Tour Matches: Warwickshire v England @ Edgbaston (Wed-Fri), England A v Australia @ New Road (W-Sat)

[Russian]

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7819/ashes.png

Last chance for Australia and England to get some match practice before the Ashes start in a week. England have 15 of their 16 man squad playing in these two games, but for some reason have decided to leave Ryan Sidebottom to play county cricket and play both Harmison and Mahmood for the A side (aka Lions). They seemingly have only one spot up for grabs - the one left arm tweaker Monty Panesar is occupying in the Edgbaston game, with in form right arm quick Graham Onions, leggie Adil Rashid and all rounder Tim Bresnan trying to bowl their way into it at New Road and Sidebottom at Trent Bridge.

Australia can only play 11 of their 15 available players as the ECB were keen on a proper first class game for their 2nds, making it a little more difficult to have the bowl off for what seems to be 2 remaining spots in their attack.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5889/wart.png vs http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4749/eng.png
Edgbaston, Birmingham
8pm AEST Wednesday July 1-Friday July 3

England have decided 3 days is enough for them, which isn't really going to help Panesar push for a spot. That seems to be the only spot up for grabs although Paul Collingwood could have a few sleepless nights if he makes a duck and Dingaling makes 250 against the Australian attack. Flintoff's apparently fully fit, can he stay that way for another week? Doesn't seem to be a lot to make of this game but that doesn't stop them charging $30 for entry to a 21,000 seat stadium, or $40 if you buy at the gate. :confused:

Bell is usually a Warwickshire player but is playing in the other game instead this time. The Bears have a good balance of youth and experience in their side, but not such a good balance of batting and bowling. They have 6 players averaging 40 with the bat this season, including Bell but not including the keeper or the captain. Although you have to question the attacks they've been facing when Jeetan Patel is one of those averaging 40, thanks to a ton against Hoggard, Rashid and Rana at this ground earlier in the season. The Edgbaston pitch may also explain why they have only one bowler with an average under 45, and he has only 3/108 from 1 game. Irish opening bowler Boyd Rankin opens the bowling, while Scottish opener Navdeep Poonia may get Bell's number 3 spot and get a hit if they bat first, because the forecast from Wednesday afternoon onwards is wet.

Possible Warwickshire XII:
*Ian Westwood
Tony Frost
Navdeep Poonia
Jonathan Trott
Jim Troughton
+Tim Ambrose
Ant Botha
Neil Carter
Chris Woakes
Jeetan Patel
Boyd Rankin
Rest of the Squad:
Tom Alin
James Anyon
Keith Barker
Shaaiq Choudhry
Rikki Clarke
Ateeq Javid
Richard Johnson
Calum MacLeod
Darren Maddy
Andrew Miller
James Ord
Steffan Piolet
Naqaash Tahir

England XI:
*Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Ravi Bopara
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
+Matt Prior
Andrew Flintoff
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
Jimmy Anderson
Monty Panesar
Since last test v Windies:
In:
Flintoff
Panesar
Out:
Tim Bresnan
Graham Onions

Umpires:
Richard Illingworth (Derbyshire)
Andy Hicks (Worcestershire)

Weather:
Fine until lunch day 1, rain and thunder after that until Monday

Coverage:
Should be BBC coverage online, link from this page (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/counties/7992843.stm)

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/1340/enai.png vs http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png
New Road, Worcester
8pm AEST Wednesday July 1-Saturday July 4

No room for all rounders Ian Blackwell and Jamie Dalrymple who have each passed 50 six times this season, with Vikram Solanki getting the veteran's spot alongside Test reserve batsman Ian Bell and the latest winner of Who Wants To Poach An Irishman completing the middle order. Joe Denly, averaging 50 for the season, is joined at the top by South African born and raised Stephen Moore, who has made 209 this season - in 10 innings. Then after number 3 keeper Steven Davies (number 2 Ambrose is playing for Warwickshire) the attack is made up of Durham duo Steve Harmison and Graham Onions - the top two wicket takers in county cricket with 30 and 40 respectively, number 3 spinner Adil Rashid - whose batting may help him over Panesar next time Flintoff isn't there and they want two spinners, along with Sajid Mahmood who's had a reasonable year with 19 wickets at 25 for Lancasire and Tim Bresnan who's there on potential and being a like-for-like replacement for Flintoff when he was unavailable against the Windies. With the selectors not ruling out drafting in somebody from outside the 16 for Cardiff, if any of them can rip through the Australian batting lineup they could find themselves taking that Panesar spot.

