The Ashes, 4 Th Test, Melbourne, Day 1

[ChillDoubt]

Just had the toss and Michael Clarke's double sided coin means that they have the option and will have a bowl.
Australia unchanged, Monty for Swann and Johnny B finally wrests the gloves from Prior, who has been frankly woeful bar one innings when the match was gone. Broad is fit and plays.

Hopefully we can see off the new ball and make a competetive score for once. KP needs to back up all the talk, but then it is all about him, isn't it?

Fingers crossed we get a good start and won't need him on day 1. Won't hold my breath though.....!

[gness]

Thank you, Jim....though cricket is always on the agenda here when your semi betrothed is home....♥

[jim360]

"semi-betrothed" indeed... if only, if only... :)

[gness]

Well it's difficult when only you and I know....and we haven't mentioned it to the daughter yet......

All seems quiet on the cricket front now.....x

[jim360]

Indeed!

Back to the Cricket, Root manages to survive the first few balls after Cook's loss, 57-1.

[ChillDoubt]

After the series thus far and the Carberry lbw appeal turned down, I'll take 71-1 at lunch all week!

[seekeerz]

Carberry gone, KP at the crease, England 2/96

[seekeerz]

4/187, KP has made 50

[humbersloop]

222/6

morning seekeerz

[seekeerz]

Hi sloopy, not a bad showing from the boys, KP doing the right thing, they're 6/226 nearing stumps

[ChillDoubt]

Well, we had to have the inevitable collapse at some point and England duly obliged. At least we batted out the day, but a competetive figure of 300 now looks unlikely.
Hopefully the pitch demons will reveal themselves between lunch and tea on day 2!

[seekeerz]

I don't know, chill, you're never happy are you ? They haven't collapsed yet and there's no reason why they shouldn't add any number of runs tomorrow.....stiff upper lip and some optimism, mate !!

[ChillDoubt]

Well, I was looking for a bit more from the middle order. As for Cook, did all the hard work, looked confident then hangs his bat out like that!?
There wasn't a lot in that pitch for the bowlers as it transpired, but England still batted within themselves IMHO.
KP needs to bat to the end tomorrow, question is can the tail wag?

[humbersloop]

there's three reasons why they may not add any number of runs tomorrow seekz, respectively called Harris, Siddle and Johnson. Today's only consolation was KP passing Boycott's tally - though I doubt that'll shut him up

the Barmy Army deserve a bloody medal

[mightyWBA]

I know someone who has gone over there for the entire series.
I feel sorry for him in one way but at least the beer,sunshine and the fact he isn't in Dudley for a while will be numbing the pain!