The Ashes; Second Test, Lord's, July 16-20

[bigfluffylemon]

I see the press are already writing Shane Watson's career obituaries. Lots of talk of great talent, unfulfilled potential, never quite found his role in the team.

[GarlicJam]

no doubt they all could've been written anytime over the last 6 or so years.

[from_the_stands]

Now Matty Hayden has joined the Twatto bandwagon.

[sussexpob]

Leopard never changes its spots is probably what the Aussies are thinking.

Indeed. He should take a lesson from his main detractor Matthew Hayden, and call away tour hosting countries "third world", smash windows in anger at umpiring decisions, and invite opposition bowlers for boxing matches to settle scores.It makes me chuckle having lived through the last few decades worth of Aussie cricketers sledging and being prats that someone like Matthew Hayden would pass comment on Anderson's behaviour.

After all, Anderson v Jadeja was simply a modern day retelling of Harbi v Symonds, a situation where Hayden was deeply involved with.

Didn't Anderson get told he was going to have his "arm ****ing broken" by an Australian captain.... way to go, lots of decorum there.

I don't think England need a moral lesson from the Aussies. It makes me laugh that when Australia were winning 4-0, 3-1 or what have you for years they complained England didn't come over for a beer. Now they are losing to England more regularly they are less accommodating. Make your mind up!

[hopeforthebest]

A story in the Guardian says that Rashid was told on Tuesday that that he would be playing in this game but he then declared himself unfit due to a sore bowling finger.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Shame Rashid should miss out with an injury. Very bad timing for him.

Also wonder a bit about England playing Moeen with an injury, as there have been concerns from players recently about being expected to play with injuries, and it's likely that hasn't done England any good (Broad in India, Anderson in Australia, Bresnan generally). A bad game could leave the captain short, and damage the player's confidence. Call up a fit player. Which I guess would be Tredwell.

[Aidan11]

So England unchanged.

Two known changes for Aus and Starc likely to play.

[hopeforthebest]

OMG Shaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane is back. Sky commentary loses a star.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Overcast. Bet both captains want to bowl.

[Aidan11]

Win the toss, win the match.

[Aidan11]

They were going to ask Shane Watson to do the toss but his leg got in the way.

[Aidan11]

Steve Waugh hands Peter Nevill his baggy green.

[GarlicJam]

Win the toss, win the match.

I hope you are right.

Aus win the toss, bat.

[Aidan11]

Win the toss, win the match.

I hope you are right.

Aus win the toss, bat.

I would have bowled. Has Clarke done a Nasser?

[Aidan11]

Cook said he'd have batted as well.