2 minutes ago, Wadda We Sing said:

So only 4 other Australian batsman have ever posted 2 hundreds in 1 match in an Ashes game. Well maybe Smithy can make it 3! Doesnt look like hes in a hurry to go anywhere. Who the hell places 20 sets of gloves on the grass on the ground that your batting at in a test match?!!

For the first time Australia are now favourites in this match.

Im just riveted to this. What an amazing game.

The man has serious OCD, but maybe we need to just play OCD players if they all play like him!!

Test cricket is still the best form as it can change so quickly out of nowhere.

1 minute ago, Wadda We Sing said:

So only 4 other Australian batsman have ever posted 2 hundreds in 1 match in an Ashes game. Well maybe Smithy can make it 3! Doesnt look like hes in a hurry to go anywhere. Who the hell places 20 sets of gloves on the grass on the ground that your batting at in a test match?!!

For the first time Australia are now favourites in this match.

Im just riveted to this. What an amazing game.

Smith is an absolute classic. I don't believe I have seen a better batsmen play for us. 

20 overs to go till new ball so they should be careful in the first few overs after lunch and then go for it a bit. A Smith double ton would be great.

1 minute ago, Wadda We Sing said:

So only 4 other Australian batsman have ever posted 2 hundreds in 1 match in an Ashes game. Well maybe Smithy can make it 3! Doesnt look like hes in a hurry to go anywhere. Who the hell places 20 sets of gloves on the grass on the ground that your batting at in a test match?!!

For the first time Australia are now favourites in this match.

Im just riveted to this. What an amazing game.

Smith reminds me of Steve Waugh or Allan Border.  Gritty fighters who played for keeps.

Not classical players but they don't have to be.  Most players edging towards a century would show some sort 'tell' that close to lunch.  But not Smith ... didn't look remotely fazed. 

And then took a single off the last ball so as get the strike after lunch.  Cool as a cucumber.  He's way ahead of the game isn't he? 

Just now, dl4e said:

Smith is an absolute classic. I don't believe I have seen a better batsmen play for us. 

20 overs to go till new ball so they should be careful in the first few overs after lunch and then go for it a bit. A Smith double ton would be great.

I have seen more graceful players!!! but for sheer accumulation of runs and looking secure in his innings I would have to agree. Border fought like a tiger as did S Waugh, Ponting was technically great and very good as was Greg Chappell, super elegant at the crease. I'd take Smith I think over any of them to get it done though!

1 minute ago, Macca said:

Smith reminds me of Steve Waugh or Allan Border.  Gritty fighters who played for keeps.

Not classical players but they don't have to be.  Most players edging towards a century would show some sort 'tell' that close to lunch.  But not Smith ... didn't look remotely fazed. 

And then took a single off the last ball so as get the strike after lunch.  Cool as a cucumber.  He's way ahead of the game isn't he? 

Haha beat me to the submit button!! Agree

6 minutes ago, Spud said:

I have seen more graceful players!!! but for sheer accumulation of runs and looking secure in his innings I would have to agree. Border fought like a tiger as did S Waugh, Ponting was technically great and very good as was Greg Chappell, super elegant at the crease. I'd take Smith I think over any of them to get it done though!

Can't split the 5 actually ... all were great as is Smith.  I'd put Ian Chappell somewhere in there as well.  Michael Hussey?  We've had some good one's!

Edited August 4, 20196 yr by Macca

Smith is an absolute champion. He must eat pressure for breakfast, and enjoys the meal thoroughly! Hope he gets the 100 and stays in as well. Great to watch.

1 minute ago, Macca said:

Can't split the 5 actually ... all were great as is Smith.  I'd put Ian Chappell in there as well.  Michael Hussey?  We've had some good one's!

Ian Chappell was just before my time, I only caught the very end of his career in 79/80. I have certainly heard he was someone to bat for your life. Hussey was great too, probably just didn't have the lifespan of the others having started his place in the Aust team late in career, only reason though I'd have him a peg below.

They were just saying Smith was born 1 week after Steve Waugh got his first century here at this ground in 1989.

10 minutes ago, Macca said:

Can't split the 5 actually ... all were great as is Smith.  I'd put Ian Chappell somewhere in there as well.  Michael Hussey?  We've had some good one's!

Gilchrist anyone?

Just now, Spud said:

Ian Chappell was just before my time, I only caught the very end of his career in 79/80. I have certainly heard he was someone to bat for your life. Hussey was great too, probably just didn't have the lifespan of the others having started his place in the Aust team late in career, only reason though I'd have him a peg below.

Think I'm right in saying that Michael Hussey went on 2 Ashes tours and didn't play a test.  He had to wait an eternity to get into the team.  Stand corrected on that one but he certainly was in a lot of squads prior to breaking into the team. 

No such luxury these days hey? 

Great player though as was another late starter - Adam Gilchrist.  But Greg Chappell,  Punter,  AB,  Steve Waugh & Smith are in a league of their own.  Greg & Ponting had the elegance to boot!

I saw a lot of Ian Chappell's career from about '68.  A fabulous no.3 who often had to go in early.  Really hard to dislodge once in.  A dogged fighter.

How many overs have we had?

Classical drive through extra cover to bring up his ton.  Smith = Champion.

Whilst we're all nervous he's not.  The fidgeting is there to put the opposition off (?)

What a unique character!

Congratulations Steve Smith on a fantastic double hundred.

8 minutes ago, Wadda We Sing said:

How many overs have we had?

About 62 overs Wadda so 18 overs to the new ball.  We're scoring at about 4 an over too. 

8-112 in the first innings to this point.  Been quite a turnaround. 

Edited August 4, 20196 yr by Macca

Are the Poms still booing Smith?

If so,  keep it up.  It's working (for us)

Bairstow is just having a mare isnt he? What a terrible throw.

1 minute ago, Macca said:

Are the Poms still booing Smith?

If so,  keep it up.  It's working (for us)

I think they shut up for that last century Macca. Guess we will just have to wait for the next one!

great hour till drinks then

Credit to Wade (and Head) ... both have played tough,  gritty fighting innings.  Great support for Smith. 

211 lead is already looking pretty good with 6 wickets in hand. Can Smith hang around for another 50 odd, sure looking like it. 50% chance of rain tomorrow, but they mentioned theres nothing ominous.

Make no mistake this has been a historic comeback from the 5-23 position we were in.

275 runs from Smith so far.

Edited August 4, 20196 yr by Wadda We Sing

Of the 600 odd runs Australia have made, Smith has made 278 or nearly half. Amazing.

A quick 50 here boys....get that lead to 300 quick smart.

Two Tasmanian wicketkeepers batting together in a Test match for Australia. 

Got to be a first.

Hope Wade gets to a hundred. Must try and bat out the day and get to a lead of about 350.