Originally Posted by Broad Shoulders

Yes. One of those very few decisions to bowl first was at Edgbaston in 05', which he has never lived down nor been forgiven. He is already under so much pressure there is no way he would make it worse for himself by winning the toss and choosing to bowl. That would be his final decision in an Aussie shirt otherwise.

On the other hand, it is extremely rare for any team to choose to bowl first at the Gabba (bar Hussein's mental decision in 02). I would want to be bowling last on this Gabba pitch as I reckon there will be plenty in it for Swann. If we won the toss, I would be looking to bat first, regardless of the conditions above. Brisbane skies change so quickly, as Nasser found out in 02'

Originally Posted by DeadVim

always because there is usually only about 7 blokes sitting around when the toss is made ...

Originally Posted by expatasia

Who's gonna win? What's the mood amongst your Aussie colleagues, acquaintances, the milkman etc?

I ask coz the bloke I'm renting the car from in Adelaide had told me I could have the car for free and keep it for good if England won the series

Anyway, he's now 'no longer with us' I was informed by email from the company yesterday, so is the tide turning in Oz public opinion? Who do you trust in the media? Chappelli can't decide and has plumped for narrow Aussie win on home ground advantage basis.

Originally Posted by DeadVim

Fair point about bowling last with Swann in full flow ... ah, the decisions to be made ... with the team I play for it's 'bat first' always because there is usually only about 7 blokes sitting around when the toss is made ...

Originally Posted by Burbage

I think if the weather isn't sunny and the pitch stays soft then Swann won't be as effective on the last day.

Also, if the weather is in, the last day may well be the fourth, or even the third (in play time, not necessarily real time), which would mean Swann will be holding up an end more than anything.

Originally Posted by Broad Shoulders

Can you tell I get more and more positive about this series as I go on?

Originally Posted by expatasia

Bit disturbing, we're in unchartered territory.......am just listening to Freddie F on t' radio sounding a bit too confident - 'KP's too good to fail' etc

Jim Maxwell informs the weather will be good once the game starts in Brissy, pitch won't last even four days he reckons...

Originally Posted by Broad Shoulders

The Gabba is the bounciest wicket in the country and spinners love bounce only second to rough turn.

Additionally, Hauritz, who hardly turns the ball at all takes a fair few wickets at the Gabba. Warne & MacGill always loved it too.

Originally Posted by Pollyana

Anyone else following http://twitter.com/Aggerscricket ? Expatasia maybe??

His latest tweet " Just been sledged by Aussie taxi driver. "Jeez - you're Aggers.! You're a darned sight less handsome than you sound..." BRING IT ON...."

Originally Posted by expatasia

Yep, credit to the feller though...at least he didn't say it in Serbo-Croat.


Lawrence Booth @the_topspin just posted link to this discussion:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cri...holds-key.html

Even Michael Holding goes for England.

Originally Posted by Broad Shoulders

Well, in my opinion, England batsmen will be smirking slightly at the Australia decision that Siddle will start and Bollinger will be 12th man. They have played Siddle many times and he is predictable in many ways. Once you are in against Siddle he'll rarely get you out.

Bollinger is exactly the type of bowler Aus needed to keep things tight at one end to allow Johnson to let loose. Siddle can do this job, but he is not as consistent as Bollinger and will leak runs, which will put more pressure on Johnson's spells (quality and length of spells)

Personally, I am very happy by this selection, as I think Bollinger is to be feared.

Originally Posted by DeadVim

Agree, it's another poor selection in my view too ... Siddle is workmanlike but that is all he is.