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[LateBloomer]

So you accuse me of lacking integrity but you want the first word and the last , and you dont want to concede any validity in what i said ? No worrries Mr Integrity , you go for it .

Haaaaaaaandscoooooooombe. Nah cant see it catching on

[Biggie Smalls]

Moeen gets two edges in one over . Neither carry . So far both spinners have been the pick of the bowlers , but neither getting much luck .

[ppccopener]

Let's cut our Aussie members a break, a few colourful words out of frustration or jest never hurt anyone.

We have all been there watching our team over the years.England has had two decent days and ahead at the moment that's all really.

The gabba is such a hard place for opposition to get results which is why it's pleasing for us poms so far

It's very early in the series to get too excited. As I've said before, not much between the teams, we expect conditions to favour Australia but this pitch is not quick which has helped.the one thing we expected in this test was a fast track and bounce

At the moment I would say we have a more English wicket to play on which is one helluva surprise.

[InternalTraining]

Moeen gets two edges in one over . Neither carry . So far both spinners have been the pick of the bowlers , but neither getting much luck .

Marsh-Smith duo is scoring at a decent clip. If they stick around, they will cut down the Eng lead.

[Biggie Smalls]

Smith and marsh with a 90 odd run partnership really looked good .
Marsh always seems to make runs when his position is in question or there is no scoreboard /match pressure,  but if he can go big here he will have changed my mind aswell as most others too id guess .
Broad relly dropped off pace wise towards the end . England will need the ball to reverse if they dont get wickets in the first hour , otherwise it could be quite comfortable batting until the new ball arrives . Having said that , there's a chance Ali could could cause trouble as he looked great until his last couple overs where he stopped getting the same revs on the ball .
If oz were 4/200 id say its even stevens again , but as it stands eng well in front . But it could have been 'match over' if they'd taken another wicket or two .
Gripping test match cricket , tomorrow should be exciting .

[Kulli]

Smith and marsh with a 90 odd run partnership really looked good .
Marsh always seems to make runs when his position is in question or there is no scoreboard /match pressure,  but if he can go big here he will have changed my mind aswell as most others too id guess .
Broad relly dropped off pace wise towards the end . England will need the ball to reverse if they dont get wickets in the first hour , otherwise it could be quite comfortable batting until the new ball arrives . Having said that , there's a chance Ali could could cause trouble as he looked great until his last couple overs where he stopped getting the same revs on the ball .
If oz were 4/200 id say its even stevens again , but as it stands eng well in front . But it could have been 'match over' if they'd taken another wicket or two .
Gripping test match cricket , tomorrow should be exciting .

That doesn't really add up with a lad thats been dropped 7 times in 20 odd tests...

[Biggie Smalls]

That doesn't really add up with a lad thats been dropped 7 times in 20 odd tests...

Well, he always eventually gets dropped ( although some of the in-out of the side was due to injury) , but there's been numerous times where everyone is thinking 'we have to drop marsh he's going hopelessly'  but he gets a 100 or 90 odd (in a totally pressure free situation ) and then he buys himself a few more tests until people are fedup or his back goes on him etc .
He has done this before when its his first test back in the team and people are questioning his selection . The difference here in this test , so far , is that the match situation is pressurized and tense , thus , if he goes big here he will finally convince a lot of us /change our minds .

[dynamiccoins]

This has been an excellent game of cricket.  OK there have been mistakes and bad decision making, but that is all part of the rich tapestry that makes for a good game.

As ever the pitch will play a key part and its going to be fascinating to see how the next 3 days unfold and how that pitch plays in the 3rd/4th innings.

As an Englishman we've seen lots of promise.....and haven't been blown away as some in the media were saying would happen.

Long way to go mind.

[ogroupleader]

Would Warner have been caught if he was using a bigger bat?

[Biggie Smalls]

Would Warner have been caught if he was using a bigger bat?

I'd say yes . That type of 'Cunis' leg side shot of his gets him in trouble on a semi regular basis . If i were england id bowl to his hip all series .

[Neon Cricket]

Pleasing to wake up to 96-4, Aussies have pulled it back well but very much in the balance. Been a cracking test so far in fairness

[Biggie Smalls]

In shaun marsh related news,  glenn maxwell scored 200 odd n.o against nsw today . Good to see some pressure being applied to the incumbents and good to have our reserve bats in some form if needed .

[rickjames]

Bit frustrating after having them at 76-4, but will take it as it's still very even. If if if we get Smith tomorrow then who knows

[northernboy1987]

I hate Steve Smith. Remember when he was just a (No Swearing Please) leg spinner?

[Kulli]

Same story as Day 1, pretty even day pretty even test, swung both ways throughout the day.

Again the first hour or two tomorrow will be vital, Aas will the second new ball.

I hate Steve Smith. Remember when he was just a (No Swearing Please) leg spinner?

I think we're going to be waking up checking the cricinfo app and saying 'bloody Smith' plenty of times this series.