Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

[Nathaniel]

Fingers crossed for England to make a really good first innings score.

[antoeknee]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

No real dominance by either team so far.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

I am giving my views on BBC's TMS service as well. Root must drop down the batting order to either 5 or 6,and Bairstow dropped to sort out his technical batting flaws. England is losing some 50 -60 runs minimum by asking Root to open. I also think that Nick Compton should be brought back to open with Cook.

[Les McLean]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

I am giving my views on BBC's TMS service as well. Root must drop down the batting order to either 5 or 6,and Bairstow dropped to sort out his technical batting flaws. England is losing some 50 -60 runs minimum by asking Root to open. I also think that Nick Compton should be brought back to open with Cook.

As much as it pains me to say (as I am a Yorkshireman) I agree with you Nat regarding the 2 young Yorkshire lads, young Root has such potential, but putting him as an opener is a big ask.

[Deva32]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

Bairstow looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights and since opening Root seems so scared to get out he goes into his shell. Australia now look like saving the series. The momentum is with them and that could carry into the winter.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

The second innings performance of Joe Root once again states the obvious. He is NOT an opening batsman and the ECB should drop him down in the batting order. I wouldn't like his confidence being destroyed in this fashion. The Aussies have made changes all along and now have come up with a combination that has more or less stopped England rampaging all over them. England must take note now before it is too late.

[Deva32]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

To be fair, Root had a corker of a ball which would have got any top batsman out. On the plus side, it was good to see Anderson getting a couple of wickets. By his high standards he has had a modest series.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

I may be wrong but IMHO a test cricketer should be able to fend off difficult balls. The opening batsman position is always critical to an innings and it is his responisbility to see the shine off the ball so that the more aggresive batsman down the order can "plunder" the bowling. I would like to see Root playing down the batting order for some time. The softer ball is easier to play which accounts for Ian Bell's success down the order. He did not achieve much when batting at 3 & 4.

[pelliott1954]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

So, Nat, who is your money on to win this one?

Regards Paul

[antoeknee]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

Hmm, very much in balance after few wickets this morning. Weather might well be deciding factor again.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

So, Nat, who is your money on to win this one?

Regards Paul

If the wicket is a "minefield" as it is made out to be, it will be an England win.

[antoeknee]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

Would seem the wicket is helping the pace bowlers so some home for England.

[pelliott1954]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

I thought things had swung in the Aussies favour after the quick wickets of Bell and Prior, but now I think it has swung back to England, thanks to Bresnan mainly.

Regards Paul

[Nathaniel]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

We could end up losing the way we are bowling.

[Deva32]

Re: Fourth Ashes Test starts today.

Wow! What a fantastic victory for England. Who would have thought it after Australia's great second innings start? Brilliant bowling by Stuart Broad.