So two teams with outstanding pace bowling attacks, poor batting line ups. Unless rain interferes, there's not going to be many draws. I think our middle order will be the difference, as long as we can get any sort of start just occasionally.
I watched Roy's 70 odd vs Ireland. He plays at too many outside off stump (the corridor of uncertainty as Boycs would say). Prefer Denley opening and Roy at 4. By the time most look at this, he may have got a big hundred, but I doubt it.
I think it is harsh to say poor batting line up's, the Aussies have very good openers, and England not so good. But England batting goes deeper, and the Aussies after the first 4 are weaker than England. On balance I would say over the full team it works out that England has the edge. Both, as you say are strong in attacks, with for me the Aussies shading it. I think it's going to be 5 results no draws with 3-2 to England shading it. P.S, I hope Archer is fit for the 2nd test, as Jimmy at 37 I don't think can play all 5 tests.
It’s Yorkshire Day. Today can only go one way, setting the standard for the whole series. Happy Yorkshire Day!!
Great start, with 2 down would be good to get Smith out before lunch, then we would really be a great position.
Warner is very good. Bancroft averages 30 in tests, which is poor for an opener Smith is one of the best in the world. The rest of their batting line up is poor. Despite looking for a long time, we can't find anyone for the top three positions, to the point we have included a white ball specialist and now a late decision to move Root to 3. So 3 out of the first four are poor. Yes we have a strong middle order, but pointless if they are coming in at 25 for 3 pretty much every game. Two very evenly placed teams, I'd say overall batting and pace bowling 'squads' (as both teams will rotate) are similar. Lyon is a much better bowler than Ali, but hopefully we won't make wickets conducive to spin. So it makes for a cracking series, our home advantage will give us the edge.
I think losing the toss was great for us as that could be us right now. Good to see the reception and the sandpaper to greet the cheats. Broad bowling a decent length for once and see's reward for not having to try too hard like he often seems to do. If we can get Smith quite cheaply we could be batting tonight. Not sure if that's a good thing like!