The Ashes 2006/07: The Adelaide Test Thread - Day Two

[Collyisamackem]

As the other thread descends into farce, I invite all and sundry to begin commenting on the second day's play here, in which I personally expect Collingwood and Pietersen to make big hundreds, and for England to make a total approaching 500.

[John]

We will see how much Australia are haunted by 2005. They will more than likely have their backs against come tea time today ( or if you are in England tomorrow). There must be some concern that Harmison might hit his straps and we know Flintoff will.
Today and tomorrow are interesting if the Australian batsmen can pass the Test ( big if ) they can put the pressure back on England ie why they didn't pick Panesar etc.
Hopefully I will wake up 3.00 am uk time.

[Vrock]

I expect more of the same to be honest....

Australia (bar Lee) will bowl with excellent control and the England batsmen will give the bowling the respect it deserves (unless KP tries to ride his luck). If England can bat long enough the Clark/McGrath combination will begin to offer up more boundary opportunities and this is when we need to cash in. I think Warne might get a wicket or two but our batsmen - certainly KP and Collingwood - are reading him pretty well so there is no need to be taking adverse risks against him.

England need to be patient for most of the first session. Wait for the pace bowlers to start return spells and that's when we need to be more aggressive and get them off their lines when the ball is offering nothing to them.

Either an England collapse or 500 (or so) all out. Big hundreds, as has been said already, are what is required.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Vrock

I expect more of the same to be honest....

Hope so Vrock - that would be lets see - 500+ on my abacus.I think England would settle for that.

[greg]

Gutted i am going to Accrington tomorrow as it means i can't watch so much tonight.Probably will anyway as i am a sucker,i guess i might be up about 3 in time for the 2nd session and hopefully we will still have one of the overnight batsmen still going.

We need to be batting till tea at least to get us a total to put pressure on the Aussies.500 would be great but 450 has to be the minimum.

[Zainub]

I'd be surprised if England go anything past 350, and if Australia don't win by an innings or by 10 wickets.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

As much as I'd like to get all indignant at that Zainub , you're probably right on the money. As oliver has pointed out, england batsmen, for generations dont "do" really big or double hundreds, and I cant see our dynamic trio of freddie, jones and gilo doing much, so the onus is on collingwood and KP to dig out at least another 100 runs for this innings before the rot starts.

[Vrock]

Originally Posted by Richie Benauds Love Child

I cant see our dynamic trio of freddie, jones and gilo doing much.

Go Jo will probably make a score around the 30 mark. I think Flintoff will either make a quick fifty, a slow fifty, or a score about 30 getting out to some stupid shot. As for Giles, could Monty do any worse with some of his fine cover drives and slog sweeps compared to Gilo?

[Django]

The morning session is very critical for England and they should not lose any wickets. Such is the Australian bowling attack that once they make a breakthrough, they then run through the innings.

In addition there is a tactical battle going on between KP and Warne. If KP comes out on top, it may have long lasting consequences on the effectiveness of Warne against the England batsmen. On the other hand if Warne wins the battle, he is sure to strengthen his stronghold on the England batsmen.

[Ernest]

Collinwood gets his 100 in the second over of Lee - really is a good innings, well done Colly.