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]

Agreed sloopy, he's one of a (very) select few I can tolerate!

[sir.prize]

Let Aussies bat for two days. Then |England bat for two days. Result: Draw. We retain the Ashes.

Then win the Ashes in the next Test match.

[chrisgel]

You lot almost make it sound interesting ;o)

[grumpy01]

Just hope someone smacks Matt Prior in the mouth with a bat.Appealing and shouting after every ball Swann bowls is an absolute turn off.

[jno]

I've always liked the look of Smith, I'm glad to see him coming good. Even takes the odd wicket. Khawaja was unlucky. But I won't be sorry if Warner's out for a duck, the guy has no self-control.

[humbersloop]

Khawaja was more than unlucky though Smith got away with it twice, so swings and roundabouts

well, 200 for the partnership and they look pretty settled. If they keep chugging away like this a draw could beyond England's reach

[jim360]

Smith throws his wicket away, a good innings though -- made the most of his luck. 343/4.

[humbersloop]

woo hoo, Smith's gone

[humbersloop]

warner's gone too, waste of a review

[jim360]

365/5, Swann has 4 wickets. Pretty poor review by Warner, say TMS.

[jim360]

Honours even that session, as Australia add another 89 runs for just two wickets. 392/5 at Lunch. Australia should be looking to make at least 500, probably a fair few more than that.

[humbersloop]

Clarke gone for 187 to Broad for his 200th test wicket

[emmie]

if England win this test, that's it isn't it ?

[jim360]

Yes, I think so. Even a draw would guarantee that England retain the Ashes. A draw is probably the most likely result, but you never know!

[humbersloop]

it is em, yes, but this one's by no means over

[jim360]

Siddle out, has Aggers in disbelief! 430/7.

[emmie]

i do follow it, just other matters taking precedents. I like cricket, have been to Lords lots of time. seeing some of the elderly chaps actually take a jacket off because of the warm weather is a major event, or snoozing happily.

[humbersloop]

blimey, I only went to make a brew!

Great innings from Clarke

[jim360]

The Aussie tail wags again, Starc making a run-a-ball 50, to help Australia to 507/7 at Tea. Bat on for another hour or so, do you reckon?

[Sqad]

The scene is set.......Aussies will declare and put England in for what will be an uncomfortable last one hour of the day.

Cook and Root will have to show that they are up for it.