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And Cooks captaincy in this test will have a lot to do with it.:(:td:

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Phew :D

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Seconded.

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what a test match that was well done England

:cleader::cleader::cleader::cleader::cleader:

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That was a very important match to win. After a good start, much of the first innings batting was distinctly average and we very nearly let them off the hook. Still, we escaped with a win and let's hope that bodes well for the series.

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Chuffed England won. I did say I wanted it to be close, but that was too close for comfort. Both second innings seemed to be better for the teams. Roll on next test.

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Wonder what the result would have been if Broad had 'walked'?

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Feel the result today was pivotal for the whole series.

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Well we'd probably have lost. However, the result would probably have been different if Agar had been given out stumped, had Clarke walked instead of wasting their final review and had Trott been given not out. I'd prefer it if all batsmen walked but the Australians have long favoured the approach that it's up to the umpires to get it right so they can't really expect their opponents to apply higher standards.

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Well done to England, congratulations from a Scots cricket fan who supports the "Auld Enemy" . Super contest between two excellent teams. Could not believe how close the final result was and on this occasion the best team won.

Can't wait for the 2nd Test to start.

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Yup same here. Given all the focus on the shorter forms of the game, this sort of match does a lot of good for the profile of test cricket. Five days of gripping excitement with lots more to come... :)

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I think you sum it up very well, however I also would prefer it if the batsmen (and fielders) were honest, rather than putting the onus on the match officials.

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The players will argue that they're sometimes the victims of bad umpiring decisions so if they get away with a few it evens things up.

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I watch matches like this one and wonder how people don't like cricket let alone test cricket. Each day had drama, tension and brilliant play by both sides. If the rest of the series is anything like this it will be another classic.

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People who don't like test cricket probably don't like chess either. The wonderful thing about cricket is the number of variables which enter into the match equation. Yes a draw might seem like a bit of an anti-climax after 5 days but, even then, there's usually a lot to be admired along the way whether it be batting, fielding or bowling. Some of the most exciting matches I've ever seen have been drawn. Indeed, had this match ended in stalemate, nobody could have claimed it was boring and quite a few would've claimed it was a fair result.