The Cricket Thread 2013

[PaulWinch again]

If the weather holds this could be our standard one Ashes Test thrashing, because we don't tend to bat well in these situations. As flat as it is, I don't think we bowled particularly well.

[PaulWinch again]

I wonder if we're going to be victims of not changing a winning team. I think we needed a bowler with a bit more pace and bounce on this pitch.

[PaulWinch again]

For all the mockery of Australia, that is the first good first day's batting display. Ours have been pretty poor so far.

[Villan For Life]

The first session tomorrow will be huge for us. We need quick wickets otherwise we could face another long day in the field. This is a huge test for Cook's captaincy.

[PaulWinch again]

It's pretty much all about saving this game now, that's the reality of it.

[OzVilla]

Pitch looks flat, 300-3 is Australia's day but England are quite capable of hitting them early tomorrow (see day 2 at Trent Bridge) and it's all to play for again.

Can't believe how poor the umpiring has been in this series though.

[tomd2103]

I wonder if we're going to be victims of not changing a winning team. I think we needed a bowler with a bit more pace and bounce on this pitch.

Won't know where we stand until we've batted really.  Clarke is a quality batsman and was always going to find form at some point in the series.  My money is on the draw at the moment.   

[OzVilla]

Totally, if they can score heavily on this deck then why can't we.  Doesn't look like there's that crazy paving style plates on the pitch so it shouldn't crack up too much, particularly with the weather forecast for cooler conditions.

We didn't bowl badly and they batted well, showed some aggression which they have to do given the score in the series and fair play to them - it's what Test Cricket is all about.

At 2-0 up, a draw is still as good as a win as far as i'm concerned so I hope it pisses down for a day or two.

[PaulWinch again]

Well I'll miss all of today's play, so I'm hoping when I check the score we're in a better position.

[Villan For Life]

Following the game on Cricinfo reminds me of following football and cricket on Ceefax years ago.

[UK Redsox]

Phewwwww, the pies have made it through security.

Bumble is in the TMS box for a joint BBC/Sky celebration

[taylorsworkrate]

Theres absolutely no reason why we can't score 450-500 in our innings on this pitch.

I just don't trust our batsmen though.

[taylorsworkrate]

200 partnership up.

Of course Smith's already been out 3 times but lets not quibble about that

[Villan For Life]

At last! Yet again Swann strikes with in the first over of a spell.

[Villan For Life]

Warner gone and Swann has another. Edged onto Prior's thigh and up into Trott's hands at slip.

Warner reviewed but was unsuccessful so both sides have no reviews.