H_T

I'd go in unchanged if all fit.

Kohli, unbelievable! Brilliant innings by Bailey & Watson. Can't help but be impressed by the way Bailey constructs his innings of late. And what about the wickets being produced in India? Wow.

Two days remain. The Dees I'd say have shut up shop barring an extraordinary development.

Spare a thought for Sydney today, the 10th October...39 C predicted. Will probably top 40. Ah Melbourne...the worlds most liveable city. Nice and fine here boys.

Haha, that mate who has a modest share wouldn't be you by any chance would it, WJ?

Tommy Rockliff? Makes you wonder why this site pushed for Jurrah a hell of a lot more than Rockliff in that PSD, given what has transpired. Yeah I know, hindsight is a wonderful thing.... Nervous using up pick 2, it would want to be a good return.

So, who are we going to pick up for our midfield and how? And in the minds of the banana brethren, who are we willing to trade out? Who do you want to complete our lines of coaches including a 2IC? How much ground can we make (if any) on the competition? And when was the last time you had anything banana? Useless unknown alleged fact: Stuie Dew consumed a banana at half time in the 2008 GF. Will he need another to be released from the clutches of Colless/Longmire...stay tuned. H_T.

Yes, heard Neeld services could be required at Saints.

Love the name change. You're inspired, yes?

I've been singing that the last few hours to myself old dee. How is this: September 6. Make note of that people. Is that much better?

September 6. Mark that down people.

Maybe a couple of nods and winks for now.

Border had the 'golden arm' as a close in fields man affecting many run outs. Handy with the odd over or two with the ball. But deadly?

Exactly. 120+ point loss to Richmond at home in Skoda and Cameron hardly getting a touch (in fact worst on ground)......and not one mention of it in the media! It makes me sick.

Whatever the result of this match (most likely a draw) despite the loss of a full day's play, even though the series will be a 3-0 loss for Australia, there were some positive signs to take out of it. (Joe Root out to Harris) Losing the first Test by 14runs (top order not functioning) after losing toss. Thanks to Ashton Agar and our tail. We were pantsed in the second Test at Lords with another dismal top-middle order showing. Lost the toss. On top in the 3rd after winning toss and magnificent innings by Clarke, good support by Rogers and Smith. A resultant draw after losing time on Day 4 (bad light with lights on you have to be kidding) and losing 2 sessions on Day 5 due to rain needing 7 wickets. A embarrassing capitulation in the run chase in the 4th after being 0-105 chasing 300 odd for victory at Durham. On top in the 5th after winning toss and posting good opening of 450+ on back of Watson's 176. Both Siddle and Harris have bowled well throughout series. Whilst Australia does have some work to do regarding consistency with their batting and minimising the howlers with DRS, England can enjoy their time in the sun for now. They've made the most of winning the toss and completely outplayed Australia at Lords and Broad bowled extremely well on the last day at Durham to finish our fragile batting display.

4/307, Watson 176. Even was successful using DRS late! A good day for him and good support by Smith who remains unbeaten.

England weren't happy with ball at 62 over mark. Probably because Watson knocked it out of shape! Umps changed ball, immediately a hint of swing, and some reverse, Broad now on. Watson 139*(182), looking strong. Watson's highest Test Score surpassing previous highest (127).

Hi all. Really liking Watson's innings. Finally some valuable time at the crease, and a bit of composure after having been hit a beauty by Broad behind the ear. Still has a technical flaw with his front foot with the odd good delivery and always looks a chance of a lbw. But, credit where it's due he has looked pretty good today. Hopefully he can make it a real big one for Australia.

It was an unfortunate end to a great Test Match. And as the locals warned us, "you're in Manchester, we get a lot of rain here"... even many staff and shop keepers went as far as apologising for the abysmal weather late day4/day5. More depressing was the clearing of weather and sunshine from 5pm-8pm (8pm here is still very much light) Five points I would like to make or emphasise my previous points before I embark on a trip to the land much well known to our late Jim Stynes:- * Michael Clarke is a must watch. Sensational batsman and tactically a great captain. * Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris are work horses with the ball in hand. Consistent, reliable, bowlers who get the job done (when fit). * Steve Smith is a good player of spin and an improving middle order batsman for Australia. * Chris Rogers impressed. Has a mountain of runs behind him and bristled with experience at the crease when needed. (84 first dig) which helped take advantage of winning the toss. * There was ever only one Shane Warne. (It's a pretty simple message but I've made it here before many a time). We were very fortunate to have him playing for Australia; near impossible to replace.

"If you're 2-nil up..stand up, if you're 2-nil up stand up..." That's what we've been getting from the Poms in the stands here at Old Trafford. Amusing stuff really. Amazing to see Clarke, Rogers and Smith dig deep and post some scores. In particular the skipper. He led well. The Khawaja decision was unbelievable. I could see there was a decent gap between bat and ball on the replay walking up stairs carrying four pints back to my seat. How on earth the 3rd umpire with all the technology at his disposal could make that howler of a decision is just mind boggling. 5 wickets and 240 odd runs for the day today. Aussies toiled hard particularly the fast bowlers, Lyon tried hard but the Poms play him well. They get plenty of practice with Swann in their team.... Awesome support here in Manchester for Test cricket. We wore our footy jumpers today for day 3, a day which the home crowd provided plenty of colour in dressing up. Some real funny stuff. Look forward to hopefully a few early wickets tomorrow so the Aussies can rebuild a lead and have the Poms in before the day is out chasing around 350 if everything goes to plan....

Channelling TD..... HT's Steps to repair Australian Cricket... H_T selected for Old Trafford. In all seriousness, I think the team will bounce back at Old Trafford. I would look at Fawad as an inclusion. But if anyone can communicate to the top order about patience and putting significant value on their wicket, I'm all ears. Because if they are being told, they are not listening. Including the skipper who danced with Swann in the last 3 overs to lunch. Incredible leadership.

This I agree with^ , I blame Haddin too in this instance.

Ha yes, although confidence though is everything and Australia just got a huge dose of it last night. They are in the game with Poms at 2/15 effectively. They need to take advantage of this position with a few early wickets in the first session tonight. Hopefully there is a bit of cloud cover early on

Time the Aussies dug in. This is an absolute critical session this morning in the match and the series really. If Australia can dig in and not lose a wicket before drinks, add 50 odd runs and build some more, we may generate a lead - by how much is uncertain. But if we lose one early, or two we are in a diabolical position. Sooner or later the top order must produce for Australia or this series will be over before I get there. (Personal I know).

I'm hoping for either an opening stand of 150+ with the bat or a 4 or 5 wicket first session haul if we bowl. Pattinson and Starc the beneficiaries.