Yes Warren it is true you never know how good a score is until both sides have batted on it, we'll have to wait and see on that one. As for erroneous umpiring decisions, it's just part of the game and does tend to even itself out especially over a long series. I for one think Billy Bowden has had a excellent series, and was fittingly given the final test to oversee.
Eduardo and Diplodocus, it seems that you and I to have been taking an added interest in the coming weather conditions. Well the weather saved the Aussies from defeat the last time it rained so I guess it only seems fair that we can benefit a little from it this time, after all it is our weather, lol.
Well guys as I type this, we now know what we have to defend, 373. Not brilliant to say the least on a wicket that good but I guess it could have been worse at 297-7. It's now important that we start off well with the new ball, bowl a good line and length, keep the pressure on by not giving the openers any room outside and make them earn every run. It may be time later on for Giles to come to the party as Australia have four lefties in their batting line up. I thought he batted really well this morning for his 32. Might be his day.
*ASHES* Oval-single biggest sporting event since..
Re: *ASHES* Oval-single biggest sporting event since..
Well deuce if someone as respected and knowledgeable as Ian Chappell has openly vented those feelings, then perhaps it's time for the Australian cricketing authorities to sit up and take note. You are right when you say that the Australian team have not been used to facing up against a quality of team such as England and if Glenn McGraths idiotic punditry of an Australia 5-0 series whitewash is anything to go by, then maybe they didn't give the England team the respect they were due to start with.
You raised an interesting point about tandem leg spinners, I would have certainly liked to have seen that in action at some point during the series. I'm sure Stuart McGill would have liked a chance to test himself under these conditions too, other than in the county warm up matches.
You raised an interesting point about tandem leg spinners, I would have certainly liked to have seen that in action at some point during the series. I'm sure Stuart McGill would have liked a chance to test himself under these conditions too, other than in the county warm up matches.
Re: *ASHES* Oval-single biggest sporting event since..
It is an otion but I was of the opinion that Warne didn't like to bowl with another leg spinner although that maybe a myth created by the media.
Re: *ASHES* Oval-single biggest sporting event since..
Very frustrating end to the days play...And how costly will Langer being dropped by Trescothic off of Collingwood on 53 turn out to be. It wasn't an easy catch by any means as he was standing a little wide at first slip, But I have seen him take them before.
I thought Langer batted well despite the drop and tried to take the attack to England, but I felt Hayden was batting well within himself, almost like he was struggling to find his form at the wicket. When was the last time you saw Hayden take 33 overs to reach 32 on a flat batting track.
With unsettled weather forecast for the weekend ahead they may not have the luxury of being in a position to accept bad light quite so quickly in the future. I think the first session tomorrow could prove critical, If they can add another 100+ without losing a wicket like they did in the last session, then that will put the Aussies strong favourites, weather pending. But if we can knock over three or four morning wickets that would put us strongly back in the driving seat.
I thought Langer batted well despite the drop and tried to take the attack to England, but I felt Hayden was batting well within himself, almost like he was struggling to find his form at the wicket. When was the last time you saw Hayden take 33 overs to reach 32 on a flat batting track.
With unsettled weather forecast for the weekend ahead they may not have the luxury of being in a position to accept bad light quite so quickly in the future. I think the first session tomorrow could prove critical, If they can add another 100+ without losing a wicket like they did in the last session, then that will put the Aussies strong favourites, weather pending. But if we can knock over three or four morning wickets that would put us strongly back in the driving seat.