The Ashes 2010

[Hollowman]

For sure. I think it was because there was a perception that he's never lacked for talent but seemed to be letting himself down mentally. Even just before this series there were question marks over him during the Pakistan games. If he hadn't hit that century knock at the Oval there would have been serious conversations about his place I think.

Which just goes to show the fine lines in sport at that level, as he's now tearing one off the Aussies proper.

[Reece]

Unlike Bopara where it was all completely fair

[Vermilion]

This match is massive for the series, if England can go one up with a series tie enough to retain the ashes....the pressure on the Aussies will be immense, leaving only 3 matches for them to get two wins.

[Leyton388]

Yeah i agree. If England win this test and go one up all we have to do is win 1 more out of the 3 to retain the ashes. The pressure will be on the Aussies big time.

[PTP]

Urgh

[Vermilion]

Yeah i agree. If England win this test and go one up all we have to do is win 1 more out of the 3 to retain the ashes. The pressure will be on the Aussies big time.

And they'll need 2 wins out of the last 3 matches, with any draw having the effect of stifling their chances even further.

Really need to take this chance..and win this match.

Would like to see a huge score from Pietersen, would be soooo demoralising for them on top of everything else to see him come into form too, although what's he on now..an unbeaten 80odd? which is'nt too shabby.

[Shaggy]

We've banged on about his inadequacies too, and rightly so sometimes. But what England have begun to do better in recent years is take young players and just play them constantly. Cook will be 26 during the tour, and he's already played 60 tests and carved up almost 5000 runs. That's invaluable at his age. Despite his great average, I've had doubts about his concentration in big matches as he has let himself down badly before, but this looks like it could be the series where he proves his mettle. Broad has played a lot the last couple of years too, and now Finn looks like the next one we can slot in.

Then you look at the Australians.

Yeah I've had doubts about him too but he's totally shut me up. What an incredible spell he's going through. To bat for as long as he has without losing his wicket is mindblowing. What is it now - 3 days?

Just watched the highlights without knowing what happened after lunch. Absolutely ****ing marvellous. Maybe bat for as long as poss tomorrow and get them in towards the end of the afternoon session.

[Leyton388]

I think we will declare on say 600 that gives us a 355 run lead then get them in and bowl them out and even if they do get the required total we just go into bat and knock off the runs needed. Game won and job done.

[Neil Young]

I think we will declare on say 600 that gives us a 355 run lead then get them in and bowl them out and even if they do get the required total we just go into bat and knock off the runs needed. Game won and job done.

Just before play started last night I wrote a post saying we'd declare an hour before close tomorrow at 600 for 4. Then I didn't post it because I tend to think prediction posts are silly.

[Reece]

Eh? I'm sure I remember reading that post

[Neil Young]

Oh OK, maybe I posted it then.

[Reece]

Nasser Hussain has just made me think England will declare about 45 minutes before close tomorrow on 600 for 4.

[Neil Young]

Yeah, you're right, I did.

Oi tj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop copying me.

[Leyton388]

Yeah, you're right, I did.

Oi tj!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop copying me.

ok then we will declare on 601 for 5

[Neil Young]

ok then we will declare on 601 for 5