Off Topic Ashes Squad

Proper pudding of a pitch, to quote Boycs, think we'll prob see a high scoring draw here, not such a bad thing after the smashing we took last year, also sadly can see Yorks losing Jonny B to England if Bell continues his shocking form

 

Steve Smith and Joe Root are the best young (and old) batsmen in the world at the moment, and it's showing.

 

I fear you're going to be right.

 

Rodgers out, big wicket and well deserved for Woody.

 

Hope I don't put the mockers on him , but Voges is a very good batsman. I think he's the oldest debutant we've had. But an excellent batsman all the same

 

Clarke, huge wicket.

 

That's often the thing about the Aussies post-1989 (apart from perhaps 2009-11) - you have to knock on the door for a long time before getting a batting spot. Mike Hussey was picked a couple of years after he'd shown he was ready, and Rogers had to wait ages too. England, by contrast, always seem a couple of class batsmen short.

 

England's day I think.

 

wicket of Voges just tipped the scales in Englands favour but with sh1t weather predicted for Sunday draw seems likely

 

Didn't realise Brad Haddin was 37. Must be made of strong stuff these Aussies!

 

Shocked that Watson was lbw, honest!

 

Delighted to be wrong! I am suitably surprised - it seems a lot of the key Aussies (Smith and Clarke among them) got themselves out in unusually careless fashion. It's very important that they're not able to take liberties with Moeen.

 

Damn I'm pleased that Bell isn't in form. When in form he is the heart beat of the English batting. The scales are tipped in Englands favour at the moment, but if Steve Smith comes out in the second innings like he normally does when he fills disappointed on his 1st innings effort,England's bowlers will have to be sharp and on the ball the whole time he is there, or he will carve them up

 

Good catch Bell. 28 for 1. Come on England.

 

Anyone watching it? Did you just see that shot of a player who cuts a hole out of his boot and his big toe slides through it as he bowls!! Weird.

 

Get in

 

Wow, didn't see that coming! Could be a great series this one.

 

Likewise. Even this morning I still had my doubts.

No doubt the Aussies will improve - and Lord's will suit Johnson and Starc much more than Cardiff did - but England have a nicely balanced bowling attack now. Wood has really made a difference.

 

Agreed.

When you've got Wood you stand a much better chance of getting a result.

 

When you've got Broad Wood, you're ready to Root. Just don't lose your Ballance when Starc naked or your Johnson won't get to enjoy any more Rogers or Stokes. Bell end, in other words.