***Official*** Australia in England (The Ashes)

[Blaze]

Certainly. All of the Australian bowlers can get wickets on flat pitches anyway, just noting that there's a tough period in the field now, and wickets will really need to be earned without McGrath or much help from the pitch

Notice the early footmarks? This pitch might well come apart quite nicely later on, and bring Warne into the equation somewhat. For a while though it's going to be very easy to bat on.

Certainly, but the aussie bowlers haven't been as consistant as they should have been so far.

I am looking forward to Kaspa having a bowl to see what he can do, i reckon he might go alright.

 

[Pedro Delgado]

If this wicket doesn't turn Aussie could be in trouble. Word is Mick would've batted if we'd won the toss.
Great start England.

 

[Blaze]

England should be looking at 450+ in this first innings IMO.

Predictions at scores anyone? I reckon they could very well get to 420

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

England should be looking at 450+ in this first innings IMO.

Predictions at scores anyone? I reckon they could very well get to 420

350 odd.

 

[social]

Should be looking at 500.

Lee bowled a ball half way down in that over and it didnt bounce above stump height.

 

[Pedro Delgado]

Depends on Warne. I'd be happy with 350-400.

 

[Blaze]

Depends on Warne. I'd be happy with 350-400.

350 is not enough on this pitch.. England would be bitterly disapointed if they could only amass that many.

 

[Somerset]

England should be looking at 450+ in this first innings IMO.

Predictions at scores anyone? I reckon they could very well get to 420

After this start, 400 minimum - maybe even 500 runs if Warne doesn't cause too many problems.

 

[Pedro Delgado]

350 is not enough on this pitch.. England would be bitterly disapointed if they could only amass that many.

Yeah I know, but I don't want to say 500+ 'cos I'm scared.

 

[Blaze]

After this start, 400 minimum - maybe even 500 runs if Warne doesn't cause too many problems.

Yeah.. doesn't look like he will be getting much support from the other end ATM

 

[Somerset]

350 is not enough on this pitch.. England would be bitterly disapointed if they could only amass that many.

Yeah considering the pitch, 350 would definitely be too low - especially after this start from Trescothick and Strauss.

50 run partnership.

 

[Somerset]

Yeah.. doesn't look like he will be getting much support from the other end ATM

Indeed, Kasprowicz bowling just as useful as the openers at the moment - important match for him really, needs to step up.

 

[Blaze]

Yeah I know, but I don't want to say 500+ 'cos I'm scared.

Haha fair enough.

Why did Ponting field first? Seems like a stupid decision to me especially with McGrath out.

 

[Pedro Delgado]

Any guessing on the score if pidge was playing?

24-2? Makes you think.

 

[Somerset]

Haha fair enough.

Why did Ponting field first? Seems like a stupid decision to me especially with McGrath out.

Overcast skies and a pitch that may have offered some support to his bowlers? Vaughan would've batted first though so it does appear to be a mistake from Ponting.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

10.4 Kasprowicz to Strauss, (noball) no run, fuller and on the off,
slanted to gully, and that's another no-ball from Kasper the
friendly ghost

Gem from cricinfo here.

 

[Somerset]

Any guessing on the score if pidge was playing?

24-2? Makes you think.

Can't help but feel England would've at least lost a wicket and only have 30-odd runs on the board. In saying that though, with next to no support, would McGrath really be that effective on this pitch?

 

[Pedro Delgado]

Indeed, Kasprowicz bowling just as useful as the openers at the moment - important match for him really, needs to step up.

Here's me thinking these are ideal conditions for swing/seam; damp pitch (it is damp, they did a "plug" test and it's wet through) overcast and warm. This is why scientists dismiss swing theories. Most odd.

 

[social]

Haha fair enough.

Why did Ponting field first? Seems like a stupid decision to me especially with McGrath out.

Because just like at Lords last week and Bristol in the ODI, Aus seem to think they know better than people who play at ground every day.

Hardly surprising that they dont.

 

[Blaze]

Haha nothing going right for AUS. This is so not like Australia this morning