Amazulu

It is. Even if Australia win this test, they know they have a fight on their hands to win back the ashes.

My opinion:
If Australia win this test, they are not certain to regain the ashes - England are all over them.
If England win this test, they will retain the ashes.

Broad Shoulders

Geez, call me Rain Man, why don't you?

They were very good value today, much better than yesterday, mostly because the 'Fanatics' tried (tried) to put up a singing fight and the Barmy Army just got louder and drowned them out.

Two other funny moments for me were when while the Barmy Army were singing, two lone young male Aussies in our section stood up to try and take the piss. Within seconds the BA switched tunes to an adjusted version of Joe Jackson's song "Is HE really going out with HIM, is HE really gonna take HIM home tonight". The looks of "Oh shit what have we done?" on their faces was priceless.

The other was when the 'Fanatics' put up a pretty valiant effort of singing Waltzing Matila, and loud they were, until the BA decided they would sing "We shagged Matilda" at the same time but much louder

Broad Shoulders

Yep agree with that. Our bowling performance, so far has been a team performance. Even Broad, who hasn't taken a wicket yet has done hs job of keeping it tight at the other end while giving Clarke a bit of ducking practice.

Aus' attack was all off the back of Siddle, although I did think Hilfenhaus was tidy.

LAM

Find yourself at the Gabba:

http://media01.couriermail.com.au/gi...est-index.html

Sherlock Holmes

That's really good!

papilon

I think Australia will end up with a lead of about 100, hopefully less. Thats not to bad and certainly won't mean all is lost for England. This is shaping up to be a great series and the teams look very even.

Just read the BM are having an Xmas Dinner in Melbourne

Pollyana

Or in the case of the broad Shoulders family, just watch the network news when you may spot your husband loitering outside the Gabba waiting for some random witch to wander past.......

DeadVim

It doesn't cover outside Gate 4 waiting for my ticket to arrive ...

DeadVim

Indeed so, England have more fight about them than of recent Aussie tours and Australia just ain't that good.

Well, it is Number 4 in the world versus Number 5.

But it's going to be a very interesting day today and on that note, it's time for me to leave

Burbage

England's bowling has been far superior to Australia's. With the exception of Swann bowling long hops to get Hussey's eye in. He's tightened up now. Finn's very impressive, first time I've seen him bowling.

If Hussey and Haddin get starts this morning England will have a deficit to make up, but two wickets are all England need.

What we need is more careful batting from England in the second innings. I think in the fourth, Australia can be bowled out for less than 250, so that's what they need to aim for.

Broad Shoulders

Yeah, would've held me gut in and done a catalogue pose if I knew I was being filmed!

Pollyana

Just a good thing you were there legitimately! I wonder how many people have been caught on camera when they were "öff sick".........

Vash the Stampede

Australia 8 for 462 at drinks.

Does anyone know where the England team are staying? I'd like to send Anderson a box of chocolates and some flowers.

Alfresco

Looking down the barrel now are England.

expatasia

Can Strauss avoid a pair of ch9 quackers?