The Ashes 2010

[TarJak]

So the time approaches and Australia meets the old enemy on their home turf once again. Will England be able to retain the Ashes or will Ponting hold the replica trophy aloft one more?

All will be revealed in the next month or so.

http://bettingexpertblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/theashesurn1.jpg

[darius359au]

I'm hoping we can break the trend that's been happening in the last few series ,the English win in England and we win here - hopefully we can win here then there this time around:yeah:

[papa_smurf]

Were going to win the ashes once again, and ponting will have to resign as captain:D.

[Jimbuna]

So the time approaches and Australia meets the old enemy on their home turf once again. Will England be able to retain the Ashes or will Ponting hold the replica trophy aloft one more?

All will be revealed in the next month or so.

http://bettingexpertblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/theashesurn1.jpg

The law of averages suggests you have a 50/50 chance of success....but Australia are no longer the all conquering team home and away that they have been over the past decade.

My prediction is it will be a close run thing.

Were going to win the ashes once again, and ponting will have to resign as captain:D.

He'll be 36 in December so his retirement will soon be pending either way.

[TarJak]

I agree that it will be close. If it is anything like the last series over there then the fans will certainly be happy. I'm keeping an eye peeled on the current series against Pakistan being played over there. Looks like the Lords wicket is a bowlers paradise.

The Aussie batsmen will need to have their eye in early to bring any chance of success and the bowlers will have to keep their form. I notice Watson got a 5 for 40 in the Pakistani 1st innings. If he keeps bowling like that we stand a chance as long as the batsmen can get some runs.

should be a good series though with the Poms holding the ascendancy after the recent one day series.

[badhat17]

I wouldn't get too excited about Watson's Five for, he was bowling against a raw inexperienced Pakistan team missing half their batting line up.
If Pontings bad run continues, will the ruthless Aussie selectors wield the axe ?

[Platapus]

sorry to say that I had to look it up. :oops:

Cricket

Nice game to watch, but I would not want to play it. I had a nice Indian friend of ours explain it. A very complicated and complex game with tons of strategy.

We had some guys playing Cricket just a few miles from where I live. I wish I had the time on the weekends to watch them play.

[TarJak]

sorry to say that I had to look it up. :oops:

Cricket

Nice game to watch, but I would not want to play it. I had a nice Indian friend of ours explain it. A very complicated and complex game with tons of strategy.

We had some guys playing Cricket just a few miles from where I live. I wish I had the time on the weekends to watch them play.
It is a bit hard to understand if you haven't grown up with it. Over here you get lots of games played in backyards all around the country so kids get a fel for it from very early on. But they do need to be weaned off the local rules of backyard cricket once they hit school. No more 6 & out not more one handed catch of the garage roof etc.

[Jimbuna]

I wouldn't get too excited about Watson's Five for, he was bowling against a raw inexperienced Pakistan team missing half their batting line up.
If Pontings bad run continues, will the ruthless Aussie selectors wield the axe ?

It is said in the press that Ponting is deparate to get his name on the all time greats board at Lords, his averages in international cricket are a respectable 55ish but he has never carried that form through to a Lords test.

Because of his age it is highly probable he will never lead his country again in a Lords test against England.

Recently an honours board was put up in the visitors' dressing room, created for neutral tests. Shane Warne never took five at the home of cricket. Dennis Lillee didn't manage it either. Nor, for that matter, did Jeff Thomson, who thinks Watson's bowling is rubbish and once famously described him as "not an allrounder's ar$ehole".

Warren Bardsley and Charles Kelleway are up there for their batting in 1912 against South Africa. Shane Watson is the first bowler to join them.

The question being.....will Ponting grab what will probably be his last chance...and join them?

[TarJak]

I wouldn't get too excited about Watson's Five for, he was bowling against a raw inexperienced Pakistan team missing half their batting line up.
If Pontings bad run continues, will the ruthless Aussie selectors wield the axe ?I never said he was the greatest bowler ever. Just that he's done well to get 5 for. He's still got to get them out and without being accurate wouldn't have done that. You don't get 1 bowled and 2 with crap bowling regardless of the batting line up.

It is said in the press that Ponting is deparate to get his name on the all time greats board at Lords, his averages in international cricket are a respectable 55ish but he has never carried that form through to a Lords test.

Because of his age it is highly probable he will never lead his country again in a Lords test against England.

Recently an honours board was put up in the visitors' dressing room, created for neutral tests. Shane Warne never took five at the home of cricket. Dennis Lillee didn't manage it either. Nor, for that matter, did Jeff Thomson, who thinks Watson's bowling is rubbish and once famously described him as "not an allrounder's ar$ehole".

Warren Bardsley and Charles Kelleway are up there for their batting in 1912 against South Africa. Shane Watson is the first bowler to join them.

The question being.....will Ponting grab what will probably be his last chance...and join them?
I hope Ponting can do well in what is likely to be his final series in England. If nothing else as a way for him to go out on a high. The problem is that his form of late has not been up to his previous best efforts so he's got a bit of work to do to make this a success.

[Jimbuna]

I never said he was the greatest bowler ever. Just that he's done well to get 5 for. He's still got to get them out and without being accurate wouldn't have done that. You don't get 1 bowled and 2 with crap bowling regardless of the batting line up.


I hope Ponting can do will in what is likely to be his final series in England. If nothing else as a way for him to go out on a high. The problem is that his form of late has not been up to his previous best efforts so he's got a bit of work to do to make this a success.

I hope your right and he does manage it....his overall figures at Test level speak for themselves :yep:

[badhat17]

Well unless Ponting can provide a remarkable spell of bowling and somehow get a Five for in Pakistans second innings, I would say his chance of appearing on the honours board has gone. He got a duck in Australias second innings.

[Jimbuna]

Taxi for Ponting :DL

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg

[STEED]

If Australia wins I suggest you gate crash Lords and take the real ashes home. ;)

And if you loose, your buying me a few pints. :03:

[papa_smurf]

Its so good to see that Australian-English relations are still intact.......for now:D

[badhat17]

About time this thread got smashed through the covers and back onto the front page. England looking good and feeling confident, but how about you Aussie chaps ? Got the beers in yet ?

[XabbaRus]

Sticking this thread.

Go the barmy army.

[Jimbuna]

Sticking this thread.

Go the barmy army.

Checkout the hat on the big handsome fella :smug:

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/4454/subsim2008074.jpg (http://img825.imageshack.us/i/subsim2008074.jpg/)

[nikimcbee]

What is this? Some sort of drinking game or something?:hmmm:

[nikimcbee]

Checkout the hat on the big handsome fella :smug:



Gee Jim, I didn't know you felt that way?:hmmm:

[TarJak]

I'd love to say I was confident of a victory, but the recent series against Sri Lanka was a real disappointment and unless the team can pull it's socks up I have the feeling that England may retain the Ashes this time around.

C'mon Aussie.

[papa_smurf]

Never in the history of the Ashes has the England team been in a great position, even the Aussie press are saying the urn should be handed over to us as a mere formality:D.

[TarJak]

Confidence must be a novel feeling then?:D:O:

[papa_smurf]

Confidence must be a novel feeling then?:D:O:

We'll show ya in 2 days time:D

[TarJak]

Maybe, maybe not.

http://media.smh.com.au/national/selections/third-umpire-ashes-preview-2058751.html

[Jimbuna]

Well I'll make two predictions before a ball is bowled.

1....Australia will not win 5-0

2....Whoever wins the series, it will be by a 3-2 margin.

Obviously hoping the England side will be victorious.

[ABBAFAN]

I read somewhere that the Ashes are played between 18 and 30 months apart to take into account the summer in the northern and Southern hemispheres. It will have been less than 18 months since the last series was played so howcome it has come around so soon?

[nikimcbee]

So what is this "Barmy Army?"

http://www.barmyarmy.com/funandgames/index.php?m=games

Dude, I'm playing a cricket game!:o What's next, me spelling the word colour...wait I just spelled it. This is madness:o:haha:

[badhat17]

It's geting close now, real close.

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?

[saltysplash]

I knew it was a bad idea staying up for the first day.

Riots in London, and Strauss out on the third ball.

Its now 0342hrs and england are 125 for 4:damn:

I can feel Shane Warne being smug on the commentary.

Meanwhile its still heavy rain off the shetland isles and its only dec 1939.

Ill give it till 04.30GMT then im off to bed...cook looking steady but bell always seems iffy to me.

[TarJak]

http://images.smh.com.au/2010/11/25/2064311/peter_siddle-420x0.jpg
Happy Birthday Peter Siddle!:woot:

9th bowler to get an Ashes hatrick and 6 for 54 not a bad way to celebrate

Poms all out for 260.

Taxi for Strauss
http://images.smh.com.au/2010/11/25/2063296/strauss-420x0.jpg

[JScones]

Well I'll make two predictions before a ball is bowled.

1....Australia will not win 5-0

2....Whoever wins the series, it will be by a 3-2 margin.

Obviously hoping the England side will be victorious.
You need to factor in the weather - it's been suggested that summer here will be quite wet. We've seen some of it at the 'Gabba. I suspect it will be 2-1..Australia or England I'll decide tomorrow...

[TarJak]

You need to factor in the weather - it's been suggested that summer here will be quite wet. We've seen some of it at the 'Gabba. I suspect it will be 2-1..Australia or England I'll decide tomorrow...
Agreed. Given the likely hood of a few days play being spoilt by rain I doubt there will be a result in all matches this time around. Here's hoping the rain stays away enough to get a result in all matches.

[Jimbuna]

You need to factor in the weather - it's been suggested that summer here will be quite wet. We've seen some of it at the 'Gabba. I suspect it will be 2-1..Australia or England I'll decide tomorrow...

Yep...always presumed the weather would be hot and therefore no interruptions.

I'll change my 3-2 prediction to a win by a margin of 1.....for either side.

[papa_smurf]

This was a typical England start to a test match. We hype it all out of proportion and totally mess it up at the beginning:damn:

I just hope we can bowl out Australia for less than 260 and put on a decent score afterwards. All we need is some good spin on the pitch, and our spin bowlers will do their job (so I'm hoping for a nice overcast day to help with spin).

[Jimbuna]

Happy Birthday Peter Siddle!:woot:

9th bowler to get an Ashes hatrick and 6 for 54 not a bad way to celebrate

Poms all out for 260.

Taxi for Strauss


Early days yet.

Remember....what goes round comes round :DL

[TarJak]

Early days yet.

Remember....what goes round comes round :DL
I've got to get my jibes in while the going is good. It might not stay that way.:O:

[Jimbuna]

I've got to get my jibes in while the going is good. It might not stay that way.:O:

...and that is precisely why I'm keeping my powder dry....a long way to go yet :DL

I will say this though...IMHO England are the better/more accomplished squad, man for man on paper.

