*Official* 1st Test at the SWALEC Stadium

[NUFAN]

Looks like Siddle would have been a good call. Only with hindsight, like

Siddle's reputation has grown during this match more than most Tests he plays.

 

[Uppercut]

Don't really agree with that. I mean England could certainly win defending that but I'd back Australia to chase 227. Anything much over 300 will be very tricky though.

Yeah the point was just that even if England lost all their wickets for no more runs, they'd still have a fair shot at winning the game. More likely they'll set something really, really difficult.

 

[morgieb]

Early days but I think England should be favourites for the Ashes.

 

[grecian]

The uncouth leekists wolf-whistling Ian Bells missus, nearly causes a wicket.

Ya see.

 

[Uppercut]

Batsmen so often seem to get runs when there are a lot of "here comes the walking wicket" type posts in the tour thread. Ballance first innings, now Bell.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Considering he hadn't got a run for ages Bell has played very well here today. A lot of players would have scratched around etc... but Bell just plays so nicely. Joy to watch.

 

[grecian]

Siddle's reputation has grown during this match more than most Tests he plays.

Always the way in sports a guy not picked becomes pretty omnipotent.

 

[Jono]

Healy spraying Twatto hard here.

 

[Furball]

Well done. Now double it.

 

[Pothas]

Well done. Now double it.

Nah you don't get to do this.

 

[Howe_zat]

Double it Bellster

(I mean really)

(It gets a hundred or it gets the hose again)

 

[morgieb]

Credit to Bell, that 50 was actually pretty good given he was out of form. A few false shots but it wasn't scratchy like most out of form runs, looked like his old self early on.

 

[nick-o]

In honor of Overrated_Sanity, that is Ian Bell's 65th fifty, placing him third on the all-time list for England batsmen.

 

[Uppercut]

Sweepstakes on how long until Clarke realises 3rd man to Bell is standard.

 

[91Jmay]

Well done. Changed momentum of innings from ball 1 and we are in a commanding position now.

 

[sledger]

Well in, lad.

 

[Furball]

Healy spraying Twatto hard here.

Elaborate.

 

[Howe_zat]

Always the way in sports a guy not picked becomes pretty omnipotent.

Don't think it's too controversial to suggest he'd offer more control, which has been the issue. Has a good wicket taking record in England anyway tbf

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Sweepstakes on how long until Clarke realises 3rd man to Bell is standard.

Well he never bothered 2 years ago so why will he now?

 

[morgieb]

Sweepstakes on how long until Clarke realises 3rd man to Bell is standard.

muh intent