*Official* Fifth Test at The Oval

[JBH001]

Shot Strauss!

 

[JBH001]

Well played Strauss. The first half of a captain knock. But England need 150 from him, I think.

 

[grecian]

Well done Straussy, real captains innings so far, needs to get a big one though

 

[pup11]

This has exactly been the problem with Siddle on this tour, has been all over the shop at times.

 

[pasag]

England's morning so far. Bowling been a bit little bit wayward, but not really much room for error on this deck and if you lose the toss not a whole heap you can do.

 

[Nate]

Laughing at the immediate reactions from posters regarding Australia's bowling attack. Thus far into the game, Hauritz would not have made a difference. Let's wait it out, kiddies.

 

[TT Boy]

Rank bowling.

 

[pup11]

Last thing we want now is to see Bell playing a substanital knock....

 

[TT Boy]

This Australian attack hasn't won a test match on a road.

Time to shut up shop Bell.

 

[Top_Cat]

Laughing at the immediate reactions from posters regarding Australia's bowling attack. Thus far into the game, Hauritz would not have made a difference. Let's wait it out, kiddies.

Predictable defensive reaction

 

[JBH001]

Some nice late swing there for Hilfenhaus. Bell a little lucky, and Strauss tested.

Well, bed time for me. Got an early start tomorrow. Good cricket watching all. Later.

 

[Scaly piscine]

How on earth does Cricinfo manage to confuse two batsmen when one is left handed and the other right handed?

 

[pup11]

Laughing at the immediate reactions from posters regarding Australia's bowling attack. Thus far into the game, Hauritz would not have made a difference. Let's wait it out, kiddies.

Hauritz would be missed as the game progresses, and I think that's staring to get more and more eveident with every passing over now.

 

[marc71178]

Bell has been truly woeful v the short deliveries. Time to play first class cricket kiddo.

Problem is that hasn't proved anything.

He's gone back there, scored the runs and not really been tested.

 

[Woodster]

Decent morning for England, Strauss has looked really solid, less so Bell, who has looked vulnerable to the balls banged in to him. Patience has been key for Strauss, he's been patient and willing to let the ball go outside off stump, thus forcing the Aussie attack to come straighter and the area between mid-on and fine leg is where the majority of his boundaries have come. He also plays with very soft hands in defence, waiting for the ball to come to him and playing it late, right under his eyes.

Bell has been much more uncertain, but he is out there battling. A criticism generally levelled at Bell is his inability to score these scruffy runs, and he has struggled this morning at times, he's worked hard to build a platform, but has a lot to do today yet. His struggles have been blended in with some typical Bell strokes, pleasing drives, effortless talent, tucks away off the pads.

On the Aussie attack, I agree that the lack of spinner is likely to prove a vital ingredient missing as the game goes on, but then it depends what the part-timers in North and Clarke can offer. Siddle was sharp and aggressive first up, and deserved his wicket, Johnson roughed up Bell nicely, while Clark does what he does, gives little away and just started to get the ball to shape nicely away from Bell inducing the drive, just a bit short on pace though.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Decent morning for England, Strauss has looked really solid, less so Bell, who has looked vulnerable to the balls banged in to him. Patience has been key for Strauss, he's been patient and willing to let the ball go outside off stump, thus forcing the Aussie attack to come straighter and the area between mid-on and fine leg is where the majority of his boundaries have come. He also plays with very soft hands in defence, waiting for the ball to come to him and playing it late, right under his eyes.

Bell has been much more uncertain, but he is out there battling. A criticism generally levelled at Bell is his inability to score these scruffy runs, and he has struggled this morning at times, he's worked hard to build a platform, but has a lot to do today yet. His struggles have been blended in with some typical Bell strokes, pleasing drives, effortless talent, tucks away off the pads.

You missed out the inexplicably missing/wafting at a nothing delivery. Ones that just shave past the stumps and ones wide outside off.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Ffs

 

[pup11]

Hilfyyyyyy

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Piss-poor from Strauss.

 

[Pratters]

Strauss dafts at one outside off which moves a bit. Out! Key moment. Will England throw it all away now?