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

[The Waugh Twins]

I was channelling Mark Waugh with my last comment, Steve.

Ha,ha.

Looks like we are going down in the first test Garlic. Good for the series and all those pessimistic English supporters will be singing in the streets, my brother included. I guess I will have to call him, at least he'll pick up the phone now.

[The Waugh Twins]

So is this essentially a 4 day match? I've googled the weather and it's saying 70% chance of rain on Sunday and about 40% chance they're right.

That does put a little pressure on the Cook as far as a declaration is concerned.

40 overs left today so at 5 an over that's another 200 giving a lead of 460 which if you're an Aussie supporter is likely 100 more than you need.

[The Waugh Twins]

So is this essentially a 4 day match? I've googled the weather and it's saying 70% chance of rain on Sunday and about 40% chance they're right.

That does put a little pressure on the Cook as far as a declaration is concerned.

40 overs left today so at 5 an over that's another 200 giving a lead of 460 which if you're an Aussie supporter is likely 100 more than you need.

I can't believe you uttered the words 5 an over in test cricket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Forecast I saw looked ok for Sunday.

[The Waugh Twins]

So is this essentially a 4 day match? I've googled the weather and it's saying 70% chance of rain on Sunday and about 40% chance they're right.

That does put a little pressure on the Cook as far as a declaration is concerned.

40 overs left today so at 5 an over that's another 200 giving a lead of 460 which if you're an Aussie supporter is likely 100 more than you need.

I can't believe you uttered the words 5 an over in test cricket.

Better get use to it Steve, these blokes don't know how to play the long game, plus they get a day off paid.

Go down and visit Dylan Thomas house on the Gower.

[yorker_129-7]

Starc seems to have been massively under-bowled in this innings. He may only get two overs in the afternoon session after bowling the last of the morning brilliantly. Is he nursing something?

[The Waugh Twins]

Forecast I saw looked ok for Sunday.

Thanks Arthur, that changes that mind though. Likely then they will try on bat on well past lunch.

[The Waugh Twins]

Cook is proving to be one of the greatest captains of his generation.

[hopeforthebest]

Cook is proving to be one of the greatest captains of his generation.

Never doubted that he would.

[sussexpob]

Starc seems to have been massively under-bowled in this innings. He may only get two overs in the afternoon session after bowling the last of the morning brilliantly. Is he nursing something?

After Day 1 he picked up a little knock and there were some doubts that he might have been able to bowl the following morning. Maybe flaring up again

[hopeforthebest]

Too positive too soon after tea from Bell, pity he didn't look in any trouble till then. Johson gets a wicket, finally.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Strange dismissal of Bell. Just didn't play a shot.

[sussexpob]

Good knock from Bell that. Despite the match situation he must have been feeling the pressure, good way to respond

The raging Tash finally gets on the board.. I was beginning to feel sorry for him

[hopeforthebest]

No appeal for LBW, they could rue that mistake.

[sussexpob]

No appeal for LBW, they could rue that mistake.

Didnt see it, but cricinfo suggests it was plump but no one appealled? Bizarre.

Few balls suddenly spitting from the pitch a little... England will not mind that.