[quote author=umpire link=topic=98769.msg647026#msg647026 date=1437237906]
Australia dominating at lords and will probably set England 450/500 in 150 overs
[/quote]
69/0 in 18 overs..Maybe they are saving the best for last wherein they can bang them..
Leading to many an assumptions,but one thing is becoming common,a 500 target in under 120-140 overs.
England have Australia right where they want them. A double-century from Joe Root coupled with centuries by Buttler and Mo and we will just about be home.
In all seriousness, this one is done. Credit to Australia. They won the toss, made good use of a slow wicket with the bat and were able to get more out of the wicket with the ball - although aided by some not so great batting from England.
[quote author=Fastbowler link=topic=98769.msg647135#msg647135 date=1437318137]
Ian Bell's last few Test inns: 11, 1, 60, 1, 1, 12, 1, 1, 29, 0, 0, 1, DNB, 143, 11. That ton feels a long time ago
[/quote]
His form has been beyond dismal. I just ran the numbers and started a new thread. They make for very dire reading. Sadly, I still think he gets the entire Ashes series, but really, he needs to be replaced. He offers nothing at 4 and with the problems the opening batsman continue to face and now Ballance's own run off poor form, England continually find themselves 3 down for nowt on the board. It doesn't matter how deep you bat if the top order keeps failing.
