3rd NatWest Series ODI: England vs. Australia at Bristol

[Rachael]

The big difference is that he's finally looking as if he's got genuine variations available to him: this time last year his yorkers were all over the place.. and he had no slower ball worth talking about. Now the first of those is clearly comng and I think they were talking of Harmison on the radio earlier when someone said he's now also added a pretty decent slower ball.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Victor Frankenstein

In confident mood i'd say that 250 isn't enough, australia will have to turn on the world champions level or be very lucky !

While it was a good recovery from 4-63, i would agree that England must be warm favorites at this point. They have some in form batsmen, the Aussie's don't have in form bowlers, and the wicket is quite flat. Should be a good chase to watch i think.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

That's what Harmo is at his best - very good, a handful for any batsman in world cricket. Trouble is, how often will he be at his best. He has produced it sporadically so far. .

I can understand your concerns over Harmi's consistency Mongoose. We get to see all of Englands tests, both home and away, in Australia and i have been watching him closely. He looked awful in Sth Africa towards the end, but it may be that he does'nt like touring. He does have a point to prove against Australia however, he copped a bad time down here in 2003, and will be looking for vengance. It will all boil down to how mentally strong he is as he has the ablity to tear us apart, but the Aussie batsmen have the ability to do likewise to him.
I personally have my doubts on whether he has that mental strenght, but his performance today did impress me all the same. Vaughans captaincy contributed to his success as well and should not be understated

[Doink]

Harmison was rocking! He really impressed me a lot. Hussey showed his class as well, he deserved a century. And then we've Collingwood! Never expected that from him! This is really turning out to be one hell of a contest! McGrath has struck twice but England still have their trump cards in Pietersen and Flintoff! Hey, how come Collingwood is batting ahead of these two and even Solanki? And thanks to R W S for that video, thanks a lot dude! If you have more clips do post them as well! Thanks again!

[Trescothick]

We have to steady the boat before we fire Doink... Get a decent run-rate: 4-4.5 then get Flintoff, Pietersen and Solanki in at scoring at like 7-8 an over and we should have the win...

[John]

There are just a few signs in this match Australia are beginning to find some form. England are on top 72-2

[Doink]

Point accepted dude, but I thought Solanki would've done a better job at steadying things up, Collingwood with the Dynamic Duo could be used to go in for the kill...what say?

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by John

There are just a few signs in this match Australia are beginning to find some form. England are on top 72-2

I think so too John. Particularly McGrath but the others too. England should go on to win this but you never know. Was most pleased with the recovery from 4-63 by the new guys. Bodes well for the future. The top order is still out of form but that hpoefully will be sorted come Ashes time.

[Richard Jenkins]

96/4 and flintoff seem's to have gone bonkers

[Doink]

Hmmm, Flintoff seems to have made his intentions pretty clear from the very start itself! Another interesting move by England by sending Flintoff ahead of Pietersen. But what I really like about England is their confidence and belief in themselves.