Thursday, August 4

Edgbaston

The second test is not too far away now, and there is a lot of excitement not because of anything else but because a certain MLL* has just been ruled out of the match, and we await the news on how bad his ankle is. Apparently he fell over on a cricket ball, while chasing a football. Or so Darren Lehmann says. Saw a few pictures, he seemed to be in a lot of pain, and I find it a little incongruous people are laughing about it. Can't expect Englishmen to not be upbeat from it, but heck some discretion might be in order. :)

Either way, this should definitely even things up a bit. Its still overcast over in Edgbaston, but with the MLL* out, they're thinking it might work for Australia to bat first and let Warne loose on Days 4 and 5. Open house on how much this will affect the match- my take is that could be pretty crucial. Gillespie and Kasper might not be able to fill in the shoes too well. They'll miss the guidance of McGrath. Crucial, yes- whether it will be decisive, only time will tell.

Toss- Australia win and will have a bowl. There's some of that discretion I was talking about from Marc Nicholas. Vaughan maintains they were going to have a bat anyway; now I can't say how good (bad) the pitch might be, but England have a great chance here to rack up some runs and negate the Warne factor towards the end of the match, if it goes the distance. The second test, and the excitement is on again. Over at Will's the barrage of comments should be starting anytime now...!

*MLL- Master of Line&Length

6 comments:

worma said...

Not updating session count, Akr ? I thought it was a good idea going ?

shakester said...

had updated after session 1 yesterday, worma. Just done the rest for yesterday. jury's out on whose session this first of day 2 was...

worma said...

first...well I would say a tie.

Anonymous said...

Well Akr, England might be in front on the scoreboard but I reckon the day wil long be remembered for the 4th last ball. Is not Shane Warne a marvel, The Strauss Ball became his 100th test scalp in England and the first player to take 100 wickets in a country not his own.. roll on tomorrow and 600 wickets.

Anonymous said...

Shakey - I have been reading about the ball. Can you send me the clip somehow?

Anonymous said...

I did not see it myself (woe! woe!), though I hope to catch it later. Not following this on the net, so wont be able to send you a clip, ankush...sorry...but what exhilirating cricket!