[retired_lyriclemelodee]

Also - yes, we're probably going to lose this test, and yes, that's dissapointing, particularly after the first day. However, I don't think we've played THAT badly - most teams struggle against the likes of Murali/Sangakkara in these conditions.

Looking to the future I'm pretty happy with most of the team; Vaughan, Cook, Bell, KP, Collingwood, Hoggard, Sidebottom, Monty.

The other three slots very much up for grabs - just hope people can step up and make the positions their own.

[retired_sajnesh]

KP will need to be coddled in the field with this dicky finger of his, and given that I don't think he can bat in these conditions either, might as well put Shah in and protect KP for NZ, where I expect him to score heavily.

Otherwise, what you said.

[retired_linton_justin]

England successfully fend off Murali in the 2nd innings.....and still lose 6 wickets \o/

Hoggard getting injured is a killer :thdn: Have a funny feeling we'll opt to play an off form Harmison rather than Broad next match. Either that or someone like Tremlett will get called up and play. But ill hold my fingers crossed for Stuey.

Id probably go with that team Didier, although ideally id drop Anderson for either Harmi (if hes fit) or Tremlett (if he gets called up).

[retired_linton_justin]

Originally posted by Donners:
MacGill gone for at least the first two tests against India. Australia is officially in trouble - we can;t get away with playing four pacemen at the MCG despite the form of Noffke and Tait, and there just isn't much quality amongst the spinners. Bryce McGain is being talked up as a replacement FFS.

Like i said earlier you can get away with it atm as your batmen are amassing 500+ in every first innings. I can only see it being a problem if Lee gets injured tbh.

[retired_lyriclemelodee]

Belly \o/

Such an underrated player, can't believe people still don't rate him. Has batter for 110+ balls in this innings, the next best was Bopara with 42, although Prior is approaching that quite rapidly.

[retired_nini59]

Broad must play ahead of Harmison fit or not, same goes for Anderson tbh, is there a week off before the next test or not? If we can get to tea without losing another wicket it'll start to get interesting, shame about our tail though, and as soon as I hit post Prior will get out *reverse jinx*

[retired_lyriclemelodee]

Anyone know the minimum overs left?

[retired_nini59]

47 apparently.

[retired_musiclova31]

Originally posted by Donners:
MacGill gone for at least the first two tests against India. Australia is officially in trouble - we can;t get away with playing four pacemen at the MCG despite the form of Noffke and Tait, and there just isn't much quality amongst the spinners. Bryce McGain is being talked up as a replacement FFS.

freely admit the spinning issue is a concern as macgill was supposed to hold the fort until someone like cullen bailey was ready to step up, but i think you're seriously overreacting. aside from rocky's (correct) point about our batting order, i really wouldn't have any issue whatsoever with us going in with four quicks so long as the curators prepare something they can get use out of.

oh, and noffke batting at eight with lee at nine would just make our batting list completely insane.

[retired_lyriclemelodee]

Commentators seem to think there might be a chance of rain/bad light here - absolutely crucial that there's two stay together for as long as possible, give us every chance.


MON.