*Official* Third Test at Old Trafford

[Maximas]

It's not just the injury worry though, I think they need rest to be effective as well, it looks like the rain won't come until 5pm in Manchester (according to my forecast, correct me if wrong) so we should just bat again for 20 overs, get a lead of 350-400, then hope for the best IMO. I think England need to be chasing with a chance of victory and everything on the line for our bowlers to do the job, just don't think enforcing the follow on will bring the best out of our bowlers.

 

[NUFAN]

20 overs to score 150+?? That's going to be pretty bloody difficult.

 

[Adders]

Back to back tests aren't a factor here. If they don't win this one the Ashes are lost.

For the record if they do have the opportunity I am not saying they shouldn't enforce the follow on, it is their only realistic chance of winning this test and staying in the series. All I'm saying is there may be a cost to doing so and that cost could be extremely large.

And I do agree with Spark that Bird in the wings does mean that you can afford to lose one more bowler........just need to hope it doesn't end up being 2.

 

[Maximas]

20 overs to score 150+?? That's going to be pretty bloody difficult.

OK, just get as many as possible in that time then, a lead of 300 might be better because England may feel they're in the game and they could lose some wickets chasing runs, not that Cook would allow that **** but you never know

 

[dermo]

if we bowl them out in the first half hour or so should definitely look to bat for 20-30 overs imo

 

[fredfertang]

There's a micro climate around Old Trafford that will come to our rescue if things start to look really grim

 

[Burgey]

It's not just the injury worry though, I think they need rest to be effective as well, it looks like the rain won't come until 5pm in Manchester (according to my forecast, correct me if wrong) so we should just bat again for 20 overs, get a lead of 350-400, then hope for the best IMO. I think England need to be chasing with a chance of victory and everything on the line for our bowlers to do the job, just don't think enforcing the follow on will bring the best out of our bowlers.

There's weather around. We can all speculate as to how many runs Australia may want or need in it's second innings. What is beyond speculation is the need to take 20 wickets to win the test. That being so, take the opportunity to enforce the follow on if it presents itself.

Given the forecast I can't imagine Australia batting again if they've a chance to send England straight back in.

 

[Maximas]

if we bowl them out in the first half hour or so should definitely look to bat for 20-30 overs imo

will almost certainly have to bat again if we don't bowl them out in the first hour anyway, if we get England 5-6 down by the end of play tonight we may be able to sneak in enough cricket tomorrow to bowl them out. Forecast looks **** though, still ****ty weather in Geelong btw

 

[Hurricane]

will almost certainly have to bat again if we don't bowl them out in the first hour anyway, if we get England 5-6 down by the end of play tonight we may be able to sneak in enough cricket tomorrow to bowl them out. Forecast looks **** though, still ****ty weather in Geelong btw

People may wish to bookmark this site Geelong Weather - Home

 

[Maximas]

People may wish to bookmark this site Geelong Weather - Home

Just in case I'm not around yes they should

 

[fredfertang]

If Australia don't enforce the follow on I for one will be absolutely delighted - would be a tactical blunder of the highest order

 

[flibbertyjibber]

If Australia don't enforce the follow on I for one will be absolutely delighted - would be a tactical blunder of the highest order

Won't matter anyway judging by the forecast. Be lucky to get 60 overs in in the next two days if it correct.

 

[the big bambino]

Yeah a change of order would be interesting. Where's Glen Maxwell when you need him!!

In South Africa where we want him.

 

[Goughy]

Im not sure about on here but I feel the press are down playing the importance of this next session. It is the most important of the series so far. If England bat until lunch the they are likely to retain the Ashes. If Australia bowl England out before lunch they have an excellent chance - weather permitting - to go into the 4th Test 1-2 down and all to play for.

 

[Maximas]

In South Africa where we want him.

I wouldn't even say that much, should be at a dentist somewhere in Australia

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Im not sure about on here but I feel the press are down playing the importance of this next session. It is the most important of the series so far. If England bat until lunch the they are likely to retain the Ashes. If Australia bowl England out before lunch they have an excellent chance - weather permitting - to go into the 4th Test 1-2 down and all to play for.

I think the forecast is that bad it is over already no matter what happens. There doesn't look a break in the rain during hours of play from lunchtime today until about 4pm tomorrow. Hope I am wrong but it looks like there won't be much to watch but highlights in the next few days.

 

[the big bambino]

Ok so the weather is an issue and something I didn't know about when saying I hope we bat again. If the forecast is that threatening then the follow on crystailses as the best option for a win. Besides I don't think the small no of overs we would bat before a 2nd innings declaration will account for much rest anyway. Yes we have a fitness problem with fast bowlers but the problem centres mainly around Harris imo. We can't rely on part timers to rest the main strikers and hope to enforce a win. I'd risk giving the bulk to Starc and Siddle as they appear the fittest and monitor Harris' spells. Ideally Lyon can do consistently what he did prior to KP's assault and nail down one end. That would help a lot. Then put Harris on for the wickets you need to take quickly. Put him on for KP and Bell for example.

 

[TumTum]

Who cares if enforcing follow on injures some of our bowlers for next 2 Tests, the series would already be over if we don't win anyway.

 

[Maximas]

Who cares if enforcing follow on injures some of our bowlers for next 2 Tests, the series would already be over if we don't win anyway.

We could always fly in Cummins or someone from SA as well, might be a good thing if they get some exposure, I'm starting to agree with you

 

[fredfertang]

If you get the chance its only going to be a few overs in to the day - we are talking about professional athletes ffs - I can't believe some of the twaddle that gets talked about fresh bowlers - after five hours in the field on a baking hot day and you want to bowl last anyway then possibly - but after a dozen overs when you don't have a spinner worthy of the name?