*Official* First Test at the Gabba

[Jacknife]

SKY say Anderson and Broad are in the nets, either there warming up or keeping themselves busy.

 

[Bun]

What do the Test match softies have to say about this. Last week they were crying murder when H Singh and Sreesanth were scoring at over 4 on Day 3.

 

[Son Of Coco]

Looking at Trott and Cook's efforts I think you can only come to the conclusion that Strauss has failed miserably in this innings.

 

[outbreak]

Out of curiousity, has any side ever been 500+ for the loss of 1 or less wickets?

So, this is only the sixth time in Test history a team has gone past 500 with only one wicket down. And it's certainly the first time Australia have been on the wrong end of it.

from cric info

Didn't expect that declaration, on a flat pitch aussies could go at this score. Katich to open? I'd send in Haddin and Watson have a crack and hole up with Katich later if wickets fall

 

[LongHopCassidy]

And declared. Strauss WAC.

 

[morgieb]

England declare. Someone's getting beaten up if England pull this off.

 

[Jacknife]

Oz will be batting again, well played Cook and Trott a monumental innings,with some really great shots.

 

[Athlai]

Broad to do something special to give England a sniff. I can just feel it.

 

[vcs]

Good stuff Strauss. I bet Dhoni wouldn't have declared before tea in a similar position. Anyway, this will be tricky for Australia.

 

[outbreak]

Open with Haddin and Watson?

 

[NasserFan207]

LOL at the sofa's reaction to the declaration.

 

[Bun]

Thanks Strauss for that. 1260 runs for 21 wickets.

 

[morgieb]

Broad to do something special to give England a sniff. I can just feel it.

Thinking Swann here. Pitch looks too flat for quicks, but it did get some turn.

 

[Pothas]

Perfect timing from Strauss, would only think twice about declaring if two Sehwags were opening for Australia.

So pleased for Cook, can say what you want about the pitch and the bowling but it is not often that England really kick on and make the massive scores, have done that to a ridiculous degree in this innings.

 

[NasserFan207]

Well, roughly 40 overs left, I really can't see Australia going for a win here, all they can really do is lose.

 

[pup11]

Well... good declaration this and tricky period in the game coming up for the Aussie batsmen, big responsibility on Katich and Watto to bat out the remaining time as the Aussie middle order looks pretty fragile to me.

 

[Athlai]

Well... good declaration this and tricky period in the game coming up for the Aussie batsmen, big responsibility on Katich and Watto to bat out the remaining time as the Aussie middle order looks pretty fragile to me.

Screw that. Go for the win.

 

[Pothas]

Yep which makes it a horrid situation for their batsman, think Watson will have to play his shots though, would be a better option than not trying to play a shot.

If we can get them 4 or 5 down by the end I would be pretty happy.

 

[LongHopCassidy]

Australia to be 9/105 at the close.

 

[hazsa19]

****, i wanted strauss to declare but i just imagined a miracle victory for australia on the back of a stunning 100 by punter