Ashes

[DelTrotter]

KP was a huge gamble, especially given his recent lack of 1st class cricket. As a Yorkshireman I'm also reluctant to suggest Root as an opener was a mistake. But I'm glad to see Bresnan back instead of Finn.

He isnt Czar. He can win turn a losing position into a winning one in a session alone.

We are torturing them which is very good to see

[blaggard]

He isnt Czar. He can win turn a losing position into a winning one in a session alone.

We are torturing them which is very good to see

Of course it was a gamble, he's a flaky arrogant twat who can't control his mouth or bat, an occasional flashy innings does not cut it, thankfully the Aussies look like throwing it away.

[CzarJunkie]

He isnt Czar. He can win turn a losing position into a winning one in a session alone.

We are torturing them which is very good to see

He has played like a cunt. Now he's out injured. If he'd been fit I'd have had Bopara in over him, give us another bowling option too.

[Gherkin]

Have to admit KP is very good when he is good but a lot of the time he is bad.

Would like to see James Taylor have another go. He was only given 2 matches and then tossed aside. Quality player.

[Laner]

KP has had his time now - bring in some younger guys who are the future

[DelTrotter]

When picking pietersen is a gamble then English cricket has lost its vision. He maybe not in the form you expect but thats him. England can pick Bopara and win comfortably again because this Aussie team has no batting strength. England are going to dominate every test and only weather will stop a whitewash. Just hope OT provides a good test and no disruptions.

[maltloaf]

how do we feel about KP's vital 100 today ?

[Nibb]

Not good enough...he needed a "daddy hundred" like Clarke did!!

The follow on could have been saved already if he hadnt got out.

[flukesy]

To be fair a "daddy hundred" wouldn't have been enough, we needed a big 200 or so partnership

[Nibb]

Another 70 - 80 wouldnt have been too shabby IMO

[Nibb]

Anyway Monday will be washed out I cant see Aus winning in the next 90 overs

[flukesy]

Blast past the follow on in the morning let them have a go and wait for the rain lol

[DelTrotter]

That 'gamble' seemed to have paid off doesnt it.

Toss winner was massive favourites and its turned out that way. Hopefully the Manchester rain comes to rescue.

[SiE]

This game had draw all over before it even started looking at the weather. KP did well today. It has been a decent recovery tbh. As long as the aussies dont bowl us cheaply in the morning its a draw and we at least retain the ashes.

[blaggard]

Yeah draw and Ashes retention, for a couple of Months anyway. I just hope we win the next two, whitewash would have been good. . .

[CzarJunkie]

KP did well yesterday. I'm just hoping Broad and Prior can bat until at least Lunch today and take it from there.

[blaggard]

Yeah I'm happy to concede that KP used his noggin as well as his bat, when he's firing properly and happy he's a monster, much of the time the ego just gets in the way

[Nibb]

Ashes retained by the looks of the pics coming from OT on Twitter this morning - rain not forecast to stop until 6pm.

Next game starting Friday will deffo be a result as the Durham pitch wont be as hard and true as this one has been.

[SiE]

Its down for rain all day round here. No chance of play all day i reckon. The iphone app is saying 90-100% chance of rain till 6.

[CzarJunkie]

Covers are very much still on............or they were at 09.40. Think the image updates every 10 mins.

http://www.lccc.co.uk/weatherstation/