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

[Occasional Fan]

I guess it's just because it's Sunday and there are not so many of us around, but normally by this time the discussion would have started about declaration tactics. So - what do we think? England now lead by 327. My instinct is that time to get the wickets is going to be more of an issue than the runs on the board at this stage. I'd be asking the batsmen to hit out now for another 50 minutes or so, to have Australia back in about 1730 today - that's an hour before the latest time for close of play. (Sorry about all this confusion today on timing: latest that I have heard from TMS is that stumps will be at 1800 if the overs are bowled - and they won't be - and the extra 30 minutes take us to 1830BST.)

[greg]

Interesting to see Australia resorting to these tactics by bowling a pathetic over rate while using a spinner.I thought that Australia could win any match from any situation?Obviously i was wrong.

Well batted Strauss and well done Bell.Have shown why we rate them so highly even if the opposition don't.

[monotonetuba]

c'monnnnnnnnnnnnnnn..we can do this!!!
380 would be ok.

[greg]

I thought the umpires could penalise the sides that acted in this way?If so they should.For the record if England do this in a later Test i will be equally disgusted.

[monotonetuba]

They did not give anyone englishman batsmen or bowler respect that is their undoing.

[John]

The way Australia have batted you could declare now.
I don't know what the light will be like but taking it's fine 5:30 providing your past 400. If not bat till the end 470 and 3 sessions of crowding the bat.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by greg

I thought the umpires could penalise the sides that cheated in this way?If so they should.For the record if England do this in a later Test i will be equally disgusted.

greg if the Aussies have been time wasting, then it will be sortef after the match, very little they can do with game on .
Come on give um a chance.

[greg]

I think any captain guilty of timewasting like Ponting has todayshould be banned from the next game.Then again the way he is batting in this series we want him playing.

[greg]

Strauss gets his 6th hundred in only his 17th Test.Well played young man.So much for the Aussie plans against him.

[greg]

Pietersen can get his primary club tie now.