Shoot the groundsman... or just give up on cricket?

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Trescothick

This pitch has provided one of the best tests i've seen for a long time...

Same here. Whether the pitch is good or bad, I don't care. The fact is this: I'm really enjoying the test match and it's providing some real competitive cricket which look like it will be a close match between two teams fighting at the top of their games. Who could ask for more?

[Cricket Girl]

I think that this pitch has something in it for both batsman and bowler. The fact is, Australia'a bowlers did not bowl well, especially their pacemen. I don't like Ray Jennings, but he said something interesting last year when we were playing SA - that he didn't believe in good pitches or bad pitches - a pitch rewarded the effort you put in. Now obviously this isn't completely true, but I think there is something in it. Australia's pacemen bowled poorly yesterday. Lee was wayward, as he always is without Mcgrath. Kasprowicz and Gillespie bowled some good balls and some four balls but nothing very special. In contrast, today Flintoff and Harmison were threatening, Flintoff was economical as well and Simon Jones, after a wayward beginning, bowled an extremely good spell of orthodox and reverse swing which none of the Australian bowlers ever looked like doing. Yes, there were some brainless shots but there was certainly some good bowling, fielding and planning by England.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by Rachael

...Ambrose going at 5-6 an over? I don't think so...

What about Ashley Giles (Undisputed Official King of Spain!) going for 3 an over, and taking 3-78?

Or Freddie Flintoff going for 3.47 an over and taking 3-52 on a very good pitch for batsmen to play fast bowling.

The pitch is very good, there is no doubt of that. But we have seen reward for bowlers prepared to graft but also admittedly greater rewards for batsmen facing wayward bowling, as was the case in the first innings of the match when the Australian pacemen were everywhere!

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Rachael

The first day of this second Ashes Test at Edgbaston has surely got to go down as the most depressing day of cricket the world has seen in many years...

Are you wtaching the same game????

By all accounts the first day was highly entertaining, the second as much. The game is set up for a win by one of the two sides...

We have seen over 700 runs scored and 21 wickets in two days - what is your problem?

At the time of writing the poll is 10 votes to 1 and Rachael you are the one!!

[SeanTheSpitfire]

We have seen over 700 runs scored and 21 wickets in two days - what is your problem?

Very true
you can't complain about the entertainment of this second test, i found it good watching and hope it continues throughout the series

[Ernest]

What's the problem with the pitch Rachael, the England team found it to their liking, and 700 runs have been scored of it in three days, but there was also something in it for the bowlers, look at Flintoff Jones Giles and Warne.

It was not the pitch, it was the players who attacked, and the bowling could do nothing about it.

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

By all accounts the first day was highly entertaining, the second as much. The game is set up for a win by one of the two sides...

We have seen over 700 runs scored and 21 wickets in two days - what is your problem?

At the time of writing the poll is 10 votes to 1 and Rachael you are the one!!

This test match - I feel - is developing into one of the best I've seen. A good batting performance from England tomorrow and then a failed run chase will probably make it up there with my favourites. This match has not at all been depressing, its been excellent test cricket and frankly one of the best from an England supporters point of view. The current poll reads 11 to 1 and Rachael is still the lone one!

What would you have wanted to see Rachael?

If you are depressed by such cricket you should really see a doctor, or find another game to watch! This game has attracted the attention of a lot of people - young and old, cricket fans and non cricket fans - and is just what we want to see happening in English cricket. If that depresses you then I really do feel sorry for you Rachael.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Lemming

If you are depressed by such cricket you should really see a doctor, or find another game to watch!

With you here Lemm.. If you don't enjoy this game then what are you actually watching cricket for?

This has everything (apart from a realistic possibility of a draw - and that is not a bad thing!!).. If you can't enjpy this.. you really are watching the wrong sport!! Test Cricket at it's very best..

[Lemming]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

This has everything (apart from a realistic possibility of a draw - and that is not a bad thing!!).. If you can't enjpy this.. you really are watching the wrong sport!! Test Cricket at it's very best..

Yup, as a cricket supporter I feel lucky I have the time to sit there all day and watch as much as I can of it! It's a crucial test match and one which I may be remebering for a very long time if it goes England's way!

[Cricket Girl]

Hear hear. This is an awesome Test match, and not just because England are doing well. Both sides, in both Tests, have served up some of the best cricket I've ever seen. Keep it going!