stevegrant Posted 6 July, 2009 Share Posted 6 July, 2009 Here we go then... Brett Lee's definitely out for Australia which, having seen his performance against the Lions last week, can only be a good thing. Both teams' batting lineup pretty much picks itself, I reckon: ENGLAND Strauss © Cook Bopara Pietersen Collingwood Prior (wk) Flintoff Broad Swann +2 AUSTRALIA Hughes Katich Ponting © Hussey Clarke North Haddin (wk) Johnson +3 The Aussies clearly now have fewer options in terms of bowling, Stuart Clark's probably guaranteed a place alongside Peter Siddle, which leaves either Nathan Hauritz or Ben Hilfenhaus, who seems distinctly average to me. A lot's been made about Hauritz and the probability that he'll be left out with Michael Clarke and Simon Katich left to do the spinning between them, but Clarke has a dodgy back and Katich doesn't seem to want to bowl these days. On a turning pitch, I reckon Hauritz will be picked. Anderson's obviously in for England at number 10 bat and number 1 bowler, and then it's a straight choice between Panesar and Onions. I wouldn't be surprised to see Strauss wait until just before the toss before actually making the final decision. I'd fancy Swann to have the experience and guile to carry the whole spin attack for us, so for that reason (along with Panesar's form this year being absolutely dreadful) I'd go with Onions as part of a four-man seam attack. That way, there's also the safety net just in case Flintoff breaks again. I'm going for a 1-0 England series win, and they'll win the first test in Cardiff as the pitch will be a little bit unpredictable. The other four will have been prepared to last the full five days, so it would take something special from the bowlers or something dreadful from the batters for anyone to win any of the other four tests, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithd Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Steve I admire your optimism! I think we'll win the first one at Cardiff (****** Cardiff??!!! Silent W in ECB continues...anyway, thats another argument), then lose the 2nd after letting the excitement of the 1st test win get to us! I think we'll win at Cardiff (spit) for the same reasons you do. A 2-1 win either way is my fence sitting prediction!!! The opening batsmen from both teams hold the key. Watching the 2005 series Straus and Trescothick got us off to blistering starts so many times, gave us the impetus to push on and gave our bowlers something to bowl at. My worry is being able to take 20 wickets in 2 or 3 games....if anderson leaks runs and flintoff gets injured again (quite likely i feel), we could really struggle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Going on Friday. Hurrah for me. Will be too drunk to know what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Taken day off wotk tomorrow to go and watch it in HD round a mates with a bucket load of champers on ice. 1-1 is my prediction. We will win Cardiff, lose Lords, draw , draw, then get thwarted by the rain while on top at the Oval. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 ive bought a laptop, which i will set up next to my pc at work and have skyplayer going!! cant wait :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labibs Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Massively looking forward to this now. I agree a lot depends on Strauss and Cook. If they go early, it puts a lot of pressure of Bopara and KP to stay in and 'score ugly', stifling their natural game (particularly KP). I'm slightly concerned about Prior's keeping, I have a horrible image of him dropping Ponting on say 15 and him going on to make 150+... It's been raining pretty heavily here in Cardiff for the last few days, plus it bucketed down this morning. I know they are talking up the drainage system at Sofia Gardens, but I don't think the pitch will be the spinner's paradise that people have been talking it up as. For that reason, I agree that Onions should get the nod ahead of Monty. I think England will win the 1st test and hopefully the series, but it'll be tight. I'm worried about our ability to consistently take 20 wickets, so I think there could be a few draws. Massively looking forward to it now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisobee Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Typically Glenn McGrath is predicting 5-0 to the Aussies, not a hope in hell. It will be tight but I think England to win 2-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne Saint Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 I wouldn't even have had Brett Lee in our line-up until his performance the other day so while it's a blow I'm very comfortable with Johnson, Siddle and Clark. Hilfenhaus is the swing bowler of the squad and after what your bowlers did to us in 2005 many people expect him to go alright over there. Unfortunately he hasn't started off too good but there's plenty of time for him. However as Steve pointed out it's our spinning stocks that's the real worry. It's quite amazing for a country that produced Shane Warne to suffer from such a chronic lack of depth in spin bowling. The decision to select Hauritz was wrong. In fact, to select such a negative bowler rather than go for an attacking spin bowler like McGain or Krezja goes completely against the way we play our cricket. Our batting line-up goes pretty deep with Haddin coming in at #7 and Mitchell Johnson can almost be classed as a genuine all-rounder after a summer of impressive batting performances, none more so than in our most recent test match against South Africa where he scored a century. It will be a great series. I think we've got a better team and I expect us to win. (Or maybe it's just that I don't want to even contemplate another Ashes loss) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithd Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Typically Glenn McGrath is predicting 5-0 to the Aussies, not a hope in hell. It will be tight but I think England to win 2-1. i'd have said the same at the start of the last ahses over there, look what happened! to be honest, i dont think any result would surprise me. 5-0 to them, 5-0 to us, 2-2, 3-2 either side, anything can happen. my skyplayer is subscribed, i am ready! