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[jamielsn15]

England have batted poorly - but I agree that we need to see both teams bat to see how poorly they've batted...

[Vic Nicholas]

I wonder if the deck has died a bit. 93 mins between boundaries is a bit unusual and the new ball seems to have upped the run rate a little. Also notice one from Harris stay very low and Bird has got one to kick a little. Perhaps the deck is a bit too dry. Lyon get 4 wickets and going for 2 an over is certainly a collectors item. 214-9 isn't a position of power though!

BUT...

Lyon and Bird elongate teh Australian tail considerably. Wasn't so noticeable in the last test as Australia declared twice.

England's score would normally be sub par - but, until Australia bats, we will have no idea what a good score on this pitch is.

Bird is a capable bowler, but I would rather have stuck with Starc. The attack just looks too same same to me.

[uknsaunders]

Bet Jimmy is wondering what the fuss is about 16* off 10 lol

[Buzz]

Just watching the highlights - I would mention a couple of things
1. Chester Le Street has the largest playing area in the country now
2. the grass is very lush.

My view is that Eng haven't batted all that well.
Aus have bowled really well

You should add about 40 runs onto Engs score to compare it to say Lords or another UK ground

The pitch is a real chief executive wicket.

[ppccopener]

Im sure your right Buzz,but the truth is apart from a purple patch on the last ashes tour-it's the bowlers bailing out the batsmen time and again.We just dont get big totals for a team trying yo be number one.
I dont like 6 batsmen and prior at 7 , it's too comfort zone.
The batters need to know they cant leave it to someone else.
Im not convinced about Bairstow,if we want big bres in(i do) then pick an extra bowler and Prior bats 6
That's my two pennys worth!

[Manormanic]

I have to say I too wonder about Bairstow's place in the short term - and I'm a huge supporter of the lad.  The thing is, since that South Africa game last year, he has spent so much time as a glorified drinks waiter because of the "no risk of injury" England system, that he seems to have gone backwards as a batsman - he was always a bit bottom handed but he was much freer with it and played straight defensively.  He may be one who needs a year back in County cricket to come again.

As for the balance of the side, I have to say that I would prefer to see five bowlers in there, whether through a Watson like relief bowler such as Ben Stokes or through Bresnan batting seven.  Whether it would materially improve the side is debateable, but I think it would go some way to doing so, and to taking stress of Anderson's aching joints as well!

[ajm90]

Anderson to bring up his first test 50 by drinks

[Number4]

Poor batting performance by England. Lets hope the Aussies can capitalise

[Vic Nicholas]

The conditions today have been even harder than yesterday.

Rogers County Championship experience really showing up here. He has more of an idea of how to play here than any of the other Australian top order batsmen.

Patience and the willingness to play straight down the line and if the ball moves away and beats you - so be it.

Clarke's dismissal was irresponsible for any top order batsman, much less a captain. Shocking.

Anyways, the test is still up for grabs with Australia having a lot of hard work to do.

[Wedge2408]

Absolutely rapt to see Rogers get his first ton!! He has played a wonderful innings, truly well deserved.

[Vic Nicholas]

Gutsy maiden test ton for Buck Rogers.

Why hasn't this bloke been in the team over the last four years seems mystifying now.

Watson was unlucky...legside strangle ended a very responsible innings from a bloke not known for having any patience or stamina.

The test is still on a knife edge.

[Gerry SA]

Well played Chris Rogers, a moment that he probably never thought he'd achieve after his sole Test cap in 2008.

He becomes the first Australian, other than Michael Clarke, to score a 100 since Matthew Wade's 102* in the New Year's Test match.


 

[Bruce]

Pete Siddle's stickers on the back of his Kook look very similar to the H4L Tempo ones.

[jackmorris]

ryan harris dominating with the bat

[The_Bird]

Horrendous umpiring again. Lyon given out when it's missing all three and Harris given not out when hitting half way up middle.