WTC and Ashes 2023

[Sword of Justice]

I suddenly feel like our team may be quite old with weaknesses all out on display.

We of course have the talent to win any match but they don't exactly seem like the hunters lately.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Tough going out that, that track is almost the same colour as the outfield.

 

[kiap]

A great time for Travis Head to get his first overseas Test ton! ... and still be there at stumps day one.

Handy partnership with Smithy at the other end to resume tonight ...

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

327/3 after being put in is a decent day's work esp as only 85 overs were bowled.

 

[kiap]

^ Yep, Head feasted on the Indian bowling. Strike rate above ninety in a test is good going.

 

[Sword of Justice]

I watched until 100/3 so far out this was a nice surprise waking up this morning.

I think Warner and Labaschagne put the hooks in for just enough time and not a moment more to let Head flourish.

India on the other hand baulked but will have sessions go their way throught the remainder of this test.

Perfect perfect perfect opportunity for Head and Smith opportunity to put down some serious daddy scores for the books.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

That's a fantastic first day, especially when we were in a spot of bother just after lunch. Head was magnificent and will be giving England something to think about too.

 

[Dctarget]

Head & Smith are such a fun combination together. Get Smithy to his century then absolutely belt it, aim for 450+ by lunch. Should be doable with Carey and & Green to come.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Indians were really let down by Yadav and Thakur. All the early pressure was let go and once some of these guys get rolling they are hard to stop.

Bloody hell its refreshing to think we have a quality middle order. Feel like we have been stuffed if either Smith, Marnus don't get a score on their own for a long time.

 

[John S]

Well, someone's out the mocker on, the collapse is on

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

We made 469 and that's an excellent total on that track. Batting was tough in periods yesterday, it's just that Head and Smith made it look easy.

 

[kiap]

Need a couple more wickets before the close. The four pacemen are on one each.

I like what Boland is doing. Economical so far.

 

[kiap]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1666811068646293505

 

[kiap]

Ind 5/151 at the close with Gary Lyon's brief appearance earlier getting Jadeja.

12 wickets in the day is significant.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Unless it rains India won't make it to Day 5.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

We made 469 and that's an excellent total on that track. Batting was tough in periods yesterday, it's just that Head and Smith made it look easy.

Yeah it’s a terrific effort. If we got offered 400 in our first innings in England I think we’d take it every time. Hell I reckon we’d take 350

 

[Sword of Justice]

Not much sweeter than preventing Jadeja of a 50 and not having to see the stupid sword celebration.

 

[John S]

What a great two days of test cricket. Yeah, I'm a bit critical of the lower order collapse, but looking back, it was a good result - far better than we played in India.

It was a shame Cummings no-balled on Rahane as he could be a thorn in the Aussie's side today.

 

[kiap]

India have clawed back a bit of ground on the third day. Few dropsies in the field by the Aussies followed by a battle to keep wickets intact during our second dig.

 

[kiap]

Loose bus change and Green hold out until stumps. 4/123, a lead of 296.

Still, 9 wickets fell in the day.

Need to bat out at least one full session tomorrow.