Cricket

Innings total of 500+ by lunch?
A lead of 200+ would be daunting for tired Aussie batsmen.

New ball seems to be working. Might not need to declare at this rate :D

They'll declare at lunch, come what may, I reckon - takes no available time away from the game. Even 15 mins turnaround (I know it's officially 10, but the Aussies are canny and will eat another 5) could be the difference, looking at various forecasts...

Better to get them back out in the field for 15mins then declare so they have harder time adjusting to batting?

It's an excellent point. Think Alex Hartley said the same on TMS just as I typed that. But does it also mean England's bowlers have the same disadvantage?

Glad I'm not making the decision!

Great to watch though & ponder. Fascinating tactical part of this game and why (for me at least) this is the best form of cricket.

does it also mean England's bowlers have the same disadvantage?

Only Broad & Anderson, so open the bowling with Woakes & Wood and give the oldies a rest?

open the bowling with Woakes & Wood and give the oldies a rest?

I actually like this idea anyway, whatever they decide. 4 overs of Wood and Jimmy first change.

Could call it #bazbowl?

I don't think the Sky commentators have discussed the pros and cons of declaring. I don't understand. Isn't there a big risk of a draw when the rain comes?

Isn't there a big risk of a draw when the rain comes?

Yes, Eng have to work fast for a (positive) result given Sat looks a washout.

What happens if this match is a draw and we win the 5th one? A draw and Australia keep the ashes?

Spot on

This delay on the declaration could come back to bite us

Couple of Jimmy reverse sweeps for four and then have a bowl

It's mad. Wtf are we making Jimmy bat for??

Maybe they knew Jimmy was in this sort of mood. It would be a shame to declare at a ground with an Anderson end.

Maybe they're trying to kill the Aussies' mood? Bairstow and Anderson having a slog in front of this crowd must make you want to crawl into your shell if you're Australian.

This is a bit mad now.

They must think the weather isn't going to be quite as bad as forecast and it's worth demoralising the Aussies further. Will be bad not to win this now.

Declare on bairstow double hundred?

It seems too much of a gamble to me. If they can make the Aussies so cowed that the opening batsmen collapse...well, great. But the Aussies aren't soft. All they have to do to force a draw is block and waste time.

Oh FFS! Poor YJB.

2nd innings timing is perfect for England.. this should be entertaining too.

Rapid

9 km to the finish in the tour. Much drama.