The Ashes & Hampshire Cricket Summer Thread

I remember that, hence why I didn't suggest KP opening. If we opened with Prior and Broad we wouldn't have a lot to lose. They can both score quickly and it wouldn't matter much if they got out, particularly Broad. If Broad hit 30 off 30 or 40 balls it would be a good start to the innings without losing a key batsman. KP can come in at 4 as usual.

 

England will use their normal order. This is a test match they don't need to win and they want to secure the Ashes first and foremost. There is no way in a million years Broad, Pietersen or Prior would open. That would be unbelievably stupid.

 

http://mg.co.za/article/2010-10-01-bad-light-no-more-an-excuse-for-batsmen

 

Completely different situation in the series. England were 1-0 down in a 3 match series when they opened with Pietersen against SA. Here they are 2-0 up in a 5 match series.

 

I don't disagree. I wasn't advocating opening with KP. I was just pointing out a fact.

I would very, very surprised if we opened with anyone other than Cook and Root.

 

The weather forecast looks pretty grim. Some showers continuing tonight and then heavy rain overnight and well into tomorrow afternoon.

Poor aussies!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/6691246

 

So would I but it would certainly surprise the Aussies.

 

Raining at OT now.

 

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End of play for the day

 

So long as the rain stays away tomorrow (I've not seen a forecast), and we get through this evening unscathed, we could be in for a decent last day at the Rose Bowl. We score 250ish off 50 - 55 overs, setting Glamorgan broadly that same 250ish but off 40 - 45 overs.

 

Oh...

 

Bloody hell Carbs - not a good time to get out.

 

But a cracking choice of nightwatchman! Wood could have some fun tomorrow morning, if he stays in. And that will only aid our chances of setting them something.

 

Was thinking the same thing. Wood won't hang around.

 

Looks like both games will be draws.

 

Raining at OT at the moment. Whilst it was possible for the Australians to win today, it was unlikely. It was strange that having the lights on didn't make it light enough to play, but understand Cook's decision not to use spin and play on. Once he'd accepted that light meter reading, there was nothing to stop the Aussies declaring and putting us in with a new ball last night. Rain came anyway and solved that argument. Press trying to stir up controversy again because England were slowing up play...if we were doing it outside the rules, let the Umpires deal with it. Otherwise, it is annoying to the opposition but no more than that. Have never considered that the Australian team are renowned for sportsmanship, so won't lose sleep over that. We now have to make sure that we win the next two Tests...don't want the series decided on this draw.

 

Covers off at OT. Play due to start at 11.30am, Australia declare on 172-7. England need 332 to win.

 

Only a matter of time before it rains again. No chance of a result.

 

Yes think this one is doomed. Shame would have been exciting. Onto Durham.