343-6, much better than I expected when it was 43-3. We have a punk middle order, and a progressive rock top order. The tail is techno.
All fair comments nines mate! My apologies to anyone who I may have inadvertently pee'd off on this thread. Honestly not my intention.
That's a superb fight back by England. Push past 400 tomorrow and just try to bat on for as long as possible. Root is some talent!
Cheers Stroller for doing this thread! I'v never really followed the cricket much but these cricket threads are getting me more interested. I will always support England in any sport. I hope we do well, my sister moved down under five years back, when I went to visit her in Melbourne I was often asked by the native Aussies about the cricket. I'm going back in December so I'm hoping for some bragging rights if we do well. Come on England!
Think cook will be the happier of the captains. ...340 runs on the first day is a good effort especially after the first hour. ...just a shame buttler was out in last 10 minutes of play. ....getting 400 plus will be a bug ask of moan and broad. ... good first day...51/49 England simply as they have runs on the board. ...
If the timing works for you, the first day of the Boxing Day is always a good day out. Big crowds and party atmosphere.
Think England have the upper hand of today's play, root awesome & stokes again played gem of an innings, glad Johnson got stuffed.
I think the opening session and evening session were even, the afternoon session was a clear win, therefore advantage England (and Wales). Hoping for quick runs in the morning to get near 400, get the Aussies in for a dozen overs before lunch, lovely cloud cover (it is Wales after all) and a couple of wickets before lunch... That's my hope anyway. Always the optimist
I sincerely hope the Australians chances of winning this match aren't rooted by a wicket keeper who dropped a sitter.
Missed yesterday's play due to work but what a great innings by Joe Root, the fastest century ever in the first test of an Ashes series and that's the difference with England's middle order now, they score at a good pace. Shame the top three failed and put us under pressure but it seems our new young middle order have no fear and are prepared to hammer the bowling rather than play for survival. If we can get past 400 Anderson and Broad will have a real platform to let rip but it seems a good batting strip and the pace at which England score gives them a chance if the Aussies don't match our first innings score. Overall, just slight advantage England at present...
Good thrash by England this morning, up to 430. Now to get Warner as soon as possible As Vaughan has just said, most significant thing is Johnson's figures of 0 for over 100. He destroyed us in Oz but is a confidence player, that will have done him no end of harm.
Good morning's cricket, still not sure how good 430 is on that pitch, we'll have a better idea around 6:30 this evening.
