[Cricket] First Ashes Test Australia vs England Brisbane 23rd-27th November

[jakarta]

I'm hoping the difference will be:

We have a keeper that is a proven Test batter - Bairstow Vs Paine
We have two genuine all-rounders Ali vs Lyon in the spin department and Woakes vs any of Starc, Cummings or Hazelwood
This means the Aussies must pick 6 front line batters and go with just the 4 bowlers - there is no Watson to fill in some quiet overs either.

So on the balance of player's I have us just ahead - however Australian conditions [the Gabba will be quick] and the hostile environment [it's not called the "Gabatoir" for nothing] will make for a big challenge, especially for the new lads.

I'd take a draw right now ....

It's Root for me, if he scores a shed load of runs wheel win...

 

[happypig]

What a week to be working the night shift :-D

 

[LamieRobertson]

I’m missing David Lloyd already

 

[Horton's halftime iceberg]

Listening to TMS - programme about Broads 8 wickets at Trent Bridge followed by Stephen Fry reading a rousing poem.

Pumped up for the toss already - how am I going to sleep.

 

[Giraffe]

Oh hell just turned on sky sports for this and it’s on bloody BT Sport which we only have downstairs. Guess I’ll be getting back up shortly.

 

[pasty]

I’m missing David Lloyd already

I love all the Sky cricket line up, with the possible exception of the miserable git Nasser Hussein. Vaughan, Ponting, Gilchrist and Boycott just aren't going to be the same.

 

[Skaville]

Pumped up for the toss already - how am I going to sleep.

I find it almost impossible to toss if I am not pumped up

 

[jakarta]

Got tomorrow off, no doubt I will be up to the small hours tonight!

Wish we had Stokes but reckon we can beat them without the silly boy.

Need lots & lots of runs from our Middle Order.

 

[wakeytom]

Batting first

 

[Eeyore]

He won the toss.

Obviously didn't approach Nasser for advice....

 

[vegster]

Strangely, I would have bowled first, I know and fully understand the old sayings but this time, I would have put the pressure straight on to convicts....." go on, this is your banker ground, post a total "

 

[Horton's halftime iceberg]

Lets channel the spirt of Boycott, blocking and play straight for the first day.

 

[jakarta]

Off we go, going to stay up for the next couple of hours. Love Root but hope I don't hear he is batting while I'm still awake.

 

[Rodney Thomas]

OK... now I'm nervous!

 

[Razzoo]

Here we go, come on lads.

 

[The Fifth Column]

Apparently this is what passes for a 'cauldron' in cricketing terms

 

[Springal]

Not having this on TV is shit ! Got TMS on but not the same...

 

[Titanic]

Solid start from the batters. No fireworks in the first two overs.

 

[Titanic]

Cook gone... 2-1 (2.4 overs)

pushed forward at a ball on a good length... hint of outswing... nicked to 1st slip. Oh dear.

 

[Bry Nylon]

Here we go, come on lads.

Cook gone... 2-1