The Ashes First Test Lords Thursday 21st July..Day 1.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Lemming

With the newer ball it's a bowler's wicket to do what he wants to do with it. With the older ball the batsmen get what they deserve as on the whole the ball will bounce true.

England did bugger all with the new ball in Australia's second innings.

[Maranello]

Originally Posted by Rachael

and the captain demonstrating the sort of shot selection that would get a schoolboy shot - NOT ONE DIMISSAL LINKED TO UNEVEN BOUNCE.

Oh come now Rachael, that's a bit strong. Ponting is better than most schoolboys I know.

The English batsmen paid the price for tentative footwork and lily-livered shot selection - nothing to do with not being defensive enough; in fact, the top order appeared to be in too much of a defensive mindset, and ended up not playing each ball on merit. The Australians have not been tentative, and neither have they been unnencessarily defensive - they believe their skill and quality will eventually see them through, and it seems to be doing just that. Yes they have lost wickets every now and then, but better to go down fighting, then to shut up shop and send everyone to sleep.

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Seamer

Well with respect Rachel, the English top order played the way you advocated and fell to 5-25.[...] Trust me - if England don't take the attack up to them they are dead.

I've never suggested Tresco clip a ball off his legs with the face of the bat closed when he should have been presenting the full face of the bat... or that Vaughan and Flintoff should sit back in the crease to good length balls... or that Bell should play without getting into line behind the ball - and those were the reasons for the 5-25!

We've seen today that when the ball's there to be hit... meaning overpitched on on your legs... there's fairly low-risk runs to be had: it's just a matter of being patient and waiting for the right balls to hit.

Go for good balls and you'll be dead in no time.