Fourth Test, Trent Bridge

The fourth test began yesterday in promising fashion for the Australians. It was raining. But hopes that they could be rescued by Pommie weather yet again looked unlikely at the end of day two. Their reply to England’s impressive first innings total of 477 stands at 99 for 5 and the forecast is good for the weekend. It’s enough to break a Wallabee’s heart.

Obviously the Aussies aren’t enjoying this series quite as much as other recent ones, taking the piss out of hapless English no longer seeming appropriate. Jason Gillespie is particularly unhappy as he has lost his place due to poor performances and blames English crowds for his loss in form. They call him names apparently, using the kind of language a shrinking Australian violet isn’t familiar with. Perhaps he should take the boundary as an England fielder next time they play at Melbourne to get more accustomed to it. Blighty is sure that now he’s drawn attention to it the English fans will leave him alone.

In an effort to counteract the prospect of nearly five day’s full play, Australian captain Ponting has adopted a strategy of constant field rearrangement. It’s like a kind of musical chairs only without the chairs… or the music. In fact it’s just plain boring. ‘Get on with it Ponting you clueless Aussie!’