***Official*** 1st Test at The Gabba

[Somerset]

Yeah, I didn't mean to imply that Ponting's wasn't - just that even though the ball jagged back a lot, I still thought he was gone. Good umpiring, IMO, and I actually think it's been very good this test so far, although Bowden's nose scratch yesterday was kinda like when you make as if to punch someone and then you run your fingers through your hair.

Personally I think the umpring had been excellent. As you mention, Bowden's nose scratching action yesterday would've had Ponting more than a bit worried. But good decision that one, Ponting well forward, likewise with the appeal against Hussey this morning.

Can't see Shane Warne lasting too long here! As I said, bring Flintoff on at the other end.

 

[silentstriker]

Need to give Harmison another shot TBH, not Freddie.

 

[silentstriker]

And Flintoff has listened to my fabulous advice . Harmison coming on.

 

[chalky]

Need to give Harmison another shot TBH, not Freddie.

As requested

 

[Slow Love™]

All of a sudden, conditions don't look that bad for bowling. IMO, it's been great batting and poor bowling that's fuelled this innings, far more so than a flat pitch. Might be ominous for the English batsmen though.

And it looks like Freddie's going to give Harmy a shot at the tail. Interesting...

 

[silentstriker]

HAHA

"He's hit the stumps at last. Throwing if not bowling"

 

[Somerset]

Need to give Harmison another shot TBH, not Freddie.

I see he's coming on now. Don't think that's too bad a decision but I just get the feeling wayward deliveries from Harmison against Shane Warne could be dispatched and prove costly. I certainly hope not for Harmison's own confidence.

 

[Slow Love™]

Haha, that's it Harmison, show us something... A bit of aggression with a ping at the stumps there.

 

[silentstriker]

All of a sudden, conditions don't look that bad for bowling. IMO, it's been great batting and poor bowling that's fuelled this innings, far more so than a flat pitch. Might be ominous for the English batsmen though.

And it looks like Freddie's going to give Harmy a shot at the tail. Interesting...

Considering what the ball is doing, and the fact Harmy needs to get into the swing of things, it is a good idea. Thats why I said he should put Harmy on.

 

[chalky]

All of a sudden, conditions don't look that bad for bowling. IMO, it's been great batting and poor bowling that's fuelled this innings, far more so than a flat pitch. Might be ominous for the English batsmen though.

And it looks like Freddie's going to give Harmy a shot at the tail. Interesting...

I think Pointing and Hussey are class above the rest of the Aussie batsmen and made the English bowling (bar Harmison who was terrible) look worse than perhaps it was. Possibly this tour could hinge on England finding away to remove those two as the rest of the top 7 can be vunerable and 4 of them being on the slide.

 

[Slow Love™]

Considering what the ball is doing, and the fact Harmy needs to get into the swing of things, it is a good idea. Thats why I said he should put Harmy on.

Yes, I found it interesting because it's an obvious decision made with Harmison's confidence level given priority when it's plausible that other bowlers who have bowled better might end this more quickly. My personal perspective is that getting Harmison up there and bowling like he can is a far better result than dropping him for somebody else, as I still think he has an important part to play this series.

Bit of an interesting situation for Clarke, at 6/482. I doubt Ponting's likely to declare anytime soon, so I think the pressure is still very much on Clarke to make a good score or go not out, seeing as he may not get to bat again this test.

 

[Somerset]

Yes, I found it interesting because it's an obvious decision made with Harmison's confidence level given priority when it's plausible that other bowlers who have bowled better might end this more quickly. My personal perspective is that getting Harmison up there and bowling like he can is a far better result than dropping him for somebody else, as I still think he has an important part to play this series.

Bit of an interesting situation for Clarke, at 6/482. I doubt Ponting's likely to declare anytime soon, so I think the pressure is still very much on Clarke to make a good score or go not out, seeing as he may not get to bat again this test.

I think Clarke will have confidence in Warne and Lee to stick around for a bit...well, ok, confidence in Lee to stick around for a bit. It certainly is important for him to record a decent score, as personally I think Australia looks more balanced with Shane Watson at six providing an extra bowling option as well as an equal batting role.

Flintoff on now, good move imo. Chance immediately against Clarke with a caught and bowled....

 

[chalky]

Flintoff slightly down on pace in that over not suprising considering it is his first proper bowl since June.

 

[pasag]

All out for 600 imo.

 

[Somerset]

All out for 600 imo.

500 up now. If this pair and/or Lee can stay in until 45-30 minutes before close of play, 600 is a certainty in my view.

 

[chalky]

All out for 600 imo.

If I was Australia I would be looking to declare about 1/2 hour after tea. Give yourself two shots at England with the new ball.

 

[Somerset]

If I was Australia I would be looking to declare about 1/2 hour after tea. Give yourself two shots at England with the new ball.

Personally I doubt they will though. I get the impression Australia will look to make as many as possible and look to declare about an hour after tea.

Although Warne has just gone to Harmison so that might change their approach.

 

[chalky]

Picture freezes when Harmison gets a wicket perhaps the production crew couldn't believe it.

 

[pasag]

Warne goneee. Harmison finally.

 

[Slow Love™]

Warne out to Harmison - pretty ordinary ball though. I know that Warney can look ungainly sometimes when he's having a good day, but he looked freakin' atrocious out there today.