cricket question for a novice please

[bednobs]

Ashes: if england add say 100 runs and then declare tonight, do they have to get the whole side out to win the test or will they draw if not all of australia are out?

[Buenchico]

The match would be drawn unless either;
(a) Australia pass England's total ; or
(b) England dismiss the whole Australian team. (Anyone who 'retires hurt' counts as a dismissal, for this purpose, if he's not able to resume his innings).

Chris

[bednobs]

so as things stand, it's unlikely england will win this test?

[Chappers]

As someone who has played cricket since he was 5 (and is now 30) I still don't fully understand the reasoning behind some of the rules, it seems to me that many could be improved.

[factor-fiction]

Yes bednobs, both your statements are correct, although scoring another 100 runs won't be enough to lead to a declaration.
I doubt England feel they have any real chance of winning this one. They will be delighted to achieve a draw after being outplayed on the first 3 days. England often lose the first test against the Aussies and this is the ground that is regarded by many as the one that suits the Aussies best

[bednobs]

ive been listening to five live extra as i go to sleep, and i swear that G bycott said today that England were likely to win. Although he could well have said "unlikely to lose" as it dosen't mean the same thing

[Buenchico]

Yes, Bednobs, the most likely result is a draw. Strauss won't risk declaring until he's certain that the Aussies can't catch England's total; by then it will almost certainly be too late for England to take 10 wickets before the close of play.

[bednobs]

thanks for your answers :) Have to say i'm finding it fascinating, and the radio comentary strangely restful

[DTCwordfan]

the beauty of cricket is its soporific value - just look at the MCC at Test Match in that period of 2.30 up to tea - its a question of zzzzzzzzz, occasionally disturbed by a "Good Shot" if a ball off an English bat crosses over the boundary vote......in that sense, we need to preserve this "game" - a game with no rules, only laws.