Yet another first test first innings disaster against an average attack (Harris excepted). I know the three warm-ups pitches were very slow (for Australia) but they know what to expect - hoiw can they continually be undercooked for the first test of a series?
I think the series will take many turns & twist. I sincerely hope both teams make a go of it and that going into the last test, the series is level which should set up to be a thriller.................. we can only wish.
Of all the years of watching, listening to the first test match in Brisbane, can't say I recall too many 'out of the ordinary' moments with this test wicket. It has never been as volatile as say, Sydney or Perth. Probably best summed up as a 'moderate' pitch, not giving too much to the bowler or batsman but in saying that ................... the captain winning the toss should always bowl unless you have a Shane Warne in your team.
Didn't a similar thing happen at The Gabba last time out? Then Cook & Strauss both made double ccenturies as England made 500 odd for 2 in 2nd innings to salvage a draw. We need the same again this time.....
The only difference between the two teams was the stand between Johnson and Haddin - without that, Australia would have made 160-odd in their first innings, and we'd not be talking like this. Given the state of the pitch, it'll be a tough ask to bowl them out and leave ourselves a reasonable 4th innings target, but there's still three days left and I really think that man-for-man, our players have the edge when under pressure. For sure Bell and Prior won't fail so badly again 2nd time round, and our mystery bowler hasn't finished yet.
Well that was a wake up call wasnt it !! Glad I didnt dish out too much at work as it could have been painfull today. Currently doing a "rain dance" and its 6am and overcast....may well save this one Oh yeah, and it was the same last time here.crap start them great second innings. need to get them out quick again to give ourselves a decent chance!
You never know mate, but I fear that JA and SB may tire after their third consecutive day of bowling. We need Swanny to do his thing.
You'd think these bloody aussies would play the game at a reasonable hour instead of 1.30 in the morning. So inconsiderate of them.
I'm enjoying it. I don't watch much cricket. The pace of the game seems to have picked up from what it was years ago. The amount of time between plays seems a lot less than what it used to be.
As a non-regular I am wondering if 20/20cricket has helped make test cricket faster? That Warner is some player.
Nobody needs rain ............. let there be a result. If we Aussies are good enough, so be it. As I've mentioned earlier, everybody wins when it is a good close series.
Before Lillee & Thompson and the Packer era, watching test cricket was like pulling teeth although I think 20/20 is the worst thing for cricket.
Good man Aussie. At least I'm not talking to myself anymore. You must fancy your chances at this stage with a 400+ lead?
