The Ashes

[Doggy Styles]

They don't need practice you turd, the bowlers need resting. Believe it or not, bowling 15 overs in 30+ heat is acutely hard work. We also had long spells in the field last test, so it's a case of managing the bowlers. Remember, these two tests are back to back, then there's a break, then the next two are back to back, then a break, then the Oval; we need ot ensure we have the A team fit at all times.

It was me that mentioned batting practice, but only as a side-benefit of the other things I mentioned - resting bowlers and not batting last as the wicket wears. Apart from Bell, none of the top 7 can say they are in much form and time in the middle is what they need.

Although after tonight you have to wonder what their mindset is at the crease.

Why do the players need batting practice, they only played yesterday!

5 of the top 8 didn't bat for long yesterday, hence a second go should have done them good.

[Old Hack]

It was me that mentioned batting practice, but only as a side-benefit of the other things I mentioned - resting bowlers and not batting last as the wicket wears. Apart from Bell, none of the top 7 can say they are in much form and time in the middle is what they need.

Although after tonight you have to wonder what their mindset is at the crease.
5 of the top 8 didn't bat for long yesterday, hence a second go should have done them good.

Fair enough. He's still a turd though.

By the way Swann was getting turn and bounce on the second day, you'd not want to bat last on this. Also, as I said, this wicket seems to be a new ball wicket, in that the new ball does enough, but then the life goes out of it. In the 1st innings we lost 3 very quick wickets too. I am not alarmed at 31-3, given the first innings, to be honest, as I think Root and Bell should turn things around; I'd be happy going into lunch having only lost one more wicket.

[Coalman]

I do feel sorry for the Aussies-not!
Grind them into the dust, it's what Steve Waugh would have done.
I think batting will be difficult for both sides, but England will have a 400+ lead by the time the Aussies bat again. That's too much the way the Aussies have been batting.
Hope Root scores a few and Swann gets another 5 for!

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[Doggy Styles]

I'm still not writing these Aussies off. They somehow got close at Trent Bridge. They are like a dirty, wiry rat who bites into your foot and won't let go, even if you chop its head off.

At least they are only like rats and not staffordshire bull terriers like they used to be.

And it's cloudy this morning for our 2nd innings, the Aussies will get swing at Lords in these conditions.

[Old Hack]

I'm still not writing these Aussies off. They somehow got close at Trent Bridge. They are like a dirty, wiry rat who bites into your foot and won't let go, even if you chop its head off.

At least they are only like rats and not staffordshire bull terriers like they used to be.

And it's cloudy this morning for our 2nd innings, the Aussies will get swing at Lords in these conditions.

I think, to be honest, we've already got enough, but it will be good to get 200 more, and rub their noses in it.

[Doggy Styles]

I think, to be honest, we've already got enough, but it will be good to get 200 more, and rub their noses in it.

Deep down I know you are probably right. It's been fairly turgid stuff so far today though. We've scored 100 in three hours.

[Mister Murphy]

I think the batting conditions on this wicket will begin to favour the bowlers as the ball is beginning to turn in this cloudy conditions. We will bee loping to skittle out the England bottom order as quick as possible

[Bunk]

Do you think Bell was out? They seem pretty sure on Sky but it looks to me like it was on the ground with fingers on the sides. I know **** all about cricket though so I'm just going by how it looked to me.

[Coalman]

Nice to get a prediction right!
Well done Root.
Just set up for Swan tomorrow.

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[Old Hack]

I think the batting conditions on this wicket will begin to favour the bowlers as the ball is beginning to turn in this cloudy conditions. We will bee loping to skittle out the England bottom order as quick as possible

An Indian supporting Australia? Well, I thought I'd seen it all...