***Official*** 1st Test at Brisbane

[fredfertang]

Lyon isn't a proper number eleven

 

[Cabinet96]

Such nonsense having to play against number 11s like Lyon and Boult.

 

[morgieb]

See the declaration talk on 9 isn't just restricted to overseas teams.

Though tbf it's unlikely that Lyon and Smith will last particularly long.

 

[adub]

Shut up Warne.
Runs.

 

[Cabinet96]

See the declaration talk on 9 isn't just restricted to overseas teams.

Though tbf it's unlikely that Lyon and Smith will last particularly long.

Nah, you're joking. No way are they talking about a declaration.

 

[vcs]

Warne is a clown.

 

[Spark]

There are actually so few situations in which a first innings declaration makes sense, or indeed doing anything other than batting as long as possible in the first innings.

Grind them into the dirt, leave them so tired they can't move their feet when they come out to bat, win.

 

[Burgey]

Crazy how solid Lyon looks defending sometimes then goes for a larrop and gets out

 

[OverratedSanity]

Urgh declaration talk. Can someone shut them up please

 

[adub]

I think batting on D5 on this pitch will be a lot easier than in previous years. I think anything <285 will be chase-able. In any case, this Test has all the hallmarks of an all-time classic.

England won't be 285 in front until well after lunch day 5 unless something very dramatic happens to the scoring rate.

 

[Second Spitter]

You're probably right. It might flatten out like 2010/11 and end up petering out into a boring draw.

I'm just hoping for a old school WACA pitch for T3, one last time.

Just need to hope we bat really well in the 3rd innings and force a draw I think. No demons in the pitch so should be possible.

I think Lyon is the only person on either side that can change the course of this match.

 

[Burgey]

With his batting?

 

[adub]

With his batting?

I'll take a 1 wicket win

 

[adub]

This bloke is some cricketer

 

[Second Spitter]

With his batting?

With his rugged yet handsome looks.

 

[vcs]

I'm a bit of a Chris Woakes fan, sad to see him being so dire.

 

[robbypark]

Great stuff by the Aussies here. They have pretty much guaranteed themselves at least a draw with this extended batting performance.

 

[fredfertang]

Not making excuses, but we'd have this sewn up by now if Stokes were playing

 

[Cabinet96]

Not joking, Root gets a lot of catches at leg slip off his bowling.

 

[fredfertang]

Well batted Smith - just remember you're due a blob now