As things stand, I'd be reasonably ok with parity but of course if these two can get a decent partnership going I'll be hoping for more. I feel we need a decent-ish lead as we'll be batting last and while we keep hearing that it's a great pitch to bat on, aside from Marsh's innings yesterday the bowlers have been getting far more joy than the batsmen so far.What would you settle for come the end of the England 1st innings? I'd be happy with parity. I don't have huge confidence in some of our players' mentality. Would anyone be that surprised if we had a similar collapse to the one the Aussies had yesterday?
That I can agree with. One could even make the case that Cummins' call not to withdraw the appeal against Bairstow was pivotal in the last Test. Not even half way through the series yet, so many more big decisions await for both captains.The results say otherwise, All the big calls have gone to the Aussie captain, Stokes declaring shown weakness and then the England bowling did not stand up to the captain's faith in them,
Might be both if they get a full day of play. On the evidence of yesterday, England probably wouldn't want to be more than 10% behind Australia's first innings total, but even if they are bowling tonight with a lead of 30-50, in the context of the Test, that may be healthy.So, what do we reckon by the end of the day?
Bowling again or healthy lead?...
The results say otherwise, All the big calls have gone to the Aussie captain, Stokes declaring shown weakness and then the England bowling did not stand up to the captain's faith in them,
At the near half-way point in the series, I don't hold out much hope of either side managing that, certainly not consistently. Looks like being a series of fine margins.We need a 1st innings lead, ideally 100 but even 50 runs to give ourselves a platform to win the game. And we need to show complete focus and ruthlessness with bat, ball and in the field. We haven't managed to put a day together yet where everything has been ticking.
Bookmakers disagree.
True, but it could be all over as a contest before then if we don't pick up the win here.That I can agree with. One could even make the case that Cummins' call not to withdraw the appeal against Bairstow was pivotal in the last Test. Not even half way through the series yet, so many more big decisions await for both captains.
I don't judge who's in front in Test cricket because one wicket can change the outcome, But the thing that stands out the most in Test Cricket is the better quality team, They just have something else that takes them over the line, The better teams normally have a Captain that knows his onions and just feels something needs a change before it's too late, the Aussies captain is one step ahead of Stokes so far all his ideas have paid off and worked.
I will say a fully fit Mark Wood is a game-changer and somehow England/Stokes has to find a way to keep him in the game and series,
I agree with you that they’re on top but only slightly in my view.Just because whose at the wicket and I never take notice of betting firms! Lose Root in the first over Aussies will be favourites in there betting eyes! Me now Aussies are in the better position