Nobody from Australia did anything particularly good against Sussex, but with Siddle the pick of the bowlers and already pencilled in that might be enough of a warm up for him, and Johnson probably needs a run before the Tests start. A double failure for Marcus North has raised questions over his spot, but with the closest thing to a spare batsman in the squad injured he doesn't appear to be under any serious threat in the short term. He could move up a spot with Michael Clarke perhaps making enough runs against Sussex to have this game off to stick with 5 bowlers in a team of only 11. Brad Haddin could have the game off ahead of the longest series in his short international career, that would give Graham Manou a game. Did any of Lee, Hauritz, Clark or Hilfenhaus blow their chances enough to try Andrew McDonald in the reliable seamer's role he filled reasonably successfully against South Africa? Not that any of those questions really matter if the weather forecast is right - Worcester isn't that far from Birmingham so the forecast is the same, rain and plenty of it from Wednesday afternoon until Monday.

England Lions XI:
Joe Denly
Stephen Moore
Vikram Solanki
*Ian Bell
Eoin Morgan
+Steven Davies
Adil Rashid
Tim Bresnan
Sajid Mahmood
Steve Harmison
Graham Onions

Australia XV:
Phil Hughes
Simon Katich
*Ricky Ponting
Michael Hussey
Michael Clarke
Marcus North
+Brad Haddin
Andrew McDonald
+Graham Manou
Mitchell Johnson
Brett Lee
Nathan Hauritz
Stuart Clark
Peter Siddle
Ben Hilfenhaus
In:
McDonald
Manou
Lee
Unavailable:
Shane Watson

Umpires:
Jeff Evans (Wales)
Jeremy Lloyds (Gloucestershire)
Tim Robinson (3rd, Nottinghamshire)

Weather:
Partly cloudy until rain on Saturday. 22 degrees

Coverage:
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/6397/fshdgu8.png - preview show from 7:30pm AEST Wednesday, play daily from 8pm AEST
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/5531/fs1xf8.png - Wednesday from 7:30pm AEST
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2118/fs3xa4.png - Thursday-Saturday from 8pm AEST

[Grimwood]

I'd much rather have seen something like this for the Lions XI:

Trott
Yardy
Bell*
Shah
Patel
Solanki
Davies+
Rashid
Sidebottom
Harmison
Onions

I suppose it's more for the Australians benefit than ours though...

[Selective Retention]

Australia squad: 1 Simon Katich, 2 Phillip Hughes, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Marcus North, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Brett Lee, 10 Nathan Hauritz, 11 Stuart Clark

Hilfy bites the dust. Down to 3 bowlers for 2 spots.

[vasili]

Can't have 4 fast bowlers i'm sorry to say, So it's out of Lee and Clark for the last spot.

Hauritz looks like will take McDonalds place in the first test but McDonald should have played this game just in case Hauritz isn't up to it in the first test

[eth-dog]

Can't have 4 fast bowlers i'm sorry to say, So it's out of Lee and Clark for the last spot.

Hauritz looks like will take McDonalds place in the first test but McDonald should have played this game just in case Hauritz isn't up to it in the first test
Thankyou for your wonderful knowledge Mr. Hilditch, please continue to post these selection on here :rolleyes:. Hauritz might play the first Test, but is unlikely to.

[alfy!]

Why is Onions playing for the Lions? Isn't he in England's best 11? Just a tactical move or what?

[Furn]

Why is Onions playing for the Lions? Isn't he in England's best 11? Just a tactical move or what?

England will most likely play 2 spinners.

Flintoff,Anderson,Broad and Swann are in. It will be one of Onions, Panesar, or Rashid for the last spot.

[eth-dog]

England will most likely play 2 spinners.

Flintoff,Anderson,Broad and Swann are in. It will be one of Onions, Panesar, or Rashid for the last spot.
Onions bowls fast-medium

[Furn]

Onions bowls fast-medium

Which is why is most likely wont play in the first test. Unless he rips it up in this game.

[Respected Journo]

I wonder who is doing commentary for the Aus warm up game, i guess it will be those ex-England players. Might have to put it on mute i reckon

[Subaru Impreza]

Why is Onions playing for the Lions? Isn't he in England's best 11? Just a tactical move or what?

I havent seen much of Graeme Onions to be honest. but think Graeme Swann is doing a reasonable job for England at the moment.

