It's The Ashes (again)

[Shabby Russian]

In the circumstances of the game as it was, the declaration was a good move.

Just think that we should have been looking to be only 4 or 5 wickets down at the end of the day.

I bet the Australian seamers can't believe their luck, not having to bowl 2 days in a row.

I don't know what the weather forecasts are, but i would be wary at this stage of an Ashes series strategising your play to a English weather forecast. 

Possible that by Sunday evening, Australia are 200 ahead, and their biwlers fresh after 2 days rest.

[Pragmatist]

On this track par is probably at least 450. Not sure it was wise to declare at sub-400 compared to another 30 minutes batting tonight and maybe the same tomorrow morning. With Root still in, even 500 was possible.

[CA Baggie]

On this track par is probably at least 450.  Not sure it was wise to declare at sub-400 compared to another 30 minutes batting tonight and maybe the same tomorrow morning.  With Root still in, even 500 was possible.

Bat yourself into a position you cannot should not lose from.   How quickly we score there should still be plenty time to bowl a side out twice.

Feels a bit light and may have been more mentally damaging to have been smacked round the ground for another 30 mins, could have declared if Root holed out.  Just seems aggressive for the sake of it.  

Ultimately on this occasion it hasn't worked as we didn't get the wicket we were desperate for.  

I hope to be plenty surprised by our third innings not starting just before Tea on Sunday...

[garryowensneck]

#you bears

Oops wrong thread

[MancBaggie]

Ultra attacking - esp given how quickly those runs were scored/ even allowing for rain Sunday. Was surprised tbh

[ElbowGrease1973 II]

Ultra attacking - esp given how quickly those runs were scored/ even allowing for rain Sunday. Was surprised tbh

The Aussies would have been as well.

Sets the scene for the rest of the series.

Although we didn't take a wicket, I love the attacking intent. Long may it continue!

[Tom Joad]

Ultra attacking - esp given how quickly those runs were scored/ even allowing for rain Sunday. Was surprised tbh

The Aussies would have been as well.

Sets the scene for the rest of the series.

Although we didn't take a wicket, I love the attacking intent. Long may it continue!

Yes, it certainly wouldn't have been my choice to declare but it does unsettle the opposition.  It hasnt paid off immediately but Warner and Kaweja looked under pressure straight away  and were almost out in each and every way. It's brave to the point of reckless but it's so good too know we have confidence in our ability. 
Having said all that, I'm still shocked we declared when Root was seeing it like a beachball! Ultimately,  we'll be judging it on results so we'll see.

[SuperBob2002]

Zero wickets tonight mean the declaration will backfire. Today has been shambles and the Aussies are licking their lips.

Bizarre.

Shambles? Do you understand cricket? 

With the possibility of a washout on Sunday this was a very positive declaration.

I understand the fact that 450 is par on this wicket. I understand that Australia will be more than happy with their position in this game. I understand the fact the declaration was attacking, but I also understand it was probably the wrong move.

I hope you're right about tomorrow being a washout. We may need it!

[aj21]

Amazing how many people are moaning about the declaration. It’s almost as if they only follow the ashes and haven’t seen an England test match over the last year.

[SuperBob2002]

Amazing how many people are moaning about the declaration. It’s almost as if they only follow the ashes and haven’t seen an England test match over the last year.

Attacking. Brave. But I can't shake the feeling it'll backfire. 

But we could bowl them out for 200 today and it'll be lauded as the greatest ever declaration of all time. We'll see. 

I don't think you can argue against the fact that Australia will be happier with their position than England will be with theirs!