Anyone for cricket?

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Over 400 now England with still 2 wickets in hand.

On this track we may be playing for a draw.

9 down now, but to add salt to the wounds, Starc clearly has an ankle issue.

We've leaked runs in this innings with the two Mitch's. Depending on results in this test, Siddle could find himself in contention for Lords due to his accuracy.

Edit: 9th wicket.

Edited July 9, 2015 by AngryAtCasey

[Cards13 9,117]

Going to be tough from here to win it, if Anderson can get the old ball to reverse we could be in trouble.

[Cards13 9,117]

We look really flat to be honest, here is hoping we show a bit of grit with the club in hand.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

England All Out 430

J. Root 134 M. Starc 5/114 (24.1)

M. Ali 77 J. Hazlewood 3/83 (23)

G. Ballance 61 N. Lyon 2/69 (20)

Still believe that score was more a case of our bad bowling rather then their good batting. Outside Root, there's no reason to fear any of their top 5. Cook's form is still down, Ballance made the worst 61 I've seen, Bell's out of form and Lyth didn't do much.

We'll need to bat well. 500+ if we're any chance, but from the looks of the pitch I'd say the likely outcome from here is draw or England win.

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Pretty flat bowling. Johnson's yet to translate his form from 2013 to a country with flat pitches (e.g. UAE last year v Pakistan). First attempt in England was a failure - without his bounce and being down on pace as a result, he was a lot easier to play. He's got a bit of work to do.

Starc got a lot better and kept swinging it, if he's injured that's a big loss. I thought Lyon fought well too, for a Day 1-2 pitch.

Meanwhile, that LBW decision against Warner was abysmal! That pitched miles outside leg and hardly hit him in line with off - with the angle that was going to miss off stump too.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Was a shocking call, and for a minute it looked like Warner wasn't going to challenge.

Decent start. And if Starc is injured, we just need to bat time.

Mark Taylor already saying Starc could be in doubt for Lords.

Reckon Siddle will be the likely replacement if that's the case.

[Cards13 9,117]

Rodgers looks set for another innings just over 50.

Smith just getting the eye in gearing up for another ton.

Pitch looking like its flattening out again, Ali bowling will be interesting.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Rodgers looks set for another innings just over 50.

Smith just getting the eye in gearing up for another ton.

Pitch looking like its flattening out again, Ali bowling will be interesting.

Spot on Cards.

7th consecutive 50 for Rogers. Lets hope he goes on to turn this one into a ton!

[MadAsHell 4,212]

2/145 at Tea with Rogers unbeaten on 74.

Smith getting out was annoying. Was looking good and then played a few false strokes before getting out.

Only 86 more to get to avoid the follow on. Hopefully we don't loose anymore then 2 wickets in the final session. Add 100 runs, and we're in a decent position.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Well we've avoided the follow on which is the main thing. Lost 1 more wicket then i would have liked though. Hopefully Watson, Haddin & the tail can get us a bit of a lead.

Disapointing that Rogers missed out on a ton and that all the top 5 got starts but no one could go on with it. Especially our two best players of spin, Smith & Clarke getting out to the plodder Ali.

Big Day 3 coming up.

[Cards13 9,117]

Fell asleep, Ali did some damage. Watto needs to stand up!

[titan_uranus 25,020]

Poor result in the end. Everyone got a start. Everyone gave it away. Smith, Clarke and Voges all got out to terrible shots, rather than good bowling (although Voges was feeling the run rate pressure). Rogers got out to a poorly played shot too. Should have gone on with it unfortunately.

We're now in the unfortunate position of needing to rely on Shane Watson, along wit Haddin and the tail, to get us another 150 runs. Not sure how comfortable I am of that prospect.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Agreed.

Well he's due Watto. And Haddin certainly owes the team some runs after dropping Root.

[Macca 16,998]

It's England's test to lose from here.

We haven't batted or bowled well (so far) according to the condition of the pitch - far too impatient.

Hopefully Watto and Haddin can put together a big partnership and our tail can make runs ... or we get lots of rain :-)

[Whispering_Jack 30,237]

Rogers really wasted a perfect opportunity for a big score and I guess I'll have to wait for the replay to comment on Clark and Voges.

Starc would be a bad loss in the second innings.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Starc would be a bad loss in the second innings.

He's going to have to find a way to bowl through the pain. Even if it means it puts him out for the rest of the series. Will need him badly come the 2nd innings.

[Cards13 9,117]

Watto to the rescue, oh right it's Watto.. Shocking start to day 3. They look quick and accurate with the ball in hand. Stark contrast to us.

Will need a huge fight back to draw let alone win it.

[Biffen 12,944]

Agreed.

Well he's due Watto. And Haddin certainly owes the team some runs after dropping a Root.

We've all made that mistake.

Nobody likes to miss one .

Edited July 10, 2015 by Biffen

[Macca 16,998]

We're looking at a largish deficit on the first innings now ... and obviously, we have to bat last on a wicket that may play lower and lower.

The truth is we've been thoroughly outplayed thus far and it will take a huge turnaround to somehow get back into this match.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Shocking morning by Watson, Haddin and the tail this morning, although Smith through to Watson are where this innings has suffered. All 4 getting to at least 30, none getting beyond 38.

Bowlers need to step up now after they bowled erratic on Day 1 & 2. Need to knock them over for 170-180 to give ourselves a realistic chance.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

We've all made that mistake.

Nobody likes to miss one .

Agreed, and he's been a very good keeper over a long period of time. But 17 byes to go with that drop suggest he had a poor innings, and he just let 2 byes go before.

But well done Starc, Cook is still Australia's b*tch!

He's clearly injured Mitch and can't see him playing at Lords.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Got the ball talking Mitch.

[Jara 1,153]

My god, I can't stand Watson. What the hell is he in the team for? The guy's got four centuries in what is it - nearly 60 tests (and never in pressure situations)?

Batting has been our problem for decades, and we exacerbate the problem by keeping this plodder in the team.

Send him back to the rubbish IPL - that's where he belongs.

Ready replacement in Marsh.

[MadAsHell 4,212]

He'll get Lords and if he doesn't produce anything there I think that will be it for Watto.

We've already seen Harris retire on the eve of this series. Expect to see Watson, Rogers & Haddin all also head into the sunset at the end or during the series.

And great delivery Hazlewood, got the pretender Ballance!

[MadAsHell 4,212]

Great catch by the skipper!

Now get Root early!