Just back from Headingley. Ashes Day 3. Verdict....

a lot better than i thought it was going to be.</p>

Alright, we lost by an innings and 80 runs, but what a morning that was.</p>

When i set off this morning at 08.30am, all i was hoping for was to see one of Prior, Broad or Swann to hit a half century. Just something to cheer. Although anything other than being skittled in 5 overs would have been a bonus.</p>

Arrived about 1030am and took to my seat in the North East Upper, right next to the commentary box. Some nice banter amongst the fans and Warne pre match, and a rather odd sight of Graham Onions practicing his bowling.... i'm not quite sure he was ever going to be bowling at any point today.</p>

1101am and Anderson goes 2nd ball. Great. I'm now thinking maybe being bowled out in 5 overs wouldn't be a bad thing.... at least i'd have got 75% of my money back!</p>

What followed was quite brilliant. Prior (for a short while), Broad and Swann smacking the Aussies all over Headingley. Was worth the trip and the money spent on the tickets just to see them bat this morning. Brillliant half centuries from Broad and Swann.</p>

You'd think my memory of the day will be the 100 partnership between Swann and Broad coming up in just over 70 balls.... but you'd be wrong. Step up... Stuart Clark. His first 2 overs went for 32 and the standing applause he received from the England Supporters in the North East stand where i was exceptional. It was good to see him take it in good spirits too, although i think he got a little bored of it after moving about in the field from the left/right handed batting.</p>

 

was good watching it on tv, but they were allowed to play like that because no matter what they did we'd lost, so why nt flash the bat?
that wasn't test cricket, it was feckit cricket.
the top 5 batters need a good look at themselves, 100/6 in both innings is awful,
hope the week n half break gives em time to think

 

Bopara need's dropping. Bring in Rob Key. nt

 

RE: Bopara need's dropping. Bring in Rob Key. nt

i'd not change em, with any luck they'll want to prove themselves, obvious get freddy back in if fit, key? yep maybe, but for who? take ya pick

 

They should all be back playing County Cricket next week...

get some confidence back!</p>

Cook, Bopara, Bell, Colly, Harmy. I'd be sending them all back to their clubs for the week.</p>

And i don't agree that we should go back to the likes of Rob Key and Ramps. I wouldn't have played Bell when KP got injured, and i wouldn't have called Harmy back up either. How many test matches have they played before and failed the first time round, hence being dropped.</p>

Jonathon Trott at Warwickshire is averaging 94 in 10 matches this season with 3 50's and 3 100's to his name. I'd also be having a look at Joe Denly at Kent.
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