3Rd Test, The Ashes: Old Trafford

[ChillDoubt]

Australia won the toss and chose to bat, going along swimmingly at 29 without loss after half an hour.
Not used to this(Aussie openers getting a good start) and generally expect a wicket every 30-40 minutes.
Hopefully a breakthrough is not far away....

[ChillDoubt]

If KP and Bairstow can see us through to COP, we have a decent chance of going for the draw.
First task is to obviously avoid the follow on, then see how the land lies, but it's crucial we lose no more tonight.

[jim360]

Erk, Bairstow gone with 50 runs to go still to avoid the follow-on, 227/6.

With all respect to Bairstow, he's part of England's future but he's probably the man with his position most under threat. Taylor in for him next test?

[jim360]

KP goes for 113 -- still another 48 runs to go to avoid the follow-on. A fine innings, but about 20 or 30 light of where it needed to be, I think. Ten more overs today, going to be tense!

[humbersloop]

one way or another, this morning looks to be a nail biter

[grumpy01]

Expect Gooch and Flower are working out how to get Bopara back in at this very moment.

[humbersloop]

four from Broad saves the follow on - he's doing well out there - and 50 the partnership

[jim360]

17 of a single Harris over! Including 4 leg byes, but that's just what England needed. Draw a near certainty, now, as Australia are trapped into batting for as long as it takes to make 150-200 runs, never mind the weather.

[humbersloop]

and Broad's just gone

Shut. It. Sloopy.

[jim360]

Well, we know who to blame at least!

Broad may have gone, but he's done his job. Lyon gets a deserved wicket, he's bowled well with little reward. 339/8.

[humbersloop]

;)

result either way still on the cards, even with the weather

[jim360]

Swann goes after a quick cameo, 353/9.

[humbersloop]

All out for 368 - now let's see...

[jim360]

Good work by Anderson and Prior to eat up some more time, but the innings comes to an end with Australia 159 runs ahead. 368 all out, Prior goes for 30.

So how will Australia play this? Well, we probably know really -- quick-fire 2nd innings to build up a lead of about 300 or so?

[Sqad]

I agree jim....then with 300+ to get....will England go for them?

[humbersloop]

Warner and Watson to open?

[Sqad]

Humber...Watson and Rogers?

[Sqad]

humber....;-)

[humbersloop]

you're right sqad - two left handers

[jim360]

espn has Warner and Rogers opening. Should be interesting.

[humbersloop]

if they get, say, a 300/350 lead, I'm not sure we'd get past their bowlers to make it

..bloody Boycott's back on chuntering..