The Ashes First Test Lords Thursday 21st July..Day 3.

[Ninjaman]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

Lead of 400+. Just been chatting to Lemming about this one. Neither of us EXPECT England to get it. But we've just said that England have more batting that the West Indies team that got 418-7 v Aus. Vaughan can't do anything about history or records. the batsmen just have to try to get the runs we need. Any top order batsman is capable of getting in and getting a big score, so we need 2 or 3 to do just that. No point accepting defeat before it has happened.

The difference is for the WI, their numbers 4 to 6, provided 269 of the runs (the bulk) with 1 half century and 2 centuries. (Lara, Sarwan, Chanderpaul)

England's equivalent, Bell, Pietersen and Flintoff are not as good.

[Aussie-Yank]

So Far looking good for a great finish. Either way it will be a beauty - If England wins it will go down in History as the largest 2nd innings chasing victory. If Australia wins it a nail in the English coffin to win the Ashes.

[Kirsty Harris]

There are many improbable things in life, but very few things are impossibe. Therefore, England could still win, even though the odds are against it.

I think England have little to lose here, because if they DO lose it won't be a hugh surprise. If they DID someohow manage to win, as unlikely and distant it seems at the minute, the damage to the Austrailian moral would be huge. Even if they lose, but get within 50 runs of the target, England can feel that they have shown some resolve.

Now that Tresco and Strauss seem to have got in, and gotten over the new ball, I am fascinated to see what kind of partnership they could build.

I've missed most of the last three sessions, but from what I understand, England dropped a number of catches, and were a little unlucky at times when bowling. Anyway, I hope to see 1 1/2 days competative cricket from here on on, whatever way it goes.

It's been a good game of cricket to date, long may it continue!

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Kirsty Harris

Even if they lose, but get within 50 runs of the target, England can feel that they have shown some resolve.

How annoying would that be Considering that we couldn't get out their tail that added quite a few.

[Kirsty Harris]

Originally Posted by Pete

How annoying would that be Considering that we couldn't get out their tail that added quite a few.

Yeah, my Dad was watching, and when they (eventually) were out, he called me and said he was pulling his hair out, especially when Dizzy was dropped!

Mind you, I would prefer to place the blame on our top order not getting enough runs if it did come down to that - if only Tresco and Strauss have batted like they did just now, we would perhaps not be where we are now...oh well, no point dwelling on what is gone, try to think positive thoughts!!!!

[Pete]

I wish they'd stop padding up to Warney, this is reckless. They both should have been out by now.

[Mongoose]

Poor shot by Strauss - disappointing for a top order player. I don't like the way the Aussies approached Dar. OK, Strauss was probably lbw, but the players have no place telling him about it. Chat in the bar after the game, but don't dispute it on the pitch. The match referee should have something to say about it.

[Mongoose]

Strauss wasn't out. A catch is fair as long as the ball doesn't touch the ground in the act of taking the catch. The act of taking the catch starts when the fielder first handles the ball and ends when he gets complete control of both the ball and his own movement. Lee was sliding along the ground when the ball touched the ground. If Lee was in complete control of his own movement, he would be able to decide to stop suddenly. Therefore, the catch was unfair. Does this make Lee a cheat for claiming the catch? Can we trust fielders to fairly claim catches? Seems not.

[Kirsty Harris]

Where oh where is Graham Thorpe when you need him - oh, that's right he's been forced to retire

[Aussie-Yank]

So I wonder if the run out of Lee will be the only time Giles will actually get to hit the wickets - certainly not off his own bowling.