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the rain dilemma


The third Ashes Test begins later today at Edgbaston. The outfield is sodden from days of heavy rain inthe Midlands. The draw price has been crunched down to 1.74 with more rain expected throughout the match. But does the prospect of wet weather also bring more wickets as the ball moves around more? If the water can be dispersed from the outfield and play start close to 11am, a reasonable day by the forecast could see a complete innings gone. And if that happens, the draw will no longer be odds-on.

Rain at Edgbaston all right for some

Last time at Edgbaston, the Aussies lost McGrath on the morning of the match and it cost them dearly. The two Tests we lost were the ones McGrath wasn't fit for. Will KP have a similar effect on the Poms? An England batting line-up with Bopara and Bell doesn't scare anyone. Mind you, the way Johnson is bowling, he's not exactly putting fear into anyone either. Though apparently he's patched up his differences with his mum over some ridiculous Mum v WAG argument...

This will be a key toss to win. Ponting hasn't had any luck on that front yet, and he won't want to make the same mistake as 2005, putting England in and watching them score 400 in a day!

Not expecting any changes to the Aus XI, no matter how deserved they might be. I'll be laying that draw and cheering the Aussies.
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