I see Yorkshire also managed to win today, despite several key players on England duty #proudtobeayorkshireman
Not actually sure why an opening Ashes game is being played in Cardiff...ridiculous imo.,,despite the affiliation. Although we did have Geraint Jones and another Welsh player in 2005..Simon someone..hmmm...now what was his surname?? Given our recruitment policy of the last ten years and more,I'm surprised we aren't playing a home Ashes test at St George's Park,Newlands or the Wanderers.
Harris was badly missed today..an artist at accurate seam and swing bowling with a Duke on a dead track.
Takes me back years Dex - Bairstow and Sidebottom starring for Yorkshire It's gone a bit quiet on the defeatist "England will get hammered" front hasn't it? Not heard much from Cyc today either
Factors To Consider: The weather forecast for Cardiff on Sunday is rain, rain and more rain suggesting limited play at Sophia Gardens. The England captain is known for playing safety first and building up a total that gives the opposition no reason to try and score the runs to win. Inescapable Conclusion: The first Ashes Test will be a draw unless one of the sides manages a horrendous batting collapse to hand the other a chance of victory. (Current betting: England 15/8; Australia 17/5; draw 9/5)
Oh I'm still here Oddy, and I'm not happy. I've not wanted to comment before this for fear of offending the average England cricket fan, but I'm afraid you've flushed me into the open. That man Root is rapidly destroying the noble game, a game that has fostered enjoyment in the breasts of hundreds of millions of people down through the centuries. Personally, I have nothing against the gentleman, he seems a charming soul, but that is not the point. My beef is with those wretched people of the MCC who by their very inaction, have given tacit approval to the use of the profanity associated with the man's name. Root? I ask you, what sort of name is that for a man in this day and age? And the children, what of the children? Millions of poor, naive, little vegimites all glued to the cricket coverage on television are being bombarded with this constant obscenity. Even for me, a gentleman of a mature age, the ongoing barrage of Root cutting, Root driving, Root sweeping, by the commentators, was in the end, too much for me to bear. Until the MCC take a much needed stand, and limit the damage, I'll take no further part in the proceedings. The man cannot be asked to change his name, he has a right to it. It designates his heritage. But in the interests of public decency, the MCC has to be made to toe the line here. For the duration of the Ashes series, Joe Root must be limited to no more that 15 minutes at the crease per innings. The innocent children of England and Australia, deserve no less.
Cyc I remember the 12th man sketch where Richie was talking about "manly" ways to celebrate taking a wicket - "a kiss, tickle or even a bit of a dry root"
Blimy Cyc, it would mean we miss out on all of these commentating little gems...< Another Root-hundred, great catch by Root, Root up-rooted Clarkes stumps, Root-runs riot... And for our other colonial cousins across the water, That Root-n-tootin top player from Yarksher...!!! Good start to the Ashes though...
Lunch has been a hot steak sandwich with mushrooms, Horseradish sauce, lettuce all on a crusty seeded roll... Just looking at the Ashes scorecard with my steak sarnie and all is good in the world at the moment... Though Cookie could have stuck around for a bit longer than he did... England must be fav's now to take this opening Test, though I think they will still need 350+...
I would not bet on Alistair Cook stopping anywhere near 350 as that would give the Aussies something to chase, which would make it easier for us to bowl them out. Cook will be looking for a lead of more than 450 because he is over cautious and then the Aussies will just shut up shop. As I look currently (2:30), England are 4/7 to win this match as they are 73 for 3 and leading by 195. Factor in lost time late tomorrow and on Sunday and this is a draw.
England win for me. Can't see the Oz top order getting 300+ which they will need with the hapless middle/lower order. Voges is average,Watson a huge under achiever and Haddin averaging 15 in the last year. Once the openers are knocked over cheaply they will collapse. Australia has been much too complacent for this opener and England has made them pay. Will be a different story at Lords perhaps;but for now,best side well on top.
Agree, Dexter, but what bothers me is the Aussies are capable of getting the runs, but, as you say, they have been a bit complacent.
I wish I shared the confidence of most on here and dear ol Geoffrey (the Aussies have no chance) Boycott. An early wicket but looks like they're determined to spank Moeen out of the attack. Could be a very entertaining day, but fook that, no good for the nerves. Let's just roll these buggers over.
With Moeen Ali gifting the Aussies free runs, I can see them winning this... It could be England that are hoping for rain all day tomorrow.
Calm down chaps. England are now 4/7 with Oz 79/1. Great bet for those who like to lump on shorties. This game is over.
Smith and Clarke need to make centuries if Australia are to have any chance and that ain't gonna happen.
