Cricket

[Frank Manning]

I hope that this match will be a wake up call to England. This Aussie team especially the bowlers have looked really good in this match, and seem to have swung the ball when our bowlers suddenly didn't seem able to. The ball that got Ian Bell in the 1st innings was a real beauty. If this game has helped the Aussie skipper find his form with the bat, then we are in for an interesting two tests to come.

Bring it on.

[kaymar]

Ah, but we've still got "the world's best batsman" and some North Eastern rain if we need either or both of them in Durham. I'm sure Rooty would have batted all day today if he had to.

[Frank Manning]

He needs to get on the front foot more. Bringing in Lehman is beginning to improve the Aussies, and personally I think Michael Clarke is not only a great bat, but one of the nicer Aussie captains. England need to wake up, bring in Onions for Bairstow, and think about Trott's position too, although there were signs of improvement early yesterday. But thats only my opinion; a not very good, former club cricketer.

[kaymar]

Onions is steady but unspectacular, just too like Bresnan for me with less ability with the bat. I much prefer Tremlett if/when he is fit, but I think four specialist bowlers is enough, if they are good enough.

You're right though, Frank, young Bairstow is a great fielder and limited over batsman but doesn't look as though he is going to make it in Test cricket. I know Taylor seems to be the current next in line but I think Compton was a little hard done by after doing OK as a makeshift opener when required. I would give him a go in the middle order.

Trott? well, he is just an enigma, isn't he? On balance, I would leave him in the Test team, for a while at least but not for the one-dayers.

I think one of the problems is that, on current form, there are very few players who are consistent enough to be said to be certain of their place. Anderson is probably one, but even he was very ordinary on his home ground. The other problem is the apparent lack of outstanding replacements pressing for a place.

[Frank Manning]

I think you are right about pace, Jimmy has been the most consistent for several years now, and I'm a fan of Bresnan who is an intelligent bowler. Bell is the most consistent England batsman at present, but that was a beauty which bowled him in the first innings. On Ch 5 highlights yesterday Boycott was laying into Petersen for the drive he played getting caught behind, but it could have been anyone playing that shot, Cook and Bell both drive at full length balls, but Bell the shorter of the three at least gets his foot to the pitch of the ball most times. Great game cricket, so skillful in all areas.

[The Invigilator]

I love cricket, our eldest son played for a local team for many years and the Northern Knights too, hubby was a coach at the local club and during festival weeks I was in charge of teas - I can rustle up a mean cricket tea we are no longer involved as son has grown up and moved onto other things and after breaking both arms whilst coaching hubby gave up too but we still watch. I think it's brilliant a lovely sit down with the family and watch type sport