With Day 1 bringing 14 wickets a lot of questions point to whether Day 2 can live up to the same heights. One thing is for sure, the sun will be on show throughout the day which could lead to batting become easier throughout the day.

Continue reading →

Olly Foster- BBC Sport

“A decision on whether or not Stuart Broad can bowl today will be made in the next half an hour. The injury received ice treatment overnight after a blow to his right shoulder while batting. Because the injury is external he would be able to bowl straight away despite being off the field yesterday.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23261769

Melbourne Age

“Former Australian cricketer Ashley Mallett believes the decision to call-up Ashton Agar for the first Ashes clash was the best debut Test selection since Max Walker was picked in 1972.”

http://media.theage.com.au/national/selections/the-rise-of-ashton-agar-4561378.html

Sam Sheringham- BBC Sport

“After yesterday’s grey and gloom, it’s bright and blue today at Trent Bridge with some light clouds lingering around the fringes. The conditions look far better for betting, but there’s still a chill in the air and a fair old breeze so don’t expect the ball to stop swinging just yet.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/23261769

Sydney Morning Herald

“Smith looked to counter-attack and succeeded to a good extent against a good bowling line-up. He looked at much more ease than any of the other Australian batsman. From what we have seen on day 1, this Test already promises to have a result and it is hard to say which team is on top at the moment.”

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/live-day-two-first-ashes-test-england-v-australia-trent-bridge-20130711-2psm7.html

Legendary umpire Dickie Bird is here at Trent Bridge for the Test… find out what he’s thinking in our exclusive podcast:

It’s hard to imagine a calm Trent Bridge during Ashes week, but arrive at the ground early and the echoes of the Barmy Army are faint. Will we see more wickets tumble here on Day Two?

The (perhaps) untrue story of the day comes from just during the tea break.

The story goes that the late Denis Compton was to throw himself a 50th Birthday Party at Lords. Having booked out the MCC Long Room a number of high profile guests were invited and the superstars of world cricket traveled from around the world to attend.

An hour into the do Compton was in fine form as were his guests when a call came through to the Long Room bar. Compton duly left his guests to take the call however his friends couldn’t help but be taken aback by the look on the great batsman’s face when he returned to the party.

Having been asked what was wrong Compton replied that it had been his mother on the phone and that she had called to wish him a very happy 49th Birthday! It transpires that ol’ Denis had such a terrible memory that he forgot how old he was and completely misplaced a year.

If you’re around the ground and have a funny cricketing story this week, please let us know.

It’s been a busy first day for the bar staff of the Radcliffe Stand and the final round is in sight as the final session draws to a close. Thousands of cricket lovers have passed through Trent Bridge’s gates today stopping off for that first pint refreshment before reaching their seats.

Barman, Aeron, aged 20 has experienced thirsty punters before having recently finished a shift at a local 20-20 match and was feeling confident when we spoke to him earlier in the morning.

Continue reading →

The Australian cricket team today burst out of the blocks with a wonderful display of bowling superiority, mainly in the shape of Peter Siddle but with beautiful displays by team mates Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson, bringing England to a halt at 215 runs all out.

Siddle’s quick bursts of pace that he so fantastically puts behind the ball giving it the momentum to create poor play within England’s batsmen was key to Australia’s success today, bringing England’s batting to a quiet close. Yet with England’s powerful bowling playing a key feature in recent success it can be hoped that Alastair Cook and co. will return the favour and ensure Australian confidence will soon be shaken.

To many, a Test match will be restricted to the walls of Trent Bridge. In reality, its influence spreads far beyond the ground. Here’s a few of the things going on outside this week…