The question is....how much better and is it enough to overcome home advantage?

[TarJak]

honors are roughly even with the Aussies with a slight upper hand depending on how the 3rd day pans out. Ponting, North and Clarke fail with the bat but there were no stand out bowling performances from the Poms.

Hopefully Haddin and Hussey can go on with their good partnership and rack up a good lead tommorrow.

[Jimbuna]

Must agree.....but Swann will be key at some point in this series if and when conditions change to suit spin.

[TarJak]

Must agree.....but Swann will be key at some point in this series if and when conditions change to suit spin.
He was a bit of a liability today. I personally don't rate him much in Australian conditions. Maybe the Sydney wicket will offer him something.

[badhat17]

Could be a match deciding session when play resumes later, If England can claim a few quick boc wickets with the new ball then it's very much game on.

[Jimbuna]

Could be a match deciding session when play resumes later, If England can claim a few quick boc wickets with the new ball then it's very much game on.

Yeah...will go one way or the other, we should know by lunch.

[frau kaleun]

So what is this "Barmy Army?"

http://www.barmyarmy.com/funandgames/index.php?m=games

Dude, I'm playing a cricket game!:o What's next, me spelling the word colour...wait I just spelled it. This is madness:o:haha:

Battrick is a free online cricket management game where you manage a fictitious cricket team.

OMG it's like they've been reading my super secret diary and decided to make all my wildest dreams come true!

http://fc06.deviantart.com/fs15/f/2007/063/0/7/Eye_Roll_Emoticon_by_Konton_Kyoudai.gif

[papa_smurf]

So Australia have a lead of 212, not that difficult to reach and pass we just need to dig in and put a decent score on, and the 1st test match is ours:D

[badhat17]

I hope Aleem Dar is feeling suitably shamed right now. Had he given Hussey out for LBW when he was plumb with the score on 227 then this match would look very different right now. The bocs added just another 31 runs after the sixth wicket eventualy fell with the score at 450.

[Jimbuna]

I agree but it's a case of swings and roundabouts....hopefully we'll get a decision or two going our way that will change the course of a match.

I think we can only hope for rain and then manage to bat for a whole day.

What's the chances of that? Slim I suspect.

[TarJak]

No point worrying about what might have been. Great to see Hussey find form and he and Haddin punish what was really a lacklustre Pom attack with not much depth to it.

Swann seems to be having problems with the Kookaburra. OK the track is still a pretty good batting track after 3 days, but the lack of wickets for most of yesterday was absurd.

Interesting statistical point; both Hussey and Haddin scored 114 runs yesterday.

[papa_smurf]

Talk about an England fightback:woot:

Good to see Strauss get a ton after recent performances, and it looks like Cook could easily get 200 if he doesn't do anything to rash. If England add another 250 to the score we'll have one hell of a finish to the first test.

[Jimbuna]

Now that is what was needed....the English Lion to roar :cool:

A couple of our batting line up to show their true potential and now we'll expose the frailties of the Aussie bowling attack :sunny:

Till the next test :doh:

This one looks like heading for a draw.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/692/ecblogo1.jpg (http://img337.imageshack.us/i/ecblogo1.jpg/)

[papa_smurf]

This one looks like heading for a draw.

That it does:nope:

[badhat17]

The boc attack looks toothless and clueless, looks like they might escape with a draw though from this one.

[saltysplash]

Agree on the draw, I didnt think Englands bowling was bad, Anderson gave hussey a particular hard time with good length line and pace they were just that tad unlucky that they couldnt get that one breakthrough. The rest of the aussie line up broke up once the Hussey Haddin seal had been broken.

[saltysplash]

So, 15 mins before tea and Strauss declares on 517 for 1.
Australia need 297 off i think 30 odd overs and they are currently 11 for 1

Katich, the only batsman to hit the dirt so far today.

Shane Warne is a bit critical of the Aussie Bowling lineup.

Could we see an Aussie collapse of biblical proportions and allow the poms to take the lead on the first test?

Na, im still betting on a draw but big questions being asked of the Aussie selectors and Ponting.

Ian botham has been comenting on the fact that many people around the world dress up for these tests, he says the Australians have today mostly dressed up as plastic seats in the stands. The Gabba is empty except for the die hard barmy army

[TarJak]

Draw. Nice batting by the poms but it was to pie chuckers and dropped chances on a great batting pitch, so they were given every chance to put up a big score. I think Johnson will have to go. A very poor day in the field by the Aussies. Definately a draw in all senses. Good to see Punter get a few not out before the end.

[badhat17]

Looks like the bocs have been written off by their own fans already, a shocking turn out. The gulf in class between these two sides is now becoming evident.

[papa_smurf]

Well neither side will now get a 5-0 whitewash, England's in a strong position right now, so bring on the second test and lets get 1-0 up in the series.

[TarJak]

Looks like the bocs have been written off by their own fans already, a shocking turn out. The gulf in class between these two sides is now becoming evident.

Who are the bocs? Its not a term I'm familiar with.

[JScones]

^ I was going to ask the same thing; it's a term badhat17 has used a few times. The only "bocs" I'm aware of are the RSA "Boks" that play Rugby Union. :hmmm:

IMHO poor tactics by the Poms in the end - they should have batted through to the end to really play mind games with the confidence of the Aussies (and tire them out before the next game in a few days). As it is, the Aussies took the opportunity to come out and prove, at least to themselves, that it wasn't superior batting by the Poms, but moreso a crap pitch that made the real difference*. On that pitch, even a blind man knew that there was no chance the Poms would bowl the Aussies out before stumps.

Had the game been unlimited time wise, I think we'd be playing for another two weeks before we got a result...

*Although we really need to get some bowlers with balls.

[Jimbuna]

Looks like the bocs have been written off by their own fans already, a shocking turn out. The gulf in class between these two sides is now becoming evident.

I meant to post that earlier....how very embarrassing for the home side, they deserved a lot better from the very supporters they have given so many good memories to :nope:

At least us Brits proved we're not simply 'fairweather' supporters....especially as seeing how many thousands some of them will have paid for travel, tickets and accomodation :DL

I've recently found out that a friend of my brother-in-law booked through the ECB travel scheme and the cost for staying in the same hotel as the team and 3 tests amounted to £5500.

Now if it were not for the new posting (commenced Sept this year) and add a travelling companion I would have tempted me :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

IMHO poor tactics by the Poms in the end - they should have batted through to the end to really play mind games with the confidence of the Aussies (and tire them out before the next game in a few days).

*Although we really need to get some bowlers with balls.

Questions already been asked at this end Jaesen.....he wanted the bowlers get a bit practice in and prevent them going a little 'rusty' :yep:

I concur with your last statement though :DL:03:

[JScones]

At least us Brits proved we're not simply 'fairweather' supporters....
Hmmm, having read some of the English headlines after day 1 and 3, I'm not sure I could possible agree with you there. For example:

"These are our national default positions: gloating and gloom," The Times newspaper announced in its headline.
"The local press were full of it," the paper continued.
"This England side thought they were good, but they're crap.
"Same old bloody Poms.
"England’s heart had been ripped out, apparently.
"England were on their knees. That was just the local Courier-Mail."
The Daily Express’s headline announced ‘‘England’s galah performance’’ — complete with a photograph of the native pink parrot.
The paper exclaimed England’s ‘‘feathers are ruffled by the Aussies’’ and described Matt Prior as ‘‘sick as a parrot".
‘‘If one moment symbolised the folly of our batting it was Prior’s dismissal,’’ the Daily Express said.

Etc and so on. Feel free to read more here... http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/the-ashes/english-cricket-media-have-had-to-change-their-tune-after-australias-performance-on-day-one-of-the-first-ashes-test/story-e6frf3gl-1225961264583

Hardly the words of strong loyalty and support through thick and thin, eh? ;)

[TarJak]

Looks like the bocs have been written off by their own fans already, a shocking turn out. The gulf in class between these two sides is now becoming evident.
I'd disagree with this position. Both sides copped a caning from their respecive press during various stages of this test. If anything should be written off it is the pitch prepration in BNE. See Jason's comment below:
^ I was going to ask the same thing; it's a term badhat17 has used a few times. The only "bocs" I'm aware of are the RSA "Boks" that play Rugby Union. :hmmm:

IMHO poor tactics by the Poms in the end - they should have batted through to the end to really play mind games with the confidence of the Aussies (and tire them out before the next game in a few days). As it is, the Aussies took the opportunity to come out and prove, at least to themselves, that it wasn't superior batting by the Poms, but moreso a crap pitch that made the real difference*. On that pitch, even a blind man knew that there was no chance the Poms would bowl the Aussies out before stumps.

Had the game been unlimited time wise, I think we'd be playing for another two weeks before we got a result...

*Although we really need to get some bowlers with balls.Even good bowlers need some assistance from the pitch at time. I'd also say they need support from their fielders. Both sides missed some sitters during this test and the luck certainly swung both ways right though the test.

I meant to post that earlier....how very embarrassing for the home side, they deserved a lot better from the very supporters they have given so many good memories to :nope:

At least us Brits proved we're not simply 'fairweather' supporters....especially as seeing how many thousands some of them will have paid for travel, tickets and accomodation :DL

I've recently found out that a friend of my brother-in-law booked through the ECB travel scheme and the cost for staying in the same hotel as the team and 3 tests amounted to £5500.

Now if it were not for the new posting (commenced Sept this year) and add a travelling companion I would have tempted me :hmmm:If you want to save some money you're welcome to my spare room anytime mate. I won't invite you to share a room again after Houston though.:D:O:

[Jimbuna]

Hmmm, having read some of the English headlines after day 1 and 3, I'm not sure I could possible agree with you there. For example:

"These are our national default positions: gloating and gloom," The Times newspaper announced in its headline.
"The local press were full of it," the paper continued.
"This England side thought they were good, but they're crap.
"Same old bloody Poms.
"England’s heart had been ripped out, apparently.
"England were on their knees. That was just the local Courier-Mail."
The Daily Express’s headline announced ‘‘England’s galah performance’’ — complete with a photograph of the native pink parrot.
The paper exclaimed England’s ‘‘feathers are ruffled by the Aussies’’ and described Matt Prior as ‘‘sick as a parrot".
‘‘If one moment symbolised the folly of our batting it was Prior’s dismissal,’’ the Daily Express said.