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labibs Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 i'd have said the same at the start of the last ahses over there, look what happened! to be honest, i dont think any result would surprise me. 5-0 to them, 5-0 to us, 2-2, 3-2 either side, anything can happen. my skyplayer is subscribed, i am ready! I would be massively surprised to see England win the series 5-0! I'm getting really worried by the weather here in Cardiff. It's filthy today and not looking good for the rest of the week. I've got a feeling we could see rain-hit draw in the 1st test, a test which many are saying represent England's best chance of a test win... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the stain Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 The Lions seemed to have a deal of success taking the attack to Johnson, so hopefully Strauss will realise the onus is on him to get cracking from the off. Cook needs a man at the other end to do the scoring until he gets to 30-odd. I agree with your line-up, Steve. Although I'd be tempted to play Broad ahead of Flintoff in the order. It's going to be tight, that's my only prediction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack rill Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Lee out!,,,Owwwwwwwwwwww nice one Shane:smt118:smt023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish fingers Posted 7 July, 2009 Share Posted 7 July, 2009 Going on Friday. Hurrah for me. Will be too drunk to know what happens. I shall join you in that drunk state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Bones Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Going to be another great series no doubt. I'd like to share in Mcgraths optimism - but Sadly I think we will be leaving the Urn in the UK. Not very impressed with Pointings leadership of late and I fear a poor performance from him will affect team morale. No doubt plenty of great days of cricket coming up against "the ol' enemy" - looking forward to some good banter with yo guys. It's raining in Cardiff ??? Bugger I thought you guys were suffering from a heat wave over there ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Ashes!!!!! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne Saint Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Going to be another great series no doubt. I'd like to share in Mcgraths optimism - but Sadly I think we will be leaving the Urn in the UK. Not very impressed with Pointings leadership of late and I fear a poor performance from him will affect team morale. No doubt plenty of great days of cricket coming up against "the ol' enemy" - looking forward to some good banter with yo guys. It's raining in Cardiff ??? Bugger I thought you guys were suffering from a heat wave over there ? Big call considering we beat South Africa in South Africa in our last test series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mynameisthehulk Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 5-0 to England, North, Siddle, Hauritz, lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Bones Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 True Melb - and I was impressed with the way we played. I guess its justa gut feeling. It will be a good contest, but I think England will prevail. Dont write off Siddle either Hulk.... He is full of suprises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Here we go then... Brett Lee's definitely out for Australia which, having seen his performance against the Lions last week, can only be a good thing. Both teams' batting lineup pretty much picks itself, I reckon: ENGLAND Strauss © Cook Bopara Pietersen Collingwood Prior (wk) Flintoff Broad Swann +2 AUSTRALIA Hughes Katich Ponting © Hussey Clarke North Haddin (wk) Johnson +3 The Aussies clearly now have fewer options in terms of bowling, Stuart Clark's probably guaranteed a place alongside Peter Siddle, which leaves either Nathan Hauritz or Ben Hilfenhaus, who seems distinctly average to me. A lot's been made about Hauritz and the probability that he'll be left out with Michael Clarke and Simon Katich left to do the spinning between them, but Clarke has a dodgy back and Katich doesn't seem to want to bowl these days. On a turning pitch, I reckon Hauritz will be picked. Anderson's obviously in for England at number 10 bat and number 1 bowler, and then it's a straight choice between Panesar and Onions. I wouldn't be surprised to see Strauss wait until just before the toss before actually making the final decision. I'd fancy Swann to have the experience and guile to carry the whole spin attack for us, so for that reason (along with Panesar's form this year being absolutely dreadful) I'd go with Onions as part of a four-man seam attack. That way, there's also the safety net just in case Flintoff breaks again. I'm going for a 1-0 England series win, and they'll win the first test in Cardiff as the pitch will be a little bit unpredictable. The other four will have been prepared to last the full five days, so it would take something special