Dec 16-20: 3rd Test - Australia v England at Perth

[Themer]

couldn't Strauss have technically been given out for obstructing the field?

In no possible way could he have been. Technically or otherwise. Really looking forward to today especially to see how the all pace attack is going to go (although by picking Smith they do have a spinner amongst the ranks which does allay some of my fears.)

 

[deeb]

Did you see hotspot afterwards? It clearly showed the ball coming off the bat handle (and little bit of the bat shoulder), and then Strauss' glove (which was off the bat) slowing it down after that impact. That's why Ricky didn't move forward, it looked like the one impact from his position and he thought it would travel accordingly. And playing devil's advocate, given that it probably would have carried to Ponting if not for Strauss' glove, couldn't Strauss have technically been given out for obstructing the field?

Are you seriously trying to suggest that, at that speed, Strauss deliberately took his hand off the bat, in order to slow the ball down?

"would have probably carried to Ponting.." probably? And he'd have probably dropped it, so it's all irrelevant

As for obstructing the field, perhaps you should read the rules of cricket first before suggesting that mode of dismissal.

After all that, the umpire would not have done anything, as no one appealed.

 

[Left_Hander]

I've got to admit Johnson bowled beautifully yesterday, with some away swing to the left handers . I agree with Skrillex_x's comments . If he can back that up today than his selection has more than been warranted.

If we have England 3 down by lunch, I'll feel pretty confident.

 

[deeb]

Think you must've been watching a different game to me. Didn't see any 'beautiful' bowling in the late afternoon. Both openers looked fairly solid and untroubled. Unlike the openers in the morning!

Better hope he gets wickets early then, as the ball will stop 'swinging', the pitch will be flatter tomorrow and the Aussie attack looks very 'samey'.

 

[War]

More than Finn surely, and Broad does hold a bat semi decently incase there is a collapse.

Yea this. Broad's place is safe for me. Tremlett bowling like he bowled today is a slightly more solid option in 4-man attack than Finn as well.

Plus of course Onions has to come back, England's pace stocks looking lovely these days.

 

[Cricketman]

Can we please have your 18th pace option please. Surely he is better than Unadkant... Don't know if I spelled that right but CMON

 

[pcfan123]

Just steal them from the Pakistanis, I can't believe you don't already. There are probably loads of pace bowling prospects there, and I'm sure they'd rather play for India. The comparison is exponential, be a nobody on a team full of cheats? or be a semi-god across the border.

 

[Cricketman]

Yeah but relations between India and Pakistan would NEVER allow that...haha. A Pakistani would never want to play for India or vice versa.... I don't even think India/Pak would accept an opposite person to play for them even if he was like Bradman.

 

[shravi]

Just steal them from the Pakistanis, I can't believe you don't already. There are probably loads of pace bowling prospects there, and I'm sure they'd rather play for India. The comparison is exponential, be a nobody on a team full of cheats? or be a semi-god across the border.

Doubt that. They'd be shot dead along with their families.

 

[pcfan123]

lol that makes no sense to me. If I was a Pakistani, I'd get on a bicycle and start peddling East till I got to India.

 

[Cricketman]

They do that, only for different reasons .

Anyways, back on topic

 

[sifter132]

Are you seriously trying to suggest that, at that speed, Strauss deliberately took his hand off the bat, in order to slow the ball down?

"would have probably carried to Ponting.." probably? And he'd have probably dropped it, so it's all irrelevant

As for obstructing the field, perhaps you should read the rules of cricket first before suggesting that mode of dismissal.

After all that, the umpire would not have done anything, as no one appealed.

Wow some sourpusses on this morning....It wasn't a serious suggestion, I'm just pointing out that if it were not for Strauss' glove (which wasn't on the bat), the ball would have carried. It's just interesting...I'm not suggesting some kind of English conspiracy



Be a good test of Australia today in the following ways:
a) the overrate. 4 quicks + Watson = overrate hell. Even if Smith bowls 15 overs, I think Australia bowl maybe 86 for the day. Anyone want to guess?
b) Ponting's captaincy. Can he stop changing plans mid over all the time and give his bowlers time to settle. Less plan changes might also help the overrate. And can he suitably inspire the troops?
c) Mitch Johnson. Looked promising last night. Can he bowl 15-20 good overs today?
d) Steve Smith. I'm guessing England will target him. Be interesting to see how quickly he can land them and if he can goad England into some silly shots. I'm looking at KP...
e) Aussie fielding. England's been catching everything. Australia need to match.

If Australia don't take at LEAST 6 English wickets today, I think this series is over. If England score around 300 today, they'll be in front by about 50 tonight. 50 behind with 5 or more English wickets in hand would be disastrous.

 

[StinkyBoHoon]

If Tremlett stays in top nick, I'm not sure what Broad offers the team.

i wanted to say this but was worried I was merely clouded by anti-broad bias.

He held his place because of some plucky 50s he got, he offers nothing special with the ball.

the other thing that puts his place under threat is that, with swann being a better batsman, england don't even really need him as a no.8.

 

[iridescentt]

Hrmm, don't like Hilfenhaus at the moment - he's too largely inconsistent and ineffective against left handers. He gets easily tucked away to much.

skrillex_x added 4 Minutes and 15 Seconds later...

Your kidding me. I'm sorry to say but that is utter sh1t. Thats just the basics of cricket. Not one of them went for that cordon catch.

 

[pcfan123]

Watson must be constipated or something.

Why is he at 1st slip? He's not usually the 1st slip is he?