The Ashes; First Test, Cardiff, July 8-12

[yuppie]

Talk from the ground that Nathan Lyon isn't warming up but all four quicks are. Surely Australia won't also play Watson in that scenario?

Also, no spinner at Cardiff is a gamble.

I was reading how there was a lot of grass still on the pitch yesterday. Clarke basically said that if it was still like that this morning, it would be four quicks and no tweaker.

Looks like thats not happening.

Teams as expected......

[Aidan11]

Moeen Ali

[yorker_129-7]

England win toss and bat first, unchanged from Headingley vs. New Zealand

[yuppie]

Twatto

Probably make a 100 now.

Good toss to win as both captains reckon they would have batted.

Quick wickets please aus whilst the clouds are about....

[yorker_129-7]

This is a big couple of tests for Moeen Ali, with the world and his wife gunning for him and they will be picking up on every mistake. Probably the most pressure from the home fans / press on an England spinner since Ashley Giles post-Lord's in 2005.

[sussexpob]

Moeen Ali

England are paranoid that their batting line up will be blown away, going for an opener at 8....

[Aidan11]

First four days of this test is sold out.

Seems there is interest in Wales.

[backfootpunch]

Moeen Ali

I can see the likes of clarke, Smith, Watson and haddin will smash him all over the place

His only saving grace will be the rough created by Starc and Johnson, which will make him a threat in the last innings if we can bat well

[backfootpunch]

First four days of this test is sold out.

Seems there is interest in Wales.

Or from English people who live within a couple of hours of cardiff

[yuppie]

Moeen Ali

England are paranoid that their batting line up will be blown away, going for an opener at 8....

Yep then run out of batting partners so his batting does not have much influence.

I guess England could not pick Rashid as they have not given him a game against WI and NZ. No point throwing him in against Australia.

[yorker_129-7]

A real test of Yorkshire grit this morning, don't envy Adam Lyth or Gary Ballance this morning as both are playing for their place

[Aidan11]

I hate the wait. Get 'em out there now.

[yorker_129-7]

No team batting first at Cardiff has ever won a test there. One lost, one just about avoided doing likewise.

[yuppie]

I hate the wait. Get 'em out there now.

Yep, give the Aussie quicks more time under the clouds. Start now.

Cant believe i have to go do staff training after 11.15. Put it back 2 hours to get the first over in.

[Aidan11]

Rain.