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

[Gingerfinch]

Bob Willis on The Verdict talking about the flat pitch at Cardiff saying even Marcus North ( who is on the show) made a hundred on it!

Made me laugh. North looked surprised, though took it well.

[The Waugh Twins]

I'm not a fan of the walker, but if that's their prerogative then so be it. Unfortunately the bowling team will never return the favour to you by calling you back when they know you're not out.

Like when Flintoff knew the ball came off the glove that wasn't on the bat in 2005. He did console Lee whom also knew, but fat load of good that did.

DRS in 2005 and nobody on here would be talking about it.

Yep well said Mark.

[The Waugh Twins]

I'll be talking about it for a long time yet Steve.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I guess there are people all over the world who will claim what concerns them has greater significance than what influences others. Sometimes it matters. Sometimes not. As I occasionally find myself saying, it depends what you like.

[The Waugh Twins]

Yes and sometimes their opinions change daily even by the minute.

[The Waugh Twins]

Mine never do though, I'm solid as a rock.

[Arthur Crabtree]

That's because you're both smart blokes. I flip flop all over the place.

[The Waugh Twins]

I only have one reason for not walking and that is I think it's disrespectful to the umpires.

Personally in club cricket where often you only had one umpire I would walk, but on one occasion where I nicked the ball to the keeper and no one appealed and the keeper threw the ball to slips and the ball eventually made it back to the bowler. I turned and asked the keeper if he caught that on the full and he looked puzzled and said yes. Then he suddenly realised, but the bowler was already on his way in again.

[The Waugh Twins]

That's because you're both smart blokes. I flip flop all over the place.

Ha,ha, me too.

It's the only way to be.

[The Waugh Twins]

So Starc has a sore ankle. Things are going England's way at the moment, but this Aussie side has a lot of fight in them.

[The Waugh Twins]

Yep if Starc can't bowl tomorrow it won't be a huge blow, but if he can't bowl in the second innings it will be tough.

Australia's best option is to clearly bat on and on if they are able to and perhaps get themselves in a position where they can't lose and hope for some fine bowling from the ever amazing Watson.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Malcolm Marshall took a 6-fer against England with his arm in a sling, so I wouldn't write Mitch2 off.

[captaincolly]

Don't want Aussie bowlers to get injured otherwise they might call up John Hastings!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Magoffin?

Bird?

[captaincolly]

Magoffin?

Bird?

Don't think there's a realistic chance the Duke will get the call but is Magoffin still eligible? Don't think he plays domestic cricket in Australia so even if he is available got selection he's probably down the pecking order.