With Brett Lee out now, and apart from Mitchel Johnson i can't see much in the Aussie bowling attack which would cause us problems. Without the threat of the Warnes and McGraths and with a rather young and inexperienced squd in terms of Ashes experience, I feel we should be aggressive and take it to them. A victory in Wales i think.

Moore, Denley, Key, Shah. All deserve calling up in front of Shermanator.

Going back a few pages someone mentioned about Bresnan. I know he hasn't made the final squad but i still cannot believe how many people are blinded by stats (or lack of). When Flintoff was first picked for England his averages were hardly leaping off the pages of Wisden but it was deemed he had [inatural talent[/i. Several others in recent years have been picked due to having something about them, Trescothick and Harmison (grrr!) being prime examples.

Anyway the burning question is:- Never mind Harmison, why isn't Hoggard in the frame should any of the others break down?

Restricted view seats in the wintershed stand at Headingley:

How 'restricted' is the view?

I always used to sit on the upper tier of the winter shed if I had the chance, good view from there behind the bowlers arm.

Can't recall ever sitting in the lower section, and with the building work going on next to it it's hard to judge how restricted the view might be.

Disappointed that Lee is out to be honest. You are guaranteed full effort from Lee and I want to see a series with the best players from each nation competing.

Still, it should ease our top order into the series fairly nicely.



I think it was me who brought up Bresnan's stats. I realise stats can be deceiving and a lot of players perform better at Test level than County, however, in Bresnan, I see no [inatural talent[/i. I see an average players who has found his level at County Championship level.

With the bat he might hang around a bit and give what remains of the top 6 some support, but he isn't going to make many runs, and the sight of Tim Bresnan running up to the wicket with ball in hand isn't going to concern Ponting and co.

Bresnan's an honest player but doesn't have the ability to shine at Test match level.

Its been demolished

I agree.

Lee missing out is a huge blow for the Aussies, easily their most potent bowler. Watched Athers, Hussain and Croft talking at the weekend about the first Test and Croft reckoned the pitch would have something in it on the first morning for the seamers but then should be a decent pitch for the first two days. After that he expected the ball would stay low and spin a fair bit. On that basis maybe it was the right decision not to play Harmo in this Test and it should suit Onions more.

Broad added: "Australia will be wary of Freddie after 2005. He is the sort of player and character that any Test side in the world would want in their team. He's a crucial member of our side and brings a lot of firepower to our bowling attack and we are delighted to have him back.
"The side has done well without him but having Freddie back gives us confidence.
"He looks like he is firing on all cylinders. In the warm-up game against Warwickshire he bowled very quickly and we're looking forward to seeing the same again in Cardiff.

I am in there for days 2 and 4 of the headingley test. Might be in the building site then.





Was on about lower tier not upper.

Can see this series ending up as a draw after all the hype surrounding it.

I've just noticed that some tickets have been released in there, can't decide whether to buy some or not and I can't see anywhere on the site explaining the difference between the restricted A and B categories.

I'm in the same section Karlos. Been to Headingley a few times this season and it doesn't seen to be too restricted.

Was looking on there last night. Seemed to be tickets in all areas for day 4 but went with Wintershed again cos we are already in there for day 2. Not sure what the difference is between the cat A and cat B tickets either.



Good stuff.

Category A tickets are facing the pitch...

Shah should have had Bell's place in that squad IMO, and is in prime form after scoring an excellent 150+ against Surrey at Lord's last week.

He went on his first A tour as a 17 year old schoolboy in the mid-90's, he's finally established himself in the ODI team, but the selectors seem to overlook him for Test cricket even though he's well suited to the format and has the ability and authority to rebuild an innings after early wickets have fallen. He's had precious few Test chances spread over a number of years and must feel he's very much on trial on his rare appearances.

Bell has never really looked the part in any form of the game for England IMO, yet has had countless opportunities.

I would go for Denley looked the part against the Aussies and has looked class for Kent this year in all forms of the game. Bell has hasd too many chances i have defended him enough hes just not good enough though under pressure

will they be selling VB at lords

it is nice that stuff though

I think the more pertinent question is are you old enough to drink it?

So, suggestions on how to gain an injury which will require me to have the next six weeks off work anyone.....?!!

Swine Flu??? No one would want to get close enough to you to see if it was genuine or not.

Lost Loiners training - wear your Bulls shirt...

just trip over in thin air and threaten a claim sure that will work lol

The category A tickets are actually cheaper than the category B tickets.

Only in Yorkshire.