OK...so I am being very optimistic here.  But honestly, after watching NSW smashing us all over the park for 120+ runs for 1 wicket in the first session, I really thought we were in for more of a hammering than we actually got.  If we'd won the toss I am sure we would have scored 350+ against Lee, McGrath, S Clark & McGill...

In the end, 325-5 at stumps on a flat wicket & sunny day was not a great result but one with some positives.....our bowlers got plenty of overs in!  Freddy bowled really well for no wicket (15 overs 52-0); Giles' first stint for many months produced a very respectable 46-2, and Monty got his 1st wicket in Australia.  Worryingly Harmy looked as wayward as ever and Hoggard needs to learn to bowl a consistent line & length when the ball isn't swinging, otherwise the Aussies will murder him at 80mph.

For the Aussies, Phil Jacques got another great 100 putting more pressure on Langer for the openers Test spot; and Clarke got some welcome time at the crease with well worked 50.

...and the barmy army started it's tour in strong voice, albeit after tea & with some lubrication on the vocal chords.

Enjoyed a couple of quiet beers with Rick & Rich, plus met a few fellow tourists in the pub afterwards who we'll be catching up with around the traps later on.

I'll be back to the SCG tomorrow and Tuesday & can only hope that England can dominate as much with the bat as NSW did today. 

Although the forecast is overcast & thundery showers, so McGrath, Bracken & Clark may clean us up for under 200.  I hope NOT!