What happens in Australia stays in Australia....I have decided there is no match going on. I only follow sport when it makes me happy. Wait a minute....why do I follow bloody Saints then!!! Obviously the exception that proves the rule.
Suspect whether or not we can stand up in this innings will be difference between whether or not we're looking at another 5-0. Oz practically always at Perth, so that makes it 3-0 in the event that Oz go 2-0 here. And from 3-0, we know that 5-0 can come along very quickly. Defeat here always probably ends whatever very, very small chance there is of Stokes appearing later in the series. Not worth the ECB's time trying to squeeze Stokes into a series that is only heading one way, quickly.
Judging by England's performance with the bat, they have gone into yet anothet test series woefully undercooked, having just played two warm up matches. Poor preparation and planning all round. In the dim and distant past, England would have played some of the Aussie State sides before and during the test series, and competed with them. Time for a rethink next time England go down-under. PS: Wasn't Vince upping the ante against the Aussies after his 87? The time to do that is at the end of the series if the Ashes have been retained. Some hope, now!!!!
Just caught up with the highlights. Smith made a huge error in not enforcing the follow on under the lights, but then Root made an even bigger one by inserting the Aussies after winning the toss. The key player to get out tomorrow will be Marsh, although they have tail enders who can score quickly. It all depends how much that ball swings in the daylight!
The Aussies very rarely let opposing teams off the hook and I don't see this game being any different. When they do get into some bother they usually find someone to get them out of it and I fully expect them to end up with enough runs to see England off.
What...what....what! Australia all out for 138 Still a mountain to climb as England have lost 3 wickets....but at least there was some fun.
What is this? You are usually the happy clapper and I am usually the pessimist, or is that just with Saints? If we don't lose more than 1 wicket before close today I think we win this test, should have enough to win before the night session tomorrow.
Aussies not looking so cocky anymore! Bit of tension around the ground as the total starts creeping lower.
Dear God, I know my prayers are usually for Southampton, but please divert your attention to this match. I will be a very good girl for a whole year* if we can beat the Aussies. Thanks Fran. *Do you think God understands the blue ink rule....otherwise I am in for a tough year.
