Ashes Day 4

At the time of writing South Africa B has the Australians on the back foot with Mike Hussey (107*) and Brad Haddin (33*) chasing another 226 runs for victory with only Mitchell Johnson to come after them.

I thought the South Africans put together a pretty accomplished performance with:

• Andrew Strauss contributing 133 runs in the match
• Jonathan Trott contributing 160 runs

Excluding Matt Priors contributions (giving the Poms the benefit of the doubt) - these two contributed 41% of all the runs scored by the English team and Strauss ran out Michael Clarke at a critical time. With due respect, the English cannot claim they "retained" the Ashes.

Bugger I see that the South African Strauss has just caught Haddin pushing the English one step closer to winning the Ashes...

Big day ahead for England

Well well well.... Brad Haddin and Marcus North (pictured) did what needed to be done and then Ben Hilenfhaus and Mitchell Johnson piled on the pressure with two late wickets to put the English on the back foot in the first Ashes test.

With Cook and Bopara gone, the English need another 219 runs with Pietersen and Strauss at the crease and eight wickets in hand.

It is hard to see a Test match in Wales as being a critical juncture in this old rivalry but I honestly believe that if the English capitulate today, it could be a hint that their summer is over. If they come out fighting then fans on both side of the fence will take a bit more interest.

An interesting day of cricket ahead - for all sorts of different reasons...

Aussie 2nd test squad

Following on their loss in the first test to South Africa, the Australians have been quick to make some changes to their squad.

Krezja given the chop but amazingly Siddle was retained - however I'm not convinced he will stay in the starting lineup.

Australia squad
Matthew Hayden,
Simon Katich,
Ricky Ponting (capt),
Michael Hussey,
Michael Clarke (vice),
Andrew Symonds,
Shane Watson,
Brad Haddin (wk),
Brett Lee,
Nathan Hauritz,
Mitchell Johnson,
Ben Hilfenhaus,
Peter Siddle

Surprisingly no mention of Nathan Bracken - thought the Aussie selectors might carry on with the left armer theme....