True if they win, you'd have to say well done, but also Strauss would need to shoulder some blame for not enforcing the follow on.

I haven't once had an Aussie mention the cricket to me so far this series, they're not into it and really don't care, I'm sure this will change should they win.

to be fair to us though, I cannot remember the last time England brought out a first choice uninjured 11 to Aus. The last 3 tours at least have all been injury ridden. It's hard to expect us to be competitive in those circumstances

I can't see how Strauss would be to blame. I still believe he made a 100% right choice in not enforcing it. The day we batted in our 2nd innings was beautiful conditions for batting, as much as yesterday was beautiful conditions to bowl. Strauss set a world record target, which you would expect 99/100 for the chasing team not to get. If the Aussies get it it is because of grit and determination from their lower order (and Clarke). I think he played the odds and short of a freakish run chase we should win

At the end of the day he lives by results, if we win he deserves the credit if we lose then it wasn't the right decision on a pitch that Sri Lanka batted for 200 overs on Australia batting that long will get the target.

yeah but that is with the benefit of hindsight.
If he had enforced the follow on there was a fair chance given the conditions that the Aussie batsmen would have righted their mistakes from the first innings and posted a very hefty score and potentially leaving us to bat in overcast conditions. Remember when Strauss turned down the follow on the forecast for Sunday and Monday was over cast and rain. If we win this test, I would not put it down to us not declaring, I would put it down to field placings being spot on, disciplined bowling and focused batting from some of our batsmen. If we lose I would put it down to us not being able to apply the stranglehold necessary.
Remember, very few captains enforce the follow on these days, especially since what happened to Australia in India several years ago

I haven't once had an Aussie mention the cricket to me so far this series, they're not into it and really don't care, I'm sure this will change should they win.[/QUOTE]


Agree with you on that one, most of the guys i meet at work dont seem to care about cricket wich suprises me as i remember when i was out here 20 years ago cricket was a big deal, that was up in Sydney so maybe its different up there, Melbourne doesnt seem to bothered, apart from the boxing day test.

Fair enough, but maybe we should have had a quick smash first thing yesterday morning, maybe an extra 20-30 runs.

Is it possible the aussies can win this test, england only need a wicket and there belief will be shattered. Remember alot of runs to be scored yet in a chase that has never been done...

Oh there into it, I've been here for 3 previous ashes series (once on holiday) when we're losing they all talk about it, when we're not they're just not interested I'm also in Melbourne.

We should have batted for a few overs played mind games with them.

Haddin's gone. 6 for 313. All over now.

Ye of little faith

It really is over now

Well, my prediction is right on target: England to win by at least 100.

Swann to Johnson, out Bowled!! All over as Eng win against Aus in a Test for the first time at Lord's since 1934! Johnson comes down the track, he has to go for it, it was fired in flat and fast on the stumps, he plays all around it and the middle stump is flattened, everyone go mad in the ground, Eng win 115 runs to go 1-0 up with 3 to play. Johnson b Swann 63(75) [4s-9]
Is Swann in your Dream11?


106.6 Swann to Johnson, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

Freddie F#$kin Flintoff you legend!

Weldone to Swann too. Will be interesting to see who gets MOM. My money is on Strauss as his innings is what set up this win