creeeeeeeekeeeeeet

[Bruce Rioja]

300's up..

Does it look like we can get perhaps another 30 or so, Bish?

[mrkint]

Smashing them around the ground atm.

#kissofdeath

[TANGODANCER]

Effectively, and considering the good bowling, this is a decent innings. Be really great if we can bang a few more home to get 300 in front. Fascinating contest. Hope the wicket's a bit kind to our bowlers.

[thebish]

300's up..

Does it look like we can get perhaps another 30 or so, Bish?

am listening on t'radio... the way we are going now - we could knock 30 off in 5 overs... but a wicket could fall any moment and we could be all out without adding any more!

[TANGODANCER]

Ian Botham's view:

"This is exactly the right way for England to bat now. The ball is doing a lot and if the ball is there and you think you can have a go at it, go, and go hard! This is turning into a fascinating game"

[ChrisC]

I predict we will get 325 in front. Makes the game very interesting.

I'll go for an Australian collapse around the 150 mark though.

[TANGODANCER]

Down to one wicket left now. 285 in front and Harris gets a brilliant seven wickets. Bresnan a great 45.

[thebish]

swann's just hit successive 4s 326-9 - 294 ahead

[TANGODANCER]

Big let off for Swann as Smith drops a dolly.

[ChrisC]

Swanny has had his Weetabix today!

[ChrisC]

330 all out.

Australia need 299.

[TANGODANCER]

All gone for a very tidy 330 that leaves the Oz needing 299 to win.

[BWFC_Insane]

I know the TMS lot are saying this is a really tough pitch to bat on etc etc. For me I don't think it's as tough as they're making out.

There is some inconsistent bounce, but it seems more the exception than the rule. Its no minefield. And movement off the seam seems variable and there is little swing. Swann might be the key again, but Australia have stacked their left handers up the order to try and compensate for that.

Sure England are in the box seat. You'd fancy any side set a 299 chase to struggle, and probably lose.

However, far from impossible for me.

[TANGODANCER]

I know the TMS lot are saying this is a really tough pitch to bat on etc etc. For me I don't think it's as tough as they're making out.

Do let the experts know what they're talking about a time or two BWFCi, it's what they get paid for after all.

[BWFC_Insane]

I know the TMS lot are saying this is a really tough pitch to bat on etc etc. For me I don't think it's as tough as they're making out.

Do let the experts know what they're talking about a time or two BWFCi, it's what they get paid for after all.

The Sky commentary team for example had higher targets that they thought were achieveable for Australia than the BBC TMS ones. So the experts don't always agree with each other.

[TANGODANCER]

I know the TMS lot are saying this is a really tough pitch to bat on etc etc. For me I don't think it's as tough as they're making out.

Do let the experts know what they're talking about a time or two BWFCi, it's what they get paid for after all.

The Sky commentary team for example had higher targets that they thought were achieveable for Australia than the BBC TMS ones. So the experts don't always agree with each other.

But you're saying the pitch isn't tought to bat on when it obviously is. I just hope it's as tough for them as it was for us.

It's peeing down now anyway, so that'll change things a bit. Hope it doesn't last long.

[BWFC_Insane]

I know the TMS lot are saying this is a really tough pitch to bat on etc etc. For me I don't think it's as tough as they're making out.

Do let the experts know what they're talking about a time or two BWFCi, it's what they get paid for after all.

The Sky commentary team for example had higher targets that they thought were achieveable for Australia than the BBC TMS ones. So the experts don't always agree with each other.

But you're saying the pitch isn't tought to bat on when it obviously is. I just hope it's as tough for them as it was for us.

It's peeing down now anyway, so that'll change things a bit. Hope it doesn't last long.

Not saying it isn't tough. Of course it is.

But its no minefield. The is the odd variable bounce. But its not happened enough to be a real massive problem. The ball moves off the seam too when new. But I'm just saying England just made 300 plus on this pitch. It is by no means unplayable and 299 is well in Englands favour but certainly achieveable.

[TANGODANCER]

Come on rain, pxss off and at least give them a chance to fight.

[BWFC_Insane]

Come on rain, pxss off and at least give them a chance to fight.

Only showers forecast so shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Bad for England though, the outfield getting wet! Doesn't help keep the ball hard or help it swing.

[TANGODANCER]

Covers coming off this minute. Fingers crossed. Play to start at 2-50 they say.

Revised timings: Tea will be taken at 16:45. The evening session is 17:05-19:00 and an extra half an hour is available....