Etc and so on. Feel free to read more here... http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/the-ashes/english-cricket-media-have-had-to-change-their-tune-after-australias-performance-on-day-one-of-the-first-ashes-test/story-e6frf3gl-1225961264583

Hardly the words of strong loyalty and support through thick and thin, eh? ;)

Hah!....the good old British press, anything to sell a newspaper and the same diatribe as handed out by both sides respective media machinery I believe (confirmed by TJ below) :yep:

No, I was referring to the real 'supporters'...the ones who travel to a match and put bums on seats, money in gate receipts. :03:

I'd disagree with this position. Both sides copped a caning from their respecive press during various stages of this test. If anything should be written off it is the pitch prepration in BNE. See Jason's comment below:
Even good bowlers need some assistance from the pitch at time. I'd also say they need support from their fielders. Both sides missed some sitters during this test and the luck certainly swung both ways right though the test.

If you want to save some money you're welcome to my spare room anytime mate. I won't invite you to share a room again after Houston though.:D:O:

Yeah, I doubt your missus would be impressed if she had to sleep in the spare room whilst we shared the matrimonial bed :DL

[TarJak]

Yeah, I doubt your missus would be impressed if she had to sleep in the spare room whilst we shared the matrimonial bed :DL:har:

[Jimbuna]

:har:

Patrick Fitzwilliam and William Fitzpatrick and all that :DL

[TarJak]

^Ignoring obvious inyerendo....:03:

The 2nd Test starts today in Adelaide. Lets hope the pitch provides something for the bowlers and that the Aussies can claw back some pride.

[badhat17]

TAXI FOR KATICH !

TAXI FOR PONTING !

TAXI FOR CLARKE !

England are ripping through the boc batsmen right now !

[TarJak]

England are ripping through the boc batsmen right now !And again who are the boc?

[papa_smurf]

Poor batting from the aussies, excellent bowling from England - What more could you ask for:D

[badhat17]

And again who are the boc?
Again ? Sorry I must have missed the question before, but it's been really busy here what with all these boc wickets falling and endless replays to watch.
Anyhow the bocs are the Australian cricket team.

Looking forward to seeing the England batsmen post a massive first innings total tonight !

[Jimbuna]

^Ignoring obvious inyerendo....:03:

The 2nd Test starts today in Adelaide. Lets hope the pitch provides something for the bowlers and that the Aussies can claw back some pride.

The pitch certainly did offer something for the bowlers but the Aussies weren't able to claw back much of anything :DL

Did you see Ricky 'The One' let his claws out at the close of play :o

Must be running out of dummies soon if he's going to keep spitting them out http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/suckdummyht41.gif/)

[TarJak]

Again ? Sorry I must have missed the question before, but it's been really busy here what with all these boc wickets falling and endless replays to watch.
Anyhow the bocs are the Australian cricket team.I gathered that, however am still in the dark as to where the name comes from. I've never heard of them referred to as the bocs by anyone prior to you in this thread and I've been following Australian cricket since the early seventies.

Jscones mentioned earlier than the only Boks he's aware of are the South African rugby team which stems from their emblem the Springbok. I'm in the same boat.

Maybe we are just ignorant convicts but I'm sure everyone would be much the wiser if you could explain where the name comes from.

[Jimbuna]

A little harsh in my opinion :hmmm:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/michael-hussey-stands-tall-among-the-rabble/story-e6frg7rx-1225965416431

Oh and I forgot to post earlier after Pontings latest duck/dismissal :DL

TAXI FOR PONTING!!

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg

[TarJak]

The pitch certainly did offer something for the bowlers but the Aussies weren't able to claw back much of anything :DL

Did you see Ricky 'The One' let his claws out at the close of play :o

Must be running out of dummies soon if he's going to keep spitting them out http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/suckdummyht41.gif/)I dunno that the pitch was that much of a help to the bowlers. There seemed to be a bit more swing yesterday which is interesting because Adelaide is notoriously drier than Brisbane. I think the Aussie batsmen did themselves no favours with the run outs as well. I definately think that with the hot dry weather forecast the pitch will open up later on this test.

Here's hoping the bowlers can get some movement today and get some quick wickets to keep things interesting. Yesterday was much like England's first innings in Brisbane though, so I'd not start crowing until the fat lady has finished warbling.:O:

[TarJak]

A little harsh in my opinion :hmmm:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/michael-hussey-stands-tall-among-the-rabble/story-e6frg7rx-1225965416431

Fairly typical. A week before the 1st test the same media were questioning the wisdom of the selectors for sticking with Hussey whose form was lacklustre in the games played earlier this year.

I agree though that it was harsh, but no doubt similar to the pommy journalism when Strauss failed in the 1st innings.

[Jimbuna]

I dunno that the pitch was that much of a help to the bowlers. There seemed to be a bit more swing yesterday which is interesting because Adelaide is notoriously drier than Brisbane. I think the Aussie batsmen did themselves no favours with the run outs as well. I definately think that with the hot dry weather forecast the pitch will open up later on this test.

Here's hoping the bowlers can get some movement today and get some quick wickets to keep things interesting. Yesterday was much like England's first innings in Brisbane though, so I'd not start crowing until the fat lady has finished warbling.:O:

There'll be no 'crowing' until the series has ended....I learned many a series ago that 5 tests is a bloody long time.

To the victor the spoils :DL

Fairly typical. A week before the 1st test the same media were questioning the wisdom of the selectors for sticking with Hussey whose form was lacklustre in the games played earlier this year.

I agree though that it was harsh, but no doubt similar to the pommy journalism when Strauss failed in the 1st innings.

I honestly don't take too much notice of the press because their main aim is to sell print/newspapers.

Too much hindsight for me.

[JScones]

Did you see Ricky 'The One' let his claws out at the close of play :o

Must be running out of dummies soon if he's going to keep spitting them out http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/suckdummyht41.gif/)
It's time for Ricky to retire...before he in inevitably pushed (although, with our selectors, that may never be likely).

I dunno that the pitch was that much of a help to the bowlers. There seemed to be a bit more swing yesterday which is interesting because Adelaide is notoriously drier than Brisbane. I think the Aussie batsmen did themselves no favours with the run outs as well. I definately think that with the hot dry weather forecast the pitch will open up later on this test.

Here's hoping the bowlers can get some movement today and get some quick wickets to keep things interesting. Yesterday was much like England's first innings in Brisbane though, so I'd not start crowing until the fat lady has finished warbling.:O:
Yes, as we've seen numerous times, you don't crow in Adelaide (bit of a pun there for AFL fans) until the end of day 5.

Of course, the difference here is that historically we've had the bowlers that could make the difference in the last session or so...

[Jimbuna]

55-1 and Strauss gives the inevitable opportunity to the Old Enemy.....wake up in the morning and either cheer or jeer.

Goodnight http://www.fonefunshop.co.uk/forum/images/smilies/gdnight.gif

[TarJak]

Taxi for Strauss!
http://images.smh.com.au/2010/12/04/2079453/strauss-200x0.jpg

Not that there's been much joy since then England squarely on top with Cook and Pietersen batting well. The Australian attack is looking lacklustre with only Siddle and Bollinger showing any signs of life. I'm not sure about Doherty's selection but you have to play what you've got. And right now we don't have a lot.

[Jimbuna]

Woke up and it's a solid cheer....the Aussies are struggling :yep:

Probably a taxi or two waiting outside the ground tomorrow during the Aussie 2nd innings :DL

[JScones]

Probably a taxi or two waiting outside the ground tomorrow during the Aussie 2nd innings :DL
No point - they won't be needed until day 4, after England declare at 4 for 800 or whatever.

[TarJak]

No point - they won't be needed until day 4, after England declare at 4 for 800 or whatever.
Unless we can actually start to take some control of the game with the ball, I fear that is all too likely.:damn:

[JScones]

Unless we can actually start to take some control of the game with the ball, I fear that is all too likely.:damn:
The fielders could help the bowlers a smidge by catching the ball. Then move on to throwing it at the stumps. After Doherty missed the run out, Tony Greig made the observation that it was reflective of the difference between the two sides, given Trott's runout the day before. I'm not a Greig fan, but I had to agree with him on that one.

[Jimbuna]

No point - they won't be needed until day 4, after England declare at 4 for 800 or whatever.

Unless we can actually start to take some control of the game with the ball, I fear that is all too likely.:damn:

The fielders could help the bowlers a smidge by catching the ball. Then move on to throwing it at the stumps. After Doherty missed the run out, Tony Greig made the observation that it was reflective of the difference between the two sides, given Trott's runout the day before. I'm not a Greig fan, but I had to agree with him on that one.

All joking aside...I can see this series hinging on one bad innings because both teams are capable of having 'a day off' and equally as capable of having 'a good day at the office'.

Long way to go yet but I still stand by my original prediction that the series will be won either way 1-0.

[badhat17]

...we are just ignorant convicts but I'm sure everyone would be much the wiser if you could explain where the name comes from.

Looks like we are in the same boat then as I'm afraid I have no idea on the origin of the name myself however I will ask a few of the old timers down the club to see if any of them know.

I did however have a spot of luck when it came to the object of the spat that developed between Strauss and Ponting at the end of day one. A friend of mine with a few skills in the subject of lip reading was able to make out a few words. It seems that Ponting has mislaid one of his belongings and was enquiring as to it's whereabouts with the England Captain.

Bowling attack ? What ****** bowling attack ! The last time I saw my bowling attack was in Sydney 07 ! If you happen to come across it on ya travels Straussy mate then I'd be awfuly grateful if you could ask them to give me a Bell........ or a Cook or a Trott, 'coz I could use a ****** batting line up as well as a ****** bowling attack ! Towards the end of the second day I found myself feeling sorry for the poor Australians as they toiled in the hot baking sun with the wheels falling off around them but then I remembered the 90s and the feeling evaporated away, like Australias hopes of winning the second Test.

[papa_smurf]

Cook with another ton, Peitersen heading for a ton - perfect start for England.

[badhat17]

England are cruising now at lunch on the third day with Pietersen in imperious form and 150 to his name already whilst Collingwood is offering able support and well on his way to a Fifty. After seeing off the new ball and seeing off the boc bowling attack who are now reduced to a shambles, the afternoon session threatens to be a run fest for the England batsmen.

If I was an Aussie supporter I would be asking a lot of questions, such as why is Ben Hilfenhaus not playing ? Why is Doug Bollinger playing ? Why won't Ponting give Katich a bowl ? And as for Xavier Doherty... just why ?

England could win this one by a full innings and then Ponting will be under real pressure.

[papa_smurf]

Superb innings from Peitersen, which will keep his doubters quiet (me included). England will probably add a few more runs on day four before declaring and winning this one by an innings.

[badhat17]

Strauss is a cautious Captain and he may well bat again on the fourth day but it should not be for long, infact I would only use the first few overs up as a slog fest and then get the bocs in as soon as possible. The new ball is crucial and it is worth so much more in the first hour of any morning than at any other time, the so called golden hour.

Play is scheduled to start half an hour early on the fourth day to try and reclaim some of the time lost to rain yesterday.

[Jimbuna]

Will the rain become the Aussies saviour?

