Australia v England, 2nd Test, Adelaide, 2-6 December, 2017

Spose knackering one of the quicks is a good way to get Bird selected.

Wouldn't mind if he replaced Purple.

So you believe NOT enforcing the follow-on was correct?

It'll be embarrassing if we get rolled for 100 and England go close to running down the 300 target. If that happens Smith's decision will be remembered along side Nasser's decision to send us in at the Gabba.

As Geeves says, the only play that could give England a sniff was to NOT enforce.

True. Arguably we should have batted on in the first dig, given rain was coming. Another 20 or 30 would have helped.

Seasick is a dumb captain, but a great bat.I think the declaration was more questionable than the decision to not enforce the follow on.

Yep the Poms have a sniff, but only because our top order are suspect when conditions do not suit. A target of 300 will test the Poms. If they fluke the win they will have done well. I will grind my teeth like every non Pomgolian.

At least this now a true Test between two average teams.

IMHO, we will still lose quite heavily, for the simple reason that, whilst Lyon has looked extremely dangerous - your three quicks have got more wickets through rotten shot selection than excellent bowling.

Don't get me wrong, Starc, Cummins and Hazelwood have bowled well enough, but Root's dismissal was a perfect example of my point. Geoffrey is constantly on about playing at wide balls that should be left alone 'til you've been at the crease for a couple of hours, not 10 minutes - and on a score of 70-odd, not 7.

Our only chance of coming within 100 runs of any target is to roll you over before lunch, and lose only one wicket before the lights come on - and none after. Two batsmen set, and playing sensibly for the night session. Should we still be batting after 80 overs, by my reckoning the new ball will be due mid second session, at which point we'll crumple like a sack of shit.

I'm fantasising, of course. More likely, Marsh will hang about like a fart in a space suit, the bowlers will take a half hour each to dislodge. We'll bat an hour before close, lose 5 wickets ...... and be all-out for about 120 in short order next morning.

You may be right and certainly make some strong points about the scenarios.. Oz need to survive 'til the end of the first session and add 70 odd. Think it could still be close.

Big Dog wrote:Once again Geeves calls it like it is:

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/the-ashes/ashes-2017-steve-smiths-second-test-followon-call-reeks-of-sports-science-brett-geeves/news-story/0fe93a915f53a357dd0c4c917c2d4e05?ref=BP_RSS_fox-sports_3__nonsense_--whats-really-to-blame-for-smith-gaffe_051217

The best bowling croup in the world? Is he looking for a job on 9?

And the competition is?

Early scare for Aus. Jimmeh got one off Wank's shoulder and Dar gave it. Overturned on review.

Root remonstrated with the onfield ump about the overturn. WTF??

Wank struggling a bit.

Jimmeh still getting big movement.

Root is a wanker. Anderson and Broad are nobs. Their keeper is a head case.

Wank gone. We are in trouble

Jimmeh is a chance of his first Michelle in Oz. Really shows his struggles here.

Paine falls for the 2nd time in the match to the hook.

Tim Paine out the same way again. No wonder Tas lost patience with him at various points. But then again, given Haddit and Mealymouth often got out the same way, there will be no criticism.

Still he took a good catch and made a fitty . Best be positive.

Good catch by Overton.

Koo nearly holes out. C'mon Koo, head down.

Huzzah, we stumble to 100.

Nice zak by Koo.

Bog gone

Woakes knocks over Bog. 8-122.

We could do with another 40 or so.

Smith will be shitting bricks over his decision not to enforce the follow on.

Don't throw it away, Koo.

Jimmeh drops a Koo pop up and barks his hip. Good effort - he had it but it popped out.

Stoopid play by Koo, FFS. 9-128.

We are batting like millionaires. We need more runs yet.

Purple needs to contribute here.