Amazulu

291/8 but it's a useful lead. 70+ lead on this wicket would be good.

DeadVim

You do have a point ... there is just something about him that frustrates me ... when he's hot he's great but the failures look like a lack of application and motivation.

A curate's egg.

I guess there is nobody else to take his spot or the England management would have had him out on his ear like the last time they crossed swords.

On balance, I stand corrected.

Broad Shoulders

To be honest, if anyone's position should be up for grabs it should be Strauss. His average has been heading south for a long time now and he is very close to flirting with a 30s average! He's not really that great a captain, his best work seems to be in the dressing room, which tells me that really he is just doing the job of an assistant coach. His captaincy style is quite negative really and so far it has not cost us. It's quite comforting to know that we probably have two weak links in our team at the moment (Strauss and Morgan), yet we are still winning, and mostly winning well too.

chris955

I think Strauss is actually a great captain and a great player. He seems to really be able to motivate his team and that alone is worth a slump in his batting.
Looks like England could be going into the 2nd innings with a lead of 100 if they keep playing as they are, a very valuable lead

Broad Shoulders

But he could easily do that just as well in a coaching role, rather than taking up a batting position. His batting in the last few years has been pretty bad, especially when you compare him to the performances of the rest of the players. I don't think his fielding positions are that great when we are in the field.

The only reason I would not want him to give up the captaincy is because that would mean it would go to the vice-captain and I wouldn't want that amount of pressure on Cook while he is going so well.

Vash the Stampede

Nice turnaround by Broad, England definitely in control now. The less said about India the better...

Free entry to Adelaide Oval tomorrow. Doesn't quite match the 'they're deliberately stretching it to 5 days so they can squeeze more money out of the punters' theory.

DeadVim

70 it is, handy and more than I was expecting.

He hasn't been at his best for sure, who would you replace him with (batsmen and skipper)?

Broad Shoulders

You'd have to give the skipper spot to Cook.

As for his batting position. I would probably push Trott up to opener and put Bell at 3.

Nick Compton had a good County 2011, as did Alex Hales.

Not sure how the domestic South African season went, but I am sure there are plenty of alternatives for us in there too

Broad Shoulders

Pakistan 29-2, still 41 runs behind

Vash the Stampede

Game to England. Very nice bowling.

DeadVim

Pakistan 50 odd ahead at stumps with 6 wickets in hand, going to be an interesting day 4.

England have the edge but it's still close.

Australia meanwhile continue to get the job done ... I see some Indians are complaining that the home crowd are loutish and drunk ... Well, duh

chris955

Well this is Australia.

Siren & Brian

What else is there to do when they are batting, drinking is more inspirational.

DeadVim

I have had the 'Don't you get bored with watching Australia bat all-comers (England excepted) out of the game?' conversation with the locals, apparently they don't.

I can't remember a day at the Gabba that has been remotely competitive.

Vash the Stampede

All over. We win by 298 runs.