Cricket

[kaosmark2]

That said, you'd stick Anderson in already, so putting his excellent new ball partner in makes sense

[TheGayTent]

Yeah, as much as I loved watching Hoggy, I think even he would admit that Anderson has been at the top of his game for longer he managed.

[kaosmark2]

Hoggard and harmison got dropped before the natural end of their careers to make way for broad and Anderson, a decision that's been fully justified. This isn't meant to suggest they weren't talented or didn't perform, but Anderson and broad have just been that good.

[TheGayTent]

Ok you've convinced me on broad.

And maybe cook over trescothick overall but not at his best.

And i would definitely have Strauss before him.

With respect, that's nuts.

[kaosmark2]

Cook has more centuries than any other England cricketer. To suggest he isn't better than someone who averages under 40 is barmy.

[5co77ie]

Australia celebrate getting to 50

 

[kaosmark2]

Aussie collapses are beautiful things

[Osama Jim Laden]

Broad has had a good series, brilliant spell yesterday.. Really good in English conditions, not always overseas though..

Still, easily ahead on Harmison & Cook ahead of Tresco, wouldn't put him instead of Strauss mind..

[TheGayTent]

The argument for Strauss being his captaincy?

[kaosmark2]

Vaughan as captain surely....

[TheGayTent]

People talk about the 2005 team like they pulled off a 5-0 victory. It was a 2-1 victory...

Er well yes Barry, but you're missing the fact that the opposition in 2005 might have been a tad stronger than the opposition today. Just a tad.

[TheGayTent]

Vaughan as captain surely....

Would be for me, but couldn't think of any other reason for choosing Strauss over Cook?

[TheGayTent]

I am not really... They where stronger... but it was still very much an Aussie team on the start of a downward slide as well. Warne was not the force he had been etc etc...

So while the 2005 side deserve a lot of plaudits I still think its somewhat overstate how "great" they where.

Warne was not the force he had been? Think you need a lie down Bazza

[kaosmark2]

I'm incredibly annoyed that ball by ball commentary on the BBCis getting ditched for premier league news.

[TheGayTent]

198 LW

[kaosmark2]

198 LW

I had just used the radio button on the live text feed. Silly me thinking that would give the cricket. Found it now though, ta

[kaosmark2]

Hell of a bowling performance. We've still got batting problems but fewer than 2 years ago. 5 seamers on song at some point this series

[TheGayTent]

We'll learn a lot more in South Aftica in the winter. Today though, is for enjoying !

[GlastoSimon]

As for 2015 vs 2005, I think I'd go for...

 

Strauss

Cook

Vaughan

Root

Pietersen

Flintoff

G.Jones

Broad

Giles

Anderson

Harmison

 

But Australia's 2005 team was infinitely better than the 2015 effort has been. 

[TheGayTent]

We've won the toss and are having a bowl. Right decision with nothing to lose.

Just concentrate on the basics England and don't get carried away trying to bowl wicket taking balls every delivery.

[GlastoSimon]

No Simon Jones??????

 

Just seen this Scruff

 

I was v. torn on Simon Jones, excellent bowler in 2005 and such a shame his career was cut short. My final decision was based on the type of bowler, Jones similar to Anderson as a swing bowler and I think Anderson just about comes out on top. Harmison had the ability to ruffle bowlers, intimidate 'em when there was little swing.

 

If I was picking on sheer ability though, and not to win a test match, Jones would be in there ahead of Harmison. Harmison was very unpredictable at times, especially towards the end. 

[TheGayTent]

Very selfishly can it continue like this please...I might get to see some play on Monday then !

[kaosmark2]

Lyth gets himself out again after doing the hard work to get in.

 

It's so frustrating as he always manages to see off the new ball, he's only got out really early once or twice, but then does something stupid at 1st/2nd change. He's clearly able to defend properly and has a good range of shots, he just makes a stupid decision every innings.

[TheGayTent]

Good timing by Hales too...he's currently 176 not out...

[kaosmark2]

It's hard to see Hales not being on the winter tour now. From what I've seen of both, Lyth looks more like a test opener to me, but it's hard to argue with their contrasting records over the last 6 months.