The Ashes Tour 2013

[7by7]

The highest successful 4th innings run chase in first class cricket on this ground was 339 for 6 by Yorkshire earlier this year.

There's been two others above 300 and two more above 290 over the years since Durham became a first class county.

Of course, you can't really compare county cricket and test cricket; but as the only other tests played here have been against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and a weakened West Indies, that's all we really have to go on!

[7by7]

Bresnan out for a well played 45; shame he didn't get his 50.

Swann dropped by Smith on the boundary!

Bounced out of his hands; but at least he didn't then kick it over the boundary for 4.

[Bangkokhatter]

Whatever the lead ends up it will take a special effort from the Aussies to chase. I think we have enough already but a few more in the bank are always nice.

[7by7]

All out for 330; a lead of 299.

A thrilling afternoon and tomorrow in prospect; if the weather holds off. BBC says rain all afternoon, but dry and sunny tomorrow, so we should get a finish even if it does rain today.

Too tight to call, I reckon. But is Watson fit enough to bat?

[Bangkokhatter]

Nice effort from the tailenders, especially after the 2 early wickets of Bell and Prior. 299 should be enough but i think there will still be some twists and turns along the way.

[Bangkokhatter]

All out for 330; a lead of 299.

A thrilling afternoon and tomorrow in prospect; if the weather holds off. BBC says rain all afternoon, but dry and sunny tomorrow, so we should get a finish even if it does rain today.

Too tight to call, I reckon. But is Watson fit enough to bat?

Who would be the happier captain ? I guess Cook, a few early wickets with the new ball and we should be ok. Not many teams chase down 299 in their 4th innings.

[Basil B]

I think this is going to get interesting, The Aussies can not batten down the hatches and hope for a draw, they need to win just to draw the series.

@ 2.2 runs per over they may do it, if there is no time lost to rain or bad light.

[BookMan]

any live streams for this please

http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=cricket

[BookMan]

Australia would have liked to be chasing 50 runs less, but at 299 they will feel they can get that amount.

There will have to be a few ducks line up in a row for that to happen. Clarke need sa big one and at least one other has to stand up. Warner has a big mouth so he could put some runs where that is this innings hopefully

[farmerjo]

Good game so far.

Two grumbles,stuart broad who thinks play revolves around himself.

And clarkes field positions,seems as long as he has a second slip to talk to he's prepared to leak runs.

On a good note tim bresnan and swan batted beautifully showing the runs are there,text book or not.

[BookMan]

I think this is going to get interesting, The Aussies can not batten down the hatches and hope for a draw, they need to win just to draw the series.

@ 2.2 runs per over they may do it, if there is no time lost to rain or bad light.

I cant see them continuing at 2.2 an over though. Should move up to around 2.8- 3.4ish by innings end

[BookMan]

Rain delay! crikey!

[David48]

any live streams for this please

http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=cricket

BookMan's great with the links.

He gave me this link if you have a slower connection ... http://cricfree.tv/star-cricket-live-stream-3.php

Can't make the screen full size ... but it works good enough.

Just remove that annoying commentary on the RHS

[cardholder]

I think this is going to get interesting, The Aussies can not batten down the hatches and hope for a draw, they need to win just to draw the series.

@ 2.2 runs per over they may do it, if there is no time lost to rain or bad light.

Don't forget they only have 10 wickets to play with

[7by7]

Rain has stopped; inspection at 14:10 BST.

Meanwhile at Wormsley:

England are 36 for 0 in reply to Australia's 331 for 6 declared.

Make that 36 for 1!

Edited August 12, 2013 by 7by7

[Basil B]

Forget the 14:10 Pitch inspection its raining again.

[7by7]

Australia would have liked to be chasing 50 runs less, but at 299 they will feel they can get that amount.

There will have to be a few ducks line up in a row for that to happen. Clarke need sa big one and at least one other has to stand up. Warner has a big mouth so he could put some runs where that is this innings hopefully

Any one of Australia's top 5 is capable of a big score, and it just needs a couple of the other 4 to make a reasonable contribution as well.

Even if Watson is unable to bat (anyone heard any news on that front?), this game is far from over.

Forget the aforementioned inspection; it's raining again.

[BookMan]

Rain has stopped; inspection at 14:10 BST.

Meanwhile at Wormsley:

England are 36 for 0 in reply to Australia's 331 for 6 declared.

Make that 36 for 1!

I would be surprised if many posters here could name 1 player from each team in the women's game.

I cannot name any.

[7by7]

I admit I had to look!

[BookMan]

Fascinating bowling clinic being held by Warney in this extended break

[BookMan]

1st review by Chris Rogers... looked like he was out..but a good review...wicket saved!

[BookMan]

Warner cracks a big 6! Mid off goes back and Warner hits a single to the gap where the fielder was. 67-0

You English blokes are very quiet

Edit: Chris Rogers has been lucky not to nick one behind

Edited August 12, 2013 by BookMan

[cardholder]

Warner cracks a big 6! Mid off goes back and Warner hits a single to the gap where the fielder was. 67-0

You English blokes are very quiet

Edit: Chris Rogers has been lucky not to nick one behind

I wasn't expecting the Aussies to be 80-0 after 18 overs.

They have the ability to collapse from here but one has to accept that it is a good start by the visitors.

Edited August 12, 2013 by cardholder

[7by7]

1st review by Chris Rogers... looked like he was out..but a good review...wicket saved!

Can see why Hill gave him out; noise when it hit his thigh pad.

Good use of the DRS by Australia, which did it's job properly.

Which to be fair, has been the case throughout this game; if memory serves.

[7by7]

Fascinating bowling clinic being held by Warney in this extended break

Indeed, watched it on Saturday morning before the start of play.

Excellent stuff.

[Bangkokhatter]

Very good start by the opening pair, my earlier confidence is now waning , maybe if i compliment them a bit more they will do something stupid, sort of like a commentators curse...worth a try.

[BookMan]

Nice opening partnership for Australia...best of the series for them..

Now Australia is sending in a tailender...oh...sorry...no it is Khawaja

[Bangkokhatter]

Nice opening partnership for Australia...best of the series for them..

Now Australia is sending in a tailender...oh...sorry...no it is Khawaja

Amazing stat, that;s your first opening partnership of over a 100 since the 2005 Ashes.

[7by7]

120 for 1 at tea.

Advantage Australia.

England need to come up with a plan; at the moment they just seem to be waiting for the batsman, especially Warner, to make a mistake.

[farmerjo]

Aussies need to keep attacking Swan,the lull of runs brought rodger's wicket,but well played just shows your never too old if in form.