*Official* First Test at Swalec Stadium, Cardiff

[GIMH]

Aww balls, what a horrific day. Bopara was clearly robbed, never seen an lbw as dead as Cook's though, my heart sank when the ball hit the pads.

It's going to be a very nervy day tomorrow. Strauss needs to play a blinder for mine, this is the time where you need your captain to come through. If we draw this from here, then morale might actually get a boost going to Lord's. Eek, though

 

[SnideGeezer]

Just watched the highlights and to be honest, regardless of whether England bat out tomorrow, this Aussie performance is a hammer blow to the the confidence. Such a depressing performance. Almost feels like 2005 never happened. Just what the Aussie's wanted... I feel sick.

 

[roseboy64]

Much higher than par. Last year's first Test thread had 41 pages.

Ah fair point that. With the increased membership was thinking maybe like 70 would be above average.

 

[JimmyGS]

Hmm, thought there was an edge there on first look, and the close up replay only convinced me further.

You're blind.

Just me, or did there seem to be a hint of deviation off the bat again? Maybe I'm just crazy...

And crazy.

 

[funnygirl]

I hope there won't be any rain tomorrow.

 

[alw1971]

Rain all day!

May not win 5-0, but 4-0 (England Win) is a possibility!

 

[Jamee999]

Rain all day!

May not win 5-0, but 4-0 (England Win) is a possibility!

I like this guy, he seems smart.

 

[scorpiogal]

Gosh, that was fantastic! Terrible for England fans, though! I'm hoping to see a KP ton tomorrow! Please KP? Please?

 

[inbox24]

The Ravioli's been unravelled.

 

[Malleeboy]

Thanks to this test England's current team has not one bowler with an average under 30.
Swann 30, Flintoff 33, Anderson 34, Panesar 34, Broad 39
Australia is only slightly better...
Johnson 28, Siddle30, Hauritz 32, Hilfenhaus 45 (Katich oddy enough is also 30)

With the strength of Australia's batting and Englands batting length, I can see a lot of draws happening.

 

[Burgey]

Thanks to this test England's current team has not one bowler with an average under 30.
Swann 30, Flintoff 33, Anderson 34, Panesar 34, Broad 39
Australia is only slightly better...
Johnson 28, Siddle30, Hauritz 32, Hilfenhaus 45 (Katich oddy enough is also 30)

With the strength of Australia's batting and Englands batting length, I can see a lot of draws happening.

A number of those bowlers haven't played that many tests though mate, so I'd be careful drawing too much from those numbers.

Might say a fair bit about the wickets they play on.

Just had another look at the highlights this morning. Really, that Bopara decision was terrible.

WD to our batsmen though. Feels like 89 and 93 all over again!

 

[GIMH]

I reckon to balance out the Bopara decision your guys should agree to drop the first catch that comes their way tomorrow

 

[fredfertang]

Australia will struggle once they no longer have the Welsh on their side

 

[Jakester1288]

Much higher than par. Last year's first Test thread had 41 pages.

Last year there was no Ashes. In 2006 maybe. But you have to remember that the forum grows as more members come and contribute.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Have included a poll on the Swalec Stadium thread if anyone else wants to vote on whether it deserved to be a Test venue. Surprisingly one-sided so far.

Anyway would be nice if the England batsmen could grow a spine and a brain overnight.

 

[pskov]

Have included a poll on the Swalec Stadium thread if anyone else wants to vote on whether it deserved to be a Test venue. Surprisingly one-sided so far.

Anyway would be nice if the England batsmen could grow a spine and a brain overnight.

As a venue it has been a fine success. The pitch is another matter though.

 

[Jakester1288]

Anyway, great day for Australia. Belting our way to 674 then getting them 2/20 must be a dream day. I'd love to be in the Australian team right now. I'm so proud of our guys.

Anyway, I won't be on here tonight (for the fifth day), gunna be at a mates place watching. Looking forward to seeing hopefully Australia take the win by lunch or there abouts. I don't see that happening for some reason, I reckon England will drag it out until tea, but I doubt that we will have to bat again. Hoping that Johnson Hilfenhaus and Siddle go well, and Hauritz doesn't perform so well (so Clark can come in at Lords). Go Australia!

 

[GIMH]

Last year there was no Ashes. In 2006 maybe. But you have to remember that the forum grows as more members come and contribute.

I am sure he's aware of that

 

[GIMH]

Absolutely pissing down in Cardiff at the minute, awesome news. Long may it continue.

 

[Jamee999]

Absolutely pissing down in Cardiff at the minute, awesome news. Long may it continue.