Bradman, 1946, 1st Test, belted the cover off it to first slip, stood his ground and was given not out, and went on to make a massive score. No TV in those days for everyone to examine it, but Hammond was heard to say “A fine fucking way to start a series”. Not that the papers reported Hammond’s remark verbatim.
See also Atherton, M., and “When in Rome, dear boy”. 
Cracking good match so far. Would anybody mind telling me why the Ashes are happening again in six months? More ICC scheduling cock ups?
We’ve discussed the DRS issue before in these cricket threads. I’m in the same camp as don’t ask. Use it to eliminate howlers, and leave the on-field umpires’ call untouched otherwise (at least until the tech has been independently tested). I think pretty much all cricket lovers would be happy with that approach. If only the ICC would show as much sense as the average fan.
310 ahead at the moment, with just the last pair at the crease. So, quick 100 partnership, and we’re laughing.
Seriously, I think we’ve got enough. If Australia make these runs, they are going to deserve the victory.
the way its going, aus. will make just 150 i think.
2 bad balls 2 fours by watson
Agar coming in at 8, which is where he may well bat going on if he continues to get selected.
England are making generally better use of their DRS referrals over this game. I’d suggest that the one that’s just got Hughes out wasn’t really a “good” referral, though. I mean, it overturned the decision, so that’s good, but it was hardly a shocker.
Oz need 137. England need 4 wickets. On the face of it, England are in the pound seats but Agar has shown he is a good bat and Haddin is no mug either. England will be worried if these two are still there with less than 100 to get.
This really has been a superb advert for Test match cricket. Hopefully the rest of the series will be equally enthralling. There is no chance of a draw, given the weather forecast. Someone is winning this match.
i was obviously wrong , aus. have made 180 for 6.
the batsmen are scoring very slowly as of now.
Once Agar was out, all chance goine. It’s now 234-9 and 77 runs to go.
38 runs 1 wicket
A six from the number 11 and now it’s 30 … I can’t take us falling short by 6 or 2 runs yet again … don’t do this to me Australia!
But now the spinners are off and Broad’s back in, not good for us.
1 team has to lose unless its a tie. some tense faces there
Anderson off the field with cramp. We need something from Broad here, I feel.
Of course, now the pressure in back on the Australians a little here, as they can really do this now, and they won’t want to throw this away.
28 to win. 1 wicket. Got to love test cricket.
tht cud have been a sensation end if finn caught that
i am neutral but tilting towards aus guys
5 mins for lunch
It’s lunch now. All the bowlers will get a rest, and a regroup. England to win with a single figure score.
could the umpires have extended the session?
Lunch was already delayed.
Eek, I’m looking at Australia as favourites to win this now. Who’d have thought their two last-wicket partnerships would account for 200 runs in the match?
Oh damn, I have to go to bed and won’t find out til morning. I’ll guess we fall short by, oh, 19 runs. No, 17. Arrgh!
Whoever wins this game will have major questions to answer about how this game has gone. For the Australians, the poor bowling on the first morning and the batting of their top order generally, and for England the batting performance in the first innings and their inability to finish the tail in both innings.