[Subaru Impreza]

pretty stupid question but why is this game only a 3 day match? would have preferred a proper 4 day game here.

[Subaru Impreza]

The first test xi to include Hauritz, North and Clarke to provide spin, Johnson and Siddle combined with either Clark or Lee to provide the fast bowling.

So no McDonald or Watson obviously, you'd think the latter may replace North at some time during the series all being equal. Hilffenhaus apparently not in the reckoning unless he is also pencilled in and being rested here like Siddle and Clark and Lee are to be kept in reserve. That would surprise me a little.

I'm expecting Clark, Johnson and Siddle make up the quick trio and if Clark is near his best the England top order could be in for a very tough time.

[Blue Dimension]

Johnson, Clark, Siddle is a formiddible trio.

The issue is the 4th bowler.

[Grimwood]

Why is Onions playing for the Lions? Isn't he in England's best 11? Just a tactical move or what?

The selectors are hedging.

They really want one of Onions or Rashid to use to today to prove that they can mix it with top bastmen. If they struggle then England will turn to the 'safer' options of Panesar and Sidebottom - players who have got a decent amount of international cricket under their belt.

Harmison is the joker. It may all go horribly wrong when he pulls on England shirt on, but he's bowled really well for Durham.. and.. well.. fingers crossed..

As I've mentioned, the batsmen are all irrelevant apart from Bell. The likes of Moore and Morgan aren't even in any sort of form at the moment.

Although it should be noted that Vikram Solanki is my favourite batsman to watch.

[eth-dog]

Johnson, Clark, Siddle is a formiddible trio.

The issue is the 4th bowler.
McDonald did well in RSA, should be given the nod

[OzBomber]

Yeah, what's the deal with McDonald. Sure he isn't the best batsman but in this form he's more dangerous than Hauritz and Lee with that stump to stump line. His bowling is perfectly suited to these conditions.

[Bugz]

Any streams sean? :)

[OzBomber]

Any streams sean? :)
My tv. :)

Nah, I'm not sure. Just check justintv, ustream etc.

Edit: http://www.justin.tv/sport_for_free

Enjoy.

[Bugz]

Thanks.

[Grimwood]

Onions is as Onions does.

Just short of a good length and straight.

[OzBomber]

Bruce: Onions is delicious.

[Bartram_Class]

Saj Mahmood...

I really hoped 2007 was going to be the last we saw of him. He is awful.

[Bartram_Class]

What happened to Hughes' pull?

They'll bowl short to him all summer long if he is just going to sit, duck and weave (unsuccessfully).

[Grimwood]

I was a bit surprised when he nutted his first ball from Harmison.

Prehaps he's still expecting a bit more bounce?

[Cousin Jed]

Oh look at that, batsmen under performing again.

[aussie1st]

Geez I hope Ponting finds some form soon.

[Grimwood]

Right. Sajid's on.

How many fours from his next 5 overs? I'm going for 6.

[Rick18]

Good to see Saj still bowls pies :thumbsu:

[Selective Retention]

3 innings in England and no hundreds for Hughes. I'm concerned :eek:

[Grimwood]

Oh, Sajid.

It all looks so promising on paper: tall, clocks over 90mph, smooth action...

It's just a shame that he's perpetually rubbish.

[Rick18]

Oh, Sajid.

It all looks so promising on paper: tall, clocks over 90mph, smooth action...

It's just a shame that he's perpetually rubbish.

I figured it out...he's cricket's Leigh Brown! :eek:

[Bartram_Class]

Hussey is looking good here...

Nice confidence-building 100 please.

[Bartram_Class]

I make that three thigh-high full tosses from Saj so far.

Get him in England.

[Grimwood]

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's an attempted Sajid Mahmood slower ball.

[grizzlym]

Anyone with vision - either there personally or watching it on the tube - tell me how Hussey is looking?

[Blue Dimension]

Hussey is looking very solid. Hasn't really put a foot wrong. Looks refreshed and focused. 50 up now.

I've said for a while that Hussey had been batting too defensively. Obviously when you get in a bit of a rough trot you tend to go into your shell but something I've noticed is that he's lifted his strike rate and as a result is looking much better.

[grizzlym]

Hussey is looking very solid. Hasn't really put a foot wrong. Looks refreshed and focused. 50 up now.

