Here's why

There are 200 overs left in the game. The last thing England want is for Australia to rack up 450 and have, say, 50 overs left to run through England on a crumbling pitch. England absolutely want to bowl last on this pitch and if the bat until just before lunch, getting a lead of around 440, an Australian victory is not only unlikely, it is impossible. 160-170 overs really should be enough to bowl them out and the weather forecast is ok.

Additionally, it's an early start tomorrow which means a two and a half hour morning session. It makes perfect sense to have our bowlers fresher by taking 8-10 overs before lunch, recharging, and going again. Conversely it will be harder for the Aussies to to settle, having to start twice. Finally, a morning of Pietersen and others making hay against pudding throwers like Bollinger and Doherty (the Doh!) will deepen scars which may not heal in this series

Should we win the game from here if we declare overnight? Yes of course. However we still have an enormous comfort zone and we need to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory first. It may be a little dull but this is sport at the very highest level and we should take absolutely no chances.

Posted By: The Judge, Dec 5, 13:47:11