*Official* Australia in England

[Uppercut]

Bit of a curating balls-up if this pitch really is slow and low, given how badly we suck on those pitches.

 

[andyc]

lol Michael Clarke. Try being less useless sometime soon.

 

[NasserFan207]

Bit of a curating balls-up if this pitch really is slow and low, given how badly we suck on those pitches.

It somewhat negates Australia too though.

 

[Uppercut]

It somewhat negates Australia too though.

I don't think that's even true, Australia won an ODI series in India not long ago. They struggle a lot more in seaming conditions where Ireland excel, and Australia's attack doesn't scare me as much as it might. Think we missed a trick tbh.

 

[Jayzamann]

Hats off to Tim Paine, he's determined. I wonder how well he would play without having the pressure of holding onto his spot in the side in the back of his mind.

snap as I submitted the post the live scorecard updated. Baah.

 

[pasag]

Clarke

 

[andyc]

Really think that, especially with Watson in the team, Aussies look to be one batter short. Should have Smith in there in place of Hopes or Hauritz IMO.

 

[Manee]

Really think that, especially with Watson in the team, Aussies look to be one batter short. Should have Smith in there in place of Hopes or Hauritz IMO.

I wouldn't say its due to Watson, he is a high quality ODI batsman. I just think his bowling makes it needless to have Hopes in the team over a genuine batsman.

 

[Uppercut]

Hauritz is doing the job here, in any case. The problem will solve itself when Midge comes back.

 

[Jayzamann]

Hopes has never really fit into the ODI side for mine. Jack of all trades, master of ****ing none.

 

[andyc]

I wouldn't say its due to Watson, he is a high quality ODI batsman. I just think his bowling makes it needless to have Hopes in the team over a genuine batsman.

Haha yeah that's what I meant, I just worded it very poorly; given the extra bowling option that Watson supplies, Australia can afford to play a proper batsman instead of someone like Hopes, or at least a young promising bloke like Smith.

 

[Himannv]

Another one bites the dust. Come on Ireland!!

 

[Manee]

This could be a good upset for Ireland if they just string a partnership together.

 

[Uppercut]

Finished on 231/9. Delighted with that. I'm very rarely dissatisfied with an Irish performance in the field these days.

 

[NasserFan207]

Hopefully we don't fold for under 150, like I fear.

 

[Uppercut]

Distinct possibility. But as I say, the Australian attack isn't as ominous as it might be. If Tait, Nannes or Lee were playing I'd be much more concerned. Last time we played them Tait and McGrath went nuts and skittled us for 91.

 

[_Ed_]

Looks like a very good effort from the Irish in Australia's innings. Well done to them, and I hope they acquit themselves well in the chase.

 

[Jayzamann]

James Brayshaw just said the England ODIs that don't conflict with Wimbledon are going to be on channel 9. Score, even less sleep.

Forgetting the type of opposition Ireland come up against, Porterfield has a very commendable ODI record.

 

[andyc]

lolling at this start.

 

[Flem274*]

Go Ireland!