The International Cricket Thread

[LeeB]

3-2 England

[tomd2103]

Heading to Edgbaston for the first day and not really sure how the series pan out really.  The Aussies look very strong this summer, but England have been superb over the past year.  I just think our top order could be a little fragile and will be seriously tested against a top quality attack. 

Think this first test could be crucial really, especially for England, as I think if we can continue the momentum we have had then confidence will be high going into the rest of the series. 

Can't wait fir it to start!

[Rory]

3-2 England

Seconded. If it goes our way, it'll be a low-scoring series, with short tests - they'll try to dictate the pace by slowing down the over rate when bowling and establish a steady, attritional run rate when batting.

If the hot weather keeps up, that should balance out the spin departments (theirs being stronger) and neutralise their quality but one-dimensional pace and bounce attack, favouring our more subtle swing & seam variations.

I think they'll start strongly but we'll grow into the series. They're a very good side, but if we can score quickly, starve them of runs and pressure them into trying to score quickly, we can beat them.

C'mon England!

[Villan For Life]

They have not won an Ashes series here since 2001 and I think that isn’t going to change this year. They are a good side but so are we and it’s going to be fascinating how Bazzball goes in this series. I’m going on days for and five, I’ve got a feeling that it won’t last that long.

2-1 England, providing the bowlers all stay fit.

[OzVilla]

3-1 Australia. Their pace attack is too strong and they have a decent spinner.

[PaulWinch again]

Starting well is crucial. In such a compressed series coming back from behind is going to be very tricky.

Australia look very strong, but it would be interesting to see what happens if they’re put under pressure.

[olaftab]

Setting off towards Edgbaston now. Rea Bank awaits. Please please England , be competitive first, and second? WIN THIS MATCH TO START WITH.

[Rotterdam]

Tickets for saturday. £105 is steep mind.

[Risso]

Starting well is crucial. In such a compressed series coming back from behind is going to be very tricky.

Australia look very strong, but it would be interesting to see what happens if they’re put under pressure.

Agreed, we need to start well and win this one I think.

[Jon Crofts]

Starting well is crucial. In such a compressed series coming back from behind is going to be very tricky.

Australia look very strong, but it would be interesting to see what happens if they’re put under pressure.

Agreed, we need to start well and win this one I think.

Yeah no pressure lads, don’t be shit.

[Joshua Fineman]

By any chance is anyone aware of any collections of small water that might assist with the cricket? Any suggestions gratefully received!

[Nev]

Really need those flame throwers on a day like today

[paul_e]

piss poor shot from Duckett, any deviation in this pitch is going to be in bounce so those shots need to be put away.

[Rotterdam]

Nasser and Athers gushing about Edgbaston.

[Chris Smith]

Nasser and Athers gushing about Edgbaston.

The camera shot they showed from up high looking out towards Cannon Hill Park made it look as though they were in the middle of the countryside rather than on the edge of Balsall Heath.