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

[Arthur Crabtree]

Wee Davey is the game changing wicket. If he stays in, the England first innings will be reeled in quickly. The others going at three an over will give England time to take wickets.

[backfootpunch]

Looking forward to today.

If we can get another 50 or 60 runs then get into the batsmen early it could be a good contest.

Yeah, I can see that happening. I've only seen the highlights. England have done rather well for themselves and the Oz bowlers will be tired. If Broad and Moen stick around, frustration and fatigue will set in, and England could make another 100 runs. Or MJ will blast them out for maybe 10 runs.

The deck looks like a road, so with runs on offer, I can see one or two Aussies missing out. I'm expecting Smith to have a feast, and Voges. Place your bets on the rest.

Broad hasn't exactly been doing much sticking around in the last 18 months

He will have a swipe at a short ball and hole out or Just miss a full one like he has been doing

[budgetmeansbudget]

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!

Must admit it wasn't nice to be reminded that back in 2009 the game was similarly poised after day one, and Australia went on to make six hundred and plenty for 6 in their first innings. Must admit I had forgotten all about it, overshadowed by the Anderson/Panesar last wicket stand I guess.

[yorker_129-7]

Not a cloud in the sky this morning in Cardiff, which could be ominous for England

(P.S. I know I'm late to the party but I believe Magoffin became "English" at the beginning of this month, so not technically an overseas player anymore, although I'm not 100% sure on the dates)

[GarlicJam]

I want him to kill your hopes early on!

Norris McWhirter - that's 1 more person that I have now decided that you are not, in real life..

[hopeforthebest]

By the time England come to bowl any help the early conditions offer to the bowlers will have gone, so it could be a day of toil for them. Poor batting ifrom the Aussie's is our best hope on this pitch. I fancy Broad to be our best bowler al a Hazelwood.

[KipperJohn]

By the time England come to bowl any help the early conditions offer to the bowlers will have gone, so it could be a day of toil for them. Poor batting ifrom the Aussie's is our best hope on this pitch. I fancy Broad to be our best bowler al a Hazelwood.

I thought I heard somewhere that England's slip cordon was 'sorted'. One of the more interesting aspects of today will be to see who is in it and how they perform, if anything goes their way.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Need Ali to bowl like he did against India and not like he did against NZ.

[GarlicJam]

an easier quiz - http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/33349967 - 9/10 for me.

[Gingerfinch]

an easier quiz - http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/33349967 - 9/10 for me.

I got six. easier, my bum!

[Aidan11]

I got 6 as well.

[Arthur Crabtree]

By the time England come to bowl any help the early conditions offer to the bowlers will have gone, so it could be a day of toil for them. Poor batting ifrom the Aussie's is our best hope on this pitch. I fancy Broad to be our best bowler al a Hazelwood.

I thought I heard somewhere that England's slip cordon was 'sorted'. One of the more interesting aspects of today will be to see who is in it and how they perform, if anything goes their way.

I read it was going to be the same: Cook, Root and Bell.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Got a hunch England's tail is going to wag.

[GarlicJam]

Wag like a Doberman's stump.

[Aidan11]

Broad for a 50.