Harmison definitley has problems, but you've got to ask why weren't these addressed during (the somewhat limited) preparations for the series. If he hasn't sorted himself out for the second test (I don't think he'll get a chance to bowl again in Brisbane) then expect a recurrence of the "side strain" that kept him out of the three dayer.

Having said this, I'd expect it to be a different side once they've had a wake-up call spanking.

hip priest wrote:Harmison definitley has problems, but you've got to ask why weren't these addressed during (the somewhat limited) preparations for the series. If he hasn't sorted himself out for the second test (I don't think he'll get a chance to bowl again in Brisbane) then expect a recurrence of the "side strain" that kept him out of the three dayer.

Having said this, I'd expect it to be a different side once they've had a wake-up call spanking.

I think he has to bowl again in this match - if not, he's the lamest of lame ducks, and should go home. If neither he nor his team mates back him, then why should anyone else? The oppo won't rate him, and bowling in the next game will be even more of an ordeal for him.

We usually lose the opening game of the Ashes - we took a massive kicking in the equivalent game in the last one. Admittedly, we are putting a bit too much effort into looking utterly clueless this time, but things can change.

Dudley wrote:
I think he has to bowl again in this match

I was doubting whether England would get the opportunity to bowl again, not just Harmison. As it is, the Aussies didn't make us follow on, which was odd. They claimed they wanted to bowl on the fourth day track, but with that much of a lead, surely it wouldn't make much difference. I suspect the old gits didn't fancy another day in the field. Or maybe Cricket Australia didn't want to have to refund two days worth of gate receipts.

I'm not sure why but I feel strangely reassured by this.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket ... 190060.stm

Maybe supporting England and MCFC has taken its toll over the years, but this kind of response takes a lot of the pressure off.

Obviously Border's words will put some sort of hex on KP, but you can't have everything.

Just when you thought it was safe to write off England

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket ... 199480.stm

551-6! Christ! Is about all I can say to that.

Oh England, team of cricket, team of football, land in general - you continue to baffle me.

In fairness, Australia were amazing and fully deserved to win the second test. Our batting just went to pieces.

Panesar should be given a crack next test, like.

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What a great game, regardless of the result. There are very few things I enjoy more than cricket in the summer.

I was at the Adelaide Oval for the last session of the 2nd Test and was impressed with how upbeat and energetic the English were in the field - their demeanour wasn't of a beaten team and there was lots of positive chat and encouragement. However, all the positive chat in the world can't make up for a bowling attack reliant on the likes of Giles and Anderson, and except for Martyn's brief (and possibly final) innings, Australia looked completely untroubled. Aside from when the winning runs were struck, the best moment was when Pietersen gave away four overthrows - the Aussie supporters were on their feet as one and cheering (and laughing) long and loud for that.

After Australia has lost a few unlosable games in recent years (Kolkata 2001, the final ODI against South Africa earlier this year) it was satisfying to see them get one back against the odds.

And for god's sake England, get Panesar and Mahmood in the team - do you think you could do much worse with them?

*coughs*