The Ashes 2013(4)

Weakest Aussie batting line up since the early to mid 80's when Alan Border was the batting line up. 

Flapping disgusting.

England 171/4 at tea - thats a lead of 404

Root has 97  & Bell 16

There's been a controversial NOT OUT given to Bell,  Smith seemed to get a clean catch (fingers under the ball) on the ground OK,  but the 3rd umpire says not. 

The pitch looks like its beginning to break up so I expect a declaration with 450+ on the card to enable England to have a few 101% attacking overs before the close. But with Cook making the calls I am not betting on that.

Looks out but the umpire has to be 100% sure so probably the right decision.

Well done to Bresnan. A valuable 38 runs adding to his 1st inning bowling contribution. He's certainly justified his selection over Finn.

The way the pitch is playing and the fragile nature of Aussie batting, I think they will do well to take the match into Day 5.

MDS 

Eng 333/5 lead by 566 at the close

Joe Root is on 178 so I expect he will get a chance to make it a double ton tomorrow. 

Roots gone for 180 & England declare at 349-7

Aus need 583 to win

Aus 48/3 at lunch

Swann has them in a real 2&8

All over,  Aus finished with 231

England win by 347 runs

Once again the roo tail had a good wag; maybe they should have the tail opening at Old Trafford. 

..and the wicket always turns at Old Trafford so Swann and even Root will be licking their lips.  Clearly the Aussies need to look at their XI but who will replace the injured Pieterson?  

Pietersen hasn't put a real innings together this series - except maybe the 1st test 64. So its not like he will be that badly missed.  1st test  14&64  2nd test 2&5 is not something that looks good on a #4's averages.  

The obvious choice to me is James Taylor or Nick Compton & maybe an outside bet on Johnny Bairstow.  Then there are a few others scratching at the door. Maybe with Aus in such a bad state its worth risking some young blood.

Agree about Pieterson, though he's the sort of player who suddenly comes out of poor form to put in a match-winning performance.  Given what must be mood of increasing confidence in the England camp I think it's just the right time to bring in some more young blood.

Bairstow already plays....

Compton would have to open if he came in, and they won't shift Root now. James Taylor for me-he has done time on the A Team. Bopara is injured (and flaky anyway).

Aussies have a bigger quandary re Agar. Turning pitch and did not bowl well enough. Can they afford to pick him as batter who bowls? Smith is a one-day player and not good enough as a second spinner so maybe he goes, Agar shifts up and they pick another spinner, is Nathan Lyon the next on the rank?

Watson (a.k.a ShaneWatsonLBWAnderson) under huge pressure but who else would they bring in to bat?

I like Harris as a bowler but his left-handed colleagues must wish his follow through was a bit wider.

I still don't actually think England are playing that well. This should worries the Aussies!

Bruce,  badly written - mea culpa

I was thinking about the #4 slot & for Bairstow (& Bell) to move up the order & bring in young blood at #6.

I think your find that was Mike Atherton who said ...When in Rome, Dear boy......, in reply to Ian Healy calling his a f***ing cheat, 

3rd Test squad

Kevin Pietersen in but with concerns over his fitness they have recalled James Taylor

Also recalled are Monty Panesar & Chris Tremlett

Steven Finn is out - no surprise there

Think that's smart thinking for the 3rd test. Old Trafford usually takes spin so Monty is a good option to have. Trying the youth of Taylor if Pieterson isn't fit looks good too because with the team 2-0 up there will be less pressure on him.  Tremlett on his day is fearsome but I think Bresnan played well enough at Lords to keep his place.  

I'm glad they've given James Taylor a shout. I always thought he was under rated, rather good in Two Lane Blacktop.

Nothing radical in the Eng Squad – shame, maybe they will try some new blood once they get 3-0 in the bag

Cook, Root, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Bairstow, Prior, Bresnan, Broad, Swann & Anderson

I guess Pietersen has convinced them his injury will hold up,  but that said he needs to perform like a #4 & IMO doesn't have too many second chances left to do so. 

Aus won the toss & elected to bat

It looks like you might be so right Jamie.

Its a pity really as this kind of pitch spoils the excitement of the game, OK OK I know its test cricket.

As I see it its all up to England, the pitch has to be one of the best batting tracks in the country, true & no movement,  so they need to try something different - vary the bowling, a few bouncers, go round the wicket for just a few balls in an over etc... looks like England don't have too many ideas. 

Aus must be looking for 500+

A draw? lets not be premature. If we get 5 full days.....