Karma Pollis

That's who I would go with if KP is out. As for this test, comprehensive. The Kiwi's gave us far more competition. This Aussie side is gash. I'm normally fairly pessimistic about our sporting chances but not this time. I have never seen a worse side and I think only weather can save them from 5-0. Would have given Bell the mom as well as much as Root did well, the runs Bell scored in that first innings were crucial.

Superb round and that is surely that. 4, 3 finish is fantastic.

Lefty will get me some money but I will be gutted for Westwood if doesn't make it. He just cannot close out the majors. This one would surely hurt the most for him.

Although thinking about it, I may have to bring in Vaughan for his captaincy instead of Thorpe and have him Vaughan at 3 and Gower down to 5.

Going for only players that I've seen which is mid 80's onwards. 1. A Cook 2. G Gooch 3.D Gower 4. K Pietersen 5. G Thorpe 6. I Botham 7. A Flintoff 8. M Prior 9. G Swann 10. D Gough 11. J Anderson Purely off the top of my head. Others that I would have considered are Tres, Vaughan, S Jones (if he had played more for England I'm sure he would have made this side). Gough and Thorpe would have been excellent in the better sides we have seen since 2005.

I agree with this. I've had this conversation with a few mates and I think England have made the right call in this test and I can't subscribe to any ECB influenced theory. Plainly and simply we are making the Aussies work and work, grinding them down whilst getting some valuable time at the crease and seeing the pitch deteriorate. If the Aussies had followed on I honestly don't believe that they could have batted as badly and if they had got their heads down could have taken a lead of say 150 in to the final innings which could be a bit nervy chasing on a turning wicket. So we have been conservative but I think the pro's from this strategy far outweigh the cons. Well done to Root as well. Will put the Compton issue to bed. I'm a Somerset fan but there is no doubting Root's pedigree. He can open for the next ten years.

This is taking the piss now.

Yep, he got rattled. Wasn't playing a shot against Swann and had a brainfreeze and had a bit of dance. Done that myself enough - but only local league level!!! Think the Hughes decision was fine myself. Looked like a feather of a nick and it was only Hughes reaction which then provided some confusion to it. The Rogers decision was piss poor though. I have some sympathy on the DRS reviews considering the umpiring is so poor. Probably feel like you want to review every decision.

What a ball from Swann!

Well done Big Bres Lad!!!

Afraid so.

The only bad thing about this partnership is that it is showing what a good wicket it is.

Yep - he looks like a bad whopper. Always giving the batsmen chat - bet it's shit as well.

I've been disappointed in what I have seen of Pattinson so far. He has come over here with a big reputation but he gives away far too many four balls. Harris is good though and you can see why the Aussies would want him to stay fit. As for the batting performance it simply isn't good enough. I think we have only made 500 once in the last 14 tests or so and we barely ever make 400. That's your reference point for a top class unit and we haven't been that for a while. I think we can get back there as I still believe that the 4 established batsmen are excellent but just need to find consistent form. Prior once he gets his head down will be ok and Root will come good. Really not convinced by Bairstow though. He needs to sort his technique before he performs consistently at test level - if he is ever able to do that.

Bairstow has got away with that! Bowled yet again - the exact same technical flaw.

Agreed.

It really pisses me off how slack we are as a batting unit at the moment. Just get fucking heads down and settle in.

Ouch. Not a good start. Can't complain with the decisions, all have been right. Not that impressed with Roots shot, head falling over a bit (which I guess it can do at Lords). We just need to focus on getting a solid start. Need some partnerships from here on in. Once again we will be relying on the bowlers to get us out of jail I reckon.

Tend to agree. Don't like the guy and I'm always rooting for anyone else come the back end of the majors but he is very talented and has been close. Thought I might as well get some money on him this time around.

Reckon this is Leah.

I haven't gone for Woods as I wonder if that next major is weighing heavy on him, however the course and weather will suit him well. Will hardly have to play a driver. He could easily do it. Not so sure about McIlroy. At the moment can't be sure what we are getting from him.

My view from the golf thread... Always a bit of a lottery but my 50p's are on Els, Lefty, McDowell, Day, Grace, Lowery and Bourdy. Would obviously love to see a home winner but not sure if we will get it. Otherwise as always, will be rooting for Els and Mickelson.

Indeed,

Another cracking weekend of sport coming up with the 2nd Ashes test and The Open Championship. Always a bit of a lottery but my 50p's are on Els, Lefty, McDowell, Day, Grace, Lowery and Bourdy. Would obviously love to see a home winner but not sure if we will get it. Otherwise as always, will be rooting for Els and Mickelson. What's peoples thoughts?

Went last September as a bit of a driving tour starting in Rome, going through Tuscany and up to Lake Garda and Verona. Rome is great and couldn't really add much more than has already been said. I would reiterate that you are best off booking for the Vatican in advance and try and get an early view as you will end up shuffling through all the way to the Sistine Chapel. I really enjoyed the Sistine Chapel, my wife thought it was over-rated! Also, there are two doors at the Sistine Chapel, one of which (right door as you face the rear of the chapel) will take you straight in to the Basilica. I would advise to take that rather than go with the flow as you will need to go back out to the main entrance which is a good 20 mins extra walk. It was frigging hot in September so be prepared. I don't know about anyone else but apart from the trip to the Vatican we basically did everything on foot, which is a good thing apart from the heat. Finally I loved Rome at night, as mentioned there are various Piazzas to with plenty of good bars and restaurants. I would definitely do Piazza Navona on one of the evenings. I've done a number of different city breaks and it is up there with the best of them. You'll have a great time.