GRcade

That may be so but let's not forget that he is facing the fastest pace attack in the world, on the fastest pitches in the world. Plenty of England batsmen are going to get done for speed this series.

Besides, aside from maybe Hameed (depending on his form next season) we don't have anyone to replace him.

If he sticks around after this series and has a poor year in 2018, then sure, I'd say he's done. Writing him off on the basis of this series is premature IMO.

I think Cook deserves a bit of leeway given how much he's contributed to this England team.

A total of seven hours sleep in two nights - back in work at 7. - I would not want to be taught by me this morning.

Yes JB lad!

Right who said something? Was it Drummy? I think it was Drummy.

Four wickets for, what, 21 runs? The other four got us 368. To be fair, it sounds like Malan and Woakes were victims of an astounding catch from what I've read.

We'll barely limp past 400 now.

I'm such an oracle.

Parksey wrote:Four wickets for, what, 21 runs? The other four got us 368. To be fair, it sounds like Malan and Woakes were victims of an astounding catch from what I've read.

We'll barely limp past 400 now.

Woakes catch was a good take. I'm frustrated that Malan is getting criticised for coming down the track to Lyon and being positive when the past 24 hours have been spent congratulating Stoneman, Vince, Malan and Bairstow for doing exactly that and being positive rather than trying to fend him off.

At what point we get Smith out I slikely going to be the deciding moment in this innings, I feel. Get him out before they need 300 runs and we're in a strong position. If he has a big knock then they're going to get close or surpass our total.

It looks a decent track but one or two deliveries are starting to misbehave (that last one before tea for example). Khawaja looks like a walking wicket to off-spin though. Get Smith early and then we're into the Marshes.

Looks like we needed 600 on the scoreboard. Runs being rattled off already.

Only 1 match has ever been lost at the WACA with a 1st innings score of over 400. I think we're looking at 2 now.

Poor Root. Given the captaincy too early and his form deserted him. First proper series overseas and he's going to be remembered for losing 5-0. I reckon Australia will try and get 700 and then bowl us out for 50

Bowl us out for 50?! Ever the optimist, aren't you?

Tiga you are possibly the most negative cricket fan I have ever come across

We did need 600. New Zealand scored 600+ here recently when Ross Taylor just missed out on a triple ton. Australia's response was 500+.

This is the first day I haven't been able to see any action - work do last night, hammered, so I'm recovering in bed. But by all accounts England didn't bowl badly or field poorly, Smith and M Marsh were just very comfortable with the bat. On a pitch that offers nothing and with a ball that swings for relatively few overs, raw pace is a vital element to have in your attack. We don't have anyone with the pace required in our squad.

Mini E wrote:Tiga you are possibly the most negative cricket fan I have ever come across

I’ve been watching the Ashes for nearly 25 strawberry floating years! I have been jaded by the nineties! Also I know WACA. This will be a miserable failure!

Wake up. Check cricket score. Turn cricket off.

*snorts*