The forecast is for more :stare:

[TarJak]

I can't believe it! I'm turning into a Pommie cricket fan and praying for rain.:o:O:

[Jimbuna]

I can't believe it! I'm turning into a Pommie cricket fan and praying for rain.:o:O:


LOL....if you lose this one (which is highly likely, weather permitting) I honestly can't see you winning two of the remaining three to gain the Ashes.

[Jimbuna]

Here they come...Australian lambs to the slaughter :DL

[TarJak]

LOL....if you lose this one (which is highly likely, weather permitting) I honestly can't see you winning two of the remaining three to gain the Ashes.
Not without a bowling attack. Apart from Punter and North, the batsmen can put up a bit of fight as shown in the first test. Our problem is the bowling and fielding, which up until last year where the foundation of the team.:nope:

I might put my hand up to roll me arm over. I doubt we could do much worse.:88)

[badhat17]

The match seems to be poised on a knife edge going into the fifth day with the weather looming large. I can the Aussies holding out for a another session and a half although that very much depends on Hussey and Haddin, If England can get past those pair then they should be able to knock over the remainder in pretty quick order.

[papa_smurf]

I can't believe it! I'm turning into a Pommie cricket fan and praying for rain.:o:O:

Is this the first ever case of an Aussie fan praying for rain:hmmm::har:

Well if the weather continues we might see Duckworth Leiws making an appearance.

[Jimbuna]

Where's Jaesen?

Fervently hoping for some success before he posts here again no doubt :O:

[badhat17]

Looks like the rain dance didn't work then, it's lovely bright sunshine down in Adelaide this morning. :D

[badhat17]

the boc wickets are tumbling !!

[badhat17]

Swann..... Swann will tear you apart.....
Again......

[badhat17]

It's all over !!!

England go 1-0 up in the series !!!

[Jimbuna]

They think it's all over...it is now!!

I seem to recall in an earlier post making reference to our secret weapon 'Swann' and stating that he would be utilised at some time in the future....I guess it was the time today.

Where were the the Aussies on day five AGAIN???????

Good job the Barmy Army turned out or the game might as well have been played behind closed doors.

Come on Jaesen, your generally good for a quality response.

Not decided to go back to the fallback position of being a Welshman again I hope :DL

I trust my good friend Grant will respond.

Still a lot of cricket to be played this series...may yet finish 3-0 :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

Looks like the rain dance didn't work then, it's lovely bright sunshine down in Adelaide this morning. :D

the boc wickets are tumbling !!


Swann..... Swann will tear you apart.....
Again......


It's all over !!!

England go 1-0 up in the series !!!


Wow!!...connect four :doh:

[badhat17]

Wow!!...connect four :doh:

Shame I didn't get another one in I guess, then I would have had something in common with Graeme "can't bowl with the kookaburra" Swann ! :haha:

[TarJak]

Well played England. Badly played Australia
No doubt there will be lots of calls for changes and recriminations in the press after this debacle.

Anyone know where there s a good bowling attack. Going cheap?

[Jimbuna]

Well played England. Badly played Australia
No doubt there will be lots of calls for changes and recriminations in the press after this debacle.

Anyone know where there s a good bowling attack. Going cheap?

Pakistan? :DL

[badhat17]

Pakistan? :DL

Word on the street says they ain't cheap.........

[TarJak]

Pakistan? :DL

Word on the street says they ain't cheap.........
The ACB probably has their number.:hmmm: http://www.animationplayhouse.com/aacell1.gif

[JScones]

I hope someone has alerted the Royal Mint as I believe it does take some time to produce 16 KBEs...

[papa_smurf]

Think this image sums up how Ponting is feeling:
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50322000/jpg/_50322437_ponting466getty.jpg

Shame Broad is out for the rest of the ashes with a torn abdominal muscle, but im sure we'll manage:D.

[Jimbuna]

Rumours are that free tickets for day five of the next test are being offered to schools in the Perth area in an attempt to maintain an Aussie presence in the crowd :O:

[clive bradbury]

Ah ah! Bit of a web search provided the answer:

boc = British Overseas Citizens...

[Jimbuna]

The Aussies must be getting despearate, it is reported a group of Australian businessmen have offered Shane Warne $ million to come out of retirement.

[papa_smurf]

The Aussies must be getting despearate, it is reported a group of Australian businessmen have offered Shane Warne $ million to come out of retirement.

Now thats desperation! That would be like England trying to get Ian "Beefy" Botham out of retirement:har:

[TarJak]

Ah ah! Bit of a web search provided the answer:

boc = British Overseas Citizens...
So what about all the Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Sudanese, Indian, Sri Lankan, etc etc etc, Australians?

:D

Serisously never heard it used anywhere before.

On Warne, at 41 he wouldn't be the oldest Test play by any stretch. Early last century there were a few that played into their 50's before giving the game away. Not that I think he'd make that much difference. He's good but one bowler isn't going to do the trick.

Oh well at least we might be able to slow Pietersen down a bit: http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/pietersen-caught-speeding-in-lamborghini-20101209-18r84.html

[bookworm_020]

Oh well at least we might be able to slow Pietersen down a bit: http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/pietersen-caught-speeding-in-lamborghini-20101209-18r84.html


Puty they didn't use a tazer or baton! We might be in with a chance then!:damn:

[Jimbuna]

LOL...let's see if he can maintain his present form, it took long enough to come back :DL

[badhat17]

North, Bollinger and Doherty all axed from the squad for the Perth test, none of which comes as any suprise. But the inclusion of Micheal Beer does suprise. It begs the question, who the hell is he ?

With another spinner Steve Smith also included, does that indicate that the Perth strip may be offer a bit of turn ? Is that a good move with Swann starting to show his form ?

Ah ah! Bit of a web search provided the answer:

boc = British Overseas Citizens... Excellent spot of detective work there Clive. :up:

But is it really the answer ? :hmmm:

I'm still snouting around with it myself but have yet to find something really convincing.

[Jimbuna]

A victory at Perth and it'll be all over bar the shouting....not counting any chickens yet though :DL

[bookworm_020]

A victory at Perth and it'll be all over bar the shouting....not counting any chickens yet though :DL

And the cheering and singing from the Barmey Army!:cry:

[Jimbuna]

And the cheering and singing from the Barmey Army!:cry:

Oh they'll be in fine voice regardless of the result and they'll be there on day 5 (if there is still play)...they always are :DL

[TarJak]

Oh they'll be in fine voice regardless of the result and they'll be there on day 5 (if there is still play)...they always are :DL
Even if the game finished on day 3.:O:

[papa_smurf]

Draw against Victoria, not bad as we now are unbeaten so far.

[Jimbuna]

Even if the game finished on day 3.:O:

Was that why the Gabba was empty?

Someone read the calender wrong?

:DL

[TarJak]

"Bollinger opened, Johnson out, Hussey bowled over - Not a cricket report - it's Shane Warne's diary page for his night with Liz Hurley," @MrOmega3 tweeted.:har::har: One of the best uses of twitter I've seen to date.

[badhat17]

Taxi for Ponting !!

[bookworm_020]

:har::har: One of the best uses of twitter I've seen to date.

Could have been a report from the cricket:damn::damn::damn::damn:

We may loose the cricket, but at least we have better weather for Christmas!

[TarJak]

Oh FFS can we gets someone who knows what a bat looks like?:damn::damn::damn:

EDIT: and someone who knows what a cricket ball looks like?

[Jimbuna]

Three left to play and Australia can't afford to lose one.

Not often you see this kind of scenario.

Ponting already holds the record of being the only Aussie captain to lose the Ashes twice in over 100 years.

This could be a new record we're about to see established :DL




Australia captain Ricky Ponting says his team deserve the criticism they have received in this Ashes series. A win in the third Test in Perth will see England retain the Ashes after a draw and win in the first two matches.
"Whatever criticism has come my or the team's way in the last few weeks has been warranted, we haven't put results on the board," said Ponting.
"We haven't played a level of cricket which is going to have people writing great things about us."
Australia enjoyed a dream start to the first Test, with Peter Siddle's hat-trick (http://www.subsim.com/sport1/mobile/cricket/9226319.stm) on the opening day at Brisbane putting them in control but England battled back to secure a draw, (http://www.subsim.com/sport1/mobile/cricket/9236435.stm) and then pulled off a commanding victory (http://www.subsim.com/sport1/mobile/cricket/9262492.stm) in the second Test in Adelaide.
Ponting already holds the unwanted record of being the first Australia captain in over 100 years to give up the Ashes to England twice - in 2005 and 2009 - and has come in for a lot of criticism for the team's performance so far in this series.
"It's been a bit different to most Ashes series," he said.
"There's probably more focus on the England team when they arrive than on Australia but it seems to be different this time around, for what reason I'm not sure.
"But all that sort of stuff is good ammunition to make us want to play well and have some positive things written about us."
Ponting's job has not been made any easier by continual changes to the team line-up.
Paceman Mitchell Johnson is expected to return to the bowling attack, (http://www.subsim.com/sport1/mobile/cricket/other_international/australia/9288042.stm) having been dropped for the second Test, and there are likely to be two changes to the batting line-up, with Phil Hughes and Steve Smith coming in for Simon Katich and Marcus North.
But the under-fire captain admitted changes were inevitable in a struggling team.
"Changes have been made and that generally happens when you're not playing well," he said.
"When you're winning you can cover for guys who are a bit out of touch but we've not played well enough to cover for those guys.
"It's to be expected - that makes it a bit harder as a captain to be juggling things around and thinking about things in different ways but that's part and parcel of being a leader. You've got to find ways to do it and do it well, hopefully I can do it this week."
When asked if he feared for his own future in the team, Ponting refused to speculate.
"That's out of my control - I can't afford to be thinking about these things," he said.
"I want to think about positives and what it means to do well with the bat and hopefully for the team to have a win.
"If I do that, everything looks after itself - if it goes the other way and we lose I'm not the one picking myself as captain. Hopefully it's a good week for us all and we don't have to answer those questions at the end of the game."
Team coach Tim Nielsen agreed with Ponting that the criticism the team had received was justified, but said the outcome of the series was still in their own hands.
"For all the doom and gloom being published around Australia and the world at the minute, the great thing about the game of cricket is how quickly it can turn around. You only have to look at that infamous first 15 minutes in Adelaide to understand that," he said.
"As difficult as it is to cop, there is good reason for the written articles and criticism of our team.
"Getting beaten by an innings in Adelaide opens all of us to questions, and the questions need to be answered by our group as soon as the Perth Test commences.
"England are playing good cricket at the moment, and they are rightly confident and in a good place as a team and individuals.
"However, the series is far from over, and I am looking forward to our group putting themselves on the line from the very first ball at Perth.
"We can turn the momentum around, and I am very confident that the boys will respond in a positive manner.
"Our challenge as a team now, to survive and thrive, and the third Test cannot come quick enough for me."
Former Australia captain and coach Bob Simpson says the difference between the teams has been England's superior bowling.
"Their bowling has been exceptionally good and that's been the difference between the two teams. We haven't bowled well", Simpson told BBC Hindi.
But he dismissed the suggestion that Australia may try to tempt Shane Warne out of retirement at the age of 41, saying it would be "a backward step", and said Australia's current dip in form was an inevitable aftermath of the passing of the side built around such all-time greats as Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.
"We are now going into a period which follows every great team", he said.
"Once the great players go you are going to have a period where you have to re-group and hopefully, in few years, come up with a very good team."

