Well, that's the third test to England already.

I wouldn't get to carried away, the bookies have the aussies at a shorter price than england.

Clarke should have been out, not complaining though as was said before these things even themselves out and the aussies were due one.

7 - 77 ****in av it!!!

Despite Australia getting fully pwned (lovely to see)- the smart money is still on the weather... have you seen the forecast for the next 3 days?

True but that session would have bent their heads big time!

A typical ashes collapse....in reverse

I was praying for 15 days of rain prior to this game... now I just want Rudi officiating from the bowlers end and Aleem Dar assasinated

Good session for england, hopefully wrap the innings up in the next 10 overs should leave us enough time to get up near the aussie total today....if it wasn't for that pesky rain tommorow.....

9 for 236.

I predict Australia all out for less than 250 and a first innings score of ~350+ for England.

useful runs for the aussies at the end real shame that. hoping the boys can make a solid start could do with a 150 lead.....

So, interesting stuff. If the weather doesn't interrupt then you'd think all three results are still possible. The most likely result is still a draw, but Australia will have to bet well to make that happen. Can't really see Australia having time to set a target and bowl England out, but stranger things happen at sea.

So Australia are 25 behind with 8 wickets standing. To be safe they'll have to get at least 200 ahead and bat until tea. Very tough prospect.

But then if they get a lead and England are chasing there is a chance of a famous England batting collapse, but let's not think about that.

Let's hope for good weather, it has a chance of a result, this game, and some good testing cricket and it would be a pity now if rain were to spoil it.

Clarke is the key here I think. If England can get Clarke out early (within the first 10 overs of the day) then I can't really see Aus holding on too long. He is their lynchpin at the moment.
If England can somehow go 2 up this series really is over. For Aus to win the next 2 would be a gargantuan task considering that the weather will almost certainly continue to play its part in the series

My predictions:

Australia 150 runs ahead at lunch with 2 wickets remaining....
A frustrating after lunch session with another 50 runs being piled on by a resilient Aussie tail.... finally losing it just before tea...

England struggle, lose a few quick wickets before regaining composure - but only making it to 175 before time runs out....

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Alternatively:

Anderson and Onions go on a rampage and get Australia all out for a lead of 100 on the stroke of lunch.

England stroll out confidently and make the easy total after some exhibition batting for 30 minutes after lunch!

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Or if it all turns to shit:

Australia settle and after Watson makes his century and Hussey finally plays himself into form making 150, Australia smash their way quickly to a lead of 250 and declare shortly after lunch.

Strauss, Bell and Cook manage to all fall for less than 50 and England confidence turns to fear as Mitchell Johnson continues on his rampaging reliable line & length and Hilfenhaus keep swinging it around. England collapse for 180 and lose just after tea.



We'll see huh?

There is no way Ponting will declare, way too much risk. Forecast is for dry but overcast so it should swing from the off as the ball is around 30 overs old.

There are 98 overs to be bowled in the day so the Aussies will look to bat time 70 overs at least - England may have a run chase of 170 in the final session which will be approx 35 overs. Which at around 5 an over would make it very interesting.

Lose a couple of early wickets and they simply shut up shop and take the light when it's offered.

England hold all the cards right now. The first session will be MASSIVE.