The Ashes: Australia in England 16th Jun - 31 July

[sussexpob]

As for the match, I think it was an absorbing days play. The momentum shifted between the teams at various points, and when either side got on top, the other side responded. I think today might be a tough day to bowl, and England need to get Australia's 3-4 back in the hutch before they can make dent in the score.....but my head tells me were about to witness the standard Steve Smith batting masterclass that seems to be the modern Ashes standard.

One advantage is Lyon making the mark on day 1.... Australia have to bat last, so that par score might be lower if the ball is going to grip as the game goes on.... the choice of Moeen is going to be put to the test instantly, because I have a feeling to win this game, Moeen is going to have to be the spearhead. Not much pressure for a guy coming back from retirement.... although even if Moeen goes for runs, like Lyon did, its a question of whether or not he can buy a few wickets in between.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Start delayed a few minutes due to rain. Maybe conditions better for bowling.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hmm. 14 off 7 overs... Boycsball.

BBC text com predicting a day of toil for the England bowlers.

[sussexpob]

Aside from one ball that Broad got to swing in a bit later into Warner, there hasn't been much encouragement for the bowlers this morning. Last thing England need is a 1st wicket partnership, because this is one area you felt England could really beat Australia in.

[sussexpob]

Broad gets his bunny just as I post that. But of a nothing dismissal, was a wide ball he's tried to slash through point, no dice.... stumps from the inside edge

[Arthur Crabtree]

Broad got his bunny.

[sussexpob]

Footwork missing, presumed dead with that wicket.

Applied to that last one too.

[bigfluffylemon]

Broad again! Beauty to Labu for a golden duck!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Inside edge from cross batted shot, it seems. Maybe a bounce thing.

[sussexpob]

Marnus out first balll.... WOW

[bigfluffylemon]

Well caught by YJB too.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Broad gets Labu first ball! Wow!

[bigfluffylemon]

Absolute pie for the hat trick ball.

[Arthur Crabtree]

There is no part of the multiverse in which Warner, Labuschagne and Smith are dismissed in three balls.

[sussexpob]

Not good batting for those wickets. Get the feeling in 10 overs you might be able to start playing with the hands, but there is just enough swing about to take the nick. Have to get those feet moving....

Crowd sound quite rabid this morning