Aubrey Maturin

James Taylor into the middle order. Had a tough baptism against SA last year and due another shot. Other than that no changes. The pitch should favour spin, although traditionally it was beneficial for real pace bowling.

Compton has spent the last few weeks bitching about how he was hard done by etc. He has blown his chances of ever appearing for England again. Not a big deal as he is thoroughly shite. Absolutely brilliant knock by Root today, delighted for him. A potential superstar.

The Australians are rank rotten, however the England batting performances this summer against both sides have been a concern. Is it complacency, I'm not sure? Mr dependable Trott has been out to some very loose shots this summer, and the way Pietersen has got himself out in this test has been piss poor. If the captain isn't scoring heavily then the other senior players need to give themselves a shake. As much as I would like Bairstow to succeed as a test number six I just can't see him getting a huge score at any point. Matt Prior has also been out to some poor strokes. I thought I would never say this but thank goodness for Bellend. A very important morning for Joe Root, who did not look convincing yesterday, though I'm sure a big innings would cement his place and help him relax.

Suspicious according to the local rag.

Build a tunnel.

I agree with that and if there is a decent alternative to open then worth considering. Not the awful Compton or Michael Carberry please.

Broad is definitely an enigma. Should produce much more often but seems to just do enough to maintain his place in the side. He is a bit Bell like in the respect that anytime their place is under threat they have a good match. I would like to see Root continue to open after all it's his position for Yorkshire.

14 overs seems the norm these days. Stu McGill was unlucky as Australia had a wealth of seam options meaning they only ever played one spinner and unfortunately for him we all know that guy wasn't too shabby. Also McGill pulled out of a tour to Zimbabwe for political reasons which didn't endear him to the selectors. Spot on plus Pietersen is an option that should be used more often.

He has had one test match ten wicket haul against Pakistan in 2010 and three at county level. His test match one was five wickets in first innings and six in second. ( info nicked from the brilliant Cricinfo )

You could argue he would have been even better had he not been messed about for about three years as a permanent tourist/12th man while various substandard coaching gurus messed about with his action.

On the other hand you can argue if the stumping of Agar & Trott LBW decisions had been dealt with correctly, but that has already been done to death. England in recent times have continually started test series poorly before improving. Can Australia improve on this performance.. that remains to be seen.

Maybe time to give the ball to Finn and see if his extra height and bounce does something. Squeaky bum time Strauss is absolutely murder. Edit at 1207 - What do I know.

Just finished The Flag Captain by Alexander Kent. Halfway through an absolutely tremendous naval series set during late 1700's and early 1800's. For me it's better than the Aubrey and Hornblower series.

I'm with you on Onions. Always a bit unlucky to be overlooked. Finn has a lot of hard work to do. I was at the ODI at Durham last year and the Finn then was unplayable. The number six spot is an issue, and I think they will keep faith with Bairstow and I would like to see him succeed.. The other options aren't great. Morgan has failed, Compton is awful and James Taylor has not kicked on. Bopara does look like an option and although not a fan could be useful in this series.

Your best case scenario would be priceless. The frivolous use of the review system by the Aussies in this test has been amateur hour stuff. It has been a very enjoyable test match. I can see Bresnan being brought in for Finn who since the continual stump hitting controversy looks a different bowler. Also Bairstow as a number six? I like the lad but I just can't see him making much more than the odd fifty. The only disappointment with a test match next week is that it clashes with the Open.

Yes Setanta want the coverage, with all games being available on Betamax.

Maybe VickyTheViking can tell you?

See the SJC Boat thread on the General Nonsense forum and the identity has been revealed.

True Dunfermline are still a relatively big club.

The only thing that will prevent a whitewash will be the weather. England are far too strong for this Aussie team who are hopefully going to be in the doldrums for years.

This is the worst Australian side in a generation and with Clarke looking dodgier fitness wise by the week there is no reason why England shouldn't pump them 5 nil. They truly are woeful

Just another knuckledragger who will be banned soon.

Wasting time clearly doesn't offend them.

Definitely he has a dry sense of humour and is extremely knowledgeable about the game. Some good anecdotes about him in Bumbles book.