The Ashes

[Square Ball]

Anyone watching? England continuing to dominate even though they lost Cook. Aussie bowling looks very lightweight.

yeah watching now, pains me to say this but England in the box seat

[deiseach]

I get the feeling the weather is going to save Australia. Quite the change from when it was England fans asking whether it was cowardly to pray for rain.

[stephenite]

Forecast certainly looks like it might save them but nothing can save them and the selectors from the Aussie media. Doherty was picked with KP in mind and he made a fool out of him and the rest of the Australian attack. Impressed with England

[deiseach]

Forecast certainly looks like it might save them but nothing can save them and the selectors from the Aussie media. Doherty was picked with KP in mind and he made a fool out of him and the rest of the Australian attack. Impressed with England

Do you think they could have done anything differently? They were damned if they did etc with Mitchell Johnson and the talent just doesn't seem to be there in Oz. Not that such considerations would enter the head of the average hack.

[turk]

Where is Brett Lee? He must be injured is he?

[turk]

OK! thanks

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

England have just declared. With a lead of 375, effectively England have over a day and a half to bowl the Aussies out for victory.

[stephenite]

Forecast certainly looks like it might save them but nothing can save them and the selectors from the Aussie media. Doherty was picked with KP in mind and he made a fool out of him and the rest of the Australian attack. Impressed with England

Do you think they could have done anything differently? They were damned if they did etc with Mitchell Johnson and the talent just doesn't seem to be there in Oz. Not that such considerations would enter the head of the average hack.

Agreed, talent not there. Instead the selectors are trying to find the next Warne and thowing young fellas like Xavier Doherty into the deep end because of 1 or 2 impressive first class displays - Doherty will probably never play Test cricet again on the back of this whereas if he was given time to mature he might have had some chance. They did same with Krezja

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

England are 8/11 to win this - surely a bit of value there.

[DuffleKing]

Dunno - it will take serious work to dismiss australia. The aussies have as much batting talent as the poms.
If australia can get out of this with a draw I reckon they'll go on and win the series.

[Denn Forever]

England are 8/11 to win this - surely a bit of value there.

Didn't think it was a problem in Australia, but rain expected tomorrow.  If Australia can hold out till then, expect recriminations for England not declaring earlier.

[Gabriel_Hurl]

Some hiding there!!

[Aerlik]

Not sure which is worse, England gloating or Ricky Ponting making excuses. 

[deiseach]

Had Australia batted for another 100 mins, discounting lunch, they would have weathered the storm (ho ho). Close shave for England but that makes it all the sweeter, particularly after what happened in Cardiff last year. Hard to see such a puny Australian attack winning two out of the three remaining Tests

[BennyHarp]

Had Australia batted for another 100 mins, discounting lunch, they would have weathered the storm (ho ho). Close shave for England but that makes it all the sweeter, particularly after what happened in Cardiff last year. Hard to see such a puny Australian attack winning two out of the three remaining Tests

A close shave? They won by an innings and 71 runs??