*Official* Second Test at Lords

[Ikki]

That's not what I meant, I just mean in general. If you'd been set 400 to win everyone would reel out all those overused stats about the highest-ever fourth-innings run-chases at each ground when in actual fact you'd almost be home and dry by now. People act like 522 is impossible for no other reason than because the innings has the number four next to its name.

As for today, I agree that it's a long shot. But I won't be switching off any time soon.

There is a reason why the number 4 next to the innings makes it such a difficult, almost impossible, feat. I am sure you are familiar with the variables that make such a score so rare - actually unique - in getting it.

 

[Uppercut]

There's a reason that record has stood for so long...

There are lots of reasons. Very few matches involve a team being set a large total with enough time to chase it down, particularly considering the lower scoring rates of previous generations. Of those matches, plenty were played on pitches that deteriorated much more heavily than those of today.

Fourth innings chases are far easier than they've ever been.

 

[Langeveldt]

He averages 39.89, your statement is just baseless crap, like it wasn't good bowling that got Ponting out

Okay.11, thats pedantic of note.. Harmison every day of the week for mine, even Hoggard..

 

[Matt79]

Oh well, here we go. Break a leg Flintoff. (No, I mean that literally)

 

[Ikki]

Oh well, here we go. Break a leg Flintoff. (No, I mean that literally)

Why not both, since we're asking?

 

[Uppercut]

There is a reason why the number 4 next to the innings makes it such a difficult, almost impossible, feat. I am sure you are familiar with the variables that make such a score so rare - actually unique - in getting it.

All I was saying is that those variables don't always apply. 522 is a crazy score though. Don't think I'm trying to say it's easy.

 

[GIMH]

Okay.11, thats pedantic of note.. Harmison every day of the week for mine, even Hoggard..

If it's under 40 it's under 40, it's hardly pedantic

 

[Ikki]

We can do it, but only if Clarke/Haddin take off another 150 IMO. Asking the tail to get 100 is just another big ask on what is already another big ask.

 

[_Ed_]

"Yeah, there's a few niggles flying about."

 

[wfdu_ben91]

If it's under 40 it's under 40, it's hardly pedantic

Averages are decimals. Anything higher then 39.5 is an average of 40.

 

[vic_orthdox]

If they are jabbing the bejesus out of Flintoff, be interesting to see how many of the last three tests he can play.

Flintoff to take at least a five wicket haul, in his last ever Test (i.e. this one).

 

[Hoggy31]

We can do it, but only if Clarke/Haddin take off another 150 IMO. Asking the tail to get 100 is just another big ask on what is already another big ask.

Agree, don't want Johnson coming in with still more than 120, at most, to get.

 

[TazzX]

Prediction: Eng will take a wicket in the first 5ov of this mornigns session. The a little fight and perhaps another wicket just before lunch. They will come out after lunch and wrap things up. A win of 78 runs.

 

[Andre]

I just remembered how close Clarke was to being bowled first ball yesterday, he left a straight one, and it so nearly took his off-stump out of the ground. I don't think we'd still be talking about Australia having a chance to win if he'd gone then.

Thanks for clearing that up...

Anyway;

Conditions have come up good for the Australians - clear skies around Lords apparently. If the ball doesn't swing and Flintoff pulls up a bit lame from yesterday we are right in this.

If we get through the first hour wicketless it will be seriously close. If Clarke is still there with 100 to get we will get even closer.

Could be one of the great days of Test cricket history here. Has shown why is it the supreme form of the game - and also the most entertaining IMO.

 

[wfdu_ben91]

England to win by Hughes' average, Katich's average and Hussey's average combined.

 

[Hoggy31]

Ponting should set Clarke to 2 bars and Haddin to 3 imo.

 

[Adamc]

Ponting should set Clarke to 2 bars and Haddin to 3 imo.

Think it might be over rather quickly. If these two put on another 50 or so I'll start to entertain the possibility of a win.

 

[inbox24]

Heart in mouth already!

 

[zaremba]

Ponting should set Clarke to 2 bars and Haddin to 3 imo.

Good call.

 

[simmy]

how important is this new ball. God.