NatWest Challenge 2005/2nd match-Lord's Sunday 10 July.

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

Good to see Flintoff finding form. Top order for England is a bit of a worry, although Tres and Vaughan have scored runs at some point recently. Good job we have in-form Bell and quality Thorpe to bolster the ine-up for the tests. Has Pietersen's bubble burst? Not that he's suddenly a bad player, but maybe his run of everything happening for him has come to an end.

Just an off day for England i think. They showed their class last game and were probably just a little complacent. All of the English top order has enjoyed success at some stage this series unlike Australia.
The Aussies will have to face the English bowlers now. I have no doubts that they will knock over the fragile Aussie top order, but i can always live in hope.
Pietersen has a waekness short of a length outside off. Australia has worked him out now, but the English selectors should gamble and play him in the tests anyway. If he comes off, he is a match winner

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

Good job we have in-form Bell and quality Thorpe to bolster the ine-up for the tests. Has Pietersen's bubble burst? Not that he's suddenly a bad player, but maybe his run of everything happening for him has come to an end.

I think to much was expected of Pietersen, I don't think he is ready yet, Thorpe will be needed to steady the ship.

Lee has bowled well, by far Australia's most effective bowler, England will be able to play him with more time, not having to whack boundries in Test cricket.

[Trescothick]

To be honest its all mostly positive from this game for England anyway...

Tresco and Strauss both played themselves in well and they played the good balls brilliantly... Then they got themselves out to ODI shots, the luck just wasn't with them which you need in ODIs... So they have shown in tests they can sustain that early Aussie pressure and fend them off. Flintoff finally played a mature innings for the first time for a very long time so we can be happy about that. Giles is being a very tight bowler: 4 runs from 3 overs. Jones scored a few.. So overall some good positives..

Hopefully Kaspa will now get a place as well so the Aussies begin with the partnership of Gillespie and Kaspa in Tests

[Victor Frankenstein]

bad day at the office here, freddy batted well though, as did jones again so i'm glad to see that, both only got out because of the nature of the game.

I'm more dissapointed with the general body language of the team today though, they really don't look up for the game, almost like they were believing the hype in the papers and thought they just had to turn up for another easy win. After losing the toss and now knowing they have to face an extra batsman just seems to have taken the wind out of our sails.

Not over till it's over i guess, but on a flat pitch with such a pitiful score to defend i think our bowlers are just not bothering to strain themselves before tuesdays decider.

[Kirsty Harris]

Originally Posted by Ernest

I think to much was expected of Pietersen, I don't think he is ready yet, Thorpe will be needed to steady the ship.

Yes indeed, Ernest. It's proably for the best if the level of expectation around Pieterson is toned down a little. You sw today, and also in the final of the Natwest series, that Pieterson does not really know how to judge an innings yet. He needs to learn that you can't always hit the attack all around the ground. Good innings by Freddie...did you see him being interviewed on the cricket show this morning? It was on while I was fixing my clients their breakie this morning...

[Seamer]

Nice positive spin you have put on it there Tresco. Delusionary, but hey, whatever gets you through. What you are seeing here is a taste of what is to come. The game on thursday was not a true indication of the abilities of each team. England would have struggled to get 150 if they batted first - lucky they won the toss. But that was the high water mark for England for this summer.
Australia have finally arrived. Strap in, it's gonna be a great ride (if you are an Aussie)

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by Ernest

I think to much was expected of Pietersen, I don't think he is ready yet, Thorpe will be needed to steady the ship..

The Aussies have worked him out now. I could see his glaring weakness after watchng a few innings of his. Short of a length outside off. He has nowhere to go. Major weakness that one and if he does'nt address it sooner rather than later he will get worked out by all nations and may never play a test

[Trescothick]

Yeah, I am taking every positive possible however the points you make are delusional if you really think the Aussies are going to take it as cleanly as possible. The fact of the matter is that your making your points way over the top because you can because you know the Aussies will probably win the Ashes so yoru comments are safe and you can brag as much as you want to laugh at us England supporters even more.

[Seamer]

Bit of banter Tresco - no more. Yes the Aussies should win this series well, but look on the bright side. England is on the way up, Australia is at the top and there is only one way they can go now. Your time will come.

[Aussie-Yank]

Originally Posted by Seamer

Bit of banter Tresco - no more. Yes the Aussies should win this series well, but look on the bright side. England is on the way up, Australia is at the top and there is only one way they can go now. Your time will come.

Big call mate, I hope its sun shine coming your way and not eggs