creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[BWFC_Insane]

We didn't lose the second by a mile, just by two critical wickets right at the start of the day. It was winnable and we could have done that. We can still do it.

We needed a record breaking total batting last. Truth is we were a way off.

The encouraging thing is IF we'd played like we did on day 3 and 4 on days 1 and 2 as well we might have won.

However, lets not kid ourselves, we cannot afford to play like day 1 and 2 at any point in the next 3 tests if we have any hope. And the hope we have, isn't much.

[jimbo]

Adelaide presented us our best chance. The most English-like conditions under lights, and we still lost by 100 runs, only outperforming them for 1 of the 5 days.

Another 5-0 is far more likely than us winning a test. We've got a batting line up that can't make big scores, and no threatening bowling after the new ball has gone. Australia have significant faults but have enough in key areas to make them effective.

[Prufrock]

I think we'll win one. All of the top nine (?) have made 30 plus at least once, and they've shown a propensity to chuck it away too. Think the stars will align for one test in that we'll put a couple of big scores together with a collapse by them.

[Bruce Rioja]

Right. I'm calling Alastair Cook out here. He's done 4uck all in meaningful tests for as far back as I can remember. Yes, yes, I know he has a prolific record otherwise, but it's high time he gave a decent account of himself.

[jimbo]

He's someone who for his whole career has gone through dreadful runs of form for quite long periods, with people questioning his place before then going on to a run where he's unstoppable. The Australia tour in 2010/11was the prime example.

The tricky thing as he approaches the twilight of his career is knowing when to bin him off, and when to hold on to him to cash in on his upcoming purple patch.


For what it's worth, I don't think he's that far off at the moment. His feet are moving, and he's not falling over as he typically does when he's horribly out of nick. I think he'll go well at the WACA, where Lyons influence should be smaller.

[Bruce Rioja]

But Jim, he still keeps getting out to this 4ucking ridiculous shot he plays that doesn't need playing - wafting his bat outside of off stump and thick-edging it to slip. I'm sick of seeing him do it.

[Bruce Rioja]

Cook 7

Enough's enough!

[BWFC_Insane]

There are others I'd be getting rid of before Cook to be honest.

Vince has played 9 tests, 15 innings.

He averages 20.

[TANGODANCER]

305-4 is a heartening start despite the big names going cheaply. Cooke is a real baffler; on his day a supreme batsman, off it a nondescript tail ender. Too many times the latter lately. We really need something special in this one. Oh for an Ian Botham.

[Bruce Rioja]

There are others I'd be getting rid of before Cook to be honest.

Vince has played 9 tests, 15 innings.

He averages 20.

I'm prepared to say that Vince is still feeling his way to an extent. Cook on the other hand............

[jimbo]

Nah, vince is flaky as anything. Modest county record and understandably struggling with the step up. If you've a problem with cook being out the same way, you should have a look at vince. 9 out of the last 11 caught at wk/slip while driving is a piss take and shows he can't learn. The problem is the drive is his only scoring shot, so if he puts that away he's got no other scoring options. Unless he can magically expand his game there's no way he'll make it in test cricket.

[Bruce Rioja]

But at least Vince is attempting to play a scoring stroke, Jim. No good has ever come from Cook's hapless waft of the bat outside off stump which regularly sees him edge it into the slips.

[TANGODANCER]

Pretty much everything hangs on how we fare tonight. Get a really good lead and we might just capitalise and skittle them out for a low total, even get them following on. A win here might just take bit of sass out of them.

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Now that we've a little hope, what'll happen is we'll be skittled for 63 within an hour and a half. The Aussies will then get 600 and we'll reply with 146. Over n out

[TANGODANCER]

Now that we've a little hope, what'll happen is we'll be skittled for 63 within an hour and a half. The Aussies will then get 600 and we'll reply with 146. Over n out

You are Crocodile Dundee and I claim the tin of Party Seven and....what, they don't do it anymore ? Ah well, have to be Watney's Red Barrel then....what?

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

[TANGODANCER]

That's the little divil, and a Double Diamond worked wonders too...

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Not quite the collapse I was expecting, though still possible now malang gone and Moeen out for nowt

[Abdoulaye's Twin]

Took 2 hours rather than an hour and a half!

[TANGODANCER]

Oz 203-3 at stumps. Still open....much depends on early wickets now and not letting Smith dig in.