I'm fed up of England's batsmen underperforming. This is a 450 wicket no doubt but again we'll struggle to get anywhere near because of another poor start. We cannot keep depending on the bowlers to get us out of trouble.

Bairstow just played another horrible shot over the slips for 4 - send him and Root back to Yorkshire to learn to play properly.

Pretty poor display by England so far on a road of batting track. This is a 450 wicket while we'll be lucky to make 350. Root failed again while Trott gave his wicket away when well set. Bairstow reprieved after a horrible heave across the line - a failing of his. England again relying on Bell to make a big score.

England win toss and bat. Bresnan in for Finn.

The England cricket team are paragons of virtue compared to the footballers. In fact, "arrogant, hypocrisy and cheating" describes perfectly more than a few players. By the way, message understood that you don't like the England cricket team - now clear off and let those who love cricket discuss the Ashes series.

Wasn't directed at anyone in particular but if the cap fits ........................ Pitches like Trent Bridge requires patience and skill by bowlers and batsmen. Anderson and Bell showed how it should be done. Finn needs to learn to turn down the pace and bowl line and length.

It's bad enough having English traitors living in Australia supporting the convicts but this takes cricketing treason to a new level. It looks like Finn has been given a reprieve for the second Test because Lord's is his home ground but he will have to bowl alot better because England need 3 pace bowlers firing on all cylinders and cannot continue to rely on Anderson and Broad. Anderson in particular looked knackered after the first Test.

Onions has had a bad injury from which he has only just recovered. Good bowler.

Finn at the moment is either over-pitching or bowling too short. He has loads of potential but he has not learnt yet how to keep batsmen quiet when the pitch is not offering much. Onions has been bowling well since his return from injury and I'd like to see him get another chance ahead of Bresnan, who although a better batsman does not move the ball very much. Compton plays slowly and correctly and won't give his wicket away, which is why I like him. In terms of talent, Bopara has it all but finds different daft ways of getting out. Anyway I think he's injured at present.

I'm expecing (hoping) we bat alot better at Lord's. Cook is due a big score and Trott had a rough decision at Nottingham and will surely make amends. Compton would give top order more solidity too. Finn continues to disappoint and either Onions or Bresnan brought in.

You must be joking - never feel sorry for them . Had the same feeling too - I love to see Australian faces when they lose. Let's be honest, you're better off getting tonked by 300 runs than losing after getting so close. As Michael Atherton said after being criticised in Australia...."when in Rome".....

That was too close for comfort - but I'll take it. All hail to Burnley's finest Compton and Onions for me in the next Test to replace Bairstow and Finn.

Fair enough Paul; but on bad Ashes days your fellow "Australians" are conspicuous by their absence. The great thing about England fans is we are always here through the good times and the bad. Michael Atherton wrote the Times today that "Non-walking was introduced to cricket by the Australians, and they became a victim of its charms yesterday" which is correct of course. I still don't like it however and in my days as a player any "non-walkers" (very few admittedly) were given hell by the fielding side.

I wasn't playing for a living - that's the difference. Top-class players should not give an inch.

As a club player I always walked - but I understand it is different for Test players with a livelihood and career to consider. England benefited from the umpire's error today but we got two rough decisions yesterday - so we are still in deficit. Bell played one of his best innings for England and showed what is possible on that pitch with patience and application. I hope he goes on to make a big hundred tomorrow. Game still in the balance IMO.

Naughty, naughty Stuart Broad

Pietersen drives me bananas, looks as though he could get out every ball. He was almost out early today with a daft airy shot through the covers. We only have two "proper" test batsmen - Cook and Trott. Bell is halfway there but gets himself out too often. The rest are one-day players. I would like to see Compton back in the team for the next Test.

And Gooch and Gower ..just in the interests of balance you understand. Incidentally Paul, you haven't been on here regularly in years but now Australia are doing well you suddenly appear. Any comment ?

There was criticism but nothing personal in my comments. For a moderator you are far too sensitive. Back to the cricket Cook needs to get his score moving. He will lose all his timing playing no shots.

You don't understand the nature of this contest - you don't give this lot anything. I begrudged every run he scored. You cannot be a true competitor either - a competitor wants to win every time and then grind his opponent into the dirt.

Out.

Typical of the convicts to put their best batman in at No 11. I just don't trust them. England need centuries from at least one player tomorrow. Cook is the key - we need him to stay in. We also need some luck - they got the benefit of all the decisions today. On an upbeat note, Anderson continues to get better and better; how can anyone that good come from Burnley ?

Wish you wouldn't do that.

You must be joking. England to win - especially against this lot. Typically poor first-day batting effort by our lot today. Why do we always start Test series so badly ?

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland