*Official* Second Test at the Adelaide Oval

[Stapel]

I assume we have an early start on day 4 and 5? If play actually gets underway at the start of day 4 at 10am, I would bat for 45 minutes. Simply tell KP, Prior, Swanny & Broad to forget about their wickets and smack the ball around. If play cannot start at 10am, I'd declare.

 

[GIMH]

Not sure if its been mentioned already, but England and Australia both move up one in the Test rankings at the expense of Sri Lanka. Seems like this series is a battle for a Champions League spot rather than a mid-table bore fest. Closing in on SA aswell.

So we're now 3rd in the world?

Jono and co will have to adjust all of their jokes

 

[social]

These are test cricketers (ok "allegedly" in the case of Oz atm) and simple mind games like batting on for a few minutes should have bugger all effect on them

In fact, it could actually have the opposite effect if they see there are no demons in the pitch from the rain

Eng should declare and give themselves as much time possible to bowl them out

 

[GIMH]

I think Warne got it right; declare but don't tell the crims until ten minutes before kick-off. Keep them wondering.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Just watching the day 3 highlights I Sky Plussed earlier; Jesus Bollinger served up some pies. One leg side half-volley literally struck Ponting motionless; he just stood there staring in disbelief for a good ten seconds.

Doesn't look fit in either sense to me, well down on speed and looks to be carrying a bit of extra timber around the middle. Siddle was hardly McGrathesque either, but at least he got some reverse going, even if it was mostly after the ball had passed the stumps.

 

[Woodster]

These are test cricketers (ok "allegedly" in the case of Oz atm) and simple mind games like batting on for a few minutes should have bugger all effect on them

In fact, it could actually have the opposite effect if they see there are no demons in the pitch from the rain

Eng should declare and give themselves as much time possible to bowl them out

Test cricketers or not it's human nature to be in a better mental state knowing you're turning up to the ground to bat immediately and prepare accordingly as averse to going back out in the field having endured a torrid couple of days in the field.

Letting them know you've declared ten minutes beforehand is another alternative.

Not sure it would have an adverse effect even if the pitch looks to be playing ok. When England bowl they'll be fresh, currently England have two very in-form batsmen at the crease so will probably make conditions look easier than maybe they are, and of course the scoreboard pressure and new ball factors. Plus if spin is likely to be the key weapon, then in Swann England hold a massive advantage.

It could be that Australia will be happier the longer England stay out there, gives them less time to survive, so I do appreciate the benefits of the overnight declaration. Plus if England lose a flurry of wickets in being overly aggressive, will it give the Aussies a bit of a lift ? Probably not much of one after the torture of day two and three.

 

[Woodster]

Just watching the day 3 highlights I Sky Plussed earlier; Jesus Bollinger served up some pies. One leg side half-volley literally struck Ponting motionless; he just stood there staring in disbelief for a good ten seconds.

Doesn't look fit in either sense to me, well down on speed and looks to be carrying a bit of extra timber around the middle. Siddle was hardly McGrathesque either, but at least he got some reverse going, even if it was mostly after the ball had passed the stumps.

Yes Bollinger looks bereft of any real nip or threat. Heard the 12th man's a decent alternative, also a left-armer and a bit quicker. Something Johnson ?

Did you think that was reverse from Siddle ? I know Beefy suggested it was, I personally just thought it was bit of conventional swing, and for whatever reason was just going on the way through to Haddin. Then again I may be wrong.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Yes Bollinger looks bereft of any real nip or threat. Heard the 12th man's a decent alternative, also a left-armer and a bit quicker. Something Johnson ?

Did you think that was reverse from Siddle ? I know Beefy suggested it was, I personally just thought it was bit of conventional swing, and for whatever reason was just going on the way through to Haddin. Then again I may be wrong.

Assumed it was reverse as it was an oldish ball, but could well be wrong.

 

[Howe_zat]

Not sure if its been mentioned already, but England and Australia both move up one in the Test rankings at the expense of Sri Lanka. Seems like this series is a battle for a Champions League spot rather than a mid-table bore fest. Closing in on SA aswell.

In fact, if South Africa lose to India and/or England win the Ashes, England will move to 2nd. But it requires a result "difference" of a combined 4 matches or more. So for example, if England were to win 3-1 and SA lose 2-0 there would be a combined difference of 4, so England would move to 2nd. If SA win a game, England would have to win by at least 3 matches in order to leapfrog them, and if SA draw their series then it would require a 4-0 victory for England.

I assume we have an early start on day 4 and 5? If play actually gets underway at the start of day 4 at 10am, I would bat for 45 minutes. Simply tell KP, Prior, Swanny & Broad to forget about their wickets and smack the ball around. If play cannot start at 10am, I'd declare.

Yes, 30 minutes early. And an extra half an hour at the end of the day, light permitting.

