I suspect they might find a large number of frightened rabbits when they DO look.

What's a stupid statement. So on that evidence are we only allowed to hit balls that's going to hit the wicket?? Fuck me, on one hand your saying be more positive then on the other your saying be more defensive. Which is it??

Of course we are gona play shots, most boundaries are off balls that arnt aimed at the wickets

We lost because we were shite, frightened of a bowler for no fucking reason at all. We need to shape up quickly but to suggest not playing shots that are wide of the stumps is just lunacy

I can understand what he was on about in the stat though, runs werent important in the match survival was, therefore only hit the shots that can get you out.

Sometimes its very difficult to talk to you sir.

Of course we need to be positive, but most of the wickets were down to ridiculous shots. Cook for one basic example.

You can be positive without being reckless.

The aussie batsmen are showing us how to play.

Its not a difficult concept.

You've got to find a balance you can't just survive for two days you've to bat and still put the bowers under enough pressure and not just allow them to bowl at you.

Some of dismissals were appalling though, Cook, Carberry and Bell all ridiculous when you are trying to save a game .

Two positives Roots knock and Prior's much needed self belief restoring runs. I have now run out of positives and can't any other scoreline than 5-0.

But those knocks just dont add up to anything long term do they?

bell was superb first innings but an utter shocker second.

Carberry started well, but got out stupidly.

Root another positive, but still gets out to bad shots too often.

Other than that, there are no positives.

I think it's Cook who needs to look at himself because he's been utter shite in these two matches, both as a batsman and a skipper.

I think Cook will be looking at himself but every single one of them should be.

I don't think there's been much wrong with his captaincy even Shane Warne who was a big critic all summer said he was very impressed how he led the team on day one Adelaide you can't really blame the captain for the couple of easy catches we dropped. Also there's only so much a captain can do when you get rolled over for less than 200 three times out of four in flat wickets.

I don't think you can single out his batting either they've all performed poorly. I think 6 of the top 7 have scored one 50 in the series (only Stokes having not) and obviously nobody have passed three figures. Individually and collectively it's not good enough, we've been out batted out bowled and out fielded. Pretty hard for the captain when that is the case. They've all got to look at themselves and show some pride.

Fair point.

But he should lead by example. If he can hook and get caught on the boundary that early in a "must defend for his life" situation, then he can hardly bollock the others can he?

Also far point. Nowt wrong with taking your time (but not like Geoff 'the only man who knows about cricket' Boycott) and you have to play yourself in. Few of the top six are doing it. You can't just slash at Johnson (oooo-errr) because you'll get out.

But whoever wrote that dosnt mention how reckless we were, he was pointing out something that means absolutely nothing. My point was why does that matter? If your out playing a bad shot then analyse that but why he is suggesting we shouldn't be attacking shots that ain't at the wicket is just crazy. There is a shit load to look at but for me that tosser who presumably is an Aussie is just stating a ridiculous fact. Its like saying well pools conceded 10 goals in 10 games all to number 9s as though that means something.

Since Panesar's knock in the first innings we no longer looked scared of Mitch and although he'll be revelling in the prospect of Perth I'm not as concerned about him as I was after the first innings. Harris looked tired and if we can win the toss then it'll be a great opportunity for us to get a big score.

We need a big opening partnership for a change, too often the batsmen are coming in under pressure. Carberry has looked ok, Roots knock was decent, I'm never concerned about KP even when he's not scoring, Bell looked like he could bat all day in the first innings and Prior was back to his former self. It's still a decent top 7 for me and a decent top 8 if Bresnan comes in for Swann

Bresnan for Swann???

That's what he said!

Boycott and a couple of others have said they'd drop Swann as well.

I'd be tempted to drop Swann too.

Anyway, our luck will change now that the Jonahs are on their way home.

and Mouldy Old Dough is on his way to replace them!!