Losing the toss might be a good thing, sure we'd have to bat if we win it, but if there's pace n bounce around we're forced to bowl we could get into them early.
Losing the toss might be a good thing,
Local consensus says otherwise, if you want to [s]win[/s] draw you need to get a lead and not be batting last up there.
Even as a Brit out here put all thoughts of winning to bed right now
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/team/match_results.html?class=1;id=209;type=ground
Last team to win a test was WI in 88, there have only been 7 draws since then.
Australia using distinctly average Glenn Maxwell as cover for distinctly average Shaun Marsh(!) And David Warner.....
This is one of the hardest series for a long time to call. England go in without their star allrounder [s]Henry Cooper[/s] Ben Stokes, and with notable inexperience and dubious players in their batting line up. I am also very sceptical about Jake Ball - he's just a medium pace straight up and down trundler from what I've seen so far (at international level).
Australia go in at least one first-choice quick down, picking a clubbie as wicketkeeper and also with dubious players (who have been given extensive chances to make an impact) in their line up. When Aussies are getting in a tizz about the likes of Wade, Nevill and Ed Cowan not being picked you know they are scraping around to find eleven decent players.
On the James Taylor note - it is a massive shame. I know him (a little bit) and he is one of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. He's never been 'big time' in even the slightest way, always asks after family etc and hasn't changed in this regard through being an unbelievably talented youngster to a pro to an international player to an enforced retirement into punditry.
People still talk about the catch he took during a President's Day game at his old club (also my old club) - which he played in despite already being a full-time pro. Running full tilt along a boundary he stuck one hand out to take a skier that was going to plop a couple of feet over the rope. He took the catch without breaking stride and made it look like the easiest thing in the world.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-23/ashes-australia-sweats-on-david-warner-and-shaun-marsh-injuries/9182956
Just a couple of hours to go and still no Aussie team news. Either they are all sorted and playing games or it's going till the last minute. Not sure Warner or Marsh will like a long day in the field with niggles.
My wife thinks that I'm working late in my study, half true but the I wouldn't be in here if it wasn't for the Ashes 😀
Lol I'm starting late here... Just got the full online package chucked in with my phone plan so I can catch it on the go
Always stay up until lunch for the first Australian Ashes match. Predictions for the lunchtime score? I'm going 90-3.
Yeah England won the toss.
oh dear...
An exciting start
Well I'd say as expected one to go, got the TMS/ABC team in one ear, the TV on in front of me, obviously about 1 ball apart in timing
What would you take at lunch?
60-2?
Brissie? Something light probably a salad and a nice crisp Riesling. The beer just makes you want to piss a lot up there...
As far as England it's not a fast pitch so far so any score and no more wickets. Aussies don't have an all rounder to do some extra bowling so a long game suits England more.
Probably the advantage for England is there won't be as much footage and experience for some of the England guys to make plans for.
*Raises glass to blowers, retired but not forgotten
The beer just makes you want to piss a lot up there...
You're drinking the wrong beer...
There will be nothing in a public bar over piss weak at the Gaba today!!
There will be nothing in a public bar over piss weak at the Gaba today!!
And you think you'll get a nice riesling?!?
My bet would be to smuggle some of the local brew in:
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Only for lunch Zokes...
Could of had the first test down here in Hobart this week, though not normal Gaba conditions there, no fire and unpredictable movement so far. Not wanting to say it but these two look composed and calm there
You able to get to a match this time? We've tickets for all of the Adelaide test again.
No not managed, folks are over now so can't get out there, Optus has come through for the coverage though. Day/Night will be a very interesting game and should be good fun too, might go for the 20/20 down here though
I'll take that!
Now it's back to waking with trepidation tomorrow morning!!
Yep good first session, solid work by the 2 lads there, important thing is the work being done by the bowlers. Let's not have a rash half our later please
Exactly - only 3 quicks, all injury prone. Keep them out there!
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Day/Night will be a very interesting game and should be good fun too
Yes, I'm hopeful. My parents are out here too, but I already had tickets before they booked, and it's really my daughter they're here to see so I doubt I'll be missed.
Not had that gin - any good? Had a lovely citrusy one from the riverland the other night. Must try to remember its name.
Very nice and refreshing, bit of anise in it. Work is slow so might as well chill out here. I'm sure cook will have had a cold one by now. Wonder if we will see a full 4 days here if it stays slow.
and back from the rain delay, still some slow and steady overs in here. England are here to put the hours in I feel, use a the time in the middle, tire the bowlers and no need at all to rush. Play up to 8:30am GMT available so some breakfast action for you guys
Agree. As much as I disagree about playing for a draw, our record on this ground speaks for itself - we're not likely to win. Much better to have a moral victory in a comfortable draw, tire the four man attack and push on for greater things at Adelaide next week.
Yep, some great maturity out there from the 2 guys. Really well done to stay composed after cook went a d to slowly tick the sore on. Hope one can get to 100 if not both. The quick will be getting frustrated
Morning everyone!
Well, this is a relief to wake up to. A chirpy Aggers on TMS speaking of a century second wicket partnership for England! That in itself has been a while since I've heard that.
Along with a sluggish track at the Gabba. Promising.
And 50's for both of the lads! Let's see out to tea in 15mins
Fell asleep around 4am. I'm back though and they are still in. Wonderful stuff and just the right type of innings that are required. Amazing how quickly the mood can turn.
Edit: Dropped by Paine.
Balls
Annoying to to make tea there but let's see how root is playing today. Needs a good score and see this out till the close.
That's much better than I was expecting to wake up to. Looking for Root to put down a marker here.
Arse a run out....
Well, it's all got a bit interesting at tea time...
Lovely to wake up to TMS, and a pretty good start!
Re the chirpiness of Aggers, given what Mrs A has just been through, he's got every right to be chipper!
Pardon ? 👿
Amazing how quickly the mood can turn.
just quoting myself here
Commentator's curse. 😳
I'm happy with that. new players have done well, which was very, very important. Cook and Root can pick themselves up from that. We didn't fold , which could have set the tone for the series.
Yup, even the moronic Channel 9 commentators seemed moderately impressed with England, and uncertain if Aus really has the upper hand. I'll take that. Could be better, but if Heals et al are willing to give credit then it could also be a lot worse...
What a delight to finish work and climb into the car at midnight last night, put R5L on, and listen to half an hour of Tufnell and his colleague on the way home.
