Ashes 2013/14

[KevinGage]

Mixed day, because losing the toss was bad. I'm glad we went with a bold selection, because I think it will help the batsmen mentally. Stokes playing means that the main batsmen can't look down the order and go 'if I mess it up someone else will dig us out of trouble.' 270-5 is decent enough on that pitch, but the Haddin drop was really bad. I hope we get him out early in the morning, we really need them out for less than 360. We then desperately need to turn up with the bat.

Decent day on paper, after losing the toss, but I'm afraid I think Aus have already made more than England are going to make in their first innings. With their best batsmen at the wicket and still to come, the Aussies will probably get over 400 and lead by 150-200 on 1st innings.

My thinking too. 

In isolation, not a bad day at all.  But Australia will be reasonably confident they can tack on another 100+ with 5 wickets in hand. 

In truth, the way England have batted recently, they'd have needed to restrict Australia to 180 all out to stand any chance.  On that basis, this one has prob already gone. 

[PaulWinch again]

There is not a chance at this stage that this one is already gone.

[KevinGage]

If Australia get past 400, I don't see England matching (or bettering) that.  Would love to be proved wrong, mind.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm hoping they don't get past 350.

[eastie]

I'm hoping they don't get past 350.

350 would be a good bowling display for us - I think under 400 and we are in the game as regards possibly winning - 450 plus and the Aussies would be firmly in the driving seat - my worry is Clarke and haddin can both score big and we need to dismiss them quickly.

[PaulWinch again]

We need to come out on fire in the morning, we've essentially got a new ball to use and the bowlers have had a nights rest. It's really important we give them nothing and force them to make mistakes. Under 350 we've got a great chance, 350-400 in the balance, 450 + Australia in command.

[PaulWinch again]

Obviously that's all dependent on us batting very well, but unless we do that it's all irrelevant anyway. We have the players who can bat well and long and they need to do it now.

[willywombat]

Slight edge for England at the moment is my view. Australia need 320 minimum  and that's no nailed on certainty. The pitch is flat and true so there's every chance for the English batsmen to get out there and make a heap. Funny thing but the tests down here in Adelaide do tend to throw up some late and unexpected dramas so every chance of an exciting finish. Weather set fine for the next few days too

[eastie]

Obviously that's all dependent on us batting very well, but unless we do that it's all irrelevant anyway. We have the players who can bat well and long and they need to do it now.

Indeed.

[john e]

Losing the toss was a blow, but that's the way it goes I think Cook has been quite lucky with the tos in the past

If we had held on to our catches we would be well on top, we didn't and I think they have the advantage now, if Clarke goes early on you ever know, but can't see them scoring less than 400 so I think it will be difficult to win this one,

I'd take a draw if I could right now

[taylorsworkrate]

This has been an abysmal start. No wickets and no control.

[taylorsworkrate]

Oh just fuck off England. Need a good start this morning and you produce this shite?

[taylorsworkrate]

How the fuck does Carberry have a reputation of a good fielder?

[taylorsworkrate]

This is just too easy. Not making them make any sort of effort to score runs.

[taylorsworkrate]

Why is Swann insistent on bowling like a cretin?