posted Jul 16, 2009

How did Bopara get selected on his first test performance? He looks out of his depth at international level.
Lets hope onions lives up to his name and causes a real stink when the Aussies bat.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

"why exclude Bopara from the criticism."

Midlandsfan, I had posted earlier, in another thread:
"Hilfenhaus bowled a few balls wide and swinging away, then one that nipped back. It is the oldest trick in cricket, but Bopara fell for it. He is not a test number three, definitely not this early in his career."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F14200881?thread=6760946&post=82981591#p82981591

It is just that I do not like repeating myself over and over again.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

after the start they had, they should have ensured that they ended the day for around 330 for 3 or 4 max. then, it could have been confidently asserted that it was england's day.

i think that the 'at the start of the day would they have taken the score...' kind of argument exemplifies what is wrong with the english cricket -- it is too static. it needs to be dynamic and reassess continuously and try and improve a strong position to an impregnable one. something the ozzies manage to do more often than not.
of course, this is a simplistic 'illustration' of what i perceive to be one of english cricket's travails ie too little critical self appraisal!

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posted Jul 16, 2009

364 in one day is a very fine effort. 6 down yes but the game is very very close, if the ball continues to do what it has been doing it'll be a brilliant match.

Cook was unlucky as Johnson finally got one straight, Prior the same, beauty of a delivery considerin he hadn't swung one in all day. KP got a great delivery for him. Colly and Freddie should be annoyed with themselves but apart from that the rest were good pieces of bowling really intended or not.

Australia showed England if you don't get disheartened by a big partnership you can stay in the game. Also the new ball swung and the ball swung after 50 overs too so plenty to be optimistic for England. 364-6 at the end of day one for me is well and truly level. England should be looking for 450-500. But then again who wouldn't want 407 to invoke memories of Edgbaston?

It is so close. Saying 364-6 is good for Australia is wrong I think, Ricky must be annoyed that when finally Johnson got it right he got a wicket and when Siddle got it right, but if England get it right from ball one then we might see a great match between bat and ball, much more interesting when that ball swings.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

And to add this test is completely different to Cardiff. This track will be quicker than that. Less spin here so hopefully Swann will see it as a job to do rather than being told he is going to win the match. Flintoff hopefully will be bowling less overs with an extra seamer in Onions. Australia found swing, if England do the same 674 won't be happening. 453 was enough until Australia got 674. I doubt it will happen again though. England's bowlers were completely off it there and when Jimmy found swing he got a couple of wickets. Broad, Flintoff, Swann must improve and Onions got 10 last time he played here so wait and see.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

Oh dear the usual middle order collapse and after such a bright start !!

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posted Jul 16, 2009

Strauss is a hopelessly negative captian, England have no chance with him and flower at the helm.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

Have to laugh at all the negative comments on here, then comlaints that Strauss is a negative captain.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

Good knock by Strauss. Congrats to him.

Some woeful bowling by Australia (say what you like about them adjusting to the slope at Lord's...they could at least bowl at the damn stumps more. lol). Although, while grinding my teeth a lot during the day, it was getting much better towards the end.

Although if Oz apply the same application to their batting on this pitch that they did at Cardiff...the match maybe a virtual replay of the first one.

That said, the weather looks very dicey for getting a result.

Best part of the day was Shane Warne in the commentary box. ha. He was sledging even from up there. Old habits die hard. And he is certainly a damn sight more interesting than most of them with the mike.

Let's hope tomorrow isn't washed out and both teams lift the consistency of their play.

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posted Jul 16, 2009

Why is it too that so many pitches for test matches these days are just made for batting?

Personally I miss the days where the bowlers got assistance more often and the batsmen had to fight to survive.

Cynical conspiracy theory would suggest that sponsors want a full 5 days of advertising exposure..................

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