Anyone for cricket?

[titan_uranus 22,342]

Michael Clarke has just said that Watson is playing and Krejza is 12th man.

Delayed start to the test because of the storms up there.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

NZ wins toss and decides to bowl on a greenish pitch.

Aust 0/4 with Krejza 12th man.

[45HG 1,539]

2/22, bowling a beautiful length, causing all sorts of problems

[titan_uranus 22,342]

We were in trouble at 3/23, but Clarke and Hussey look settled now. I'm surprised Vettori hasn't bowled himself yet.

[titan_uranus 22,342]

Vettori will be glad he sent us in: 6/147. Clarke's still there at least.

Watson managed just 1. Symonds 26.

[Rogue 585]

We're lucky NZ has brought over a pretty weak and inexperienced batting side.

I'm keen to see how Ryder plays - he reminds me a little of SA's Cosgrove, but NZ haven't had any choice but to draft him in.

[H_T 2,941]

We were in trouble at 3/23, but Clarke and Hussey look settled now. I'm surprised Vettori hasn't bowled himself yet.

I suppose there is no real need to bowl himself when the seamers/quicks are bowling the right line & length on the green deck in Brissy.

[titan_uranus 22,342]

So much depends on how we bowl in the first session today. We have to take 3 or 4 wickets, if only for a psychological boost. NZ doesn't have a strong batting line up, so there's no excuse for not taking wickets.

[H_T 2,941]

In a way, I'm sort of 'glad' NZ took honours on the first day. We have a contest on Australian soil. However, they would want to do well in the first session today, otherwise if the Aussies get 3 or 4 wickets - as you say Titan - in the first session, its goodbye NZ. The Aussies will take a strangle hold in their second dig.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

In a way, I'm sort of 'glad' NZ took honours on the first day. We have a contest on Australian soil. However, they would want to do well in the first session today, otherwise if the Aussies get 3 or 4 wickets - as you say Titan - in the first session, its goodbye NZ. The Aussies will take a strangle hold in their second dig.

In these conditions, there is no certainty that any batting side will take a stranglehold. Rain delays aside, this could be a short Test match with the ball dominating the bat.

But you are right about the 1st session. Our front line bowlers will need to take wickets otherwise some Test spots are in jeopardy.

FWIW, Watson, Haddin and Hayden for mine are definitely in the gun. Watsons shot selection when he went out was dumb in the conditions partcularly for a Qlder. He may bat 3 for the Maroons but gee he looks wooden at Test level.

[titan_uranus 22,342]

Well we did what was needed. Redmond out first ball. But a bit unlucky since then. A couple of very close LBW decisions that might have gone our way on other days.

Haddin did nothing to help his cause by dropping Ryder. He flew in front of Hayden: it would have been an easy catch for Hayden at 1st slip.

[45HG 1,539]

4-73, shocking shot from Ryder, big wicket of McCullum.

Not that I think it was the pitches fault in the case, but it seems a devilish pitch. You wouldn't really want to play at anything

[titan_uranus 22,342]

This is the session we needed. 4 wickets, not a drastic amount of runs (but still alright given the 214 we made) and some good bowling. All the bowlers have a wicket as well.

Edit: Hmm. Almost 100 runs so far this session, with 10 minutes to go. Taylor's 36 from 39. With only 214 to defend we've got to tighten up a bit.

[45HG 1,539]

Great decision there I think, I thought gone for all money. Very good umpiring

[H_T 2,941]

Wickets are tumbling now, Watson just struck. The pendulum is swinging back. All of the sudden the score of 214 looks like alot of runs for the Kiwi's. Score is 6/129.

LIVE SCORES AT THE GABBA TEST

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Wickets are tumbling now, Watson just struck. The pendulum is swinging back. All of the sudden the score of 214 looks like alot of runs for the Kiwi's. Score is 6/129.

LIVE SCORES AT THE GABBA TEST

NZ all out 156.

Kerry O'Keeffe has said that there is little sideways movement and the pitch is going to become easier for batting.

Then Hayden goes first ball to Martin!!!

Is this vale Hayden?

[H_T 2,941]

NZ all out 156.

Kerry O'Keeffe has said that there is little sideways movement and the pitch is going to become easier for batting.

Then Hayden goes first ball to Martin!!!

Is this vale Hayden?

Yes, I heard O'Keefe say that. From what I heard from the commentary, it was a pearler first up to the left hander. Haydos might be in the gun for you already RR - as you have stated, does this mean the gun is now cocked with the finger on the trigger as a result of a 'Golden Duck?'

IMO if Jaques was fit, there would be alot more pressure on Hayden right now.

[H_T 2,941]

Lead of 131 runs to Aussies. Not enough. Score is 4/73 in the second innings. The way this game is going it will all be over before tea tomorrow!

[Rogue 585]

LIVE SCORES AT THE GABBA TEST

Cricinfo > *

[H_T 2,941]

Lead of 131 runs to Aussies. Not enough. Score is 4/73 in the second innings. The way this game is going it will all be over before tea tomorrow!

Cricinfo > *

Thanks Rogue. Good pick up. Although there was an additional comment....

[45HG 1,539]

I just do not rate Shane Watson

[titan_uranus 22,342]

Great decision there I think, I thought gone for all money. Very good umpiring

We've had the best and worst of Rudi. That decision on Taylor was a gem, but giving Hussey out was poor. Mind you, Hussey shouldn't have had his bat in a position that would allow for the umpire to consider a snick.

Lead of 131 runs to Aussies. Not enough. Score is 4/73 in the second innings. The way this game is going it will all be over before tea tomorrow!

Lunch on day 3. 8/220, Katich 113 not out, Johnson doing well on 18 not out. Lead of 278. That's a good lead, should be enough IMO.

Katich was dropped early on by O'Brien as a return catch.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

Daniel Vettori is my favourite player from any side in the world.

He's a great bowler, solid batsmen and seems to have a great attitude towards the game.

He puts Ponting to shame IMO.

[H_T 2,941]

Daniel Vettori is my favourite player from any side in the world.

He's a great bowler, solid batsmen and seems to have a great attitude towards the game.

He puts Ponting to shame IMO.

In terms of captaincy, is that what you mean? As a cricketer, Ponting leaves him for dead IMO.

Vettori is a consistent performer for the Kiwi's, a bowler you can rely on taking 2-4 wickets each innings in Tests. Doesn't take enough big bags of wickets IMO. Handy with the bat at best. Yes, he does have a great attitude towards the game, he seems to play fair. He needs to be more aggressive.

[titan_uranus 22,342]

All over red rover. Australia win by 149 runs.

How's this for injustice: Johnson gets man of the match for taking 9 wickets on a bowler's pitch. How about Katich's match defining 131 not out? Not only was Katich clearly man of the match, but I'd have had Clarke and Clark above Johnson: Clarke for his 98 which saved our first innings, Clark for the important wickets that he took. Johnson was good, but not that good.

Krejza should come in for Watson. He took 2 wickets in the first innings, didn't really get a bowl in the second, and failed with the bat both times. Adelaide should be more conducive to spin as well.