The Ashes

[Wardonkey]

I listened to the coverage on 5 live extra last night and heard Boycott and another talking about the Monty/Giles thing,  it was suggested that during practice bowling, monty was bowling flat and too fast for any spin to take effect, you have to remember that these wickets are totally different from english wickets and Giles was and is bowling better than monty in the nets, that coupled with his better batting skills was given as the reason for the selection.

Bllks.

Panesar is the best spin bowler in the country. Do you really see Giles bowling out Australia on any pitch?

The best optionfor this test was to include Panesar at the expense of Anderson.

Giles is a better batsman than Panesar and we already have a long tail, but Panesar is by far the the superior bowler and should be picked, even it means dropping a seamer, picking another batsman and getting Coliingwood and Pietersen to bowl a few overs.

[Woodsey]

C'mon Crickets a great sport for the Scots... we don't play it, we just get to laugh when England lose, but we don't care when they win

I suppose if you dont win anything yourself, its one of the few pleasures you get in life

[Graham C]

C'mon Crickets a great sport for the Scots... we don't play it, we just get to laugh when England lose, but we don't care when they win

You do play it, you're just not very good at it

http://www.cricketeurope4.net/SCOTLAND/home.shtml

Scotland have a national cricket side too

[Bazzaboy]

The first session tonight will be massive.  If England can get through it unscathed or with only one more man down then they should be in good shape but if the Aussies get a couple of quick wickets it could go pear shaped. I think it was a decent first day but its very much in the balance, we need 450+ on that pitch.  Oh and Monty should be playing.

[Wardonkey]

The first session tonight will be massive.  If England can get through it unscathed or with only one more man down then they should be in good shape but if the Aussies get a couple of quick wickets it could go pear shaped. I think it was a decent first day but its very much in the balance, we need 450+ on that pitch.  Oh and Monty should be playing.

Agreed. The first session will great to watch. I have a four pack of Grolsh chilling for the occaison!

[Woodsey]

I think we'll post a good score now, I'm not sure we can bowl the assuies out twice though. I'm on the fence as far as monty is concerned, but we need the other bowlers (esp Harmy) at their best to have a chance to win the game.

[The Baron]

The average 1st inninngs on this wicket is 418!

[The Baron]

Sigh just about sums it up


Interestingly it is the coldest november in Adelaide for yonks, top 24c..this could favour our seamers if its cloudy, as long as they land it on the pitch of course

Clutching at straws?

England are going down mate, payback time for last years fluke!

Fluke is a bit strong.

With 11 fit players England's test side cant beat anyone.

Agreed

I don't remember it being an excellent performance, more that Australia were off form. One Ashes win in 20 odd years and the Pommes were going berzerk. All it did was awake the Aussies. 5-0 this time round, unless England can muster up a draw.

You dont remember it? Maybe you watched a different series to everyone else then? Ponting himself admitted it was an excellent performance.

[Tonji]

Its been interesting reading the Aussie newspapers during the tests

here's yesterdays http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/index/0,,5001505,00.html

A crucial day ahead. Pietersen double hundred  is due.

[RobS]

At 43/2 yesterday the whole series was in danger of turning into a huge embarassment. However, credit where credit's due, Bell and Collingwood came in under massive pressure to deliver, and that's exactly what they did. As for Pietersen, well he's just been different class. I'm watching this morning's play here in Sydney, and as I type Pietersen has completed his century.

England currently trading at 5.1 to win this test which I would say is decent value!

[totalise]

At 43/2 yesterday the whole series was in danger of turning into a huge embarassment. However, credit where credit's due, Bell and Collingwood came in under massive pressure to deliver, and that's exactly what they did. As for Pietersen, well he's just been different class. I'm watching this morning's play here in Sydney, and as I type Pietersen has completed his century.

England currently trading at 5.1 to win this test which I would say is decent value!

ooops! I just laid them at 5.4 for 200 bones... I dont think they can skittle the assies out for cheap, but the assies can skittle england out for cheap in the second innings.. and on this pitch the orstralians are almost certs to nail a big score. Is good viewing though.

[RobS]

At 43/2 yesterday the whole series was in danger of turning into a huge embarassment. However, credit where credit's due, Bell and Collingwood came in under massive pressure to deliver, and that's exactly what they did. As for Pietersen, well he's just been different class. I'm watching this morning's play here in Sydney, and as I type Pietersen has completed his century.

England currently trading at 5.1 to win this test which I would say is decent value!

ooops! I just laid them at 5.4 for 200 bones... I dont think they can skittle the assies out for cheap, but the assies can skittle england out for cheap in the second innings.. and on this pitch the orstralians are almost certs to nail a big score. Is good viewing though.

Fascinating viewing at the moment. I'm no expert but I do think England have a chance here, these two look like they mean business and are piling on the runs now. England could well make 550+ here which is a big score to chase even for the Aussies.

[Wardonkey]

Grosh report - I fell asleep shortly after opening the 4th can.

[totalise]

Grosh report - I fell asleep shortly after opening the 4th can.

lol

I got a crate of stella from morrisons for a 10 spot.. watching cricket.. drinking beer, and occasonally playing a few hands of poker is great fun

[RobS]

200 partnership