I've said for a while that Hussey had been batting too defensively. Obviously when you get in a bit of a rough trot you tend to go into your shell but something I've noticed is that he's lifted his strike rate and as a result is looking much better.

Great. Hussey strikes me as a diligent, intelligent and responsible type. It make sense when he's 'off his game' that he goes defensive, thinks too much perhaps.

[Bartram_Class]

Anyone with vision - either there personally or watching it on the tube - tell me how Hussey is looking?
Very good, particularly defensively.

Katich was better though, had just started to branch out a bit when he got out, but had not put a foot wrong up to that point. He is in for a big summer.

[Grimwood]

Soft shot from Clarke.

185/4.

[OzBomber]

When I first saw North leave the ball I was like "Hey, Johnson's been promoted". I was looking forward to seeing him bat.

Edit: Gone, chopped on. He hasn't done much since that century on debut. I'm sure he'll come back, but it's a bit worrying going into the series.

[Grimwood]

The difference between Hussey and Katich and the other batsmen has been marked.

[wotdoiput]

Wow is there much pressure on Marcus North now? 3 poor scores so far in the tour matches.

As much as I dislike him I htink the selectors may rue not having Brad Hodge in the squad as backup batsman.

[OzBomber]

The difference between Hussey and Katich and the other batsmen has been marked.
What are you talking about?

Clarke made 75 last game, Hughes made 78 and Ponting made 71. They're all in the runs which is a good thing.

[realsniper09]

Good to see Hussey get some runs.

North is still a lock for the first test because we don't have a back-up, but his form is slightly worrying though.

[Cotchin 9]

Wait, is this on Fox?

[Bartram_Class]

They need to get another bat over there, preferably Hodge, has a bit of experience.

They're left with no options in terms of altering the batting line-up now, due to Watson's injury, whilst North scratches around. If things get much worse, could Johnson bat at 6, and McDonald be played at 8?

[Bartram_Class]

What are you talking about?

Clarke made 75 last game, Hughes made 78 and Ponting made 71. They're all in the runs which is a good thing.
Except Marcus North.

[grizzlym]

As much as I dislike him I htink the selectors may rue not having Brad Hodge in the squad as backup batsman.

I hope the selectors are ruing the lack of a back-up batsman full stop.

[grizzlym]

They're left with no options in terms of altering the batting line-up now, due to Watson's injury, whilst North scratches around. If things get much worse, could Johnson bat at 6, and McDonald be played at 8?

While the selectors are proving amazingly adept at forgetting. I hope 'play a batsman at 6' has implanted as a hypnotic suggestion. No, for the love of beer, we can't go back down that disastrous road again.

[Grimwood]

What are you talking about?

Clarke made 75 last game, Hughes made 78 and Ponting made 71. They're all in the runs which is a good thing.

I don't think Australia have anything to panic about, but there have been a few shakey shots from the aforementioned, regardless of however many runs they scored against Sussex. In contrast, Hussey and Katich barely put a foot wrong.

Edit: Time for MJ to show them how it's done.

[OzBomber]

Wait, is this on Fox?
Yer.

[Bartram_Class]

Hussey has lost that knack of being able to turn the strike over.

It's almost Paul Collingwood-ish at the moment.

[lewigie]

He is batting with basically the lower order.

[Cooldude]

Hussey's looking good. It looks like he's gotten his balance back in his batting and his technique is looking good again. Very good signs

[Respected Journo]

Strange the England commentators and sky are covering an Australian tour match when England have their own match on?

Wouldn't it be better ratings wise to get the Engish cricketers (the first eleven) playing?

[Bartram_Class]

He is batting with basically the lower order.
Steve Waugh method needs to be implemented.

The likes of Johnson, Hauritz and Lee should be trusted with the bat, keep the scoreboard ticking over.

[Cooldude]

They are practice matches, a preview of how the Aussies play 7 days before is surely more interesting for the Poms

Onions looks very very impressive. Like the look of him and his action

[Bartram_Class]

Strange the England commentators and sky are covering an Australian tour match when England have their own match on?

Wouldn't it be better ratings wise to get the Engish cricketers (the first eleven) playing?
Decent question. If England were over in Aus though, would you rather watch Eng v. Aus B or Aus v. WA?

I'd probably rather see England v. Aus B. They still get a good look at the likes of Harmy, Bell, Onions here.

[Respected Journo]

A Preview?

Each cricket match is a new game, you don't want to fall into the trap of thinking just because such and such struggled that he can't play.

