The Ashes

[PM-Junkie]

id be interested to know exactly what ponting was supposed to have done wrong apart from not taking the last wicket? wtf was the physio and the 12th man doing on the field? and please please stfu about 2005.

His choice of bowler for a start!

[Mich the Tester]

wtf was the physio and the 12th man doing on the field?

Sledging, hopefully.

[oracleslave]

Well done Monty and Anderson for rescuing England's batting order.

They were brilliant weren't they? Such character, skill and bravery. Really showed those aussies. Give them both a knighthood I say.

[Mich the Tester]

They were brilliant weren't they? Such character, skill and bravery. Really showed those aussies. Give them both a knighthood I say.

No need to be sarky about it. The tail enders did a good job; just a shame that the established batsmen didn't.

[shaunbhoy]

Morons like you who scream racism at the drop of a hat are a pain in the neck.

Methinks he doth protest too much.
Nuff said.

[PM-Junkie]

What are peoples' thoughts on the England selection for Thursday?

I reckon Broad and Panesar will be make way for Harmison and Onions, and I would like to see Cook replaced with Stephen Moore...though I suspect the batting lineup won't be changed.

I think England will still struggle though...

[dozer]

the fact that england need so many changes and australia are going in unchanged speak volumes. the psychological scars of just scraping a draw will also play heavy on england in the next test. the captain being a 4th choice and being outplayed will also feature.

[Moscow Mule]

the fact that england need so many changes and australia are going in unchanged speak volumes. the psychological scars of just scraping a draw will also play heavy on england in the next test. the captain being a 4th choice and being outplayed will also feature.

You won't know what team the Aussies are playing until the morning of the test.

I'd say the scars of failing to knock over either of Englands crappest batsmen in nearly 12 overs would bear heaviest on Ponting's mind.

I think the crap-ness of England's attack was more to blame than the brilliance of the Aussie batting for the 600+ in the first innings. That needs to be addressed.

[Alf W]

2nd Test - here we go

England: AJ Strauss (captain), AN Cook, RS Bopara, KP Pietersen, PD
Collingwood, MJ Prior (wkt), A Flintoff, SCJ Broad, GP Swann, JM Anderson, G Onions.

Australia: RT Ponting (captain), PJ Hughes, SM Katich, MJ Clarke, MEK Hussey, MJ North, BJ Haddin (wkt), MG Johnson, PM Siddle, NM Hauritz, BW Hilfenhaus.

Ponting lost the toss. England to bat first.

[dozer]

they would have wheeled flintoff out if they had to, they may still have to...