Picking the seam - 2009 Cricket Season

No change to the Aussies line-up, whilst England drop Ravi Bopara for debutant Jonathan Trott. As mentioned previously, Flintoff in for Onions.

England win the toss and bat on what is a road. Surprised there isn't a white line painted down the middle. However saying this, it is wearing very quickly with footmarks clearly visable. England currently 1/75. Siddle removed Cook early doors.

England resuming after lunch at 1/108. Aussies may start rueing not selecting Hauritz.
Massive session this one!!

Strauss goes, nibbling Hilfy, caught by Haddin. A bonus wicket for the Aussies.
All rise as Paul Collingwood MBE comes to the crease

Phew!!! Was hoping that we would get a quick one!! Almost called in the low pressure system!!!

Weather vs Cricket at the moment!!!

I know Karl. I am tossing up whether to go to bed as tomorrow morning looks the goods weather wise. But I want to watch the wholse of Day 1 as I think it will greatly determine who wins the Ashes. If England get to 350 for 5, they are in the box seat.

We soooooo needed to bat first to stand a chance if the rain wasn't going to show!!! We need a big spell from our quicks!!!

Ponting quipped at the toss whether or not the coin was weighted correctly. hahaha
Replays show that Hilfy overstepped when dismissing Strauss.

We need everything going our way!!!! Bout time something went our way!!1 Poms will whinge about that!!!

Brilliant comeback from the Aussies, in particular, Pete Siddle. England at stumps are 8/307. They have certainly missed the boat. Looked like a 450+ pitch, a score that the Aussies have to score as a minimum to ensure that they bat out 130+ overs and ensure that they are not chasing a huge score batting last on what will be a crumbling pitch.

Looking forward to Day 2, despite the chance of rain.

And we are in for a bat!! Hopefully we can pile it on before the heavy showers and thunderstorms develop this afternoon.

Heavy showers forecast for after the days play is finished according to BBC forecast. Light showers around in the afternoon though.

The pitch will only deteriorate further as the game goes on. It's going to be very, very tough for Australia to make a decent score in the first innings. Could easily be a spectacular collapse and less than 200 score.

Second innings will be even worse as the pitch becomes near unplayable, particularly against spin.

I share your fears Andrew!!! However we cleaned up the tail, and then Katich and Watson moved onto 0/61. Good to see some rain about, which halted play just before lunch . It is all about batting for time in this 1st innings. 400 is a bare minimum for the Aussies.

Call me negative, but the Ashes are all but over. 5/108. A disastrous middle session and still over 299 behind. We can whinge about the pitch but the Poms have made the most of conditions.

Katich now gawn. 6/109. Ah this sucks!! **** I hate the Poms!!

Haddin cleaned up big time. 7/111. **** me!!!
Time for a scotch.

Mitchell Johnson out caught behind of Swann. 8/131. The end is nigh!!

Clark out and the umpire (Rauf) has ferked up again. Clark gives him a serve on his departure. Missed it by some 6 inches. Cheating Poms and Pakis!! (Not that Clark was going to miraculously scored 100 and save us)

All out 160 after being 0/73. Broad finishes with 5 wickets, 4 to Swann (yes a real spinner Aussie selectors) only 1 for Freddie. This gives England a lead of 172. Some 25+ overs remaining today, they will be 250+ ahead by stumps.
Any chance for the Aussies to win is to knock the Poms over for 100 or less.

Disgusting

That's what we love about cricket DC. England were putrid last test. They win the toss on a very dusty deck, post a good 1st innings score and then do a number on the Aussies. Complete role reversal.

I dont know why they stayed with Hussey? he has not made a good score for almost a year

Totally agree with you re. Hussey. Not in the best mood to post my views on a number of topics, but I would expect some changes before we play the Windies at home this summer.

England have always doctored pitches and played in a somewhat unsportsmanlike way during Ashes series. Nothing new there, the 'bodyline' bowling tactics being the most famous. A lot of it is borderline cheating but what can you do?

I reckon we probably will bowl out England very cheaply, with the state of the pitch atm it is trying almost to the point of being formidable to post any sort of decent total.

Only problem is Australia will be lucky to scrape 100 in their second innings. Series over.

Well lets hope we can obliterate the Poms and have a crack at a run chase with the last 2 days up our sleeves!! If we last!

England currently 5/168, a lead of 340. Game over unless the heavens open for the next 2 days
Flintoff arrives at the crease. Could be some fireworks!!!