[papa_smurf]

A perfect start to the 3rd test. I feel a 2-0 lead is in the bag:D

[Jimbuna]

A perfect start to the 3rd test. I feel a 2-0 lead is in the bag:D

At 69-5 I was in absolute awe...nice to see Tremlett get 3 wickets to settle the nerves and in fairness the Aussie tail did wag a little, a lot more than previously anyway.

Nice to see Ponting showing a fair level of consistency in the scoring department :DL

A good first innings lead tonight should see at least bring the guarantee of a drawer but I do feel we have a great chance of deciding things this test.

[badhat17]

Looking forward to England piling on the runs later on tonight, it looks a good batting strip now it has lost it's early juice. Very interesting to see the contrast between the two sides as they left the field at the end of day one. England all laughter and smiles, Australia all scowls and hunched shoulders.

[bookworm_020]

Australia fights back!!!! We may still may have a cricket match!!!:yeah:

[JScones]

Taxi for Ponting !!
MINIBUS for the POMS!!!

I know, I shouldn't sink to such immaturity, but hey, what the heck, you give it, you take it.

Now, get the bus ready for the Aussie innings...I can see this pitch cracking a bit before the next few days are over...

[Jimbuna]

MINIBUS for the POMS!!!

I know, I shouldn't sink to such immaturity, but hey, what the heck, you give it, you take it.

Now, get the bus ready for the Aussie innings...I can see this pitch cracking a bit before the next few days are over...

Your back!

Don't tell me....Australia have eventually had a good day :DL

Australia are effectively 200-3 at close of play Day 2 thanks to Johnson eventually finding a rare vane of form.

It looks like England may well be set a target of 350-400 to chase.

Was good to see Ponting maintain his level of batting consistency.

I do wish he'd learn to walk though....tempremental little fella that he is.

[JScones]

Your back!

Don't tell me....Australia have eventually had a good day :DL
No, even better - I got my computer back from the shop with an even bigger cooling fan and 4 more gb of RAM, so no more reliance on my wife's PC, my blackberry, or my laptop.

It looks like England may well be set a target of 350-400 to chase.
Which will mean a draw - the poms will dig in for the long haul and Australia will once again confirm to the critics that they can't take 20 wickets in a match.

Of course, I can't blame you guys - a draw is all you need.

[badhat17]

MINIBUS for the POMS!!!

I know, I shouldn't sink to such immaturity, but hey, what the heck, you give it, you take it.

Now, get the bus ready for the Aussie innings...I can see this pitch cracking a bit before the next few days are over...

Glad to see ya again ! Where ya been ?:haha:

Looks like we might have a contest on our hands after all now that a fired up Johnson is doing the business, I think the bocs might win this one as I struggle to see a draw as a result after so many wickets have fallen so quickly.

[Jimbuna]

No, even better - I got my computer back from the shop with an even bigger cooling fan and 4 more gb of RAM, so no more reliance on my wife's PC, my blackberry, or my laptop.


Which will mean a draw - the poms will dig in for the long haul and Australia will once again confirm to the critics that they can't take 20 wickets in a match.

Of course, I can't blame you guys - a draw is all you need.

Nice one...the PC I mean :DL


(back to cricket) Nope, there will be a result/win one way or the other in this test and I must admit that unless we have a couple of centurians in our second innings Australia are the slight favourites.

[papa_smurf]

What happened to our batting!?!?!? Think we need some urgent backup to our batting attack, and I know who's just perfect....


BEEFY!!!! (Ian Botham in case u don't know:O:)

[badhat17]

Awwww strewth mate I almost forgot but better late than never I guess !



Taxi For Ponting !!

http://static.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/52900/52904.jpg

[bookworm_020]

You almost have to wonder why Ponting bothers to go to the crease. Why not send out a note saying you've taken my wicket and be done with it!

[JScones]

Perhaps he could just roll a dice and take as his score whatever number comes up? Chances are it will be higher than what he'd score if he actually batted anyway.

[Jimbuna]

Looks like the series could be drawn tomorrow...England need 391 to win and are currently 64-3...a very poor reply.

[papa_smurf]

Trotts gone for 31, its now 81-4. Looks like were heading for a rather embarrassing loss:damn:

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50481000/jpg/_50481341_strauss_getty766.jpg

"England captain looking for a new job"

[JScones]

Erm, 5/81 now...

[TarJak]

Good to see England snatching defeat from the jaws of victory again.

[papa_smurf]

Erm, 5/81 now...

Yup, Anderson gone for a duck.....

(BTW, do channel9 still show a duck walking across the screen when a batsman goes out for a duck? loved seeing that:D)

[Jimbuna]

Everything down to the final two tests now.

[papa_smurf]

Wanted: A reliable, decent batting team that does not get to overconfident after wining 1 match.

Signed: The England cricket selectors.

[JScones]

Well, look at it this way...at least Pietersen and Collingwood will be well rested for the next game. :haha:

[badhat17]

Noooooooooooo!!!!!

The bocs are giving us a right good kicking this time and this test is going only one way, Australia win.

[TarJak]

Poms collapse for 123 with play lasting only 48 minutes this morning. Series tied at 1 apiece going to the Boxing Day test in Melbourne so looking forward to that game. I'm backing the winner in Melbourne to take out the series.

Great figures for Harris with 6-47 this innings and Johnson had a great match with 9 for 82 and made some runs in the 1st innings. I'll stand by my comments on Swann, he did get good figures in Adelaide, but certainly didn't stand out in this match with 2-103. I think if the pitch suits him he's not bat but I don't think he's in the same class as Warne or Muralitheran

Would be good to see the top order for Australia hang around the crease more than a few minutes though.:hmmm: Punter looks like he'll be out for Melbourne with a sore pinky. Hopefully we'll see some better batting at 3 or 4 this time around.

It looked like the all pace attack and much bouncier wicket didn't suit the English batsmen at all this match. Melbourne pitches usually lack the bounce of Perth so it will be interesting to see whether Beer gets a game then. I'd be surprised if the pitch looks lively. Sydney should see him get a game though, as it is usually a spinners wicket particularly after a day or two's play.

[papa_smurf]

What a shameful show from England, and after the brilliant batting of the last 2 tests.

Looks like the team is going to get a shake-up, with a possible change to the bowling attack which we need badly.

All is not lost, its 1 all and 2 to play, and if we just play like we have done this series and in the warm-up matches, we have a very good chance of retaining the ashes.

[STEED]

Its in there contract to have a batting collapse at every test series. I like the way the news reported we are going to win the Ashes as one of there top stories and now not a peep at this pile of crap.

[Jimbuna]

Its in there contract to have a batting collapse at every test series. I like the way the news reported we are going to win the Ashes as one of there top stories and now not a peep at this pile of crap.

The Australian press treated their team in a similar fashion over the previous fortnight.

England only need one result from the two remaining tests but Australia have gained a little psychological momentum.

The final two tests are not to be missed....everything is still in the balance.

[TarJak]

Yep still ten playing days left in the series and both teams have it all to lay for. I hear they are looking at a crowd of 90,000+ for Boxing Day. As its my birthday I intend to wary as much as possible whilst consuming as much beer as I can ;)

[Jimbuna]

I'm hoping England come out 'all guns blazing' instead of the opposite and relying on a drawer....all of that is subject to one or two of the 'superstars' performing to their capabilities of course.

...and I'm sticking to my original prediction of a win either way by a margin of 1-0

[papa_smurf]

I'm hoping England come out 'all guns blazing' instead of the opposite and relying on a drawer....all of that is subject to one or two of the 'superstars' performing to their capabilities of course.

...and I'm sticking to my original prediction of a win either way by a margin of 1-0

Me too, especially after we played in the warm up matches, and the Pakistan series.

[Jimbuna]

Me too, especially after we played in the warm up matches, and the Pakistan series.

We should prevail :cool:

[TarJak]

Let's hope not. Kick off in about 4 hours! Looking forward to settling in for the day and seeing Australia give the poms another kicking.:O:

Fingers and everything else crossed of course.:doh:

EDIT::damn: Got to find some batsmen capable of not getting out until they at least score 30 runs.:damn::damn::damn:

[papa_smurf]

Australia 98 all out:woot:

[Jimbuna]

First off....great to exchange those texts with you yesterday Grant....you livened up a very dreary 24 1/2 hour turnaround duty :yeah:

Looking bad for the cons now though (from #130..."Three left to play and Australia can't afford to lose one".)

Looks this could be the pivotal moment unless the weather intervenes.

Still a lot of cricket to play.

Oh, and I nearly forgot...Taxi for Ponting!!
http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg
:DL

[papa_smurf]

Oh, and I nearly forgot...Taxi for Ponting!!
http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg
He must be racking up one huge taxi bill:D

[TarJak]

First off....great to exchange those texts with you yesterday Grant....you livened up a very dreary 24 1/2 hour turnaround duty :yeah:

Looking bad for the cons now though (from #130..."Three left to play and Australia can't afford to lose one".)

Looks this could be the pivotal moment unless the weather intervenes.

Still a lot of cricket to play.Glad to brighten your day. My Birthday was great bar the cricket. :damn:

The press is calling it the Humiliation of the Century. It's bad, but not that bad.

Here's hoping we can get some quick wickets this morning to see if we can rescue something from the Ashes.

[Jimbuna]

Glad to brighten your day. My Birthday was great bar the cricket. :damn:

The press is calling it the Humiliation of the Century. It's bad, but not that bad.

Here's hoping we can get some quick wickets this morning to see if we can rescue something from the Ashes.

I've just finished watching the first days play highlights with the daughter and her boyfriend (seeing as how I was at work yesterday) and was astonished that all the Aussie supporters had left the ground at the beginning of the final session!! :o

Hells teeth...this was day 1 and not day 5 like the first two tests :DL

[bookworm_020]

After the pain of watching the last session of cricket, the only thing that will cheer me up is the process of buying a new computer!

[Jimbuna]

After the pain of watching the last session of cricket, the only thing that will cheer me up is the process of buying a new computer!

Good choice....did you see Punters rant at the umpires over the decision of the third official 'he appealed to'? :haha:

[CherryHarbey]

Bad show, old boy.

