*Official* 2nd Test at Lord's

[Tangles]

When Harris was retired I considered changing my prediction for the series but thought we still had enough bowling to squeeze a tight 2-1 win. After Cardiff I don't think we can do that anymore. It's only one test but I just don't think any one area looks strong enough to win 2 without further losses.

Bowling might fire for a win and batting might click to win or draw but both clicking to get in front overall just doesn't seem likely.

Will be happy to be very wrong.

 

[Compton]

Given that he's a spinner that bats at 8, Moeen probably won't be too involved tomorrow anyway. Can't imagine there'd be too much in the pitch for him to bowl at, and England will be hoping he wouldn't be needed if they're batting.

If he's 50/50 then the extra day's 'rest' could be a deciding factor.

 

[BeeGee]

There are two things for Aussie supporters to be happy about:

1. Your middle order batting has improved by the selection of M Marsh and Nevill. Your team is better than the one that played the first test, IMO.

2. England's recent record in tests following a victory isn't great. Against both the WI and NZ, victories were followed by heavy defeats. There may be an element of complacency creeping in following victory.

 

[Cabinet96]

Really cringe to see the English media talking about how big a blow it is for Australia that Haddin is out.

 

[Uppercut]

Surely no one expects any runs from Nevill though, making his debut at 1-0 down in an away Ashes against a very in-form attack. Keeping might be an improvement, but even then there's a lot that's unique about keeping to an express attack at Lord's.

 

[BeeGee]

Surely no one expects any runs from Nevill though, making his debut at 1-0 down in an away Ashes against a very in-form attack. Keeping might be an improvement, but even then there's a lot that's unique about keeping to an express attack at Lord's.

There are two sides to bringing in a new guy. Sure, he's inexperienced at this level and in this environment, but England won't be as familiar with him either. They won't have the same level of knowledge about his strengths and weaknesses as they did with Haddin.

This is also the best way to debut. He wasn't selected ahead of Haddin, he's just playing because Haddin can't, so there's very little expectation on his shoulders (as you indicate).

It won't take much for him to perform better than Haddin did in the first test.

 

[Compton]

Plenty of cloud forecast tomorrow. Will the winning captain be tempted to have a bowl?

 

[Howe_zat]

Lord's is usually bat first and both captains will want to give the bowlers another day. Be very surprised if a side gets put in.

 

[social]

When Harris was retired I considered changing my prediction for the series but thought we still had enough bowling to squeeze a tight 2-1 win. After Cardiff I don't think we can do that anymore. It's only one test but I just don't think any one area looks strong enough to win 2 without further losses.

Bowling might fire for a win and batting might click to win or draw but both clicking to get in front overall just doesn't seem likely.

Will be happy to be very wrong.

England's top 3 hardly inspires confidence and it would not surprise me at all to see them lose early wickets more often than not

It's almost inevitable that they will be rolled for a low first innings score sooner or later (as they should have been in Cardiff) and Oz needs to capitalize on that

 

[GIMH]

Really cringe to see the English media talking about how big a blow it is for Australia that Haddin is out.

Possibly is to team morale given the circumstances. Though I'm sure that's not what the media are saying.

 

[BeeGee]

England's top 3 hardly inspires confidence and it would not surprise me at all to see them lose early wickets more often than not

Indeed. At the fall of the third England wicket...

WI
First test... 3/34, 3/52

Second test... 3/164, 1/144

Third test... 3/38, 3/18

NZ
First test... 3/25, 3/74

Second test... 3/238, 3/62

Aus
First test... 3/43, 3/73

Only 3 good starts out of 12.

 

[LegionOfBrad]

The only answer is bat unless the clouds are black and the lights are on.

And then its probably still bat.

 

[Compton]

Indeed. At the fall of the third England wicket...

WI
First test... 3/34, 3/52

Second test... 3/164, 1/144

Third test... 3/38, 3/18

NZ
First test... 3/25, 3/74

Second test... 3/238, 3/62

Aus
First test... 3/43, 3/73

Only 3 good starts out of 12.

Looking at those numbers, does Joe Root out average the top 3 combined over that period?

 

[Tangles]

England's top 3 hardly inspires confidence and it would not surprise me at all to see them lose early wickets more often than not

It's almost inevitable that they will be rolled for a low first innings score sooner or later (as they should have been in Cardiff) and Oz needs to capitalize on that

Away from home recent Aus form isn't good. I can see getting a win but turning around and winning the series will mean playing better consistently and winning more sessions. Can't afford another bowling injury and need Clarke or Smith in God mode every match.

 

[tooextracool]

Really cringe to see the English media talking about how big a blow it is for Australia that Haddin is out.

Considering that hes made a career out of scoring runs against England and failed miserably against pretty much everybody else, they might have a point. That being said, I am personally more concerned about a guy that averages 44 odd in domestic cricket and has a double hundred to his name than someone who has been in terminal decline since the last Ashes series

 

[The Battlers Prince]

The importance of runs from the keeper nowadays is almost up with actually keeping well. Most wickets are so flat you don't need to be able to move as well as in the past. When the wickets ordinary you get shown up as happened to Wade in India. The Lord's slope will provide a challenge for Nev coming in on debut I think but he should be fine after a while. So long Hadds

 

[social]

Considering that hes made a career out of scoring runs against England and failed miserably against pretty much everybody else, they might have a point. That being said, I am personally more concerned about a guy that averages 44 odd in domestic cricket and has a double hundred to his name than someone who has been in terminal decline since the last Ashes series

Be very surprised if Neville is an abject failure with the bat

Keeping might be different

 

[RossTaylorsBox]

3 Mitchells in the team,

The most Australian-sounding team. Pity that Shane was dropped.

 

[Gob]

You should be prepared to lose in order to win

 

[The Battlers Prince]

Be very surprised if Neville is an abject failure with the bat

Keeping might be different

I do hope he keeps well, I would love a genuine keeper again