Balderdash

Wonderful to see a woman referee in the New Zealand v Wales game. Another important step towards equality and respect. Also, something nice for the dads to look at.

Wonderful innings but in some way it ruined (Australia obviously won’t care) what would probably have been a brilliant close run chase.

One of the takeaways for England is that Zak Crawley has proven McCullum wrong. His 0 in the first and 0 in the second innings has shown he can be consistent.

Yeah - 9 wickets from a position of strength. They were there for the taking

The only thing from the tail is that they looked like they thought they had enough - which to me seems very dangerous

I normally do - I love the approach and always back them but Pope, Brook and Root’s were really poor choices. There was a real chance to knacker them out and dig them into the ground and I bet they can’t believe their luck

England may win this but that’s the worse collective display since Stokes and McCullum took over. Twice in positions of strength but Pope, Brook, Root, Carse, Archer and Atkinson just gifted their wickets.

Incredibly poor from England’s middle order. They talk about ‘putting the opposition under pressure’ but the best way of doing that would have been to keep the bowlers out there. Lyon’s been off the pitch injured, can’t bowl but it’s only now the pace bowlers are beginning to tire.

Interestingly it was identical to one yesterday which was given not out

Oh my fucking God. Five minutes? This umpire needs removing. It’s inconclusive and not enough to change the decision

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS UMPIRE? You’ve seen there’s a massive gap, said it two minutes ago and we still have to watch it countless times.

Done that. Voice of an angel.

Love her

Cheers

What’s it on?

The Telegraph again screaming into the void. The journalistic equivalent of Farage - whinging & complaining without doing anything constructive. TNT did a good job. Becky Ives was great and Finn and Langer are anything but dull. Compare that with Fox’s coverage which opened up with Vaughan & Warner.

England’s approach to batting often gets criticised but the positive intent today has given them an edge. Nobody apart from Crawley (an ill-advised waft) gave their wicket away (Smith was 9th out with the bowlers looking for quick runs). Most batsmen struggled with only Pope playing really well.

Australia 83-6 and England through to the bowlers. Opportunity for Crawley to get two ducks in a day.

Australia’s innings 31-3 off 16.2 has now lasted half as long as England’s.

I think Australia would be more successful if they tried using their bats rather than their elbows.

England unconcerned with losing wickets. Australia unconcerned with scoring runs. The Universe in balance.

I expect they'll now pack the midfield, sit deep, and play for 1-1 draw, won't they?

Morning everybody. Australia now 1-1 or if you’re in Australia 1-1.

Last test match on this ground: first innings scores 150 and 104.

If you’re only going to last 32 overs, might as well score over 5 an over. Smart batting from England.

What a fucking shot to play

Morning everybody, England electing to bat are 1-1 or if you’re in Australia, 1-1.

YouTube video by Mucky Fingers The Stone Roses - Waterfall (Live On The Other Side Of Midnight) 1989 1080p 60fps

RIP Mani
youtu.be/3QLMS0QsPF0

Hi David, what are you planning? Up at 5?