's what can happen, like in any sport.

Bell looks in fine nick and only got out chasing quick runs.

Hopefully there will be a quickening of the wicket tomorrow and we can apply some pressure.

It's not over by a long chalk yet.

[DearneValleyRover]

I think Bell is batting too low down the order, come in at 4 with Pietersen next then Colly. He would have scored a ton today if that had been the order and we would probably have still been batting.

[donnyjay]

I know it looks like we were outplayed on day one but it's obviously a very sneaky plan to lull them into a false sense of security.
 We might even deliberately lose this first test then they'll be well and truly lulled.

[GM-MarkB]

Absolutely outstanding by the openers (and Trott). We totally showed up the Aussie attack for what it is...very ordinary. Mitchell Johnson surely gets dropped for second test, he's had a mare from start to finish so far.

Dare I suggest this....bat until late afternoon, establish a 250+ run lead then give them 30 torrid overs at the end.

Shades of 1981.....

Betfair has them at 31/1 to win...might be worth a cheeky quid  

[The Red Baron]

I wonder if this will be the pattern for the series- bat dominating ball. Neither attack looks penetrative enough unless they get some help from the conditions- although I think England just edge the bowling in terms of quality.

Could be a case of whichever side seizes its opportunity (or gets a bit of luck) winning the series. Brisbane was one place where I thought there'd be a result, but a draw looks odds-on now. I'd expect Adelaide to produce a high-scoring draw, but England could exploit swing at Perth.

[GM-MarkB]

To be fair, the Groundsman had it spot on before the game. Bit of moisture in the pitch might help the bowlers on day1 but after that it's going to dry out and give them nothing.

I still think there's a twist in this game to come, but I don't see us losing now..........

[CusworthRovers]

I cannot see us losing this series, we have the stronger batting line up and are the only team who look capable of taking 20 wickets.

I agree and feel there will be many drawn matches, but we will win at least 1

[DearneValleyRover]

I hope we are pro-active in selection for the Adelaide test and add another bowler.

Drop Colly not because of form but the wicket at Adelaide is liable to be the same as Brisbane. Put Panesar in but I would also be tempted to play Tremlett as he is a wicket to wicket bowler but not sure if we would drop Anderson who will be better suited to Perth.