Third Test: Australia v England at Edgbaston

[Hooper]

A draw is what we need. I think we only have a chance of retaining the Ashes if we tie it up 1-1.

 

[Covvy]

Yeah, I don't see us winning a game at the moment though, need some players too step up.

 

[Jaztheman]

My decision has been made from this over so far.

He's going to get a few wickets in this innings, with at least one of them being very vital.

He got the important wicket of Bell and then got Swann at the end so I was sort of right. I think England are definitely on top thanks lower order/tail, but I couldn't watch the game unfortunately so missed what seemed to be our day. Hopefully we can get Hussey out early, just pitch it on his offstump and he'll leave it so thats easy enough. And no doubt Watson will give his wicket away at the start of play. If Watson makes another 50 then

 

[Sureshot]

Big day today, I think Swann is the key. Two wickets in the first hour, and we are on!

 

[aussie1st]

I reckon swing will be the key factor as usual. If Anderson and Onions start swinging the ball like day 2 then we could see another collapse.

 

[Howsie]

I'd go with swing being the key too. If Anderson and Onions get the ball moving around I think those two would be a lot more dangerous then Swann. It's all about the start though, England would need to take a wicket in the first 30/45 minutes you feel to have a shot here. In saying that Hussey has been badly out of form and this is Watson's first test opening, I could just see both of them making 100's here, or saving the test.

 

[barmyarmy]

ITA about swing. Australia currently 30 behind and there are 90 overs in the day so:

Aus bowled out in 60 overs for 300 (220 more) - England chase 190 in 30 overs.
That is the cut off for me. If Australia hit 300 the match is safe. Of course if they score very slowly England could find themselves chasing a smaller target.
Personally I'd predict Aus all out for 350 off 90 overs leaving England 235 off just 10. Captains shake hands on a draw.

 

[Howsie]

ITA about swing. Australia currently 30 behind and there are 90 overs in the day so:

Aus bowled out in 60 overs for 300 (220 more) - England chase 190 in 30 overs.
That is the cut off for me. If Australia hit 300 the match is safe. Of course if they score very slowly England could find themselves chasing a smaller target.
Personally I'd predict Aus all out for 350 off 90 overs leaving England 235 off just 10. Captains shake hands on a draw.

Would England have a crack at around 190 in 30 or so overs, I wouldn't think so myself tbh.

 

[barmyarmy]

It's actually 36 overs - I got that wrong with the overs today; there are 98. Tough ask but you'd fancy it for an ODI.

 

[Cricketdude]

But this is a 5th(or 4th) day pitch.

 

[evertonfan]

Come on England!

 

[aussie1st]

Hussey looking the best he has been all series. Watson have started solidly. Anderson will of course by the big test for these two.

 

[Covvy]

Don't go hooking Huss

 

[Howsie]

Drawwwwwwwwwwww.

This game is going nowhere

 

[evertonfan]

If we don't take at least 3 wickers by lunch i'd say the England win is as good as gone. Draw the most likely and I still wouldn't rule out an Australian victory; although very unlikely I wouldn't put it past them.