The Ashes 2006/07: The Brisbane Test Thread (Day 1)

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by greg

Langer having loads of luck this morning.Hoggard having none.

Yes that's true - it's fair to say Harmison got England of to a bad start, Australia have had the luck going, but if Hoggard and Anderson keep putting bit in the right place, one of those edges will stick.

[Aussie-Yank]

Thats true Ern, but you could also see 500 come up as well

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Aussie-Yank

Thats true Ern, but you could also see 500 come up as well

Don't mind that if England do the same, Harmison back on bowling again, misses Flintoff this time.

[John]

This is the trouble with good sides if don't start bowling well in the first few overs you end up paying the price.
Yes the openers have had a bit of luck but you also expected a bit better from the England bowlers on the opening morning.

[Django]

Originally Posted by Ernest

Yes that's true - it's fair to say Harmison got England of to a bad start, Australia have had the luck going, but if Hoggard and Anderson keep putting bit in the right place, one of those edges will stick.

Luck or no luck. Nerves or no nerves. Whatever may be the reason(s). I do not see how England are going to recover from this blow - particularly the ineffectiveness of Harmison. I reckon the Aussies will be more 350 plus for the loss of not many wickets by the end of today.

[John]

England's first wicket!

[Ernest]

Two quick wickets would make it 79-2 - as I type Flintoff gets a wicket - 79-1.

It was just a quick ball.

[Mike]

The main concern for Benaud during his stint in the commentary box was the lack of swing by the England bowlers in part caused by not keeping a straight upright seem. Are the England bowlers troubled by the Kookaburra ball? After 6 overs Flintoff had words to the umpire about the ball and there was a brief discussion between the umpires. They were pointing to an area close to the seam. Ian Chappell also remarked at the lack of humidity at the ground which is unusual for the Gabba at this time of the year. The pitch is also looking dry - flat, little or no sideways movement - suggesting little or no moisture in the pitch which won't assist conventional swing either.

Chappell also remarked at England's tactics regarding bouncing Langer. Harmison was off target in his first spell so Flintoff took him off after just two overs. Anderson has bowled the odd bouncer to Langer and Flintoff also. However, Langer is enjoying himself out there with plenty of smiles. Both batsmen are confident in driving and Langer has been cutting and pulling early on. Will be interesting to see if any reverse swing happens later.

I think England went into the game with a defensive mindset and should have held their nerve a bit longer by keeping 4 slips and giving Harmison a longer spell. He was bowling with good pace and got the edge of Langer's bat on a few occasions but the ball flew through vacant areas in the slips cordon.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Mike

He was bowling with good pace and got the edge of Langer's bat on a few occasions but the ball flew through vacant areas in the slips cordon.

What if it all went wrong though, some bowlers get edges all day - 50 - 0 was on the card PDQ, that's why Flintoff took him off.

[Mr Hutt]

good ball by flintoff Ponting in now... lets see if the England bowling attack can knock him over now!!!


Panesar not playing is going to come back to haunt england.. mark my words