The Ashes - 2010/11

[Aperitif]

It took a Cook to discover the place, and another to Cook to recapture it for civilisation!

Excellent!

And it is 2C outside - the roads are clearing...It is always disturbing for me to see those sun-drenched photos from the Southern Hemisphere when under 'cold orders' in the UK.

 

[dellzeqq]

317-2 at close of play. Rain expected on the fifth day, so tomorrow is the day that England, possibly, secure the Ashes, because if they win this Test there is no way that Australia are going to win two out of the next three.....

One thing stands out. The good humour and generosity of all the Australians on the BBC. There's none of that maudlin self-deceiving stuff that the English go through when the football team loses at home to Moldova.

Ponting seems to be having a hard time, though. Apparently he complained to Strauss about Anderson's sledging. Ah. Yes. Quite.

 

[Dayvo]

Another sublime performance from the boys in white!

72 runs in front with 8 wickets in hand and three days to go: England should try and post a high score in quickish time, as if rain is forecast on the final day, it could change the complexion of the game.

A 250-300 run 1st innings' lead would mean the Aussies would have to bat for the remainder of the Test to avoid defeat, as I doubt they could build a significant enough score to defend on the final day.

They could, of course, bat like England did in Brisbane, but their confidence, form and bullishness seem to be visibly evaporating in the Adelaide heat.

I look forward to visiting Cricinfo early tomorrow morning.

 

[rich p]

317-2 at close of play. Rain expected on the fifth day, so tomorrow is the day that England, possibly, secure the Ashes, because if they win this Test there is no way that Australia are going to win two out of the next three.....

One thing stands out. The good humour and generosity of all the Australians on the BBC. There's none of that maudlin self-deceiving stuff that the English go through when the football team loses at home to Moldova.

Ponting seems to be having a hard time, though. Apparently he complained to Strauss about Anderson's sledging. Ah. Yes. Quite.

The irony of Ponting complaining!

More sledging over here than over there at present though

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

It took a Cook to discover the place, and another to Cook to recapture it for civilisation!

+1 Excellent, nice turn of phrase, nice turn of fortunes

 

[ianrauk]

Just watched the highlights. The Aussies are all over the place with their fielding.... or perhaps not

. The English batters are able to hit the ball through the gulleys time and time again..marvellous stuff to watch.

 

[yello]

Back foot? The Aussies are being made to look distinctly 2nd best!

I have to admit that I am enjoying seeing the Aussies being humbled (for as long as it lasts of course!) perhaps more than I enjoy seeing England do well. I suspect that's the NZ in me though.

I thought Ponting was out of a job sometime ago? If the rumblings were to be believed anyway.

It's pleasing, to me anyway, to see Pietersen playing a decent (responsible?) innings. I get annoyed when his reckless strokes bollox things up for the team. Talented he is, no doubt, but not the best at staying put when it's needed.

 

[Aperitif]

Why does Pieterson always look so glum!

Because people keep getting his name wrong!

 

[Dayvo]

[QUOTE 1252789"]
Being a Test Cricketer must be one of the best jobs in the world. Getting PAID to travel to the Caribbean, South Africa, Indian sub-continent, Oz, NZ and play cricket during the bleak British winter.

[/quote]


Have you been to the Ian Botham charm school, Crock? You failed to mention Pakistan!

 

[dellzeqq]

England 551-4 at tea, 306 ahead, but rain has stopped play. Pieterson on 213. Cook got 148

 

[Dayvo]

England 551-4 at tea, 306 ahead, but rain has stopped play. Pieterson on 213. Cook got 148

No more play before stumps, thus losing 36 overs.

England will probably declare overnight, giving the Aussies either two days to bat and/or score enough runs to hold England off, weather permitting, of course.

The rain will help England's bowlers: the wicket, although undercover, will be dampish and the ball should swing and move off the seam for the fast bowlers.

It will be very interesting.

Great effort by Pietersen, BTW!

 

[darkstar]

If the rain saves the Aussies, it will be a terrible result for us. Coming away from this match without a win would be dreadful. I'd be confident enough to say that if we win this test, we retain the ashes.

 

[yello]

England will probably declare overnight

or maybe bat for another session, or maybe just add another 50 to 100 runs to push the game further beyond the Aussies grasp and then look to bowl them out for the innings win. A lot depends on the weather forecast methinks.

I'll have to diss Pietersen more often!!

 

[yello]

but innit great to be talking about how England might win it rather than save it?!

 

[darkstar]

It would be good to see Pietersen come out and smash the ball round the park for 10 overs, get the 250, declare 400 ahead, then stick the Aussies in to bat for an hour before lunch.