2009 Ashes

[gatso]

ponting wasted more time on day 5 than the whole england camp combined as he repeatedly and completely unnecessarily walked the length of the field to speak to his bowlers. he really should've realised much earlier than 6.30 that time was a big consideration in the testmatch

[TheChipPrince]

A Flintoff news conference today doesn't sound good...

[Josedinho]

Retiring from tests AFTER the ashes is the best we can hope for

[TheChipPrince]

Whats to gain from announcing it now?

[Acidmouse]

They really should play form players. Rashid is in form, takes wickets and is a good batsman. Why was he not selected?

[TightEnd]

They really should play form players. Rashid is in form, takes wickets and is a good batsman. Why was he not selected?

He's 20, I doubt he is ready. As we've seen with Cook and Bopara its a completely different kettle of fish with the pressure of these matches

At Lords, with only one spinner, you aren't going to pick a leggie...too little control. Would have him on tour in the winter, and introduce him over the next 12 months to the Test side

[Longy]

Flintoff retires from tests after the Ashes http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8151402.stm .

Can't say i am surprised but is a blow for the England test team, his record especially as bowler doesn't do him justice and England will miss the control and agression he brings to the attack.

[DUNK619]

They really should play form players. Rashid is in form, takes wickets and is a good batsman. Why was he not selected?

He's 20, I doubt he is ready. As we've seen with Cook and Bopara its a completely different kettle of fish with the pressure of these matches

At Lords, with only one spinner, you aren't going to pick a leggie...too little control. Would have him on tour in the winter, and introduce him over the next 12 months to the Test side

  if he was going  to play i think cardiff was the match notlords

[dousche]

They really should play form players. Rashid is in form, takes wickets and is a good batsman. Why was he not selected?

He's 20, I doubt he is ready. As we've seen with Cook and Bopara its a completely different kettle of fish with the pressure of these matches

At Lords, with only one spinner, you aren't going to pick a leggie...too little control. Would have him on tour in the winter, and introduce him over the next 12 months to the Test side

ok he's a leggy so could take some punishment so its a little different, but phil hughes is 19 (i think) and he seems to be coping alright. shane warne was only 23 when he bowled gatting...

[TightEnd]

Win toss and bat

Onions for Panesar the only change


Now bat better please, lets get a score that puts it out of reach for the oppo

[Matt50]

Game is going to be severly disprupted by the weather, with showers possible every day and tomorrow looking like it could be a total washout.

The more games Strauss keeps winning the toss, the longer England stay in the series IMO.

[AndrewT]

The more games Strauss keeps winning the toss, the longer England stay in the series IMO.

Cricket = Poker

How you play doesn't really matter as long as you win your flips.

[TheChipPrince]

The more games Strauss keeps winning the toss, the longer England stay in the series IMO.

Cricket = Poker

How you play doesn't really matter as long as you win your flips.

The greatest cricketer ever - W. G. Leknave

[The Baron]

Found myself agreeing with Warne this morning. Harmison should be in the side.

[AndrewT]

Well, that was all strangely fantastic.

Assuming our attack will be as toothless as the Aussies' the draw looks nailed on.