its getting ridiculous now.. yet another paltry first innings score, followed by a lack of killer instinct with regard to finishing off symonds and the tail.
looks like we will be facing a 250+ deficit minimum now. and barring a miracle, im afraid its going to be 4-0.
it has been abject. truly appalling. i can only hope that we dont shift the team around too much (the guys do have talent) and just see how we do against the indies (both versions) this summer. i have a feeling that although we havent been good enough for the Aussies, we havent turned into a bad team.
i fear that the majority of the problems stem from Freddie. woeful with the bat, average with the ball, and yet he hasnt got the nous to shift the batting order around to protect him (why not go in at 8 or 9 for example?)
cook really does have to look at his technique though. no offence to the lad, and he has got 4 more test hundreds than i have, but the aussies have already found his weakness (not that it wasnt obvious). He has the temperament, but not the technique to open the batting. he plays at too many wide ones. as does bell. as does collingwood.
hopefully the guys will prove me wrong tonight, but i fear the pressure of needing 300 or so just to get to parity is going to be too much for them. it will need a big opening stand, a couple of 150s and some decent support from the morons who inhabit slots 6-11.
you never know, we may win the one-day series?
maybe im in denial as well.
fc