: Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:42 pm  

PAUL M wrote:

So Headingley, keep the same side or bring in either Harmison or possibly Sidebottom?

Depends on Freddie's fitness. If he's out then I reckon there's a place for Harmison as another back of a length bowler. If that happens then Broad will stay, if only for his lower order batting. If Fred plays I can see serious consideration being given to dropping Broad, who has not looked all that hot with the ball in this series. Sideshow to replace him if they do go down that road.

Saying all that, if we're 2-0 up, how do you change a winning side?

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:46 pm  

Would selecting Sidebottom, Onions and Anderson in the same bowling attack not make it too one-dimensional? Granted Sideshow is a leftie which offers a different angle, but they are very similar bowlers in terms of line and length.

If it doesn't swing with that attack England would be fooked.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 12:51 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Would selecting Sidebottom, Onions and Anderson in the same bowling attack not make it too one-dimensional? Granted Sideshow is a leftie which offers a different angle, but they are very similar bowlers in terms of line and length.

If it doesn't swing with that attack England would be fooked.

Given that the alternative would be a completely mis-firing Stuart Broad then I don't think it's too much of a gamble. If it doesn't swing at Headingley then the bowlers are in for a long day anyway. Despite the hype the place is a batsman's paradise in sunny conditions.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:19 pm  

Andy Gilder wrote:

Would selecting Sidebottom, Onions and Anderson in the same bowling attack not make it too one-dimensional? Granted Sideshow is a leftie which offers a different angle, but they are very similar bowlers in terms of line and length.

If it doesn't swing with that attack England would be fooked.

Don't think it has been swinging much this year has it? Decent batting pitch it seems, for me it would have to be Harmison for Broad if a change was to be made or Harmison for Freddie if he is not fit.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:45 pm  

Bopara on

Guess it's a draw now then, Aus effectively 106-4 with North and Clarke looking well set.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:56 pm  

we just need 1 win

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 1:59 pm  

Bopara close to take a wicket, bowling at 80mph.

I'd go with Harmison over Broad. Bowlers are there to take wickets and we have all rounder.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:23 pm  

New ball taken, last hurrah now.

[Matt_Horton]

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:18 pm  

Right, sod it.

Get Bopara on at one end and Bell at the other. Give the main bowlers a rest and let's all head off to Headingley.

: Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:53 pm  

Why the hell did we wait for clarke to get his century before calling it a draw ?