Into the Ashes - DAY 1

So finally it is here, the first morning of the first test of The Ashes. The phoney war, as they say, is now over. Both Andrew Strauss and Ricky 'the rat' Ponting will have their teams prepared to the maximum. Australia will field the spinner Nathan Hauritz who, observers in the know suggest, will get as much turn as an articulated lorry in a wardrobe. Brett Lee, everyone's favourite Aussie is out, unlucky Brett. England meanwhile have picked two spinners, Monty and Swanny, both of whom have the capability to win a test match. Particularly on a final day pitch that has NEVER seen a five day test in its life.


More importantly though, I hear you cry, how have your preparations been Dave??? Well I will tell you. Having not slept too well due to the heat over the last couple of weeks, last night I finally got some decent kip in. Dinner last night was some lovely lamb chops (Welsh, since you ask) and (English) baby new potatoes. This morning my plan of walking to work was scuppered by rain, rather here than Cardiff, so I endured a face to armpit style tube ride. Breakfast today has consisted of two slices of toast, a bowl of muesli and a rather large, ahem, banana. Enough about food though, the good news is I have managed to rig up an elaborate wiring system allowing me to listen to the morning session at work. A long lunch will follow in the George from 13:40 taking in much (if not all) of the afternoon's play. The even better news, though, is that I work with an Aussie, so fingers crossed I can give him a proper goading later today.


England will bat first on a brand new pitch against a depleted Australian attack. Predictions? England 302/5 at close later with Straussy cementing his authority with a patient ton. Your thoughts appreciated below!