The International Cricket Thread

[paul_e]

The thing with this Australian team is that after the top 4 all the rest are equally capable of getting 50 or being out after a few balls. With this much moisture about, pressure on and England being very aggressive in the field, and what will be about 40-50 overs to play with, I think the target is still a long way off for them. Khawaja is the key, if ew can get rid of him with a decent amount still on the board then the game swings to us. Right now I don't think there's anything in it and the betting reflects that. The only change I can see is that the longer the rain goes on the more likely the draw becomes, all 4 results are definitely still in paly right now.

[olaftab]

I’m about 5 miles from  Edgbaston, it’s hammering down and has been for a while. Forecast to stop at lunchtime so should be time to get it dried out to enable a result but imagine overcast conditions will suit our bowlers.

I agree Chris, coupled with a fifth day pitch it's in our favour now.

I am of the same opinion. Rain will stop around 11 and normally it takes about an hour to sort out the stuff however England are going to insist on ground conditions being as dry as possible, so the head groundsman is going to ask for or tell umpires about 90 minutes. This being the case you are looking at two full session. Australians can but will not go for a win, so it's England's or a draw.

[LeeB]

The outfield will probably be a bit slow too, which will cramp them further and increase pressure

[Risso]

I’m about 5 miles from  Edgbaston, it’s hammering down and has been for a while. Forecast to stop at lunchtime so should be time to get it dried out to enable a result but imagine overcast conditions will suit our bowlers.

I agree Chris, coupled with a fifth day pitch it's in our favour now.

I am of the same opinion. Rain will stop around 11 and normally it takes about an hour to sort out the stuff however England are going to insist on ground conditions being as dry as possible, so the head groundsman is going to ask for or tell umpires about 90 minutes. This being the case you are looking at two full session. Australians can but will not go for a win, so it's England's or a draw.

On the telly coverage yesterday, one of them basically said "well, at least it's not going to be a draw" or words to that effect, which I thought a bit odd given the weather.

[Nunkin1965]

It should be a fascinating days play today as have been the previous 4 days.
I've been on the edge of following the test side for a while but this series has revived my interest again.
But I would rather be in England's position when play begins as getting near the total will be an achievement by Australia.

[olaftab]

Lunch will be at 12.30. Likely start at 1.10 post lunch.

[Risso]

Lunch will be at 12.30. Likely start at 1.10 post lunch.

Roughly how many overs will that allow?

[LeeB]

Lunch will be at 12.30. Likely start at 1.10 post lunch.

Roughly how many overs will that allow?

If we've lost a session then around 60? More if the weather is fair and a result is on, and certainly enough to get a result either way

[Chris Smith]

Lunch will be at 12.30. Likely start at 1.10 post lunch.

Roughly how many overs will that allow?

If we've lost a session then around 60? More if the weather is fair and a result is on, and certainly enough to get a result either way

The light may play a part, they played until 7:00 last night but that might not be possible today.

[Lsvilla]

If they start at 1.10 (albeit unlikely) then only 90 minutes actual play will have been lost which equates to 23 overs meaning 75 still left. As it's day 5 they will have to bowl them (light and weather permitting of course - but floodlights and evening sunshine could help) so could be a very late one.

[LeeB]

Light should be ok given it's midsummer tomorrow

[paul_e]

Light should be ok given it's midsummer tomorrow

Meant to still be a fair bit of cloud cover later though so it won't be anything like as bright as it was yesterday.

[Risso]

Still pissing down here.

[LeeB]

Still pissing down here.

Stopped here for about half an hour

[paul_e]

Looks like we'll get a few hours of decent conditions now, maybe the odd shower.

From what I've been told (by a mate at the ground) the outfield is still very wet in places.