The Ashes 2006/07: The Melbourne Test Thread - Day One

[Ernest]

Yes damp outfield + huge ground = less runs, wonder how the big hitters will fair on this ground.

[Vrock]

And the second wicket falls. Ian Bell LBW off Stuart Clark.

It was a good delivery that just came back in form outside off. Wasn't the greatest shot ever from Bell but you can't do much about seam movement.

Out comes Collingwood, everything or nothing I suppose.

[warney's wrong un]

44-2. i am going to bed

5-0 is not over optimistic for the aussies in my opinion.

[south beds mikey]

Clarke does the trick again. Surely we must get much further forward on this. I am certain KP will almost be treading on the bowlers toes!! Problems now and a big partnership needed. 280 could still be good here.

[south beds mikey]

Originally Posted by warney's wrong un

44-2. i am going to bed

5-0 is not over optimistic for the aussies in my opinion.

Keep the faith WWU!! I know its hard going at the moment but you cant have work tomorrow .

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Vrock

I really think Ponting is missing a trick (and some wickets) by not opening the bowling with Stuart Clark.

I had the same thought. McGrath is getting the ball to seam extravagently (jag about) because he keeps the seam bolt upright. Clark can do the same. Lee had trouble keeping the seam upright this morning and was lucky to get the wicket of Cook. One gets the feeling that the England batsmen are looking to drive Lee because he isn't extracting much bounce and not seaming the ball as much as McGrath. Didn't see much swing from Clark so I expect to see Symonds bowl his seamers today. Not good conditions for Warne with a damp ball.

[south beds mikey]

Close LBW on Colly. Clarke bowling superbly. We're just about to get rid of McGrath; not another one please!!!

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Vrock

Out comes Collingwood, everything or nothing I suppose.

I agree with Collingwood before Pietersen on this Occasion, England need to do some grafting to keep in this game, and Colly's the best man for that.
Rain again.

[Aussie-Yank]

Collingwood given a life by Gilchrest.

[south beds mikey]

And I reckon one by Rudi. Collingwood very lucky boy IMO. We've seen the Aussies have some luck previously and when they do they really capitalise. We must do the same. Symonds looks a but upset and I don't blame him!