So much for that then. 52-5, Stokes ran out. Looks like the only thing to be decided is if we play tomorrow.
Cook out! Moores out!! Bayliss out!!! If anyone had said before the series that we'd be ahead at any stage (which we we were after Cardiff) many purists would have scoffed. Just like the Australian media are scoffing right now Sort it out boys, we all know the recent 'incarnation' is far, far better than this. Get Westley, Napier and Ravi Bopara in and we'll be first out of the blocks at Edgbaston
Maybe it was a mistake to employ an Aussie coach for the Ashes? Cardiff was too early for him but he's got his eye in now!
Bairstow in for Ballance at 5 Bell to bat at 3 Root to bat at 4. Would have liked to see Taylor given a go.
For once I think the selectors have got it just about right. Was really expecting no changes, or them to go mental and change several players.
Changing the subject slightly. I slated the Womens Football World Cup maintaining that the England team wouldn't beat a good Pub side and I stand by everything I said. Yesterday I watched some of the Womens Ashes match and was surprised at the standard. Holding the conventional male view, as I did, that ladies cannot throw a ball I was astonished at the standard of fielding and Australia had a left arm spinner who maintained a perfect line and length and could also turn the ball. The standard of batting seemed good and, in particular, many scoring shots through the covers were straight out the coaching manual. They also seemed to have avoided the current disease inflicting the male team called ' fishing outside the off stump ' It struck me that several of the players would not disgrace themselves in a County side although they would probably feel threatened by any short hostile bowling. I must admit that I plan to watch even more of that series.
Superb performance - which at least helps numb the pain of the geysers cocking up big time in their latest 'match' Elyse Perry, who made 78 runs for them, also plays for the Aussie womens football team too. (Quite fit, too ) Some of the England outfielding was just brilliant, especially the 4 (four) run outs. That bullet throw from deep fine leg right into Sarah Taylor's gloves was top drawer for the first of them. I like the points tally as well, whereby winning an ODI gains you 2 points, 4 for winning the only test and then 1 point each for the 3 T20s. So you have to be handy at all three disciplines in order to triumph over all. Keeps the series alive for as long as possible, which must help retain interest.
I have watched women's cricket for several years when I have been in u.k. Have always been impressed. By the way, Kate Cross, the England bowler, is the daughter of David Cross.
Aussie win toss and bat. 77-4,Finn bowling excellent 82 - 5 Anderson (3 - 17)and Finn (2- 34) have them on the run
86 -6 (Anderson 4 - 18) "Here we go ,here we go" sing the crowd Johnson next in. Boycott says its poooor batting,not good bowling
I'm trying to hold off my optimism until England have batted a few dozen overs. If we bat as badly as we did at Lord's we could be bowling again before the close of play!
