strauss and bell are going well

Next inspection at 14:30...

From the Twitter:

play called off for the day

Well this is a bad show. if we don't get any play tomorrow we might as well call the whole thing a wash.

Jon

With our weather it is amazing that cricket ever became popular.

I read in the paper that it was OFFICIALLY THE WETTEST JULY SINCE 2007.

Broad's just got 50. But of a long tail here. Looks like 2nd innings will start with England having around 120 as a lead. Very nicely poised game, but losing a whole day has killed the game - I can't see us getting the Aussies out in a day, even if we'd end up with a nominal total to chase if we did.

Jon

I bet that was exactly how it was reported, too!

Oops, spoke too soon. England all out for 376 with Broad out for 55, making for a lead of 113. Flintoff is opening the bowling. It's going to be a very very important hour or two this is - if England can knock the openers over before close, they stand a fighting chance of winning the test and putting the Aussies really under pressure in the series as a whole.

Jon

Punter out for 5! Australia 57-2! Game, as they say, on.

Jon

tell me more ,dont have it on the telly and my local is off limits .

Well, turned into a bit of a damp squib (if you'll excuse the pun) in the end. The Aussies have shown all series - and indeed for years - that if they have to go down fighting they won't give you any wickets on the cheap and so it proved. Clarke genuinely is an excellent batsman.

So on to Headingly, with the series still poised. As things stand Australia do need to win a test but with matches running out, it's reached a 'winner takes all' level almost.

Jon

if we win the next test we win the ashes

There's a right kerfuffle at the Oval. Flintoff is out (who didn't see that coming). Michael Clarke seems to be in for the Aussies. No sign of Brett Lee taking part at all.

Then Matt Prior ricks his back during the warmup! Paul Collingwood is seem with the wicketkeeper gloves on! Wicket keeping coach Bruce French is apparently suggested as a standin for the first session should Oz be batting, until a proper replacement can arrive! French is 49!

The toss has been put back 10 minutes to 10:40 as England attempt to sort themselves out. The 11 men on the list when the toss is made must start the test.

Jon