Three days into the first Test I feel it's time for a thread. After a shaky start to their first innings Australia have recovered well, thanks to a captain's innings of 141 not out, and secured a small lead of 26 runs. Another fail by Cook and the fall of Vince for 2 has left England at 33 for 2 (2 for 33 if you're an Aussie) at end of play. A deteriorating pitch is likely to make 250 a reasonable score for England's 2nd innings. How do you see this ending?
Victory for the Aussies, unfortunately. Probably the same for the series. Stokes might have made a difference, but probably not enough.
Oh I'm not so sure about that. Batting last on a deteriorating pitch is a big disadvantage for Australia. In terms of the series it's far too early to be throwing in the towel. Brisbane is an Aussie stronghold. England has not won there for 30 years, the fact that this test is so close is encouraging for the rest of the series. Stokes is a big loss and Cook and Root need to start firing on all cylinders but the new boys have started really well. I think England can still win the first test and if we do we become strong favourites to win the series. Don't forget that as holders we retain the Ashes if it's a drawn series.
Oh ye of little faith. All evidence so far indicates that the sides are well matched. Just remember, it makes no difference to the outcome whether you are an optimist or a pessimist but an optimist has a better time of the waiting.
Also never underestimate the Australians ability to choke under pressure and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory...
I prefer to call it goading... I'm just biding time until the Aussies wake up and the trash talk can begin in ernest.