I personally have always thought that watching what other people are doing rather then concentrating on yourself is a sign of insecurity.

Reading English papers and reading opinions of respected ex-cricketers it seems to me that all think England are going to win and win easily. As such why would they care how where going against some 2nd eleven with a bunch of has-beens?

[Respected Journo]

Decent question. If England were over in Aus though, would you rather watch Eng v. Aus B or Aus v. WA?

I'd probably rather see England v. Aus B. They still get a good look at the likes of Harmy, Bell, Onions here.

I'd rather watch Aus V WA personally, just because it's home town players in competition against each other. It would also be good to see what some of the state players are like against stronger opposition.

[DoubleO7]

I've got a clearer stream to the one Sean provided. If any one is interested, here it is (turn Ad block off).

http://www.livevss.net/index.php

:thumbsu:

[Cooldude]

A Preview?

Each cricket match is a new game, you don't want to fall into the trap of thinking just because such and such struggled that he can't play.

I personally have always thought that watching what other people are doing rather then concentrating on yourself is a sign of insecurity.

Reading English papers and reading opinions of respected ex-cricketers it seems to me that all think England are going to win and win easily. As such why would they care how where going against some 2nd eleven with a bunch of has-beens?

Think you're mistaken if you think it's not a guide. Plus the 2nd comment, surely that's a wind up. Having a look at the opposition beforehand, as all sports do, is a sign of insecurity? Where the heck did you pull that from?

Who cares what the press think, I think you're trailing off the topic you first raised

[DeadlyAkkuret]

Lol at that score card.

[Grimwood]

Hussey's looked just like the Hussey of old.

Shame the pitch is so slow though, I'd like to have seen a little more in it for Rashid.

England are struggling at 288/7 against Warks.

[lewigie]

**** we'd be dismal without Katich and Hussey.

[Grimwood]

197/6 to 337/8 is pretty good.

[saj_21]

Why do the selectors continue to **** around with to many bowlers and 1 to many all rounders. Surely they would of learnt by now (after the last test in SA) that you need a back up batsmen and no an all rounder Shane watson is not the answer.

Memo to Aus selectors grow some testicles trevor hohns style and a make a decison that may be unpopular with some, unlucky for others but the right decision for the balance of the squad. Most impoartantly give the Aussies the best chance of retaining the Ashes!

[damochandler]

great ton by mr cricket. this ashes series will he him at his best. he loves playing in england and he has scored a bucket load of runs over there in county cricket

[krisholio14]

great ton by mr cricket. this ashes series will he him at his best. he loves playing in england and he has scored a bucket load of runs over there in county cricket

After watching his innings last night he looks like he's more relaxed and ready to go back to being 'The Huss'.

[damochandler]

After watching his innings last night he looks like he's more relaxed and ready to go back to being 'The Huss'.


he loves the english conditions. he is right at home on those tracks

[aussie1st]

North's form is becoming a worry, I hope he can get it together in the 1st Test.

[Cooldude]

North's technique worries me, he falls over on his stance so he can play around deliveries

Huss really looks like he's back to his best there. His technique is looking good, knees looking nice and relaxed and not stiff anymore so his balance at the crease is perfect again. When he bats like this, he is almost impossible to dismiss

Been trying to put my finger on who Onions resembles in terms of bowling style and finally got it. He has an almost identical action to Mohammad Asif, who aside from the drugs, was a tremandous bowler. They bowl around the same areas as well, very similar

[crownie]

North's technique worries me, he falls over on his stance so he can play around deliveries

Huss really looks like he's back to his best there. His technique is looking good, knees looking nice and relaxed and not stiff anymore so his balance at the crease is perfect again. When he bats like this, he is almost impossible to dismiss

Been trying to put my finger on who Onions resembles in terms of bowling style and finally got it. He has an almost identical action to Mohammad Asif, who aside from the drugs, was a tremandous bowler. They bowl around the same areas as well, very similar

yep really hope the score is well over 200 when he comes to the crease.

[Grimwood]

358.

I don't hold out much hope for the Lions' batting. Short on form and quality.

[OzBomber]

Johnson seems to have lost his swing. At the moment I'm going to say it's the hot weather, but it's not a good sign.

Oh, Binga. Very unlucky there. That was absolutely plumb. Ump must've thought that it hit bat first.

