creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[Dujon]

I don't know what's being said in England. From what I've read here in the print medium (or heard on the radio for that matter) no one is complaining about the rain. Of course it's mentioned, as a fact, but there is no beating of chests or tearing of hair. Joe Public - and that includes me - knows perfectly well that without that amazing effort by Agar in the first test Australia would have been well and truly thumped in the first two tests. Most comments here are made quizzing the technology used in the referral system which seems to have baffled players of both teams as well as respected cricket commentators and analysts. Add to that the remainder, which are overwhelmingly about the team not working properly, and you have collection in which terms such as 'We Wuz Robbed!" are hard to find.

The Australian press can be terribly parochial at times so I'm not quite sure why I'm defending them this time other than I'm surprised to see they seem to have collectively (and probably temporarily) changed their spots.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

they seem to have collectively (and probably temporarily) changed their spots.

A leopard can't. I know this. You can mislay one or two though.

[TANGODANCER]

England 51-1. Root fell to the hotspot umpire.

[Bruce Rioja]

England 51-1. Root fell to the hotspot umpire.

What's your take on it, Tango? Did they get this one correct?

[BWFC_Insane]

It was out. Clearly. Correct decision.

Still like the TMS team very unconvinced by Root as an opener. One big innings this series (where he was dropped on but the rest have been failures, averaging 11.

Looks a good sort and seems resilient, but I'm not convinced he's the answer to open in Australia.

[TANGODANCER]

England 51-1. Root fell to the hotspot umpire.

What's your take on it, Tango? Did they get this one correct?

I' m following Sky match commentary on my pc Bruce. Just shows a still shot, but if that's an edge it's a fine one.

[jimbo]

It was out. Clearly. Correct decision.

Still like the TMS team very unconvinced by Root as an opener. One big innings this series (where he was dropped on but the rest have been failures, averaging 11.

Looks a good sort and seems resilient, but I'm not convinced he's the answer to open in Australia.

Agreed. Not sure who we would promote to open instead though. At least if Root dropped down the order we could get shut of Bairstow. Such an unconvincing top order at the moment

[jimbo]

England 51-1. Root fell to the hotspot umpire.

What's your take on it, Tango? Did they get this one correct?

I' m following Sky match commentary on my pc Bruce. Just shows a still shot, but if that's an edge it's a fine one.

It was just a genuine nick, big noise and caught behind. Bat nowhere near anything else. Poor decision by the on field umpire in the first place. The standard of the officials this series has been appalling!

[Bruce Rioja]

Cheers guys. Any further updates for those of us that are currently lunching al desko - most appreciated.

[jimbo]

It's been pretty turgid so far. I'm off to the cinema instead

[TANGODANCER]

Play's restarted again and we've upped the ante a little. 70-1.

[TANGODANCER]

111-2 as Trott goes on 49.

[Bruce Rioja]

Hmmm. Is the ball doing much, Tango?

[BWFC_Insane]

Hmmm. Is the ball doing much, Tango?

Absolutely nowt.

[TANGODANCER]

Hmmm. Is the ball doing much, Tango?

Might be the ball or bad judgement, but there seem to be a few thick edges around and Siddle's always dangerous. Pietersen's being more than a bit cavalier right now but we've gone to 128-2.

[TANGODANCER]

Commentator reckons there's life in the pitch for the seamers. Seems to be borne out as Cook got lucky there with an inside edge just missing the stumps. 144-2.

[BWFC_Insane]

Wicket is very slow so getting runs isn't easy.

But very little movement off the pitch and not much if any swing.

[TANGODANCER]

Pietersen gone for 26 to a ball that he expected to turn...and didn't. 149-3.

[BWFC_Insane]

Again our batting is not impressing.

[TANGODANCER]

Again our batting is not impressing.

Last time it impressed you Len Hutton was batting.