*Official Third Test at Edgbaston

[GIMH]

Hmm, went to bed early last night a bit under the weather. Seems our blokes were really disciplined, not conceding a run all day. Lack of penetration still a worry though, not geting a wicket.

Looks like Marto had a good time anyway, which is great - was thinkin of you lad.

On the future of the match, why would England worry about scoring at sufficient clip to set a big enough target to make things awkward for Australia? They're 1-0 up, not down. They'd just bat normally, presumably and see what happens, rather than throw wood and risk a collapse.

Though by the weather reports, it all seems moot.

Hmm, not sure. It's hard to see us losing this match whatever happens here. We bat quickly and don't take an Aussie wicket, it ends a draw. If we collapse, Australia get a lead of about 100, but there would not to be a hugely brave declaration from Ponting to force a result. I don't think we're likely to get a win whatever we do, but it seems the most likely way of achieving a result.

Nice of Dizzy to stop by and say hello to the special needs section of the crowd.

 

[Craig]

What's Michel Platini doing at Edgbaston?

Thinking about his next rant at the FA and EPL?

 

[social]

Hmm, not sure. It's hard to see us losing this match whatever happens here. We bat quickly and don't take an Aussie wicket, it ends a draw. If we collapse, Australia get a lead of about 100, but there would not to be a hugely brave declaration from Ponting to force a result. I don't think we're likely to get a win whatever we do, but it seems the most likely way of achieving a result.

If we get 2 full days (unlikely I know), it wouldnt surprise me to see Eng win as I can certainly envisage a situation where Oz get rolled for a low score in good bowling conditions

 

[GIMH]

Tomorrow's forecast is similar to yesterday's apparently yeah, so it does seem unlikely. Not that I trust the forecasts :|

 

[Pigeon]

Today can we get any play?

 

[GIMH]

Should get a full day apparently

 

[Smudge]

Let's be honest here, GIMH - it wasn't your best photo.

 

[Pigeon]

Should get a full day apparently

Thanks. really looking forward to a Bell 100.

 

[chalky]

Just checked tomorrow's forecast looks like it's improved a bit predicting cloud cover but no rain could be good bowling conditions.

Metcheck.com - Global Weather Forecasts - Weather Forecast for Birmingham - [Updated on 02 August 2009 at 10:00] - Weather Feeds - Live Data - Long Range Weather Forecasts

 

[GIMH]

Let's be honest here, GIMH - it wasn't your best photo.

Haha yeah, all pretty atrocious from yesterday tbf

Thanks. really looking forward to a Bell 100.

Ah, apparently it's too wet for a start on time...no confirmation yet, just Beefy said so

 

[zaremba]

11am inspection and a delayed start. Thanks again to warwickshire for choosing not to spend their ECB grant for drainage improvement. ****ing disgraceful.

 

[Uppercut]

Ah, apparently it's too wet for a start on time...no confirmation yet, just Beefy said so

Would be another poor show from the drainage if that's the case. It's covered in glorious sunshine at the moment.

 

[GIMH]

So frustrating, there were about two hours without rain yesterday and it looks lovely there today. Groundsmen have done a great job, no doubt, but the drainage really should be better than this.

 

[Uppercut]

Rain looks pretty certain for tomorrow too. To quote Brumby, stick a fork in 'er.

 

[NUFAN]

In terms of facilities, is Edgbaston one of the 5 or 6 best grounds in England and Wales?

 

[BoyBrumby]

In terms of facilities, is Edgbaston one of the 5 or 6 best grounds in England and Wales?

I'm gonna go ahead & say no.

Trouble is the ECB awards tests on what the venues are prepared to pay for the staging rights rather than the actual viability of the ground.

 

[Pigeon]

For some years until 2000, the ground had a distinctive motorized rain cover system, known as the Brumbrella.The Stadium is now known for it's completely dire drainage facility which has impacted important Test Cricket matches.

 

[NUFAN]

I'm gonna go ahead & say no.

Trouble is the ECB awards tests on what the venues are prepared to pay for the staging rights rather than the actual viability of the ground.

Just not good enough. The top venues should definitely be for the highest drawing teams.

Not happy Jan.

 

[GIMH]

Play starts at 12, cool

 

[Dydl]

Play starts at 12, cool

Yeah, not bad. Glad the umpires are keeping us up to date in person.