Old Trafford - day 1

[chickenfeet]

England should be reasonably happy with 341/5 especially as one of the five was Hoggard but Australia must be fairly relieved it wasn't 341/3 which it might easily have been.

Vaughan back on form is clearly a good thing for England and Bell is also showing why he probably has what it takes to be a major test batsman.

The convicts must be worried about McGrath. He did not come back well with the new ball. Is he fit or not?

I hope the match referee throws the book at the convicts for their over rate. Only 89 overs bowled despite taking the extra half hour and having the spinners bowl 36 overs. That's not acceptable. The fact that most of the time wasting seemed to be so that Warne could yap at Bell makes it even more intolerable.

Game on!

Comments

[blonde222.livejournal.com]

I think this is yet another demonstration of why it is totally pointless putting in a nightwatchman, when all they do is get out.

I note the use of "probably" re Bell. I think jury definitely still out, seeing as Gillespie has been very unconvincing, McGrath is not on top form, the pitch is not helping Warne and he narrowly avoided being C&B off Lee.

I am a little worried about how many runs the cons might knock up. I see 500 in my crystal ball.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

I guess the good news pitchwise is that it should favour Harmison and Flintoff. I'm surprised Tremlett wasn't preferred to Hoggard.

[jen-c-w.livejournal.com]

oui, moi aussi.
They said something on c4 about not bothering with night watchman, but then again he was there so one of the proper batsmen didn't have to play himself in facing 90+mph deliveries with a newball, so he was useful.
I thought Bell played some beautiful shots, and remained fairly unrattled by Warne.
But then...I am biased.

[blonde222.livejournal.com]

I can't work out, who are you biased towards? Or is it anyone in an England helmet?

(ps poor Ash isn't going to make a century this innings... there he goes)

[jen-c-w.livejournal.com]

however, first over bowling good appeal and a catch! (ARE YOU WATCHING CHICKENFEET2003????)
my bias is towards warks players.