*Official* First Test at Swalec Stadium, Cardiff

[tooextracool]

Wish they'd shut up about the seam position already tbh.

Well they do make a good point regarding Johnson's seam position.

 

[The_Bunny]

Is it just me or are the commentators saying exactly the same about mitch as the australian commentators did when he first appeared on the scene

 

[Andre]

Correct decision to leave S Clark out on this wicket. He will come back into the side for the matches on bouncier and livelier decks.

Hilfenhaus smokey for man of the series.

Hauritz to do his job well this Test.

Cook to be on the chopping block by series end.

 

[Top_Cat]

Correct decision to leave S Clark out on this wicket. He will come back into the side for the matches on bouncier and livelier decks.

Hilfenhaus smokey for man of the series.

Haurtiz to do his job well this Test.

Cook to be on the chopping block by series end.

Oh no, no, no, Andre, don't you know picking Hilf was a selection error? See the associated thread.

 

[Craig]

Correct decision to leave S Clark out on this wicket. He will come back into the side for the matches on bouncier and livelier decks.

Hilfenhaus smokey for man of the series.

Hauritz to do his job well this Test.

Cook to be on the chopping block by series end.

There's some bold predictions.

 

[pasag]

Fantastic bouncer from Siddle, really hoping his body holds up here.

 

[King Pietersen]

Back comes Johnson and some more inevitable seam presentation talk!

 

[Uppercut]

England on top so far, done well to see off some good bowling for the loss of just one wicket.

 

[Craig]

How was that not a wide?

 

[Top_Cat]

As much as I'm a fan of Hilf's selection and his bowling so far, a decent first spell is nothing new from him. Let's see how he backs up from it.

 

[Richard]

Is it just me or are the commentators saying exactly the same about mitch as the australian commentators did when he first appeared on the scene

Probably. 'Cos he's bowling moreorless exactly the same way he bowled in those first 13 Tests.

And another short ball is creamed away.

 

[andmark]

Experience of Australian bowlers:

Mitchell Johnson (21 tests)
Nathan Hauritz (4 Tests)
Ben Hilfenhaus (3 Tests)
Peter Siddle (7 Tests)

Combined matches 35.

Experience of England bowlers:

Stuart Broad (17 Tests)
Graeme Swann (7 Tests)
James Anderson (37 Tests)
Monty Panesar (38 Tests)

Combined matches 99. Could be decisive in this match.

 

[Shaggy Alfresco]

Good shot, Strauss.

What sort of score are England looking for on this pitch?

 

[superkingdave]

Johnson gets the chance to bowl at a right hander for the first time, think he'll enjoy it more

 

[Craig]

Experience of Australian bowlers:

Mitchell Johnson (21 tests)
Nathan Hauritz (4 Tests)
Ben Hilfenhaus (3 Tests)
Peter Siddle (7 Tests)

Combined matches 35.

Experience of England bowlers:

Stuart Broad (17 Tests)
Graeme Swann (7 Tests)
James Anderson (37 Tests)
Monty Panesar (38 Tests)

Combined matches 99. Could be decisive in this match.

All making their Test debuts in English conditions.

 

[Burgey]

Highest quality VB ad on SBS during drinks. Should be a VB drinks break ad thread.

 

[Andre]

Oh no, no, no, Andre, don't you know picking Hilf was a selection error? See the associated thread.

Haha, haven't seen associated thread. However, I do believe we discussed the merits and value of his selection in another thread a few weeks back?

His stats in SA were the exception rather than the rule. Will bowl a heavy, swinging ball all day. Might get Collywobbles to nibble at a few outside off stump.

 

[Craig]

Bopara will slash Johnson to the gully area IMO.

 

[Richard]

Good shot, Strauss.

What sort of score are England looking for on this pitch?

If you aim for less than 500 on a non-disastrous pitch you're aiming too low. They may well not get it, but that should always be the target.

 

[superkingdave]

Panesar may have played 38 tests, but he still plays like its his first test and if anything is a lesser player than he was then.