1st Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham

[Burgey]

Like even if you want to start with spin, which is fair enough, that doesn't explain giving Stokes an 8 over spell and not using Woakes at all before lunch. Something doesn't add up there.

Someone needs to check Root’s mobile for suspect text messages

 

[ajdude]

well i for one can’t wait for this test to finish with marcus north bowling to monty panesar and james anderson who are able to secure a draw

 

[stephen]

What a glorious day of test match cricket.

I'm really not sure Anderson would have made a significant difference either. No sideways movement but some variable bounce doesn't really play to his strengths.

 

[Starfighter]

What a glorious day of test match cricket.

I'm really not sure Anderson would have made a significant difference either. No sideways movement but some variable bounce doesn't really play to his strengths.

He'd surely have kept the runs down.

 

[Flem274*]

he'd have made life harder than stokes or moeen did

in agreement with burgey, root is on the take. woakes should have been bowling within ten overs of play starting

 

[Flem274*]

This is a terrible attitude. They're colleagues.

and?

 

[the big bambino]

Considering the number of Australians in London it’s a national disgrace how poor their travelingoo support are. Their little section in the crowd consists of silenced geriatrics who can barely stand up. It’s like the cast of Cocoon watching a cricket match.

These are the sort of posts I look forward to when we’re playing England. Whenever their team plays like crap they start bragging about their fans or bagging the other side’s.

 

[TheJediBrah]

There are like 4 Lankan fans on CW and one of then isn't even Sri Lankan?!

Does this include *****?

 

[BSM]

What a glorious day of test match cricket.

I'm really not sure Anderson would have made a significant difference either. No sideways movement but some variable bounce doesn't really play to his strengths.

Na I think just having that extra bowler would have made a huge difference workload wise. Worth remembering that this would also have to take into account his impact on the first innings as well, probably where the ball swung most for England. Stokes definitely wouldn't have had to bowl so much and I'm sure Australia would have got much less

Not making excuses because we could definitely go the other way i.e, if Burns is given out like he should have been in the first innings we are no where near saving this game. I just think it would have made a big difference in the grand scheme of things. Ultimately you'd have to say it was more poor decision making by team management and Anderson himself than just luck or lack of it.

 

[Burgey]

Yeah would definitely make a big difference. He’s an awful human being but a quality bowler, particularly in the UK.

 

[TheJediBrah]

I'm really not sure Anderson would have made a significant difference either.

lol classic stephen

if they didn't lose Anderson they'd probably have won the game already

 

[Spikey]

we any closer to working out why england bowled the bowlers they did. deadset head threw away an easy ton

 

[morgieb]

She's out of his league and I hope she knows it

Warne did manage to get Liz Hurley in his pants tbf.....

 

[morgieb]

Yeah if Anderson doesn't get hurt we get bowled out for under 200 and England win this by 8 wickets or something. As it is....

Hopefully the weather stays away for tomorrow.

 

[Burgey]

Apparently Warne's packing what's known in the entertainment industry as a Hollywood Loaf.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Apparently Warne's packing what's known in the entertainment industry as a Hollywood Loaf.

Glad that I know this now

 

[wrongun]

That’s fair, Aus have played great since tea on Day one. Even when we were batting well we were never allowed to get away. Still, if you’re in the position we were on Thursday, you’re gonna be asking questions when you’re staring down the barrel. Think there will be a lot of noise over the Anderson selection and Ali’s performance. He’s so clearly not in the right mindset to perform atm.

Agreed. Anderson and Moin were safe selections in the mind of the decision makers...and they were wrong. Maybe they panicked with the injuries to Archer and Woods, but I doubt they’d rush Anderson. Having said that, if England can survive tomorrow sans rain then it could change the complexion of the series

 

[wrongun]

Apparently Warne's packing what's known in the entertainment industry as a Hollywood Loaf.

Life changing post and information. That’s why you’re the best in the business Burgey.

 

[Burgey]

My public is everywhere.

Apparently he's not in the Jason Krezja/ Joel Garner class, but isn't lacking.

 

[Burgey]

Agreed. Anderson and Moin were safe selections in the mind of the decision makers...and they were wrong. Maybe they panicked with the injuries to Archer and Woods, but I doubt they’d rush Anderson. Having said that, if England can survive tomorrow sans rain then it could change the complexion of the series

I reckon five days ago Australia would have jumped at a draw in Birmingham. The obvious downside to that is having to spend five days there, but it is England's best and favourite ground, so getting away with a draw would have been seen as a great start to the series. Bit different now, I suppose, given the state of the game. Will be disappointing not to win, but if England is good enough to bat the day, good luck to them I guess.