H_T

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.

Enjoy the posting again on Le Tour in this thread, great work Macca on the Climbs. Agree with your recent posts re: cleaning up of the cheats. Evans remarked it was bizarre the lack of support for Froome in the climbs. Evans might be buoyed by this if it continues on upcoming climbs. There may be a chance to catch up time somewhat. It will be fascinating either way what unfolds.

OMG. Great Scot!

Interesting. I see Whateley says he should come in too if we're going to win the Ashes. Does this mean the penalty is higher if you don't hand in an essay, rather than punch someone in the face? PS. Understand the different coach perspective (rules).. Anyway, it will be interesting to see if he is selected for the first test.

I prefer Ninthmond. Just for kicks.

Still looking forward to it. I'm more than comfortable with Boof. Whilst he maybe considered a bit of a lad to some. But I believe he's also one who prides on getting the best out of his team, and sends a positive message to all players. Not that the past coach didn't do that, but there will be a different delivery and I think he'll help with confidence and ramming home messages to anyone out of line.

Geez, smack bang in the middle of the Spring Carnival here in Melbourne. I got the vibe BBO of how prestigious this event may be, but excuse me for not being able to attend that weekend. Feel free to present the relative information here in my absence. It would be worth looking at, and maybe I could do a Skype hook-up from Caulfield to analyse the sales.

Can not believe what is happening there. Fawad being sent home for Smith in. For "strengthening the batting." Did I hear that right?! Boof Lehmann new Australian coach. Unbelievable. I'm going over there - I may even get a gig, given the backflips going on. PS. I agree with the Lehmann appointment by the way, just didn't see it coming 2 weeks before the Ashes - I don't think anyone did.

If its anything like the Moloney-Neeld scenario, you have two options. Send the nag to Brisbane or change trainers and get P.Moody.

It's becoming apparent that even when our club doesn't play whether it be the off season, or during bye weekends....our club manages to grab the headlines. The media should really and truly thank us, from the bottom of their heart. We've filled their pages with so much spak filla content, Selley's are jealous.

I've seen his highlights and read the opinions of Queensland and the VICS. He was very impressive against Queensland in the S/Shield (or whatever they call it now). Yes he hasn't played much but whilst at the crease he presents a heap of chances according to his colleagues and is consistent with good control. If he gets a chance, hopefully he will make the most of it.

Well it's not too good to see Warner having a late night altercation with Root of England and being stood down from the Black Caps game. Will he be sent home? That would be extreme one would suggest but it apparently by reports remains an option. Nice to see the boys are having such a great time over there........ Culture anyone? Or just another case closed "one-off"? Anyway on a good note, it's good to see my earlier good mail on Fawad Ahmed coming to fruition. He's just about rubber stamped for citizenship and already in England. I'm hoping he can turn it around a few Poms, it will make the liquid amber and intake of northern hemisphere Vitamin D rays all the more satisfying whilst I'm over there.

What happened to AFL360's Robbos expectant MFC press conference on the Tuesday after the Fremantle game? So we've had an expected something after the GC game, the Freo game and now the Hawthorn game....they will get it right eventually one would think. And what about the ABC jumping the gun claiming "Mark Neeld is sacked" ? They're certainly earning their money, aren't they? Perhaps they could do well to consume more phosphate by peeling back a banana.

Got to take what you can get, ey

Whoever has Guptill. Decent knock of 189* v England. He now holds NZ's highest ODI innings. And helped clinch the series win v england.