Ashes 2009

[Stacey Jones fan]

Mine's on Australia, although England have some pretty good players in their side. I think their bowlers are better than those who played in the 2007 series.

[mnolan]

We're both playing absolutely s***e at the moment. Fortunately, everyone else seems to be the same.


I reckon it'll be a really, really s**t series. England to win it though.

Although not playing at Old Trafford will be a knock for England, we always play well there.

[mnolan]

Scraped a draw at Cardiff (*shudder*).


Going strong at Lords. Day Two, Australia 128-5, 297 behind. MON THE ENGLAND

[Stacey Jones fan]

156/8 at stumps

Need 70 runs to avoid follow on. If we lose, will be our first ashes defeat at Lords since 1934.

[mnolan]

Have a feeling this'll be a draw.


Strauss made the right decision not to enforce the follow on. Today's weather leaves the pitch very much a batting pitch, we can hopefully get a bit of drizzle overnight, make batting a bit harder for you. Declare at lunch tomorrow (If we can last that long) should give us time to bowl you out, and failing that, not give you enough time ot catch up.

[Stacey Jones fan]

I was fairly relieved we were not made to follow on. Given the way we batted in the first innings, I was glad we weren't made to bat again. I'm not sure whether Strauss' decision was the right one, because when England decide to declare, I do think Australia will believe that securing a draw is on the cards. This wouldn't have been the case if we were forced to follow on.

[mnolan]

We're on a knife edge, imo. Say we declare 600 runs ahead/at lunch. You have 5 sessions to take your time and knock 600. Something, imo, you are capable of. Especially on a flat pitch. The rain should hinder you, but we're in a tough position regarding when to declare. Declare too soon and Australia could get the target if they take their time and not give away silly wickets. Wait too long like Ponting did, and well, you know what happened in the first test.


Although I MIGHT be overly cautious. I have a nasty feeling about this test.

[Stacey Jones fan]

Imo, Australia won't be fancing their chances. England have a daunting lead, and Australia's confidence with regards to their batting is not good at the moment. They will likely just try and bat it out for a draw. That's what I think

[mnolan]

England declared. Australia need 522 to win. 37-2.



Surely we can't throw this away?

[Stacey Jones fan]

221/5 now. We need 300 runs. It can be done, but if this partnership is broken soon, I don't think we can do it.

[mnolan]

The good thing with these types of partnerships, is when one goes, the other usually soon follows.

Staying in too long for my liking, though.

[mnolan]

Excellent win.

[Stacey Jones fan]

Was always gonna be a tough ask for us, but going into the last day I did actually think we were in for a chance. Good on England though.

As for this test, I think rain will be the winner. Most of the 1st day was washed away, and rain is forecast for tomorrow.

[mnolan]

Indeed. Although if it stays dry, the rain at the end of yesterday's play will do us no favours. Neither Bell nor Strauss will last 10 overs today, imo.

[Stacey Jones fan]

We are 88/2 and trailing by 25 runs. One more day, can England bowl us out? Even more, can they win? The forecast for tomorrow is light rain, will this save us?