Australia just cannot play on slow and low pitches, didn't seem to have any problems when we beat SA in SA last year.

Kind of worried about jimmy anderson. Been seen more at non cricketing events than on the cricket field the last few weeks. I think the aussies look far more prepared for the 1st test than england.

Am I the only one that thinks the is a test series between to mediocre teams? Watched the Aussies last year where they got battered by an average pak team in UAE, they are nothing but a dads army. England have a fairly newish middle order, and still yet to be fully established. But the sides are evenly matched, which should make it a cracking series.

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Pakistan always do well when they play at surrogate home.

Evenly poised Test Match.

Challenge for Australia is to leave a legacy & that legacy for majority of their players is to beat England in England.

England will be looking for revenge after that 5-0 mauling in 13-14.

Could be something that could play into England's hands if they can get an early lead in the series. Aussies could get tetchy if it isn't going their way.

Weather doesn't look great for batting. Let's hope eng will win the toss and elect to bat first.

excited now.....got weds off to watch...although on delay as the boy has a docs appointment.

Everything stops at the start of play for that first session. Could be enthralling.

First Day will be rained off

England's best and only hope of avoiding defeat - every cloud and all that.

Australia are far too good for us - pace will destroy the likes of Root and Bell, both of whom are pudding pitch bullies.

England 0-4 Australia

Lump on.

Today will not be rained off.. We will get most overs in.. Even if we lose overs they will be made up over the next 4 days. and weather for the remaining test is pretty good.

Anyway can the admins make this thread the match day thread

I think who ever wins the toss will bowl first. bring it on

Can't wait for today, will be taking headphones into office for sure!

Still going for 3-2 / 2-1 England. Depends on the weather

England batting first.. good call.. finger nail biting though

Won toss and bat.....is it not overcast and muggy there like here...!?

Can't fecking wait, Is this thread LIVE?

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And so it starts...looking forward to this one...come on England!

Thanks Admins

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comment by ®åρtor✡ (U1071)
posted less than a minute ago
Is batting first a good decision on this wicket? Its overcast as well
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would be hard to not bat first in an Ashes series, got to be confident i suppose

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England need to steady start here and someone needs to get a big score I think...

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Please tell me it isn't raining