The biggest surprise so far? That the Australians seemed to run out of ideas when England were batting in the first innings and that Clarke's successor, Smith didn't seemed to be at the hub of some on field talks on tactics. England chose the venue of the first test well, a feather bed pitch which draws the sting and saps the energy of any fast bowler struggling to get bounce or even decent lift off it.The fact that 5 Aussie batters got themselves 'in' in the first innings and did not go on to score big is also a surprise.You need someone to get 140 and at least two others to get 70 odd if you are chasing 430. I'll bet the Aussies were hoping that Old Trafford, where the pitch is fast would be on the venues list but it is not. Losing Ryan Harris will be a massive blow as he is the bowler with the best Ashes record of all the Aussies. England have won this test, bring on the next!
Keith Iddon ● 3859d