Wish they had it like the last Ashes where they displayed both mph and kph. So hard working out whether they're bowling fast or not. 90mph = 145kph right? Binga bowled a 93.1mph delivery so it must've been about 150 I'm guessing.

[legend166]

That was dead set plumb. Poor decision by the umpire.

[OzBomber]

Binga is bowling 149kph+ consistently which is a good sign. Just can't swing the ball. Were the Lions swinging the ball?

[lemmon]

Binga is bowling 149kph+ consistently which is a good sign. Just can't swing the ball. Were the Lions swinging the ball?
Onions had the ball hooping, hes probably the only one though.

[Cleavy]

Wish they had it like the last Ashes where they displayed both mph and kph. So hard working out whether they're bowling fast or not. 90mph = 145kph right? Binga bowled a 93.1mph delivery so it must've been about 150 I'm guessing.

http://www.calculateme.com/Speed/index.htm

[Cousin Jed]

Binga is bowling 149kph+ consistently which is a good sign. Just can't swing the ball. Were the Lions swinging the ball?

Not really no.

[Grimwood]

Hauritz looks really down on confidence, doesn't he?

[mansize rooster]

atherton and co
bunch of wankers

if its gonna be 0/50 they have to talk about no glen and shane *yawn*
its getting old now

[Jimthegreat]

Johnson seems to have lost his swing. At the moment I'm going to say it's the hot weather, but it's not a good sign.

Oh, Binga. Very unlucky there. That was absolutely plumb. Ump must've thought that it hit bat first.

Wish they had it like the last Ashes where they displayed both mph and kph. So hard working out whether they're bowling fast or not. 90mph = 145kph right? Binga bowled a 93.1mph delivery so it must've been about 150 I'm guessing.yes....90 mph=144.8kph.

93.1=149.82993.

[Furn]

England have Warickshire 7/80.

Anderson 5 for 34. Gonna be the key to this series. If he swings it, its all over.

Cant believe Hauritz First class average is 47. Why is he in the team? Does he get a regular game for NSW?

[Cleavy]

Cant believe Hauritz First class average is 47. Why is he in the team? Does he get a regular game for NSW?

He wasn't before Casson lost the plot.

[rdhopkins2]

Haddin that was bread and butter stuff! C'mon boys, get a wicket! Eng 0/83

[lynchy4610]

Might be a real stuipid idea but, if watson aint fit and north doesnt make runs 2nd dig and if haddin puts another chance or chances down, would it be any good playing Haddin as the number 6 and Manou as the keeper?

[Bartram_Class]

Really should have swallowed that Haddin, none of that in the Ashes please.

I think Lee is bowling alright, but his short stuff is still rubbish.

[Cleavy]

Might be a real stuipid idea but, if watson aint fit and north doesnt make runs 2nd dig and if haddin puts another chance or chances down, would it be any good playing Haddin as the number 6 and Manou as the keeper?

no!!

[OzBomber]

Lee was bowling very well with a good pace. Only problem is that they were playing him with relative ease.

[Dogs Rule]

Geez, get a wicket Australia...it's England A for God's sake!

[Romeo]

Signs aren't good so far.

[w00dy]

Might be a real stuipid idea but, if watson aint fit and north doesnt make runs 2nd dig and if haddin puts another chance or chances down, would it be any good playing Haddin as the number 6 and Manou as the keeper?

worst idea ever...

I think it was a mistake to leave McDonald out of this game... 3 quicks can usually do the same job as 4, so unless Hauritz really staked a claim for a spot, you bat McDonald at 8 with his bowling still useful, and he strengthens the batting.

By not giving him a game, you wouldn't imagine they'd play him in the 1st test...

[OzBomber]

Ugh, Michael Holding ripping into us. Says Phil Hughes hasn't got it.

Well, Michael. Didn't you watch him playing county cricket or against South Africa? :rolleyes:

[mushda]

Bowled him! At last we get a wicket.

[OzBomber]

Was it a good ball? Or just a lazy shot?

[DoubleO7]

Was it a good ball? Or just a lazy shot?
Pitched full, swung in and knocked over the bails.

Binger on a hat-trick! Oh well, close, but no cigar.

Ian Bell should be batting at number 5/6, not number 3! These pommies will never learn.

[Bartram_Class]

Wow.

Three great balls. Might just have won his spot in the first test there.

[BigCat2]

Looks like Johnson, Siddle and Lee are in for Cardiff. Clark and Hauritz to battle for final spot.