: 2nd Ashes Test: Edgbaston, 4-8 August: Day Three.

[Ernest]

Hi,
A make or break day is on today, get a lead of 420 or so, and England should be home.

From an Australian point of view, they will hope to hear the clatter of wickets from warnes bowling.

Game on, and what a game.

Please post your match comments here.

Thank's

[Mongoose]

Hi folks, for the first time since 2004 I've been able to watch two days of test cricket uninterrupted, and I'm glad to be able to comment on such a great test match. Day 1 was definitely the most entertaining day's cricket I've ever watched. Lots of shots, lots of runs and lots of wickets. I was particualrly impressed with the both way our batsmen attacked Warne, and the way Warne stuck to his guns in the face of the onslaught. I also admired the Aussies' commitment to attacking bowling, even if it didn't always work, although Ponting decision at the toss is less admirable.

On the second day, I thought England's bowling was superb, given the way the pitch played and the way guys like Ponting and Martyn looked determined to do what England had done on Day 1. S Jones bowled beautifully with the old ball, and Gilo gave a timely reminder of why I think it's stupid for the constant questioning of his place in the team. That's three members of the team for the chop, Mr Alderman!

So I'm really looking forward to today's play. The game is still in the balance. I think Warne is the key. He's going to get wicket on a turning pitch: the key is how many runs we get. If he gets his wickets cheaply then Australia could have a very good chance in the fourth innings. If England can take the attack to him as they did on Thursday then we should get a winning total.

In the words of the daft Channel 4 ads 'Bring it on!'

[rineet]

Pietersen should be sent at number 4., as he is the only English Batsman who can negate Warne. Bell has done nothing in this series and he should bat below Flintoff. The best middle order for the current situation, according to me, would be:

Pietersen
Vaughan
Flintoff
Bell
G. Jones

[Irish Left Armer]

Well I officially eat humble pie. I thought Aus would stroll past 400. Apparently not.

England bowled much much better than Australia did, big moments before lunch when they got Ponting and Martyn.

Definite key today is how they play Warne, you can't see off a spinner so they have to be positive. If England can make 250 they should win, pitch is starting to deteriorate a bit.

Gilo to bowl them out in the 4th innings. How sweet would that be.

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by rineet

Pietersen should be sent at number 4., as he is the only English Batsman who can negate Warne. Bell has done nothing in this series and he should bat below Flintoff. The best middle order for the current situation, according to me, would be:

Pietersen
Vaughan
Flintoff
Bell
G. Jones

I think you've got your numbers wrong, rineet. Vaughan goes in at three now. Do you mean Vaughan 3, Pietersen 4, then Flintoff etc?

[Irish Left Armer]

Hoggy has already gone in at number 3 so next man will be number 4.

[rineet]

There's one Matthew Hoggard who has been sent as a Night watchman. He is batting at number 3. So, after he gets out, Pietersen should come at number 4, Vaughan at 5 ,Flintoff number 6, Bell number 7, Jones at 8.

[Mongoose]

Ah, I get you. Sorry about that mistake. I actually agree that Pietersen might go in above Bell. Maybe leave Flintoff where he is though. Bell has been very disappointing, and the contrast with Pietersen is stark. Bell just doesn't look like he is cut out for test cricket. He may have all the skill and technique, but when he goes in he seems to waiting for the ball that will get him out. Maybe if he manages to survive for a while and gets a decent score against Aus it will help him build some confidence, but right now he seems to have no belief at all in his own ability. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come. KP, on the other hand, clearly believes in himself and looks like he's been playing test cricket for years.

[Trescothick]

I've never seen a partnership between Tresco and Pietersen before... It'll be interesting if they get in together how well they do and the way they both play!

[Collyisamackem]

So, how many balls will Hoggy last? I say 30.