[badhat17]

........ and was astonished that all the Aussie supporters had left the ground at the beginning of the final session!! :o

Hells teeth...this was day 1 and not day 5 like the first two tests :DL

What's the betting that they got a call and had to go in to the office for something . :haha:

Don't worry about Pontings taxi bill either..... next week he will be driving one for a living.

[papa_smurf]

England have shown once again that they can dig in and give a great performance, just a shame we leave it till the last possible moment, but I suppose that's what us England fans love about the England team:D

[Jimbuna]

Stopped up all night watching it on the box with a bottle of rum for company....priceless :DL

So Ponting loses 40% of his match fee for his childish rant which in his case will be a pack of disposable nappies, two boxes of Kleenex and a childs dummy http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/50585000/jpg/_50585894_punter282.jpg

Here is what former Australian skipper Ian Chappell had to say on the matter:

"You can't start arguing with umpires over a judgement call, and he then started saying something to Pietersen.

"I know if I'd have been Pietersen what I would have told him to do, go and jump in the lake, because it's none of his business.

"If the ICC are being serious they've got to do something about it because it's not the first time I've seen him arguing with umpires over judgement calls and you can't keep on allowing captains to do that.

"I would have thought a suspension would be in order because it went on for so long and he went to both umpires."

http://images.tvrage.com/shows/8/7633.jpg

What's that Skip?...We're crap at cricket?

Not the ideal way to end your career Ricky :hmmm:

[papa_smurf]

So Ponting loses 40% of his match fee for his childish rant which in his case will be a pack of disposable nappies, two boxes of Kleenex and a childs dummy http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif

Not the best way to act, as your career is coming to the end:nope:

[Jimbuna]

I've just getting some information from a reliable source that very few Aussies slept last night, instead they chose to pack the area in and around Melbourne and perform that ancient Aboriginal custom......the rain dance :DL

[papa_smurf]

I've just getting some information from a reliable source that very few Aussies slept last night, instead they chose to pack the area in and around Melbourne and perform that ancient Aboriginal custom......the rain dance :DL

And there's me thinking we had the monopoly of praying for rain:har:

[Jimbuna]

And there's me thinking we had the monopoly of praying for rain:har:

No, not at all, but I doubt we'll be hearing from our Australian cousins...at least until they have something to carp about, we are 415 or so runs ahead and obviously Jaesens computer is 'broke' again.

Well I love it....what goes round comes around....ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY!!


Taxi for Ponting!!

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg

[badhat17]

Another victory by an innings surely beckons now for England. Australia are in total disarray. England set to retain the Ashes for the first time in 26 years while Ponting is set to go down in history as the first Australian captain to lose the Ashes three times.

Not expecting to see too many bocs in the crowd today. :DL

[Jimbuna]

A fantastic final session saw 5 Aussie wickets fall and Ponting remain consistently poor.

Where's our Aussie cousins on this thread?

Must have nothing to crow about and Jaesens pc is probably 'broke' again :DL

On a more serious note I must say that this is the worst Aussie side I can remember seeing....makes a pleasant change from some of the rubbishy sides we've fielded over the years.

All they can hope for in the final test is a face saving draw because they'll never admit publicly they expected to beat us soundly in the series.

Taxi for Ponting!!
http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m4/aug2009/5/2/ricky-ponting-pic-getty-500978886.jpg

http://images.tvrage.com/shows/8/7633.jpg
What's that Skip?...We're crap at cricket?

[papa_smurf]

Where's our Aussie cousins on this thread?

Probably hiding somewhere, or planning a backpacking trip somewhere:har:

[badhat17]

There are more subscribers to this thread from Derbyshire now than there are Australians.

[STEED]

England....D.F.I.U...Got that. :stare:

[TarJak]

Was a little pre-occupied yesterday with a BBQ. Is the game still going? Oh well I reckon we'll be luck to make the first drinks break today.:nope:

Never mind, there's always Sydney to attempt to regain some semblance of respectability in this series.

[XabbaRus]

Ok can some one explain to me how if England win this test we have retained the ashes even with one test left which if Australia won would me 2 games each plus a draw.

This is what confuses me a bit about cricket as I don't follow it avidly enough to be on top of the rules.

Like the first test, England had more total runs but it was a draw.

Please enlighten me.

[XabbaRus]

OK just read Wikipedia.

England has retained the Ashes....

Go Barmy Army.

[badhat17]

'Ave It !!

[JScones]

So Ponting loses 40% of his match fee for his childish rant which in his case will be a pack of disposable nappies, two boxes of Kleenex and a childs dummy http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1857/suckdummyht41.gif

Here is what former Australian skipper Ian Chappell had to say on the matter:

<snip>
If I were Pietersen I would have waiting a few balls, then leant over to Ponting and went "psst, I did knick that" and smiled.

No, not at all, but I doubt we'll be hearing from our Australian cousins...at least until they have something to carp about, we are 415 or so runs ahead and obviously Jaesens computer is 'broke' again.
LOL. Went up to Newcastle on Chrissy Day, just returned now. Saw a few hours of the game yesterday - that was about it. Didn't even know about the Ponting rant until the news the following day!

This could (should) be a blessing in disguise for the Aussie team, if the selectors choose to take their heads out of their arses and look to the future of the game in Australia. Chappell said we don't have a replacement for Ponting - true, we have no heir apparent Captain, but we must have someone in state cricket that's young and has demonstrated leadership skills. Use the next few years for rebuilding; acknowledge that Warne, McGrath and the other old stalwarts (including Ponting and Clarke) have gone, and be patient...

[TarJak]

At least we can still beat the poms at darts.:O:

[Feuer Frei!]

Ponting needs to go, the media have said numerous times that he has been the most successful captain of Australia. Of course he has, what with G McGrath, Shane Warne, Ian Healy and Co starring numerous times and making any captain look good.
They havent played for a number of years now but, take all those winning games out of Ponting's captaincy with those guys in the equation and the numbers don't look so good.

About time the Aussies get a kick up their butts via a good thrashing.

I think Ponting, Clarke and M johnson need to play some Shield Cricket again, take them out and make them earn their positions in the side.
M. Johnson is far too inconsistent to be in the team.
Make Haddin captain for the Sydney test, he has captained Australia in One Day matches and has captained many Shield matches, so has leadership skills.
Unfortunately none of this will happen, because a lot of people are still, even after all of this still saying that Ponting needs to stay for another 18 months, and, if blooding new batsmen that you couldn't do worse than have a guy like Ponting at the other end giving the young bloke all the know-how and motivation whilst batting. Well, what a load of bollocks!
In the form that Ponting is in at the moment, i'd rather have someone down there like Hussey who is Australia's most consistent batsman at the moment, certainly was their best batsman by a country mile in the Ashes series.

The selectors need to wake up and get their heads out of their backsides and stop sticking with the old guard and blood new talent.
No time like the right time (Sydney test).

[TarJak]

Ponting needs to go, the media have said numerous times that he has been the most successful captain of Australia. Of course he has, what with G McGrath, Shane Warne, Ian Healy and Co starring numerous times and making any captain look good.
They havent played for a number of years now but, take all those winning games out of Ponting's captaincy with those guys in the equation and the numbers don't look so good.

About time the Aussies get a kick up their butts via a good thrashing.

I think Ponting, Clarke and M johnson need to play some Shield Cricket again, take them out and make them earn their positions in the side.
M. Johnson is far too inconsistent to be in the team.
Make Haddin captain for the Sydney test, he has captained Australia in One Day matches and has captained many Shield matches, so has leadership skills.
Unfortunately none of this will happen, because a lot of people are still, even after all of this still saying that Ponting needs to stay for another 18 months, and, if blooding new batsmen that you couldn't do worse than have a guy like Ponting at the other end giving the young bloke all the know-how and motivation whilst batting. Well, what a load of bollocks!
In the form that Ponting is in at the moment, i'd rather have someone down there like Hussey who is Australia's most consistent batsman at the moment, certainly was their best batsman by a country mile in the Ashes series.

The selectors need to wake up and get their heads out of their backsides and stop sticking with the old guard and blood new talent.
No time like the right time (Sydney test).
Waugh with the same crew got a 72% success rate. Before they all retired, Ponting had them up to 78% success. Not a bad improvement.

None the less we shouldn't dwell in the past and need to make sure that we put a team together that is capable of handling the type of attack that England brought down here this season. We also need a bowling attack that can knock the poms out in similar fashion to Perth.

Maybe Pietersen or some of his fellow South Africans are for hire.:O:

[Jimbuna]

Was a little pre-occupied yesterday with a BBQ. Is the game still going? Oh well I reckon we'll be luck to make the first drinks break today.:nope:

Never mind, there's always Sydney to attempt to regain some semblance of respectability in this series.

Yeah...that's about it....a face saving exercise is the best you can hope for now but I don't see England taking their foot off the pedal now.

At least we can still beat the poms at darts.:O:

LOL....you've obviously never heard of Phil 'The Power' Taylor then :DL

I think he's just about won the world title more times than the number of runs Ponting has scored this series :O:

[Jimbuna]

Ok can some one explain to me how if England win this test we have retained the ashes even with one test left which if Australia won would me 2 games each plus a draw.

This is what confuses me a bit about cricket as I don't follow it avidly enough to be on top of the rules.

Like the first test, England had more total runs but it was a draw.

Please enlighten me.

I know you've read Wiki, but in a nutshell you have to win the series to take the Ashes off the holders....a simple drawn series and the Ashes remain with whoever currently hold thwm.....not that the original urn ever leaves Lord's :DL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ashes

[Jimbuna]

If I were Pietersen I would have waiting a few balls, then leant over to Ponting and went "psst, I did knick that" and smiled.


LOL. Went up to Newcastle on Chrissy Day, just returned now. Saw a few hours of the game yesterday - that was about it. Didn't even know about the Ponting rant until the news the following day!

This could (should) be a blessing in disguise for the Aussie team, if the selectors choose to take their heads out of their arses and look to the future of the game in Australia. Chappell said we don't have a replacement for Ponting - true, we have no heir apparent Captain, but we must have someone in state cricket that's young and has demonstrated leadership skills. Use the next few years for rebuilding; acknowledge that Warne, McGrath and the other old stalwarts (including Ponting and Clarke) have gone, and be patient...

Now I would have paid big money to be standing in the slips next to Ponting as Pietersen said that :DL

I must admit I was quite impressed with the honesty and humility Ponting displayed at the pitchside interview with Sky less than an hour after the games conclusion.

Ponting is obviously a man with a lot on his plate atm and I see little support from him in exorcising some of his mental demons, especially from the press.

