Contemplated? Sure. It would be pretty cocky not to contemplate for any match against international class opposition, let alone the world no. 2 test playing team. But it's too early to start hoping for rain yet. Hope I won't be by stumps today tonight though

Well, you English started it Ah, heck, forget cut and paste, just look at the entire last day of the 1st test page

You know, I've had been blaming the bowling attack, but I feel very angry at the failing Aussie batsman, and am now blaming them for putting too much pressure on the bowlers. Out of the top order, only Langer is doing his job, and of the middle order Clarke and Katich. That leaves big names Hayden, Ponting, Martyn (perhaps to a lesser extent) and most disappointingly, Gilchrist all failing in my opinion. This lot are meant to be experienced (and include the Captain and Vice-captain). Out of that lot, I've already had enough of Hayden. He seems a weak character to me, and I am hoping we can find a suitable replacement.

A bit of fun. Went to http://www.gizoogle.com/ and entered the BBC news front page URL. Got: bow wow

Lee's problem, even when he is taking wickets, is that he is so expensive. So, regardless of if he does a 1st or 2nd innings, it won't be ideal for how Ponting will want to use Warne. Ponting's also got to up his game as captain. His decision making has to be spot on if he wants to emulate his predecessors, and it plainly hasn't been. Also, how long do we wait for Hayden to get his act together... anyone know of a decent alternative for opener than him? I thought Clarke was an opener, but he is batting in the middle order. I've been a little out of touch over the last season or so, so what's going on there?

I think that's a great comparison... although, perhaps I would be feeling as a manure fan would have

Congratulations... I've just destroyed a cabinet

Stop trying to change things

I am extremely ###### off with Ponting. He's a poor captain.

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH... fudgin' Ponting

Does anyone know where I can see some highlight video clips? Obviously it is too early to see some of the shots from this Test, but I desperately want to see Martin's catch in the first test. Living in Taiwan = little chance of seeing cricket clips

ok, who's handy work was it to leave a cricket ball under McGrath's foot. Is sabotage the only way England feel they can win? What next, the coin hitting Ponting's eye at the toss (ok, already done, I know)

Yep, I agree. He will be the one change to the team, and I reckon he could make a difference. Again... hope not!

Same here. And I don't expect it to happen within the next two world cups unfortunately...

Ooooh.... do tell. Hope he was rubbing it in

Didn't really make a post-win post, so here it is. Obviously was elated with the result. Any hope of saving the game most probably went on day three, when Australia made it to lunch with one wicket in hand. I thought the English bowlers were pretty good, and if the batsmen had done their job, and the fielders taken their catches, the bowlers would have at least kept the target within reach. So, if the batsmen get it together, then England are not out of this by any stretch of the imagination. I hope not though!

I have to say that whilst I understand the newsworthiness of the story, it is a little unsettling that the coverage is rumbling on. It's unfair to compare, but the extent of the coverage against the actual bombings and attempts that occurred, that claimed dozens of lives, doesn't seem to me to be proportionate. Condolences to his family, and all the families affected by the recent events, and let's move on ensuring there are no repeats. Forget whether his family will litigate or not, let's let the story slide. Let's not take our eye off the ball, preventing terrorism.

Actually, blue phil is mostly right. The *fact* of the matter is that the MET have apologised because as phil says, they ballesed it up: That means we can be certain that some part of the procedure failed, which also means Flopsy's assumption that they warned the victim adequately is *indeterminate*. It seems obvious that the police officer involved was charged up. Five shots meant that there he or she had, according to the guidelines, had five opportunities to re-assess the situation after firing into the suspects head each time. In my opinion, the officer either failed to take those opportunities and/or has erred in judgement at least once during those re-assessments. Having said all that, I empathise with the officers, because they face a huge dilemna. If the charge is to keep a cool head in all circumstances, then I speculate on whether it is a realistic expectation. I actually hope this goes unpunished, because the officer probably doesn't deserve it.

If Australia survive to lunch, I still won't be satisfied, but feel the match is winnable for them.

I don't know why you are all so negative... there is going to be at least two days, rain excluded, for England to chase down any target. I won't feel happy if Australia cannot bat two more sessions and set ... well, Gilchrist gone now... I was just about to say, set a 450+ run target. What is going on with Gilchrist and Ponting?

This is superior IMHO.

No need to panic... they just put the link up now Excited again

Argh... I think the BBC are canning the online audio coverage. They did mention high demand on the service in the commentary last night. Perhaps it would be impossible to support a fair public use of the service. What am I going to do P.S: I think they are canning it because I can't find a link to the audio on the site, as I could yesterday.

I didn't see it. Who did it, McGrath or Harmisson or both?

It's like Bodyline II out there.