from the bowlers or something dreadful from the batters for anyone to win any of the other four tests, IMO. I think looking at the weather forecast England will go with Onions and Australia will go with four seamers If England can stop Ponting Scoring runs like we did to Hayden and Gilchrist we will have a chance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Godfather Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 England won toss and are batting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melbourne Saint Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 (edited) True Melb - and I was impressed with the way we played. I guess its justa gut feeling. It will be a good contest, but I think England will prevail. Dont write off Siddle either Hulk.... He is full of suprises Fair enough. I just can't imagine them being let back in the country if they lose again. We could accept the series loss last time because it was such a brilliant series. But not twice. Spot on about Siddle too. He's one of our best young prospects and I'm sure it won't take long for the English crowds to get stuck into him like the South African crowds did. Definitely not in the same category as Hauritz. Anyway good luck guys. Hopefully it's a great series (with a different result). Edited 8 July, 2009 by Melbourne Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Well excited now, C'MON ENGLAND!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 england with 2 spinners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bristolsaint29 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 probably be quite a few late people, saw a lot of very frustrated looking cricket fans this morning stuck on motorway due to a stupid cattle truck overturning, M4 shut in both directions. PS several animals injured! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Catherine jenkins would certainly get RUINED!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 The Welsh National Anthem is pretty awesome. All excited now. Lunch break in the pub watching the cricket! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Anybody elses sky player keep f*cking buffering every 2 seconds? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithd Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Anybody elses sky player keep f*cking buffering every 2 seconds? Mine did, have lowered the resolution to low or medium and is fine now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Mine did, have lowered the resolution to low or medium and is fine now Cheers - thats better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Mine did, have lowered the resolution to low or medium and is fine now ahh good man, that was beginning to p!ss me off :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saintjersey Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Ah balls Cook out for 10, England are 21-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 34-1 from 14 overs at the mo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 50 is up, 17th over. 51-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Strauss gone, caught, 67-2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Time for KP, half an hour til lunch, important we lose no more wickets in that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scummer Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 This BBC widget thing is a bit rubbish, still says it's 63-1. Edit: and as I submitted my post, it jumped to 75-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 90/3 **** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints_is_the_south Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Lunch now. 97-3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mack rill Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 And the afternoon stint is well under way Its like watching paint dry:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 anyone elses skyplayer just dropped out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sainthomer Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Anyone going to watch it on the screen in Hoglands park on Friday?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 194/3 at tea. better session england :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 194/3 at tea. better session england :-) Yeah, Pietersen and Collingwood both got 50's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwig Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Is it just me, or is Alastair Cook ****? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Is it just me' date=' or is Alastair Cook ****?[/quote'] just you ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iowsaintsfan Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 I still dont rate Bopara he looked lost from ball 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Is it me, or is the Cardiff outfield slow as ****? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegrant Posted 8 July, 2009 Author Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Is it me, or is the Cardiff outfield slow as ****? It's also very wide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the stain Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Is it just me' date=' or is Alastair Cook ****?[/quote'] You've been saying it for years and it's still just you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted 8 July, 2009 Share Posted 8 July, 2009 Pietersen chucks his wicket away AGAIN. He will never be a top quality batsmen until he learns to stop giving his wicket away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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