P-man

Regarding the Root decision, I can only assume that the noise registered on snicko created enough doubt that Root may have hit it, therefore the on-field umpire's decision is upheld. The fact that the ball appeared to have passed the bat seemingly wasn't enough. There obviously needed to be NOTHING on snicko and NOTHING on hot spot to be deemed conclusive. I also heard that supposedly hot spot isn't reliable in extreme heat? Which would make the whole thing even more farcical. I agree that there should always be a place for the fundamental of cricket that is benefit of the doubt going to the batsman. Perhaps they are also accounting for respecting the on-field umpire's decision, and only overturning when it is beyond doubt that a mistake has been made. I'm beginning to think DRS is more trouble than it's worth and maybe the Indians are onto something. It was there to overturn the howlers, but instead has become a mechanism of review for any decision where there MIGHT be a chance of a wrong decision, no matter how slight. Basically it is being misused, which was perhaps inevitable. I think the number of times it can be used should be restricted further, but that's another story.

Just watched the highlights of the Windies. Holy hell, they are in some strife. Houses being knocked over left right and centre. Just not acceptable at test level. On the flipside, Boult looks an absolute beauty for the kiwis. Added to his performance with the ball by taking one of the best plucks at point that I've ever seen.

In general or in the context of how the poms have been batting?

Full credit to Haddin. Stood up when needed throughout this series.

Pup gone. Hm, we may have a match on our hands.

Sammy is a decent contruibutor in the shorter form of the game (as are alot of them tbh), but I agree he's not good enough at either discipline to be a test player.

There will never be another Chris Martin. "You still watching that black caps game?" 'Yeah, it's nearly over. Chris Martin's about to bat. Aaaaaand it's over."

Does the crowd outnumber those in the field, TD?

I agree that the team looks focused and up for the contest from the first ball, but it's also worth noting that England's catching has been abysmal. If they had held onto some at the GABBA, it could be a different story. Right now their confidence is shot. Beefy thinks a draw is still possible. He should probably just keep his mouth shut after predicting a 5-0 whitewash. He may end up being right, just picked the wrong team on the end of it.

Ah, right you are.

I'd say Watson is in perfect form. Makes 50 and then gets out. Sounds like the Watson I know.

I'd be going safety first for Perth. Unchanged lineup. As for England, I'd be giving serious consideration to Anderson's spot. When the conditions don't suit swing bowling he is rendered almost totally useless. I read somewhere that they can recall Onions if need be. Not sure if that's true, but his Durham side won the County Championship where he was the leading wicket taker. Pretty unlucky not to get called up when they are picking the likes of Tremlett and Finn.

Interesting points Bob. So you would select 4 quicks for Perth if in England's shoes?

Got no issue with Brayshaw. It's Slater that gives me the ultimate shits.

I agree Rhino, swapping Panesar for Swann would be an overreaction. The old "class is permanent" applies. Swann is potentially as damaging a player as they have. I wasn't all that impressed by Stokes, but Prior at 6 doesn't look great. It's fortunate for them that he has found a bit of confidence with the bat, finally. Maybe Bresnan and Bairstow for Stokes and Panesar. Admittedly pretty rough on Monty.

At least they look like they might bat the day out. This has been pathetic stuff from the poms thus far and it's unlikely to get any easier for them at the WACA. Mitch might kill one of them on that deck. His spell yesterday is some of the best fast bowling I've ever seen. A candidate for the best.

I would agree with this. It's one of the reasons I was surprised to see Jetta delisted, and not at all surprised he has been retained. The Swans style is frenetic, and Jetta is closer to that mould than the likes of Strauss and Blease.

Exactly right.

My thoughts exactly. Some are dismissive of "In Roos we trust", but it's not a bad default position to take. Even Nev's critics can't deny that he has a genuine crack, so I hope Roos can get him to his potential.

Anyone who has played cricket from club level upward knows that sledging is part of the game. It's very simple, going back to Nash's original point. Keep it on the field. Warner looked like a dill in that press conference.

Agreed. I notice today he admitted he went a bit too far in his remarks, and that was before Trott pulling out.

Trott pulls out due to "stress related illness" - http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-25/jonathan-trott-returns-home-from-ashes-series-due-to-stress/5115796?section=sport Big blow, out of form or not.

TD - that's why I said earlier that I wasn't amazed by this result. Even the poms would acknowledge in private that 3-0 really flattered them. The series was much closer than that, they just had every bit of luck go their way. Anyhow, it's a war, not a battle. Need to back it up in Adelaide. No mercy.

Smith could actually prove a very important figure at Adelaide, which still sounds strange to say out loud. I've been a critic of his in the past, and I think he has gotten a lot more leniency from his good mate in Clarke than others have been afforded. That said, his batting has improved enormously. On the Adelaide deck he will be able to put his improved technique to the test and won't be forced onto the back foot as much, which has often been his downfall when playing away from his body. He will be able to play his shots and could be pencilled in for a big innings. Throw in his leg breaks and he will be one to watch. The impressive showing of Lyon in this test also bodes well for Adelaide. Previously you would say England hold the advantage in the spin department, and still do, but the gap seems to have closed. Lyon is going from strength to strength. The poms will desperately want Trott to find some form. He's a class act, and they need him if they are going to bounce back from what was utter (delightful) humiliation at the Gabbatoir.

Your wish is their command, titan. Even some decent sized hail isn't going to prevent a win this time.