Third Test: Australia v England at Edgbaston

[WORLD CHAMPIONS]

Johnson is basically a certainty so Watson had to come in as 5th bowler incase Johnson falls apart again.

aussie1st added 6 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...

Going by cricinfo preview, Hauritz will be dropped for Clark so at least we have him in the side. Harsh on Hauritz but with the constant rain he ain't going to be able to grip it.

Now, no one can save England. Edgebaston, here we come

 

[ZexyZahid]

Well, Hughes won't play in the 3rd Test: http://www.planetcricket.org/forums/ashes-2009/hughes-dropped-3rd-ashes-test-56751.html But I am guessing that nobody will complain if Watson will make a century. But that has yet to be seen.

Rain is expected a lot in this Test, so whatever time both teams have, they should try to get quick runs in that period. Of course the urgence of making runs is higher for Australia then England. For Australia it comes handy in that way that Watson will play, because he is a quick runmaker.

I am hoping that Australia will bat first, so everybody can give an opinion if Watson's inclusion was justified or not.

 

[mattfb]

150+ run loss or 5+ wicket loss me thinks. If Hauritz is out for Clark then we will still be in trouble. Johnson and Mitch in + Hauritz and Hughes out = fail.

 

[piriyanth]

You guys are real asses. Two bad matches, and you guys are all over Johnson. He's leaking runs, but he has taken 8 wickets and scored 67 runs in two innings. Chill out

I agree with you, Johnson's getting too much hate around here just because of two bad matches.

 

[pcfan123]

Can someone in Birmingham tell us what the weather is like? Are any of you lot awake yet?

 

[jordox]

I don't reckon it's as bad for Australia as all the Aussie members are saying. Watson might do something, you never know. He is talented, and has done some pretty good stuff for Australia before (although, not in the test arena.) Also, it's worth raising the point that England aren't exactly a consistent team - they are prone to being beaten.

 

[OffCutters]

Can someone in Birmingham tell us what the weather is like? Are any of you lot awake yet?

Same question as that. I want to know how bad it is.

 

[Howsie]

Can someone in Birmingham tell us what the weather is like? Are any of you lot awake yet?

It's suppose to be fine at the moment, no rain as of yet. But it's suppose to poor down sometime during lunch

 

[Skater]

Can someone in Birmingham tell us what the weather is like? Are any of you lot awake yet?

Bright and sunny this morning. Local news warns play might not start until this afternoon though because of the extreme rain here in the last week.

 

[Howsie]

Bright and sunny this morning. Local news warns play might not start until this afternoon though because of the extreme rain here in the last week.

What's the drainage system like there?

 

[Skater]

What's the drainage system like there?

Not as good as it is elsewhere in the country. Groundstaff have spent all night sponging the outfield and it looks pretty good on the screen.

 

[ajdude]

Is it a sign? Watson took three wickets off an over in ICC for me in an ODI against SA :O finished with four, and took four in the next match before getting hit around by Jacques Kallis of all people.

 

[aussie1st]

I don't reckon it's as bad for Australia as all the Aussie members are saying. Watson might do something, you never know. He is talented, and has done some pretty good stuff for Australia before (although, not in the test arena.) Also, it's worth raising the point that England aren't exactly a consistent team - they are prone to being beaten.

I wanted Watson in just not for Hughes. I am sure he will go alright as a 5th bowling option. The test average of 19 is the concern. Its all well and good performing in a tour match but the International arena is where you are judged.

 

[piriyanth]

So who's opening Watson or Hussey?

 

[iridescentt]

I'm such an idiot, just released the 3rd test is on today