I do fear the selectors are going to pick Johnson over Hazelwood or Starc or Harris. I just don't see Johnson being better than the above 3 on English wickets in front of English crowds.

Though more than happy to be proved wrong.

Nottingham - gun capital of the UK; been there for tennis too; no desire to return also.

I don't need to go to a bar to pick up women, I've got a wife already.

Are you one of the previous observers that Johnson was a pie chucker, puts them here and there etc? Starc and Johnson for sure then Hazlewood (more spelling homework for you boy) or Harris.

Are you making a pilgrimage to Lourdes for the 2nd Test?

You don't go to Hooters to pick up ........... oh never mind

Its a pity. You don't know much about English conditions do you. Best stick to Tennis

On Johnson. Not at all, in fact if you recall the last Cricket Thread I was a big defender of his record. This was when he was at his lowest point before his comeback. I certainly believe he is a worthy contender for the 4 quicks though. He's just not at the top of his game right now. Johnson is pretty awesome on dry hard surfaces that promote pace. On the slower swinging jobs you've got to pick the guys who have the swing. If you've ever played cricket (obviously not) you would know that as a batsman you would rather face pace than swing, any day of the week. That's why you need to pick swingers which is Harris, Starc and Hazelwood, no matter how fit Harris is, he's a grafter and he is good in England. There's a reason why Anderson can take wickets at home and no where else.

I can see where you are coming from but Johnson will be picked and stay unless he fails. He has too much of an edge psychologically over Cook etc.

Anderson is past it as his stats at home and abroad of late show; he's not the force he once was and not surprising as he's near the end of his career. I was distinctly unimpressed with both he and Broad at the G but as you say English conditions might suit more.

For the record I had to make a choice between tennis and cricket when I got to the age of 18 as both were played on a Saturday afternoon; I opted for the former. I've played cricket on and off since however. I wonder if you have played with and against test cricketers and Shield cricketers?

You think Ponting was a poor captain (don't go over that ground again, look at his win/loss record and compare it to any other captain) so I take a lot of your opinions with a pinch of the proverbial.

100 lines; Edgbaston, Hazlewood!

Cricket starts tomorrow. I'd like to pay tribute to Darren Gough.

I think the Ashes will be a lot closer than most Australian commentators believe they will be. Stokes and Root may see to that. We can only hope that the Aussies don't go all stupid with their sledging and jeering. Well, we can include Anderson among the jeering yobs, I guess. (I am old-fashioned enough to consider sledging to be pure cheating. As for jeering when a batsman gets out - that's just schoolyard bullying.)

Yes Anderson needs to curb his ways. He looked like an idiot sledging in the last Ashes.

I too think it will be close.

I'm going for 2 - 1 to Australia.

Any other predictions to get proceedings under way?

3-1 Australia
2-0 SA (v Bangladesh)

Steve Smith said that Pieterson and Bell sledged him relentlessly about his technique in the last 2 Ashes series - worked well that one! In the papers a few days ago Pieterson used some scoring system on temperament, technique etc and came up with Root as a better batsman than Smith - clearly as astute a judge as he was a team man but everyone is entitled to their opinion. Only time will tell who is the better but clearly no contest during the last series.

I think Australia will just edge it; who knows the likely score as you always have to factor in the weather not allowing enough play for a result. I do think Starc is going to have a big influence on the series.

1st session, England win toss and bat; 3 for 88 and Haddin dropped an easy one off Root 2nd ball, could have been worse for England. Starc and Hazlewood looking dangerous and Lyon even got a wicket. Cook and Bell might be needing the services of Trott's psychologist this early. Root and Ballance partnership will be very crucial for England.

Oh dear you have no idea about cricket do you.

Australia very lucky England chose to bat. Ball was skipping around like a mother f88ker. Australia should be disappointed they couldn't control the swing better. Ball now wet, lost its edge.

Anyones contest.

I've probably forgotten more about cricket and sport than you'll ever know but that's another story. No luck about it, England won the toss and chose to bat knowing the forecast, end of story, if they thought they could exploit it they put us in. You'll probably be telling me next that Sophia Gardens is a better test venue than the MCG.

Interesting start to series, Root and Ballance counter-attacking right now.

It could be a very good contest ... The usual caveat, don't judge until both teams have batted ...