5th Ashes test v Australia

[Willlow]

FFS, Collingwood has given his wicket away

176-3

 

[Willlow]

Trott trots out

 

[Willlow]

180-3 @ Tea

 

[Willlow]

184-4

Bell Out

 

[Biff]

242-5 Enderby out, caught at cow.

 

[CM]

289/7, loads of starts but no big score.

This is a flat wicket too. We really needed to get a big first innings score to put some pressure on

 

[glyn]

289/7, loads of starts but no big score.

This is a flat wicket too. We really needed to get a big first innings score to put some pressure on

It's not as flat as you would think. There is a bit in it for the bowlers, particularly the spinners. Big game for Swann.

 

[Redditch Fox]

It's not as flat as you would think. There is a bit in it for the bowlers, particularly the spinners. Big game for Swann.

We'll be in a better position to assess how easy (or not) the wicket is....when Australia bat.

 

[glyn]

We'll be in a better position to assess how easy (or not) the wicket is....when Australia bat.

Indeed. I suspect it will suddenly seem much easier.

 

[Durham Fox]

Worst Oval pitch in many a year. On course for a par score IMO.

 

[CM]

It was pretty flat this morning from what I saw on tv, although from what I've read on the beeb website it does sound like its deterioated a bit. Could be interesting.

 

[Brauny Blue]

I think we may have blown it.

Needed at least 450 imo.

 

[PFKAKTF FOX]

Hopefully Broad, Anderson and Harmison can hang around this morning and drag us to as near 350 as possible. Then hopefully the likes of Freddie, Harmy and Broad can use their speed and ability to bang the ball in to extract the extra bounce to skittle out the Aussies. Batting first has been a massive advantage and the pressure will really be on the Australia batting line up to try and build a first innings lead, because batting last on this wicket will be extremely difficult.

A definite result pitch and I think after yesterday you can pretty much rule out a draw.

 

[Durham Fox]

I think we may have blown it.

Needed at least 450 imo.

Its not a 450 pitch imo

 

[PFKAKTF FOX]

Its not a 450 pitch imo

I agree, if we can get to somewhere around 350 we will have a decent score IMO. However it makes it even more frustrating when you consider that both Colly, Prior & Flintoff got out to poor shots. Another 30 or 40 runs from these 3 between them and we would really have been in the box seat.

 

[Durham Fox]

I agree, if we can get to somewhere around 350 we will have a decent score IMO. However it makes it even more frustrating when you consider that both Colly, Prior & Flintoff got out to poor shots. Another 30 or 40 runs from these 3 between them and we would really have been in the box seat.

Agreed.

It does worry you when you look at the cons batting lineup but IMO our bowling attack is stronger than theirs and if the pitch continues to cut up like yesterday they could be in trouble.

 

[PFKAKTF FOX]

Agreed.

It does worry you when you look at the cons batting lineup but IMO our bowling attack is stronger than theirs and if the pitch continues to cut up like yesterday they could be in trouble.

I just hope we bowl with discipline and control, we definitely have the bowlers capable of taking twenty wickets in this test, but as throughout the series on occasions our bowlers seem to have been trying too hard and given the Aussies too many freebies before regaining composure. We must put them under pressure from ball 1. One poor session and the Aussies will capitalise and gain the momentum to build a decent first innings score.

 

[Durham Fox]

I just hope we bowl with discipline and control, we definitely have the bowlers capable of taking twenty wickets in this test, but as throughout the series on occasions our bowlers seem to have been trying too hard and given the Aussies too many freebies before regaining composure. We must put them under pressure from ball 1. One poor session and the Aussies will capitalise and gain the momentum to build a decent first innings score.

Swann is the key man, he has to be on the money from the off. He will have to bowl a lot of overs and needs to show some form.

 

[homer]

Its not a 450 pitch imo

Well it sure as hell looked it until we opted to politely give our middle order wickets away

 

[Durham Fox]

Well it sure as hell looked it until we opted to politely give our middle order wickets away

The pitch is already cutting up homey pants.