 

[Howe_zat]

Test cricketers or not it's human nature to be in a better mental state knowing you're turning up to the ground to bat immediately and prepare accordingly as averse to going back out in the field having endured a torrid couple of days in the field.

Letting them know you've declared ten minutes beforehand is another alternative.

Not sure it would have an adverse effect even if the pitch looks to be playing ok. When England bowl they'll be fresh, currently England have two very in-form batsmen at the crease so will probably make conditions look easier than maybe they are, and of course the scoreboard pressure and new ball factors. Plus if spin is likely to be the key weapon, then in Swann England hold a massive advantage.

It could be that Australia will be happier the longer England stay out there, gives them less time to survive, so I do appreciate the benefits of the overnight declaration. Plus if England lose a flurry of wickets in being overly aggressive, will it give the Aussies a bit of a lift ? Probably not much of one after the torture of day two and three.

I think England should have declared as soon as KP got to 200, there is almost no chance of a loss now - it's never happened with a lead of 300 - and the batting is so much better than in 2006/7. Not to mention the notable absence of a certain leggie.

However, it makes sense for England to declare precisely when they think they can take wickets. And I approve of your idea if it'll mess with the Aussies a bit more. With Katich's injury issues they may have to draft in a replacement opener, and having gone in there expecting to field they would be pretty shaken.

Plus, it gives KP a chance to get his best score.

 

[Woodster]

I think England should have declared as soon as KP got to 200, there is almost no chance of a loss now - it's never happened with a lead of 300 - and the batting is so much better than in 2006/7. Not to mention the notable absence of a certain leggie.

However, it makes sense for England to declare precisely when they think they can take wickets. And I approve of your idea if it'll mess with the Aussies a bit more. With Katich's injury issues they may have to draft in a replacement opener, and having gone in there expecting to field they would be pretty shaken.

Plus, it gives KP a chance to get his best score.

Yes in theory a lead of 300 should be more than enough. Just think Strauss will be wary of chasing around 150 on the last day should Australia bat out of their skins, and it is not beyond the realms that they make 400+, although it'd be mightily difficult.

I think they want to also ensure when they do decide to insert Australia they will have seen ample evidence the pitch is in the first stages of deterioration. You could make a case for that now, but think he'll err on the side of caution and bat for a period tomorrow.

 

[BoyBrumby]

I think England should have declared as soon as KP got to 200, there is almost no chance of a loss now - it's never happened with a lead of 300 - and the batting is so much better than in 2006/7. Not to mention the notable absence of a certain leggie.

However, it makes sense for England to declare precisely when they think they can take wickets. And I approve of your idea if it'll mess with the Aussies a bit more. With Katich's injury issues they may have to draft in a replacement opener, and having gone in there expecting to field they would be pretty shaken.

Plus, it gives KP a chance to get his best score.

Has too.

 

[Howe_zat]

Has too.

Ah, the match where England won with their undisputed national skill of complaining.

 

[Jarquis]

1st Test: Australia v England at Sydney, Dec 13-17, 1897 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo
Would settle for that. 551 is enough

 

[Jarquis]

I think England should have declared as soon as KP got to 200, there is almost no chance of a loss now - it's never happened with a lead of 300 - and the batting is so much better than in 2006/7. Not to mention the notable absence of a certain leggie.

However, it makes sense for England to declare precisely when they think they can take wickets. And I approve of your idea if it'll mess with the Aussies a bit more. With Katich's injury issues they may have to draft in a replacement opener, and having gone in there expecting to field they would be pretty shaken.

Plus, it gives KP a chance to get his best score.

1st Test: Sri Lanka v Australia at Colombo (SSC), Aug 17-22, 1992 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo
Bloody close

 

[JBH001]

I remember that test match - one of the first I watched live. It ignited Warne's career too after having been tonked to all parts in the first innings.

Frankly, I think Strauss should declare overnight and go for it. The weather conditions may suit Anderson early on and Swann later. A 300 run lead should be sufficient to win this game. Although, IMO, he is more likely to bat for an hour and get the lead to 350 before declaring - both Strauss and Flower are a little conservative when it comes to this sort of situation.

 

[WorcsRoyal]

Strauss has scored the least/joint least amount of runs in all England's innings so far. Strauss out!

 

[MW1304]

Strauss has scored the least/joint least amount of runs in all England's innings so far. Strauss out!

AWTA.

Strauss = Glorified Marcus North

 

[zaremba]

I make that 10 completed sessions in a row in each of which Australia have failed to take more than a single wicket. By my calculations that is a world record.








NB: do not trust my "calculations"; they basically consist of me thinking about it for a minute or two

 

[morgieb]

How has he suddenly leap frogged Khawaja? Don't tell me he's going to come inndue to his 'useful' offies!

Funny thing is, he's actually a very good batsman in my eyes, and definitely better than Norff, for example.