Yeah, fair enough, the pitch did play a role, but one thing the main England batters didn't do well is go on the front foot, get down the crease to cover the low bounce. They should have been picking shooters off the ground from further down. Or at least look to play defence from that stance. Vaughan went because he set himself to play a normal bounce with no thought for the defensive posture as a platform from which to play a shot. Agreed.
Bosh! Langer run out. Crucial break at a point where the Aussies looked to be settling. Pietersen again - he's having some day. Half an hour till lunch. Let's get another quickie.
Australia 1-54 after 14 overs. RR: 3.86 Hayden 34 not out Ponting 12 not out Harmison 6-2-10-0 Hoggard 2-0-12-0 Flintoff 3-0-19-0 Jones 3-0-13-0 Lead of 89 runs.
Hayden out on 34, bowled by Freddie Flintoff. Had a couple of close shouts for LBW as well. 67-2 now. Need to pick Ponting off before the Aussies get into double figures.
Weather looking tricky - wouldn't be surprised if there was some rain getting in on the action today.
Ponting's gone. Caught by substitute Hillbraith at 100-3. Australia nonetheless settling in against some good bowling for a strong advantage.
Australia 3-108 after 29 overs. RR: 3.72 Martyn 12 not out from 41 balls Clarke 4 not out from 3 balls Harmison 8-3-15-0 Hoggard 5-0-18-1 Flintoff 9-2-40-1 Jones 7-0-29-1 Live scoring at www.cricket.com.au for anyone interested.
i don't know much about cricket, so i don't understand that one. and i figure its nerves, but he did bat pretty well. england need to get in gear and get some wickets!!
South African cricket is notorious for crappy fielding and heroic batting. Anyway, Aussies heading for a 200 lead with seven wickets spare, it's looking bleak for England. Jones has been the pick of the bowlers, but he's having no luck whatsoever.
Could be good news for us, they reckon it's going to rain in London tomorow and mabey get a chance for a draw in the first test.