Ken

It is farcical. Players eligible for New Zealand opted to play for Tonga or Samoa. New Zealand are Australia's main threat in rugby league and they went down. The WC is an opportunity for 2nd tier countries to participate generally and Tonga beat NZ.

England cannot lose, not from here. If they do they are shitter than shit.

Not trying to preempt things but I think Kazu Miura deserves one when he's done. This bloke was playing in Italy when I was in my mid-teens; https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/12/kazuyoshi-miura-oldest-professional-scorer-beats-stanley-matthews-record

England do have a slight sniff of victory, a window of opportunity. But it is unlikely. The curator up there in Brisbane needs a serious word and a slap.

Anderson and Broad started well and were piling on the pressure. Usman can't play spin so bold move to use Ali as first change and it paid off. Our two best batsmen at the crease now so the next hour is critical.

England's middle order and tail end didn't appreciate the bodyline tactics forced by the slow pitch. Broad looked like he was shitting himself. Lyon turned the ball a mile so that is pretty ominous for England's second dig given the amount of left-handers in the side. I guess before the game started if England were offered 302 runs in their first innings then they would have gratefully taken it.

His would be worse than my effort if I tried to grow one. I have always gone by the rule that if it looks like bum fluff get rid. The downpour today would have dampened the pitch more, but who am I to argue against Ponting, Gilchrist and Fleming.

Well, yes, it will still be 0-0. I think, psychologically, your batsmen had a leg up today, but it wouldn't have deterred our bowlers. It will make them more determined tbh. Bring on day 2 and your middle order.

For a worthy cause. I couldn't grow one if I wanted to tbh, luckily enough though I have enough on head.

New ball means you'll either score more or lose wickets quickly. The latter is more likely. The wicket is offering very little, you've had a good day, but your big wigs are gone so thinking of 350 is a bit premature atm. Rain imo just means a better chance of a draw.

The wicket is predicted to be soft and slow again tomorrow and maybe on day 3 as well. Evenly poised, yes, but England need to get keep batting until after lunch still to avoid a certain loss for me. I've got tomorrow off so I will get a closer look at it.

Slowish wicket, nothing by the way of swing or movement off the pitch. Vince and Stoneman look set, solid without looking great and they hadn't needed to tbf. Our bowlers bowling a lot of wasters hence the low run rate.

I believe in the hype of our bowling attack, yes, but as you have mentioned if England are stubborn and make our bowlers do a lot of work it could tell in the latter part of the series. Good toss to win but bad start for your lot with Cook gone btw. Let's see how these 'new' players in your top order do...

Starc and Cummins will murder your lot although I doubt Cummins will play all five tests given his history of injuries. Hazelwood will pile on the pressure with his line and length all series. The most intriguing match of the test series will be the day/night match in Adelaide which will bring your seemers into it and your best chance at a result.

Just playing it safe until I get a gauge of your lot. Haven't heard of let alone seen more than half your side.

History will suggest that the first test will be a draw given the flat wicket in Brisbane. But given the weakness of this England team I think this could end in four days. I hope I am wrong, unlike others I relish a genuine contest and series.

Too, too young. The likes of players like her in my teen years is what kept me interested in the traditions and the game itself. RIP.

England are much better now than 4 years ago whereas I believe Australia are substantially weaker. Anything can happen in the WC though. Form is out the window when certain teams play each other.

God I hope England and Australia are in the same pool

Didn't lose to them. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't relish traveling to Saudi or Iran (to play Iraq) to do anything. Not getting results against Iceland, Mexico, Austria and Georgia are worse. That's before you consider a 5-1 defeat at home against Denmark. Think about it.

Honkie eh?

Pitch was bad, tactics had dramatically changed playing a back three, and we had no Tim Cahill, a little bit like Ireland without Ray Houghton back in the good old days. Dominated possession too as we always do. Matters not, we made it.

Poor lad. Sounds like he needs a holiday. He could come down under but being the way he is he may be a target for a few clouts from Irish backpackers and the like.

Fair enough. Yes, it is complex. Do you support A team then, Paddy?

Complex or just too too ridiculous of a reason. Perhaps a combination? Go on, I won't ridicule.