The biggest single negative point for me was witnessing yet again the almost total lack of support from the Australians for their team....so much so they will soon get a reputation for being 'fair weather/good times' supporters if they aren't careful, the MCG would have had less than 5,000 in attendance if it hadn't of been for the Barmy Army.

[STEED]

Has mass depression hit Australia?

Looks it on the news... :haha:

[badhat17]

...so much so they will soon get a reputation for being 'fair weather/good times' supporters if they aren't careful, the MCG would have had less than 5,000 in attendance if it hadn't of been for the Barmy Army.


Soon? .. I have been of that opinion for quite some time.

[Jimbuna]

Soon? .. I have been of that opinion for quite some time.

Oh come on now, let us be fair here....they are not accustomed to failure on the field of cricket and I for one would gladly swap accomplishments with them over the past couple of decades.....mind you, only in cricketing terms :DL

[papa_smurf]

Oh come on now, let us be fair here....they are not accustomed to failure on the field of cricket and I for one would gladly swap accomplishments with them over the past couple of decades.....mind you, only in cricketing terms :DL

We could add Rugby to that list, oh wait.... we beat you in that:D

[Feuer Frei!]

Sooo, Ricky Ponting out, M Clarke to captain side and Doug Bollinger in....
hmm.
And I will not be in support of the Australian test team. Never will I follow them whilst that spineless, fame-chasing, girly boy is in charge. Well done CA for sullying a once great position. The short ball sissy shouldn't even be in the team, along with a fair few others. A wasted chance to blood the new breed before the August test series. Disgraceful.
England to win inside 3 days. Great reward for Clarke .. Averaging 21 for the series. If I was him, I would be completely embarrassed by the appointment and stand down. He shouldn't even be in the team.

[Jimbuna]

Met one of my cousins yesterday....came over with his family from Brisbane to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

They tell me the Aussies drink out of saucers these days and when I asked why I was told it was because they no longer had any cups :DL

[Feuer Frei!]

Soon the Aussie Cricket team will bear the slogan that the Aussie Rugby team had adopted a while back:

THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE!
:yeah:

[bookworm_020]

Soon the Aussie Cricket team will bear the slogan that the Aussie Rugby team had adopted a while back:

THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE!
:yeah:


Except your head!:/\\chop

[Jimbuna]

LOL :DL

[TarJak]

Some interesting thoughts on where we went wrong: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/how-a-perfect-storm-formed-over-scg-20110101-19ch1.html

I agree with some of what this journo is saying but some of it is off the mark.

[Jimbuna]

Quite interesting....wondering what the article from our side will read like after the series is over :hmmm:

[TarJak]

Day one of the final test and it looks like the weather is going to be the deciding factor in this match with showers forecast until at least Thursday.

The Aussies batting first in a greenish wicket with a bit of turn and a lot of humidity in the air.:hmmm:

[papa_smurf]

Day one of the final test and it looks like the weather is going to be the deciding factor in this match with showers forecast until at least Thursday.

The Aussies batting first in a greenish wicket with a bit of turn and a lot of humidity in the air.:hmmm:

Looks like you finally got your wish for rain, just a shame it didn't turn up in the last test:D

[Jimbuna]

Day one of the final test and it looks like the weather is going to be the deciding factor in this match with showers forecast until at least Thursday.

The Aussies batting first in a greenish wicket with a bit of turn and a lot of humidity in the air.:hmmm:

Aye....will the weather save you from a humiliating 3-1 defeat or provide the lame excuse the weather prevented an Aussie victory? :DL

[Feuer Frei!]

Or...
will the weather not be a deciding factor in either of those scenarios you mentioned and be sunny and fine for the rest of the test and prove once and for all that the Selectors need a kick up their backsides, and certain players be relinquished of the current National duties so that they may dwell in the Sheffield Shield competition until they again prove to all that they are worthy of selection for the National side, like everyone else. :03:

[TarJak]

Aye....will the weather save you from a humiliating 3-1 defeat or provide the lame excuse the weather prevented an Aussie victory? :DL
I'll take the latter.:O:

Or...
will the weather not be a deciding factor in either of those scenarios you mentioned and be sunny and fine for the rest of the test and prove once and for all that the Selectors need a kick up their backsides, and certain players be relinquished of the current National duties so that they may dwell in the Sheffield Shield competition until they again prove to all that they are worthy of selection for the National side, like everyone else. :03:
Bureau of Met says unlikely, but I agree with the sentiment. The team needs a shake up.

[Jimbuna]

It starts again in a little under two hours....hope I'm not stopping up to look at a set of covers :hmmm:

[TarJak]

Johnson highest scorer:damn: I'm not seeing too much else to cheer about so far.

[papa_smurf]

Johnson highest scorer:damn: I'm not seeing too much else to cheer about so far.

Why not? I see plenty to cheer for:D

[TarJak]

Why not? I see plenty to cheer for:D
You're right. He got a wicket as well.:O:

[Jimbuna]

TBH I went to bed (p!ssed) when your lot were 180-6 but see we are only 113 behind with four or five recognised batsmen to come out of seven wickets remaining.

I think you'd better pray a lot harder for rain to save you a little further embarrassment :DL

[TarJak]

TBH I went to bed (p!ssed) when your lot were 180-6 but see we are only 113 behind with four or five recognised batsmen to come out of seven wickets remaining.

I think you'd better pray a lot harder for rain to save you a little further embarrassment :DL
There is still plenty of cricket left to play yet so I'm not going to be embarrassed. Disappointed maybe, but not embarrassed.:O:

[Jimbuna]

There is still plenty of cricket left to play yet so I'm not going to be embarrassed. Disappointed maybe, but not embarrassed.:O:

Saw the highlight of the live play I missed during the night....your front order batsmen have to mimic what the tail end did in the first innings....'throw all caution to the wind and swing the bat' if they've to stand any chance of winning the match and drawing the series.

Better to go down fighting than with a whimper.

To think, Mitchell Johnson was voted overseas player of the year a year or so ago :doh:

[badhat17]

Saw the highlight of the live play I missed during the night....your front order batsmen have to mimic what the tail end did in the first innings....'throw all caution to the wind and swing the bat' if they've to stand any chance of winning the match and drawing the series.

Better to go down fighting than with a whimper.

To think, Mitchell Johnson was voted overseas player of the year a year or so ago :doh:

I think throwing the bat out at the wide balls was probably not a great strategy from the boc batters.

[Jimbuna]

Hughes...the cheatin bastid!!

What an absolute disgrace claiming a catch off Cook....reminiscent of a Pakistani!!!!!!

Everyone including his team mates knew the ball hadn't carried.

He's brought nothing but disgrace to his country and the series overall.

Defend the position if you dare.....put em to the sword boys.

England expects every man will do his duty!!!

[Jimbuna]

Well it looks like I'm the only Barmy Army supporter up at this late hour.

England are three adrift at lunch with five wickets in hand.

Enjoy your sandwich Hughes....ya disgraceful mongrel http://imgcash4.imageshack.us/img144/3336/tonguecm5.gif

[TarJak]

Hughes...the cheatin bastid!!

What an absolute disgrace claiming a catch off Cook....reminiscent of a Pakistani!!!!!!

Everyone including his team mates knew the ball hadn't carried.
I didn't see this incident, however the same could be said for Bell whose late call for a review was certainly not in the spirit of the game. He knicked it, he knew he knicked it, the umpire knew he knicked it, but the TV cameras and hot spot were inconclusive.:nope:

[papa_smurf]

England 488-7 at the close of play, Bell and Cook are making the Aussies pay dearly. Reckon we should declare at the 500 mark and bowl Australia out quickly and win once again by a innings, making it a 3-1 victory:D

[Jimbuna]

I didn't see this incident, however the same could be said for Bell whose late call for a review was certainly not in the spirit of the game. He knicked it, he knew he knicked it, the umpire knew he knicked it, but the TV cameras and hot spot were inconclusive.:nope:

I never saw that incident but doesn't sound like any wrong doing, that is what the referal system and video technology was agreed by both sides and introduced for.

You know as well as I that the benefit goes to the batsman should the above be inconclusive, I should imagine Australia have had the same benefit afforded at some time in this series.

Check the Hughes incident on Sky Sports.....Beefy and Warne were cringing with embarrassment, Hughes had the ball bounce before he touched it and made no appeal until 1/2 a second later when the wicketkeeper raised both arms, it was almost as if he was a puppet and had to wait until someone took up the slack on his arm strings before raising enough tension for his arms to rise.

All international cricketers (except the Pakistanis usually) know that in these days of video playbacks there is little chance of claiming successfully for false wickets.

This was the action of a desparate man being part of a team who realise they are currently out of their depth in probably all areas of the team atm.

A real shame....I expected better from our Australian cousins....bring back Border, he'll run a sisciplined outfit and challenge the decisions on his own reputation LOL.

[TarJak]

I never saw that incident but doesn't sound like any wrong doing, that is what the referal system and video technology was agreed by both sides and introduced for.

You know as well as I that the benefit goes to the batsman should the above be inconclusive, I should imagine Australia have had the same benefit afforded at some time in this series.

Check the Hughes incident on Sky Sports.....Beefy and Warne were cringing with embarrassment, Hughes had the ball bounce before he touched it and made no appeal until 1/2 a second later when the wicketkeeper raised both arms, it was almost as if he was a puppet and had to wait until someone took up the slack on his arm strings before raising enough tension for his arms to rise.

All international cricketers (except the Pakistanis usually) know that in these days of video playbacks there is little chance of claiming successfully for false wickets.

This was the action of a desparate man being part of a team who realise they are currently out of their depth in probably all areas of the team atm.

A real shame....I expected better from our Australian cousins....bring back Border, he'll run a sisciplined outfit and challenge the decisions on his own reputation LOL.Bollox:O:

[Jimbuna]

Bollox:O:

Loser :D

[TarJak]

Loser :D
Me? I've lost nothing.:O:

[Jimbuna]

Well, less than three hours to go before play resumes and I'm wondering if we're going to see a horror or a comedy show :hmmm:

I suppose that depends on which part of the world you reside in :DL

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/6942/popcorncowtx0.gif http://www.bbcc.ciren.net/Images/Page%20components/Golden-Duck.jpg

[badhat17]

You know as well as I that the benefit goes to the batsman should the above be inconclusive, I should imagine Australia have had the same benefit afforded at some time in this series.



If evidence is inconclusive in the decision review system then the original decision should stand, which in this instance was correctly given out by Aleem Dar.
It would be interesting to hear exactly what was said between the third umpire and Aleem Dar.
Coincidentally there is no mention of 'benefit of doubt' in the laws of the game. At least there wasn't the last time I read them.

Anyhow looking forward to more England runs later tonight and the glorious sight of a field full of double teapots.

