creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[jimbo]

Well Rory has made me look a right mug. Thanks Rory, you played the best opening test innings for England we’ve seen since Cook in his pomp.

Batting through the day is remarkable. But exactly what we needed.

When they changed the ball and seemed to get a nice new rock the lucky bastards and two fell quickly I thought here we go. But Burns held it together and Stokes looked in good nick.

If these two can survive the first hour tomorrow then we really have Aussies under the pump.

Hopefully he can kick on and nail down his place on a long term basis - God we need it. Don’t forget though it’s not long since Jennings’ brilliant match winning ton in Sri Lanka.

[Bruce Rioja]

So, at which point do we decide to give it a bit of tap?

[Enoch]

So, at which point do we decide to give it a bit of tap?

I'm giving it some tap as I type.

[jimbo]

So, at which point do we decide to give it a bit of tap?

We don’t until at least tea. It’s only day 3 and we haven’t got a lead yet. We should look to bat long and bat them out of the game, building as big a lead as possible. If we bat all day we’ll have a lead of about 250 with 2 days left to bowl them out. Should be ample time. No need to start teeing off.

[Bruce Rioja]

So, Jonny. No pressure

[Worthy4England]

So, at which point do we decide to give it a bit of tap?

We don’t until at least tea. It’s only day 3 and we haven’t got a lead yet. We should look to bat long and bat them out of the game, building as big a lead as possible. If we bat all day we’ll have a lead of about 250 with 2 days left to bowl them out. Should be ample time. No need to start teeing off.

Aye, agree. All about biggest lead we can grind, today.

[TANGODANCER]

: Stokes gone for 50, but what a timely 50. Burns still there on 133, the Yin to Smith's Yang.

Edit,even as I typed.... ah well, all good things etc. Well done that man.

[BWFC_Insane]

Collapse is on. In fairness the turn on this pitch is crazy. Trouble is with England batting last we need a very good lead but can’t see one unless someone can play Lyon better.

[Worthy4England]

Wtf was Ali doing there? I mean really? Wouldn't expect to see that in a Sunday beer match. You're another one behind, TD.

[TANGODANCER]

Oh boy, it's well alight now. Test match stuff....

[BWFC_Insane]

Wtf was Ali doing there? I mean really? Wouldn't expect to see that in a Sunday beer match. You're another one behind, TD.

Played for the spin. It looked awful.

Mind I’m not sure why he’s in above Woakes. He’s been awful with the bat for a while now.

[BWFC_Insane]

FFS. Total collapse. Australia huge huge favourites now. Anything above 150 will be too much batting last.

[TANGODANCER]

Collapse is on. In fairness the turn on this pitch is crazy. Trouble is with England batting last we need a very good lead but can’t see one unless someone can play Lyon better.

Do go and have a full English or summat. We've made it a square game already.

[Worthy4England]

And another. Procession.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

So this is where you all are?
I might have known.

[BWFC_Insane]

Collapse is on. In fairness the turn on this pitch is crazy. Trouble is with England batting last we need a very good lead but can’t see one unless someone can play Lyon better.

Do go and have a full English or summat. We've made it a square game already.

This pitch is getting harder and harder to bat on. Batting last will be very difficult. We needed a lead.

[Worthy4England]

Grand rendition of "same old Aussies, always cheating" there...

[Worthy4England]

Closely followed by "he's got the sand paper in his hands" when Smith bought on to bowl...

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Closely followed by "he's got the sand paper in his hands" when Smith bought on to bowl...

Oi, there's a football match on. Just because you didn't win the sweepstake..

[Worthy4England]

Closely followed by "he's got the sand paper in his hands" when Smith bought on to bowl...

Oi, there's a football match on. Just because you didn't win the sweepstake..

Our's isn't. For another half hour. And I'll still he watching cricket, then.