Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

Declared now. Feels quite ambitious, given Joe Root has been caught out on this before.

A lot of hype around for Archer, given he's bowled in one Test innings.

Archer rips out two.....we set Australia 250 in just over a session on a rain affected day already....

If England don't win, Root should be hung for this decision.

Archer hits another on the head

England could do this.

Archer is an old time quick, he seems happy to give out the pain.

England all over Australia here.

are the crowd roaring Archer in?

is Smith going to be able play in the 3rd test?

it feels as though momentum is shifting towards England atm, although I doubt there is enough time to win this one. the early losses ought at least to get Australia away from any thoughts of going for the win

Smith head injury might be the McGrath standing on the ball incident.

40 more overs seems like a long way away. Especially with Australias only bat out.

I see Wee Davey's poor ashes continues. no runs, dropped catches

he might be facing the chop if Smith gets the green light to play at Headingley..... wouldn't that be a shame?

Wee Davie's nightmare goes on.

Just watched the highlights from yesterday and have to give Stokes some credit for the ton. That's not an easy pitch to bat on. Could have been out twice in an over to Lyon on outside edges to Warner at slip... but made a lot of his chance.

Australia needs a change at the top of the order.

Bancroft playing for his place here, as its either him or Warner making way.

Bancrofts technique is all over the place...would bring harris in for him

Not going to get quite the early night I expected...have to watch this for a while.

Still don't think they'll be able to knock them over in 48 overs - or whatever the light allows. But could be tense for a while...especially if Leach can get the ball talking .

Archer has really grown into this match : bit ordinary day two/three , roared into life later in the innings (ask Smith !) and has been far more dangerous in this opening spell. Much better length for the new ball...though he's going a lot shorter now...

Here's Leach.

andy wrote:Bancrofts technique is all over the place...would bring harris in for him

Warner also needs to be dropped though.

Aussie top 3 being totally exposed.

Arthur Crabtree wrote:Wee Davie's nightmare goes on.

Just watched the highlights from yesterday and have to give Stokes some credit for the ton. That's not an easy pitch to bat on. Could have been out twice in an over to Lyon on outside edges to Warner at slip... but made a lot of his chance.

Credit indeed...he could have fallen half a dozen times to Lyon - who was really testing the left hander ; but he found a way to survive and ended up cashing in brilliantly.
Is definitely improving as a Test bat. Five seems his right place , I think.