[Jimbuna]

If evidence is inconclusive in the decision review system then the original decision should stand, which in this instance was correctly given out by Aleem Dar.
It would be interesting to hear exactly what was said between the third umpire and Aleem Dar.
Coincidentally there is no mention of 'benefit of doubt' in the laws of the game. At least there wasn't the last time I read them.

Anyhow looking forward to more England runs later tonight and the glorious sight of a field full of double teapots.

Never said anything about 'benefit of doubt' being written in the rule book.....but said benefit was either given as is custom and practice or the third official actually gave a decision....as I stated earlier, I went to bed prior to the event and have not seen it.

Me? I've lost nothing.:O:

You seen the football score?....the TOON thumped or should I have said 'hammered' West Ham 5-0 tonight.

Not your day is it :O:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x41/ross350z/nufc_8v526mxl.gif

Off downstairs now to have a curry and get settled on the settee for a bloody good nights entertainment :DL

Speak soon mate :sunny:

[TarJak]

Looks like Cook sides with Hughes on this one, despite Botham and Buna's vitriol: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/hughess-catch-that-wasnt-sparks-botham-outburst-20110105-19gbr.html

Less said about the Hammers this year, the better. I predict them sinking to the second tier once again only to rise again in 2012 and then go back down a year or so after that. Just like the last 15 years or so. IIRC the maggies were in a similar spot not so long ago.

Enjoy your success while you can. We did for 20 odd years.:DL

[JScones]

Enjoy it while you can. We did for 20 odd years.:DL
Look at it this way though, they've yet to experience a true Ashes victory, ie a 5 nil whitewash (not a pissy 2 or 3 nil series win like in the 1800s). We've done it twice.

Sorry jimbuna, no other words of wisdom from me this time - I haven't watched this test; my wife had a stroke on Tuesday so I have a few more important things on my mind right now.

[TarJak]

Sorry to hear that Jaeson, it's not an easy thing to deal with.

[papa_smurf]

England are now cruising to a series victory, and doing it in style with a massive score of 644, and Australia struggling on 213/7.

(p.s sorry to hear about your wife JS, hope everything goes well)

[TarJak]

I think this is the spanking we've had coming for the past 3 years or so. After so long at the top it had to come eventually. I just hope we can find a way to fix the team and rebuild in time for the next Ashes series.:arrgh!:

[papa_smurf]

I think this is the spanking we've had coming for the past 3 years or so. After so long at the top it had to come eventually. I just hope we can find a way to fix the team and rebuild in time for the next Ashes series.:arrgh!:

Still got the 20/20 and one day series yet, so if you would be as kind to lose those as well, then we'll be even happier:D

[TarJak]

I'm off to watch the 2 Feb ODI, so I hope we don't give you the pleasure.

[Jimbuna]

Look at it this way though, they've yet to experience a true Ashes victory, ie a 5 nil whitewash (not a pissy 2 or 3 nil series win like in the 1800s). We've done it twice.

Sorry jimbuna, no other words of wisdom from me this time - I haven't watched this test; my wife had a stroke on Tuesday so I have a few more important things on my mind right now.

Oh heck!....sorry to hear of it Jaesen, my mum experienced one on November just gone but she's 84 and I suppose you half expect it at that age.

Allow me to wish her a speedy recovery, it is possible if the stroke wasn't too severe.

Keep strong....I will be thinking of her, you and your family.

[Jimbuna]

Looks like Cook sides with Hughes on this one, despite Botham and Buna's vitriol: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/hughess-catch-that-wasnt-sparks-botham-outburst-20110105-19gbr.html

Less said about the Hammers this year, the better. I predict them sinking to the second tier once again only to rise again in 2012 and then go back down a year or so after that. Just like the last 15 years or so. IIRC the maggies were in a similar spot not so long ago.

Enjoy your success while you can. We did for 20 odd years.:DL

Oh dear oh dear oh dear...another disasterous day at the SCG.

Looks like there'll be no Aussie supporters there for the last day (AGAIN) so the Barmy Army will rule the roost (AGAIN) :DL

I went to bed at lunch so missed most of the fun if I'm to be honest :doh:

That article above certainly looks a little more 'measured' but in fairness there has been a bit of time for people to stop and consider what their viewpoints are and Botham, Warne et al were commenting live as it happened.

Hopefully things will be wrapped up before lunch and I'll get to see it all tonight (early appointment at the dentist tomorrow) :-?

Yeah, your team (Hammers) do seem to be struggling a bit this season, suprising when you consider it is under new ownership but I too believe they'll sharp bounce back into the Premiership should they get relegated.

Enjoy your ODI mate I wish I could be there to watch it with you. My cousin and his family from Brisbane are still over here and in my usual drunken wisdom at a get together the other night, started making plans to visit them, after making reference to you thay said "that is two offers so you have to make the effort".....sadly, I sobered up in the morning and realised those sort of plans aren't that simple to commit to :DL

I'll be off now....to enjoy our latest success :smug:

[TarJak]

Well hurry up and get drunk again and hop on a plane over here youpommy basum!:D Would be good to get to a game with you should the opportunity ever crop up.

I going with four mates and will be sitting no far from the Barmy Army so no doubt if current form is anything to go by we'll be copping a bit of stick all night.

I doubt Australia will last beyond the 1st drinks brake so you'll have an early night over there.:yawn::zzz:

[JScones]

Oh heck!....sorry to hear of it Jaesen, my mum experienced one on November just gone but she's 84 and I suppose you half expect it at that age.

Allow me to wish her a speedy recovery, it is possible if the stroke wasn't too severe.

Keep strong....I will be thinking of her, you and your family.
Thanks, it wasn't severe. More like a mini-stroke, fortunately (if one can be fortunate about such things). She's already back to Facebooking.

Not quite up to Roast Pork dinners yet, but we'll get there...

[Growler]

Allow a Yank who knows nothing of the topic at hand to instead interrupt only for a moment to offer my best hopes and wishes for your wife, JScones, and for you and your family as well - may her return to health be total, complete, and rapid.

[TarJak]

Congratulations England. The Ashes are over and Australia needs to take a long hard look at where to next for our cricket team. The better team won. Lets hope we can recover some pride on the short form of the game.

[bookworm_020]

The better team won indeed! Well done England!:salute:

Australia will come back, some of the newer players showed promise, so there is hope for the next ashes!

[papa_smurf]

The better team won indeed! Well done England!:salute:

Australia will come back, some of the newer players showed promise, so there is hope for the next ashes!

Its nice to see an England team play so consistently over a 5 match series and in the previous warm-up matches. Lets hope we can do the same in the 20/20 and one day matches.

[Jimbuna]

Thanks, it wasn't severe. More like a mini-stroke, fortunately (if one can be fortunate about such things). She's already back to Facebooking.

Not quite up to Roast Pork dinners yet, but we'll get there...

I'm sure you will mate :up:

[Jimbuna]

Well hurry up and get drunk again and hop on a plane over here youpommy basum!:D Would be good to get to a game with you should the opportunity ever crop up.

I going with four mates and will be sitting no far from the Barmy Army so no doubt if current form is anything to go by we'll be copping a bit of stick all night.

I doubt Australia will last beyond the 1st drinks brake so you'll have an early night over there.:yawn::zzz:

Got back in from a night on the town with Kratos and a few others.....2 cans, a large slug of Nelsons blood with peppermint and a chinese curry and it was all over :o

Looking forward to the couple of twenty 20's and the seven ODI....and yes it would be bloody magic seeing a game with you (reminds me of that night we spent in Houston looking for an elephant steak) LOL.

I think Collingwood made the right retirement decision, he'll only be missed for his exceptional slip fielding, everything else can already be covered by the youngsters awaiting their chance.

Never thought I'd admire a mackem :DL

Anyhoo....plenty more cricket to come and no doubt plenty more ammo to rib each other with in the coming weeks :DL

In the meantime I'll simply leave you with these :O:

Q. What is the height of optimism?
A. An Australian batsman putting on sunscreen.

Q. What would Jimmy Anderson be if he was Australian?
A. An all rounder.

Q. What is the main function of the Australian coach?
A. To transport the team from the hotel to the ground.

Q. Why don't Australian fielders need pre tour travel injections?
A. Because they never catch anything.

Q. What's the Australian version of LBW?
A. Lost, Beaten and Walloped.

Q. What do you call an Australian with 100 runs against his name?
A. A bowler.

Q. What's the most proficient form of footwork displayed by Ponting?
A. The walk back to the pavilion.

Q. Who has the easiest job in the Australian squad?
A. The guy who removes the red ball marks from the bats.

Q. What do Australian batsmen and drug addicts have in common?
A. Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will
come from.

Q. Why are Australian cricketers cleverer than Houdini?
A. Because they can get out without even trying.

Q. What does Ryan Harris put in his hands to make sure the next ball
almost always takes a wicket?
A. A bat.

Q. What do you call an Aussie holding a bottle of champagne?
A. Waiter.

[Oberon]

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/wg-grace-400.jpg

About time we did well, we invented the damn thing after all. :yeah:

Well played England, well played! :rock:

Also, glad to hear your wife is recovering JScones, must have been a pretty scary ordeal, wish her well from me.

[Jimbuna]

Dec 2032: The new Australian captain is shown a picture of a small urn.

Rolf, now aged 102 asks "Have you guessed what it is yet?"

[Feuer Frei!]

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/5176/ashesdemotivationalgall.jpg

:yep: :D :hmmm: :wah:

[papa_smurf]

Q. What's the Australian version of LBW?
A. Lost, Beaten and Walloped.

:har:

[TarJak]

In the meantime I'll simply leave you with these :O:

Q. What is the height of optimism?
A. An Australian batsman putting on sunscreen.

Q. What would Jimmy Anderson be if he was Australian?
A. An all rounder.

Q. What is the main function of the Australian coach?
A. To transport the team from the hotel to the ground.

Q. Why don't Australian fielders need pre tour travel injections?
A. Because they never catch anything.

Q. What's the Australian version of LBW?
A. Lost, Beaten and Walloped.

Q. What do you call an Australian with 100 runs against his name?
A. A bowler.

Q. What's the most proficient form of footwork displayed by Ponting?
A. The walk back to the pavilion.

Q. Who has the easiest job in the Australian squad?
A. The guy who removes the red ball marks from the bats.

Q. What do Australian batsmen and drug addicts have in common?
A. Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will
come from.

Q. Why are Australian cricketers cleverer than Houdini?
A. Because they can get out without even trying.

Q. What does Ryan Harris put in his hands to make sure the next ball
almost always takes a wicket?
A. A bat.

Q. What do you call an Aussie holding a bottle of champagne?
A. Waiter.
Very funny, but not as funny as the eleven jokes we sent out to play for us.:D

[bookworm_020]

Very funny, but not as funny as the eleven jokes we sent out to play for us.:D

They didn't make me laugh, just cry......:wah: