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I always wondered how some not very good players ended up as selectors. I figure that meant I have a chance to be a selector for Australia in the future because I'll never play for them.

First mistake is being made already - not playing Neser instead of Starc.........Neser is in the form of his life and Starc doesn't have an amazing record in the UK with the Duke balls

Totally agree PH....Starc will be rusty as, whilst Neser is match hardened and ready to go.  No in-between with Starc....will either be smashed by India's batsmen or will smash India's batsmen

If our selectors had any idea they would be using this WTC Final as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming Ashes.
Those that dont perform in those conditions dont play simple.
But unfortunately we tend to stick with players way past their best like Warner who has never really performed in England even when he was on top of his game, Starc similarly hasnt bowled anywhere near his best in England in the past and I reckon the English batsmen have earmarked him and Lyon especially to be smashed all over the park at all costs.
Anyways we shall wait and see what happens over the next 2 months, I for one will be sleep deprived thats for sure!

the coin flip tonight is one you'd very much like to pick

Yes southerner, I think this time of year you would want to bowl first in England - the wicket will flatten out over time but it may spin later on.

See the poms have pulled Moin Ali out of retirement for their first two tests. He hasn't played first class cricket since 2021. It just highlights the fact our batters all need to bat long and deep. It's all well and good for the poms to score at 5 an over, but if we make them bowl 100+ overs an innings they won't get the rest they need when continually backing up in the field.

lost that and it is an Emerald green top

Wow this was a difficult decision to bat or bowl first. 
There's plenty in the deck on day 1.
Weather looks good and temperatures in the high 20's on the weekend. 
Could be a spinners deck day 4+5.
Great crowd in on day 1..Really like the English Cricket Ground's. 

Good partnership between Smith and Head has Australia in a decent position at tea. If they can convert their current score into 350 plus, they will be in a position to put some pressure on the Indian batsmen.
I can't believe India left out Ravi Ashwin for a 4th pace bowler. There is no doubt the pitch will turn later in the match and Ashwin has always troubled the Aussie batsmen

incredible assault by Head , shown up just how poor the selectors are why he was dropped in India just mystifies now
in deep poo at 3-76 there probably hasn't been such an innings since Gilchrist with the savagery
huge chance now

India didn't bowl to well, lets be honest if you are going to win the toss and bowl you need to have most of your balls hitting the stumps, and 2 referrals for LBW against Marnus were clearly going over.....

And to only get through 23 overs in the first session, when the wicket was probably at its best time to bowl is deplorable. There should be fines for being 5 overs short even after an extra 30 minutes. I agree with what Warnie used to say here, make it a 5 or 10 run penalty for every over short and sides wont be so lazy