The Cricket Thread 2013

[PaulWinch again]

Our batsmen really need to show some application today, because we need to get into a position where we cannot possibly lose.

[Ryu]

Decent start to the day by Root and Bresnan.  Can see the benefit of bringing in a night watchman who can actually bat here.  300 lead already and the in form Bell the next man here.  Would already take an almighty collapse to put is in a position where we could possibly lose.

[beness]

Cant see us loosing from here unless all the top order batsmen inb the aussie team have a screamer.

[olaftab]

Our batsmen really need to show some application today, because we need to get into a position where we cannot possibly lose.

That position was achieved last night!

[Ryu]

Cant see us loosing from here unless all the top order batsmen inb the aussie team have a screamer.

I think more likely is their tail end digging in and making us work for a victory on the final day after their top order surrender again on current form.

[Chris Smith]

We're doing everything right, consolidating our lead and setting it up for victory while allowing the bowlers (Bresnan excepted) time to recharge their batteries but, particularly after the last test where there was so much ebb and flow, it doesn't make for particularly entertaining viewing.

[beness]

We're doing everything right, consolidating our lead and setting it up for victory while allowing the bowlers (Bresnan excepted) time to recharge their batteries but, particularly after the last test where there was so much ebb and flow, it doesn't make for particularly entertaining viewing.

I'm enjoying it. It puts Clarke under the spotlight a bit.

[paul_e]

Nice to see Bresnan putting a bit of a score together as the nightwatchman, this is a rare chance for him to bat with a top order batsman and with no great pressure, I still think he could easily bat 7 for us if we nudged prior up a spot.

[beness]

Think Bresnan is doing great, He started off defending just to stay there and do his job, now hes starting to score runs. hope he gets his 50.

[paul_e]

I'd like us to accelerate a bit soon, 450 lead at tea would be perfect, then come out swinging for an hour or so and give them a nasty 10 overs at the end of the day with a 500+ lead.

[beness]

I'd like us to accelerate a bit soon, 450 lead at tea would be perfect, then come out swinging for an hour or so and give them a nasty 10 overs at the end of the day with a 500+ lead.

Well we will have 2 days at them, even if we bat all day.

[paul_e]

Bres gone, it's a shame but he did a really good job there, deserved more than 38 for me.

[Villan For Life]

The standard decision making from the 4th Umpire so far in this series has been shocking.

Bell was clearly out caught then, that ball carried to Smith.

I reckon it's time to pick the best 4 Umpires in the world regardless of where they are from and have them stand in a series as big as the Ashes.

[Chris Jameson]

Bloody rubbish Root, what is he playing at?

[Chris Jameson]

This is ridiculous from Root, he needs to dig in.