3rd Ashes Test: Old Trafford, 11-15 August: Day One

[Ernest]

Groundsman promises hard pitch
Old Trafford groundsman Peter Marron belives the third Test pitch will not be the raging turner others expect

Not been doctored, described as hard and polished looking, a pitch to last, will it help Warne?, could do a little says groundsman.

But the pitch is that dry an hard, the ground may not break up, but the ball will soon shred.

So if McGrath does bowl, and according to my BBC e-mail that's not sure, then would it be wise to bowl him on such a pitch?.

[Occasional Fan]

McGrath and Lee both play; England won the toss and will bat first.

Getting some really odd interference on fivelive extra today - including the commentary team warm up in the background, with Agnew recording his lead in. Hope this clears up before the match starts, as the reception at the moment is appalling.

[DaveGillespie]

Any joy with Radio 4 LW, OF?

Trescothick sounds like he's being tied up in knots by McGrath. Beaten outside, lifter, beaten outside, squared up - repeat ad infinitum.

[Richard Jenkins]

I got some background chat . Reception seems poor; the pitch seems to be lively so far. The second ball nearly kills trescothic. Trescothic beaten all ends up this first over.

[English_Al]

McGrath has just bowled his first over, 6 brilliant balls, awesome.

Lee just about to bowl, this is a hard pitch so I reckon he'll do well...

[Occasional Fan]

Reception seems OK now, a bit variable but easily audible.

[English_Al]

On the subject of DAB radio, could either of you guys recommend a good one?

McGrath and Lee are both bowling some superb balls, unlucky to have not got a wicket. Gilchrist dropped a cinch of a catch off Tresco, Jones would have been lynched if he'd done that!

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

I tried to get one a t christmas but couldnt find a place that had stock ! My dads got a roberts one which he says it pretty good - not portable though.

[Occasional Fan]

Not able to help on the DAB front, Al. I listen online. Not even sure if DAB has reached this far across Europe yet, and I have no idea if I would be able to pick up UK stations this far east. Until I know that - and I don't even know where to look for the information - I'm not buying! Digitial broadcasting is making such advances that, in some cases, it is working against some of us. For example, the satellite footprint which used to allow us (illegally) to receive Channel 4 and the BBC over here seems to have been reduced in size - focusing more on the people to whom it is really aimed. The result is that we can now only get BBC TV with a 205cm dish or bigger and I understand that Channel 4 is also now variable in quality here. All of which should be treated as entirely unreliable information from one who doesn't own a TV.

[English_Al]

Lee has just hit Strauss on the head, he and all the Aussies made a point of checking he was OK, very good to see.

I think England got a bit caught up trying to show aggression when they didn't do the same at Lords, I'd like to see them going back to checking Aus are OK when it next happens, which is as it should be. Everyone wants to see aggression but no-one wants to see people badly hurt on a cricket pitch.