*Official* First Test at the Gabba

[vic_orthdox]

No doubt that Hussey will play for mine. It'd be different if the blokes chasing his spot were bashing down the door, but unless Ussie or Ferg get massive runs in the second dig, they haven't done enough to get a guernsey.

And as I say that, Khawaja nicks one first ball.

 

[Ausage]

I think people are massively over-reacting saying Australia is in some type of crisis tbh. Less than four weeks ago we were one wicket from drawing a series with India in India, Watson batted well in that series and Ponting too.

Actually think we'll do pretty well back home here. Not as good as past teams mind - probably only 4-1 or something like that.

Said something similar to a colleague at work today who's scared that all the poms in our office will have it over us. Minus the 4-1 of course. They'll be lucky to get 1

 

[Burgey]

North a rock-solid 20-odd not out before declaring WA's second dig.

With him, one can confidently say that was a ton nipped in the bud.

 

[GIMH]

Looks like a few of the Aussies have had decent games this round, Johnson in particular, and Hussey finding some form.

Fair to say the line-up probably won't have anything left-field in?

 

[four_or_six]

Looks a lot better for the Aussies this morning, I think Johnson, Watson, Clarke are their three key players and they seem to have warmed up well (assuming Clarke's back is okay).

Can't wait for Wednesday evening.

 

[benchmark00]

Apparently it's looking like Doherty in for Hauritz.

 

[Burgey]

Looks like a few of the Aussies have had decent games this round, Johnson in particular, and Hussey finding some form.

Fair to say the line-up probably won't have anything left-field in?

Yeah I think that's right. Dougeh seems to have got through ok too. Maybe Doherty for Hauritz?

Dougeh.

 

[Xuhaib]

Dougeh to be the pace bowler of the summer Swanny to clean up for England.

 

[Pothas]

Watson and Johnson both with 5 fers today.

Johnson with a ton as well. Looks like Dougeh got through his match ok.

I think people are massively over-reacting saying Australia is in some type of crisis tbh. Less than four weeks ago we were one wicket from drawing a series with India in India, Watson batted well in that series and Ponting too.

Actually think we'll do pretty well back home here.

Unfortunately I think this is true but how Johnson and Ponting perform will make a huge difference, a commanding Ponting at 3 and that whole batting lineup looks fairly decent again, on the flip side it looks pretty dodgy if he is off his best.

There are going to be some very close matches though. If it was not for our historic awfulness in Australia I would put it 50/50 as it is maybe 60/40 to you lot.

 

[Top_Cat]

Agreed, reckon the warm-ups are still flattering the English batting a bit.

That said, Bell looks ominous.

 

[GotSpin]

Unfortunately I think this is true but how Johnson and Ponting perform will make a huge difference, a commanding Ponting at 3 and that whole batting lineup looks fairly decent again, on the flip side it looks pretty dodgy if he is off his best.

There are going to be some very close matches though. If it was not for our historic awfulness in Australia I would put it 50/50 as it is maybe 60/40 to you lot.

Reckon it's going to be an incredibly close series in most of the test matches. Should be pretty entertaining stuff I imagine

 

[GIMH]

Yeah, although I wouldn't be surprised if it was like last year, close series but one-sided games

 

[Howe_zat]

I think it will be a close series but I'm not sure any of the matches will be. Both teams have been stunningly inconsistent over the last two years, it could be 2-2 with two thrashings each. Look at 2009 - Close series, no close matches.

 

[Top_Cat]

Tipping close games personally. Don't think there'll be many tons so it'll come down to who holds their nerve with the ball, tight bowling the order of the day.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Agreed, reckon the warm-ups are still flattering the English batting a bit.

That said, Bell looks ominous.

How can we be being flattered?

You all moaned last week we weren't dominating against weak sides.Now we are against the A team and we are flattered.Just wait till we peak.

 

[Jayzamann]

Apparently it's looking like Doherty in for Hauritz.

If that does happen, I'd love to see Doherty grab it by the absolute balls and make a decent career out of it. He's still young, but he's got a ghastly FC record to fix.

 

[Ruckus]

They should totally play O'Keefe. As others have already said, a spinner should hardly be a necessity at the Gabba anyway, but atleast with O'Keefe you know he is a very decent/good batsman - and it's our batting which is far more likely to produce problems than our bowling, so anything to bolster it is a must imo.

 

[superkingdave]

Still think Aus will win the series comfortably. Might by 3-1 instead of 4-0 though. Just can't see us taking 20 wickets enough, and we are still open to collapse.

 

[social]

Agreed, reckon the warm-ups are still flattering the English batting a bit.

That said, Bell looks ominous.

Wash your mouth out

If Bell succeeds then we truly have hit rock bottom!

 

[Son Of Coco]

.Just wait till we peak.

I'll be dead by then.