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

[Gingerfinch]

We've seen about 700 runs and 15 wickets. On paper that looks good, though I've not seen much play, myself.

[yorker_129-7]

It's not been as bad as people say it has TBH, it's not been five runs an over and wickets tumbling all over the place, nor the high octane stuff served up in 2013-14, it's been steady test cricket which tests batsmen's techniques and patience and bowlers skills. Players have had to play well to score runs or to take wickets, which is how it should be. Sure, the pitch could be a little quicker, but anyone who thinks England were going to order lightning quick pitches perfect for the Mitchell Johnson et al was frankly deluding themselves.

From day 4 this pitch will start to spin, and spin big. Then things get really interesting.

[budgetmeansbudget]

But are we going to see similar pitches for the remaining tests? Or is this just a relatively normal pitch for Cardiff?

[budgetmeansbudget]

It's not been as bad as people say it has TBH, it's not been five runs an over and wickets tumbling all over the place, nor the high octane stuff served up in 2013-14, it's been steady test cricket which tests batsmen's techniques and patience and bowlers skills. Players have had to play well to score runs or to take wickets, which is how it should be. Sure, the pitch could be a little quicker, but anyone who thinks England were going to order lightning quick pitches perfect for the Mitchell Johnson et al was frankly deluding themselves.

From day 4 this pitch will start to spin, and spin big. Then things get really interesting.

Big spin on a slow pitch doesn't usually cause too many issues for high class batsmen.

[Aidan11]

The sickener could be with us well on top by day 5 then it rains most of the day.

[sussexpob]

But are we going to see similar pitches for the remaining tests? Or is this just a relatively normal pitch for Cardiff?

This is a normal Sophia Gardens pitch. They tend to struggle to get pace and bounce into them for as long as I remember. I remember reading something a few years back about the position and elevation of the ground compared to the river that runs around it.... produces a lower water table then expected, so the top layers of ground become dry and very porous. Makes it difficult for the ground to retain moisture and acts as a natural drain.

[Aidan11]

Young Ben

[captaincolly]

Young Ben

Angelic!

[Arthur Crabtree]

I can accept a slow pitch, but this country shouldn't have pitches where driven edges don't carry to the slips. The two pacedness means good strokes get punished on the drive. This is nearly as bad as the pitch at Trent Bridge last year.

[KipperJohn]

Have few complaints about the pitch. 700 runs and 15 wickets on the first two days with both batsmen and bowlers having to earn their rewards -as it should be. Much better carry from the England bowlers at times - this looks a two paced pitch which tests all the skills. Balls dying then others flying through. England bowled very straight and pretty full and genuine runs only really came off the quicks with quality straight or cover drives. Broad bowled well and set Rogers up for Wood's wicket. Shades of 2005?

[yorker_129-7]

I don't see this pitch being replicated. Lord's will be the usual belter of a batting surface, Edgbaston similar, Trent Bridge will offer a little to the seamers and the Oval will probably be dry and spin.

[sussexpob]

I can accept a slow pitch, but this country shouldn't have pitches where driven edges don't carry to the slips. The two pacedness means good strokes get punished on the drive. This is nearly as bad as the pitch at Trent Bridge last year.

Its seems a good enough pitch to last 5 days and produce a result... surely thats a good pitch?

[Arthur Crabtree]

I really mind what pitch they serve up as long as the bowler is rewarded for the edges. I suppose you could argue that excessive bounce closes off the lbw, but at least that opens up another way of getting the batter out.

[alfie]

Been pretty good to watch , I reckon. Pitch could be livelier , but 700 runs and fifteen wickets in two days says it is not as bad for cricket as you'd think from some complaints I've heard.
England certainly on top , with Australia batting last - although it remains to be seen how the pitch develops over the last couple of days - and , apparently , whether we even have much of a last day at all.
Given past issues in dismissing tails , England will be keen to strike early in the morning and get in position to finish the job with the new ball...if they bowl as well as they did on Thursday it may well happen. I'd be inclined to use either Broad or Anderson first up , even though the new ball is only ten overs away ; don't want to let the batsmen settle by marking time , as they have sometimes done in the past.
Moeen has had a fine match so far ; kept his head when attacked and gathered the rewards. Won't hurt his confidence - or that of the skipper in using him. Which will be important this series , just to keep the main pace bowlers from being overused : even if some grounds produce sportier strips than this you don't see many green tops these days.
Agree with a comment I saw earlier that Ponting is rather a likeable presence in the commentary box. Slightly surprised ; but I really shouldn't have been - he was always an uncompromising and rather aggressive character on the field but quite generous off it , and carries this attitude and a wealth of knowledge upstairs. A welcome addition.

I got 9/10 for the quiz.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Against that, the game is well advanced and finely poised. I guess the best time to judge it is at the end of the game.