DeadVim

I wandered off to bed cricketless expecting a total wash-out, so it was a pleasant surprise to awake to a 4-0 drubbing.

SA next ... Should be good ...

papilon

Don't worry, i will be arriving in the UK on the 26th July and will be bringing a very large dollop of sunshine and 30 degree temps......

Why is this series only 3 tests?? i know it's only a minor nation but you would think 4 would be better

My prediction.. 2-0 England

Looks like Bopara could make the team and bat at 6, i like the guy and if he can carry the form from this series into the Test he will be a good addition. I know he has had his chances before and never really come up with the goods but the guy has the talent and maybe now is his time.

Broad Shoulders

I've always had a soft spot for Bopara, but he does tend to get easily bullied against good seam bowling. SA have arguably the best, if not second best seam attack in the world right now and I think he wouldn't do too well against the Saffas. I'd rather see Morgan brought back in tbh. He is better against pace than he is spin, so would be more suited to facing up to the SA attack. I do see the all-rounder argument for choosing Ravi, but if we have to rely on his bowling V SA then there is something fundamentally wrong with Jimmy, Stewie and Bres.

papilon

So what's your prediction for the series?

Broad Shoulders

2-1, England

With these two attacks, even English weather it will be hard to get a draw.

chris955

Australia were completely outplayed in all games, England just have such a strong team at the moment with so many players in the wings able to step in whereas Australia just lack depth and seem to rely on the old hands to try and pull them through.

papilon

Brett Lee retired from all forms of international cricket today. Fantastic career and a bloody good bowler who caused England many problems over the years. Think he stands at number 4 on the all time aussie wicket taking list.

Thanks for the memories Mr Lee.

IvanM

Highly profligate at test cricket. He personifies Australian bowling. Good at the WACA and expensive elsewhere.

DeadVim

KP now wants to play all forms of cricket ... What a joke, maybe the success in his absence has got to him?

Leave him out in the cold and build a side without him, they are progressing fine.

Broad Shoulders

not really how things happened though. According to Cricinfo, the ECB have to name their squad for the T20 tournament by next week, they approached KP to check whether he was sure about his decision.

DeadVim

It's still a joke ... Build a solid squad, move on.

Broad Shoulders

even the world's number one T20 batsman?

papilon

But cricket is still a team game and after recent results it would seem the team has moved on.

Alfresco

The weather don't look too promising for the Eng v SA test on Thursday.

ROMFT_WO2RN

Maybe they should relocate to Spain It'd be a shame to have the series skewed by rain