The Ashes

[horsa]

Damien Marten retired this morning as well. He was not inluded in the squad for the Perth test and he said that he no longer has the passion for the game needed to play at the top level.

Last night I had a dream.

Flintoff .
“You know guys, I’ve been thinking. Since I’ve been captain I’ve not been the player I was. It’s just too much for one person. Bowling my heart out, batting like I’m supposed to be Botham at no.6, suspect ankle , carrying the Boys Own hero expectation thing, and so on . What I’m going to do is hand over to Andrew Strauss. He’s a level headed sort of guy, good cricketing brain, sort of in the Michael Vaughan mould, and doesn’t have any unnecessary baggage to carry.”

Gerait Jones
“ Hey Freddie. Great idea. Just what we’d all been saying the other day in the bar while you were at the press conference saying nothing. Now you mention it , I guess my batting’s a bit of a let down as well. Old Readie here is a good solid scorer and is just as capable as me with the gloves . How’s about we swop over ? “

Giles
“ You're right there, Jonesie old son. That’s got me thinking too. I know I’ve done valuable if unspectacular service to the team over the years and been a great team guy, but since my hip problem it’s just not been the same. Twelve months without any real cricket is not the best preparation for a test match comeback. I know Dunc will be disappointed, and he’s great with this loyalty thing, but lets face it, Monty here is frankly a better bowler than me. Let him take my place. ”

Harmison
“ Hmmmmm . Good point there Gilo. Well, I know I’ve got years of bowling in me still, but I think I could do with a rest. The rhythm’s just not there. Slowly falling down the ratings and getting marmalised by the best team in the world is not doing my confidence any good. I know second slip will miss their fielding practice without me bowling spectacular wides but Sajid, here, is raring to go. He couldn’t do a worse job than me so how about it, mate ?

Anderson
“ Well, Harmie, where does that leave me ? If I carry on playing with some real bowlers around me it might get noticed that I hardly ever take a wicket. Maybe I’m not really a test class bowler. I guess I ought to stand aside too. Liam’s not brilliant but he’s young, keen and learning fast, and at least he takes a wicket or two

Pietersen
“ Bang on there , mates. Maybe me and Collie won’t feel like we’re wasting our time carrying the team by ourselves. And to show my appreciation of you fellas I’ll promise to stop trying to be so bleedin clever and cut out the sweep stroke.

( nods and smiles all round)


Then I woke up and heard Fletcher on the radio saying it was all the batsmen’s fault, he doesn’t make all the decisions by himself anyway, and he sees no point in changing. After all that would only prove he was wrong in the first place.

[mr chris]

Fantasic post Horsa bang on i wish Big Dunc was reading this

[Konovalov]

Originally Posted by mr chris

Fantasic post Horsa bang on

Yep, another right on te mark post.

Originally Posted by mr chris

i wish Big Dunc was reading this

Are you kidding. Wish all you want. Big Dunc Fletcher is as deaf as a post on this issue.

Now, can someone explain this bit to me? Michael Vaughan has basically been ruled out by Fletcher not to play in the Ashes series and I think it is fair to say that everyone thought he was little to no chance months before the tour began anyway. So why do they plan on playing Vaughan in the 2 day game at Perth this weekend? Surely if the English batters are to blame as Fletcher implies then that would mean he would use this 2 day game as valuable practice for those batters out of form or for potential batters in the touring party that may come into the side. Can someone answer this for me?

I don't want to even touch the ridiculous situation of Michael Vaughan still being the captain of England despite not playing in 12 plus months.

P.S. I still have hopes of a tight and exciting Ashes series but Duncan Fletcher, ECB management and some English players are doing their best to turn this series into another boring whitewash in favour of Australia. I'm Australian and I feel sorry for England. There, I said it.

[Venatore]

Martin...........GONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bookworm_020]

Horsa, could you write your post in another colour, the black isn't good for my eyes!

The Australian Cricket Board is flying out a British Bobby to sit with the Barmey Army, just to make them feel at home! Lucky Sod! Paid flight, accomodation and tickets to the Ashes!! I don't see them offering me the job!

[TarJak]

Just saw an interesting article on the English selections. Not sure how much Stuart Law knows but it sound like things look as crook as Rookwood for the poms...

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/aust...685554262.html

PS: for those that don;t know Rookwood is a big cemetary in Sydney. So big it has its own postcode.

[STEED]

Well this is it this week, England's team has there backs to the wall this is the fightback or the end? It dose not look good for our team at all, can they pull of a victory or a draw to stay in the series. :hmm: