Official Cricket Thread

[Alf™]

England is trying the, let's just bat the overs out without worrying about runs, and it is certainly not working. If the Aussies get one more before lunch, you'd think it was over.

[Aria.]

yeh i gotta say im very disspaointed with the pommies attitude so far this ashes

[Aria.]

oh my ****in god giles gone for a quacker
oh dear wouldnt wanna be an england supporter right now

[Alf™]

I like it when all the Pommies go quiet. This is an unbelievable day of bowling from Warne.

[Aria.]

o my ****ing god warney is on fire

[Aria.]

this shold be an exciting run chase

i think australia has this in the bag

[Alf™]

If England had a quality spinner, this would be very interesting.

[Aria.]

yeh but ashley giles... lmfao :lol:
he couldnt get a game for my local side c grade

[Aria.]

turning into an embarassing loss by the poms

[Nightvision]

...this is embarrassing.

We don't deserve to get a draw, to be honest. That was a complete embarrassment, even with Warne's excellent bowling.

[Angry Balled Fists!]

F'uck

[Aria.]

and its over we win again

o god what are england going to do for the next 3 matches

they have got some serious work to do oh dear god what a pathetic cricket side

what great bowling by warney what a champion
and they need to work out a way of getting ponting out
ponting can outbat the whole england side with one hand tied behind his back

i just dont know waht england can possibly do at the moment there just pathetic cricket players i mean if they were australins they would be struggling to make it into a b grade team in a small country town apart from freddy flintoff and maybe peterson the rest of them are just pathetic cricketers theres not much else can be said

anyway good luck to them for the next 3 matches but they are just going to get humiliated even furhter

[Fire Away]

Anyone else think Martyn's just about had it? Could they afford to drop him for Watson to keep Clarke?

In other news, The 12th Man is awesome

[Aria.]

he played fcking pathetic in the second innings i dont know what he was thinking
but i dont think they should drop him especially not for watson

[bahamut_ali]

What a great game of cricket. Punter and Hussey took the game by the scruff of the neck in the last innings. Ponting's proving himself to be a legend in years to come.

I don't think England can come back after this. It would be admirable if they did, and obviously make for more exciting cricket, but they would be shot right now.

[flyhalf]

Once again, England have snatched defeat from the jaws of probable victory...or at least, a certain draw :P

Amazing comeback, surprised most people i reckon. The odds for England winning at the start of day 5 was at about 5 bucks, after Warne's 2nd spell they were down to 41 bucks :amaze: shows what the punters know :smash:

IMHO if england want to win on day 5, they need a spinner that can take wickets (i.e. Panesar) to work with economical bowlers. (like what warne and clark/lee/mcgrath did today)

For the WACA, i reckon for the aussies:
Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Hussey
Clarke
Gilly
Warne
Lee
Clark
Johnson/Tait/MacGill (depending on the pitch)
McGrath

Since Watson is out injured apparently (otherwise i would've slotted him in 6 or 7). The WACA used to be a pretty favourable pitch to fast bowlers, but nowadays it's so unpredictable that i reckon we should take in an extra bowler (An all rounder would've been nice though...or at least a batting all rounder of some sort).

[Lord Abortion]

/Holds head in hands

[TheBigMachine]

You should be.
At the Adelaide Oval, that fifth day....Glorious.

[Alf™]

That day was amazing. Me and Ben were talking all the way through it, and it was just a great thing to watch. Martyn would be dropped if Watson came back in, but he's copped a bit of luck.

[TheBigMachine]

Watson isn't ready to play at test level. He's a part time batter at best, and a occasionally handy when conditions are right bowler. I think we've got enough batting depth in Lee and Warne, that we can afford to play five bowlers and five batters, plus Gilchrist

[RandyfromPennywise]

That was the second best sporting event I've been at. I went to every day of the Test, I missed two sessions out of the 15. To have a fifth day like that after the first four were, well, let's be honest, ****ing boring (apart from admiring some good batting), was phenomenal. To see the boys celebrating like that was great.

Props to the Barmy Army. They were excellent all week. And props to the Aussies who tried our best but found it hard without a list of songs, but we were quite inventive at times. Absolutely the best cricket match I've ever been too. Just brilliant.

Anyone else got the new 12th Man album, "Boned!"? It's really a marvellous record that, just superb play there from Birmingham.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

I only just found about us winning, I caught a plane to the US halfway through the last day :(

I am over the moon about the result though. >:-D

[RCVA]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/fivelivebreakfast/2006/12/the_breakfast_panesar_petition.html

Mine is number 1578 haha.

Takes ages to load.

[Alf™]

Well Damien Martyn has retired from domestic and international cricket as of immediately. This surprised me, but when I sit back and think about it, it might have been a great decision for him.
Andrew Symonds and no-namer Adam Vogues have been added to Australia's 13-man squad ahead of the third test. Does anyone have any idea of who Vogues is, and if he is actually any good?

[badtaste]

I only just found about us winning, I caught a plane to the US halfway through the last day :(

I am over the moon about the result though. >:-D

You missed a really, really great day 5.

Martyn's retirement is good. The guy didn't really have anything to prove, since he's been a pretty good batter. Hopefully, some of the other older guys will follow in his footsteps.

[TheBigMachine]

Vogues! Ah, vogues.
Averages something like 53.2, maybe 60 I cant remember which in Pura Cup fixtures. He's 23.

[Alf™]

I'm pretty sure he's actually 27.

[Liberi Fatali]

Isn't it Voges, not Vogues?

Man watching the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka test match is depressing, well at least on the batting side it is. Watching Bond rip 'em apart was fun, but it isn't a good thing when your star spin bowler gets the high score for your team in either innings.

[TheBigMachine]

Youre talking about the sri lankans right?'

I'm pretty sure he's actually 27.

oh well, there you go.

[Liberi Fatali]

Youre talking about the sri lankans right?'
No, I'm talking about the Kiwis against Sri Lanka.

Vettori got the highest score for our team throughout the test, a measely 63. I mean, its not like you ever see Warne scoring the top score for Australia.

[TheBigMachine]

Ouch. He came close to doing it in England...

Vettori is a good player. Very good player.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah I rate Harry Potter Vettori pretty highly. A world-class Kiwi, you don't get to say that everyday of the week. :p

Yeah Voges isn't a complete no-namer, he's 27, he's been around for a couple of seasons, I believe his average is in the mid-40s. (I just checked on cricinfo and it says his average is 44 at first-class level, which is, well, not great in comparison.) Blokes like Brad Hodge and Simon Katich must be devo. I doubt that Katich will ever play for Australia again, and things would have to go very well for Hodge to be back in the mix.

I really don't know what our selectors' preference for an all-rounder is. Personally I think it's ****ing ridiculous. We've been slaughtering everyone for near-on a decade now without one. Why is Watson or Symonds such a bloody necessity? I heard Brad Hogg's name mentioned for the Test team this week. Hogg is the shittest excuse for a Test all-rounder I've ever seen. If he made an Aussie squad ahead of someone like Tait, Bracken or Hodge I'd consider not supporting the team for a while.

Can't wait for Perth now.

And ****, isn't Michael Clarke a fortunate lad. Two weeks ago he wasn't even in the team, now his place isn't even under question. At all. Well in son. I hope he makes the most of his new opportunity.

[TheBigMachine]

M Clarke is a good player though. He did deserve his second chance, and personally, Watson isn't all that great. I think we've got the batting depth to go without an all-rounder.

If we play five specialist bowlers, possibly something along the lines of:

McGrath - Legend.
Lee - Very unlucky not to have more wickets than he did in Adelaide if his bowling was a little too short a little too often. Balls were flying through an inadequatley manned slips cordon on a fairly regular basis.
Warne - Legend
Stuart Clark - Great talent, after his performance in Adelaide, definatley should be in the side.

And then, depending on the track, a toss up between Mitchell Johnson and Stuart McGill.

Then for batting, I think something along the lines of...

Hayden and Langer
Ponting
Promote Clarke to four
Hussey
Gilchrist.

That way, you've got six batters, five bowlers. Lee can bat, Warne can bat. Eight potential batters, five bowlers.
Good team, non?

[Alf™]

We don't need five specialist bowlers imho. That's over doing it. Looks like Symonds will be drafted into the team, as the all-rounder. Hopefully he runs into some form this time, as I enjoy watching him play.

[bahamut_ali]

When Symonds is in form, he's fantastic to watch. Much more exciting than Martyn imo

I'm actually looking forward to watching him.

[Alf™]

England have made a double change with Giles and Anderson out, and Monty and Mahmood in. Should be an interesting first day.

Edit: Australia have won the toss and elected to bat. Flintoff explains why Sajid Mahmood has been included ahead of James Anderson: "There might be something in it this morning, so that's why we've included the quicker bowler in Sajid."

[badtaste]

England have made a double change with Giles and Anderson out, and Monty and Mahmood in. Should be an interesting first day.

Well, good on England for making a change. Hopefully, these guys will do England well, getting them a few wickets.

I also really hope Symonds plays well. He's such a great one day player, that it is slightly (but not completely embarrassing to see him suck in the test matches).

[Aria.]

england are gona get dominated so bad i cant wait for the first ball

[Alf™]

And that's the first over. A fair bit of swing, this should be interesting early. If the Aussies get through the new ball, we should be ok.

Edit: England/Hoggard strikes. It's 1-48.

[TheBigMachine]

Boom, Hayden gone for 24, Ponting out for 2.
Oh dear.

[Alf™]

What a day of cricket. Aussies bundled out for 244, with Monty getting 5. And then the Aussies striking back with 2 late wickets. Tomorrow will be fantastic.

[bahamut_ali]

I'll be taking many toilet breaks at work tomorrow :lol:

[Fire Away]

Can't wait to see if Collingwood and Pieterson can bat well again.

[poorquality]

Monty monty monty panesar

I said he should of been in it from the start

took 5 wickets

things could of been much different now

[bahamut_ali]

But they isn't :p

I agree though. Why Giles was picked for Adelaide is an absolute wonder.

[badtaste]

MONTY!!!!

I don't like Australia in sorta bad position, but I just love great players! MONTY!!!! A five wicket haul on his first test against Australia is rather impressive, yeh?

Once again, Symonds showed glimpses of his best form, but fell short (again). But hey, we've got two wickets in the bag already, so it should be a great day two tomorrow.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Looks like it's going to be a good Test, again. Monty is good.

Hussey is God. I would have that man's children if it were possible.

[Untitled]

Yay monty takes 5 wickets and harmison takes 4.

YAY for bowlers on form.

[RCVA]

Yay for england not being ****!

[Alf™]

Don't speak so soon, we haven't seen England's batting efforts. England should be 3 for already, Warne dropped a doozy off Clark to get rid of Collingwood. I think Clark has Collingwood's number today, he was all over him last night.

[Untitled]

Hopefully collingwood and KP will rack up some big totals today.

But saying that, after a great bowling effort, the batting is looking a bit nervy from looking at the score card, 2 down already.

Im quite disappointed from Cook this series, i thought he might do al right, but he hasnt realy done anything yet, i dont think hes made 50 has he? or Strauss for that matter. He needs to stop pulling, every time he does he gets caught.

[badtaste]

Speaking of Hussey, has he always been this good (and has not been able to find a spot in the Australian team), or has he only recently (last few years) played really well? This guy has been outstanding for Australia, second only to Ponting in terms of batting. Poor guy has missed out on well deserved centuries.

[Alf™]

Australia has gotten the early wicket, and are bowling very, very well atm.

[Aria.]

yeh hussey was always awesome just oculdnt get into the team

and yes we are owning them now

[Alf™]

England are 4-85. Just lost Strauss to a beautiful Clark ball. He has been bowling great all morning.

[badtaste]

Well, England were bowled out. My bitch ROY did a handy job yesterday grabbing two wickets. Clark got three, Warne 1, McGrath 2, Lee 2.

Pity about losing Langer first ball though. Not very nice. But hey, Australia are 1/119, with both Hayden and Ponting on 57. I think we have this test in the bag as well. I only hope Symonds will be make a few runs (if he gets a chance) and cements his spot for Boxing Day.

[poorquality]

I decided to watch it, that's right 2:30am - 10am

I'm completely knackered now, and what a waste of time that was for me, Pieterson did well again, and our biggest partnership was Harmison + Panesar...

Very disapointing, we bowl so well, we should of atleast matched them in our innings.

[Untitled]

Well, England were bowled out. My bitch ROY did a handy job yesterday grabbing two wickets. Clark got three, Warne 1, McGrath 2, Lee 2.

Pity about losing Langer first ball though. Not very nice. But hey, Australia are 1/119, with both Hayden and Ponting on 57. I think we have this test in the bag as well. I only hope Symonds will be make a few runs (if he gets a chance) and cements his spot for Boxing Day.

I like Australian arrogance :rolleyes:

The match still has 3 days left, anything can happen as we proved in brisban.

We need to come out tonight and bowl positivly and get some quick wickets and not let the total go two high. Get you all out by tomorrow morning then we have over 2 days to bat and try to beat your total.

This match is still completely open imo.

[Frankie]

Freddy hasn't been at any where near his best. I think the weight of being captain is affecting his ability

[RandyfromPennywise]

This match is still completely open imo.
/English naivety. ;)

Hey poorquality, good effort. Fair tough viewing times but well in. That's what it's like watching Prem and Champo and that! At least for us the Ashes are on at great times when they are in England, generally 8pm 'til 3am our time.

Hey badtaste, why do you rate Symonds as a Test player? Personally I think he will never be a good Test player. Never. I reckon he's great in the one-day side, his style is perfectly suited to ODIs, but Test, no way. He doesn't have the patience or control to build big 100s, or big partnerships for that matter. Anyway, that's just my opinion.

Watching a bit of the SAfrica - India Test, 1st Test, day 1. Pretty interesting so far. I think that could be a very good series. I won't watch a great deal of it but it's certainly one of the more interesting non-Australia series in my opinion.

[Aria.]

lol untitled dont get your hopes up bro this is gonna be a 5-0 slaughtering unless we get some bad weather

[TheBigMachine]

Hey badtaste, why do you rate Symonds as a Test player? Personally I think he will never be a good Test player. Never. I reckon he's great in the one-day side, his style is perfectly suited to ODIs, but Test, no way. He doesn't have the patience or control to build big 100s, or big partnerships for that matter. Anyway, that's just my opinion

You can learn that. People said these thing's about MClarke as well, when he was trying to unleash in every innings, but alas, he was dropped learnt some patience and is making a comeback. Symonds can learn patience and discipline, and he's definatley better than bloody Watson.

[Aria.]

yeh watson has done his hammy again today anyway

and yeh i agree symonds can be a good test player but he was ****in disgraceful is the 1st innings i have no idea what he was thinking

[Alf™]

England have fielded terribly today, and missed some big chances. Hussey just got his century, and is now killing them. Clarke is also laying into them now, on about 60. What form Hussey is in, he is averaging around about 90 now, in test cricket.

[Aria.]

damm husseys out

still got a huge lead and over 2 days left i cant see england doing anything but geting humiliated again

[badtaste]

I like Australian arrogance :rolleyes:

The match still has 3 days left, anything can happen as we proved in brisban.

We need to come out tonight and bowl positivly and get some quick wickets and not let the total go two high. Get you all out by tomorrow morning then we have over 2 days to bat and try to beat your total.

This match is still completely open imo.

I like British optimism. :thumb:

Well, it's 5/439 and we have a lead of 468. Clark and Gilchrist are looking good and there's still an hour of play left. So a lead of 550 maybe, by the end of the day? The way England has been batting, you wouldn't really put any money on them, would you? Plus, our bowlers are in form and doing well.

Clark has made a century by the way, just about to pass Hussey's score of 103.

[badtaste]

Hey badtaste, why do you rate Symonds as a Test player? Personally I think he will never be a good Test player. Never. I reckon he's great in the one-day side, his style is perfectly suited to ODIs, but Test, no way. He doesn't have the patience or control to build big 100s, or big partnerships for that matter. Anyway, that's just my opinion.


Apologies for the double post first. Well, I don't actually rate Symonds as a test player. I simply think he's a really attractive cricketer in general (in both ways). When he bats well, he smashes the ball around and entertains the crowd. He can take a few wickets now and then. In the field, he is probably no 1. He simply has this aura about him.

But I do agree with you, he probably doesn't have a test future in front of him (as has been proven before). I simply want to see entertaining cricket and players like Symonds can provide that. Oh yeah, Symonds got out for 2 today , bowled by Monty, caught by Collingwood in the slips. So there you go.

[Alf™]

Gilchrist is really hitting out now, 3 sixes and 1 four off one Monty over.

**Clarke.

[badtaste]

Gilchrist is going to kill someone very soon with all the sixes he is hitting.

80 off 46!!!!

[TheBigMachine]

But I do agree with you, he probably doesn't have a test future in front of him (as has been proven before). I simply want to see entertaining cricket and players like Symonds can provide that. Oh yeah, Symonds got out for 2 today , bowled by Monty, caught by Collingwood in the slips. So there you go

As I said before, discipline is a learnable trait. Natural talent and ability, of which Symonds has in bounds is not. Or it is, but I'd rather be learning discipline. Symonds is the better player out of Watson and himself. It's just that at the moment, Watson is the disciplined player. If Symonds can learn his discipline, then he will easily beat him.

[Fire Away]

This Gilchrist innings is amazing. If he hits this ball for four he gets the fastest century in test cricket...

edit: didn't get it ahhh.

[Aria.]

oh my ****in god

[Aria.]

****in cheatin bastards bowlin wides so gilly cant break the record bunch of ****in wankers

[Alf™]

Hoggard bowled him a wide wtf, you could tell he was scared. Gilchrist has batted amazing, this is what we all like to see. England had everybody, bar 1, on the fence for a few balls. I have never seen anything like that.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Gilly's innings has been one of the most enjoyable I've watched, ever. The Panesar over, I was 'king loving it.

[Alf™]

And there it is, what a century. What a remarkable innings. And you have to give credit to Clarke as well, he has been batting superb with Gilly.

[Aria.]

lmfao england

[Alf™]

And we have declared. This will be interesting. Lolol at England thinking they still had a chance in this game.

[Fire Away]

Oh what a wicket, first over. Well, it's all happening.

[Aria.]

lmfao this is gonna be over before tea tomorrow

predicting we will win by at least 400 runs

[Alf™]

Wow, that is a massive blow to England's hopes tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they go about play; will they try and bat out the overs or play there own type of innings scoring runs. Warne will be very important, the pitch certainly is in his favour.

[Untitled]

Wow, that is a massive blow to England's hopes tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they go about play; will they try and bat out the overs or play there own type of innings scoring runs. Warne will be very important, the pitch certainly is in his favour.

Theres still 2 days left, so if we're patient and go stedy and not make any stupid shots we could win, doubt it though, the batters are to impatient.

[badtaste]

Wow, that is a massive blow to England's hopes tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how they go about play; will they try and bat out the overs or play there own type of innings scoring runs. Warne will be very important, the pitch certainly is in his favour.

Hope he leaves the 700th wicket until Melbourne, his home town.

Stumps Day 3: ENG 215 & 1/19 (6.0), AUS 244 & 5d/527

I also hope they give Symonds the ball tomorrow, so at least he can prove himself with the ball, especially with injury to Watson. You guys reckon Symonds will still be kept for Melbourne, with Watson out? I wouldn't mind giving another batter a spot.

[Untitled]

Hope he leaves the 700th wicket until Melbourne, his home town.

Stumps Day 3: ENG 215 & 1/19 (6.0), AUS 244 & 5d/527

I also hope they give Symonds the ball tomorrow, so at least he can prove himself with the ball, especially with injury to Watson. You guys reckon Symonds will still be kept for Melbourne, with Watson out? I wouldn't mind giving another batter a spot.

Symonds seems to be more suited for ODI cricket rather then full test, he makes good shots yes, but dosnt look like he could build up long partnerships or big totals.

I havnt seen anything from his bowling though.

[Aria.]

Theres still 2 days left, so if we're patient and go stedy and not make any stupid shots we could win, doubt it though, the batters are to impatient.

LMFAO are you serious? :lol:

[poorquality]

Wait...so how many runs do England need now?

Considering we're finding it incredibly hard to score over 300 runs, I can't see how anyone can say we have a chance in hell at the moment.

Prove me wrong, please prove me wrong :P I'd love to see us win it, I just know we can't

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

why is koertzen such a jackass?

[Alf™]

What has he done? He has made a couple of very hard calls, to both teams. The umpires this series imho have been very good and very fair.

Symonds seems to have got a reprieve, as Watson is now out for what seems like the whole series. I can't believe Watson, it's his own fault, he would be spewing.

I hope Warne does save the 700th wicket for Melbourne, day 1, in front of 100,000 people, including me.

[TheBigMachine]

We weld the lofty dream of him getting 11 in Adelaide to bring up 700.

[Alf™]

11? He only needs 5, doesn't he?

[TheBigMachine]

He needed 11 in Adelaide.

[Alf™]

Oh oh, wow, I read that wrong. Haha sorry.

[poorquality]

Apparently this is the 3rd time in a row Strauss has been given out when he shouldn't of :S can anyone clarify?

[Alf™]

All of his dismissals have been very close. This time he didn't play a shot, and the ball hit him on the roll of the knee. If you don't play a shot, you can't complain.

[Aria.]

i would of given him that lb any day of the week

[Untitled]

Apparently this is the 3rd time in a row Strauss has been given out when he shouldn't of :S can anyone clarify?

Hawk Eye said it was to high to be given LBW.

[Alf™]

But as I said, if you leave the ball and don't play a shot, you can defiantly not complain. The umpires are willing to give it out if you don't play a shot, and so they should.

[badtaste]

Cook's gone, Hoggard's gone and it's 5/261 at the moment. Looking good for all involved (except for England, HA!).

[poorquality]

England have done a lot better than I figured they would. I just hope Pieterson can play the way he's been playing (because he was very down after the last innings performance, having to take control of the match because everyone else was getting themselves out), and Flintoff proving to be the great batsmen we know he can be.

But the chances of those two having as great a partnership as they had in the last Ashes...very slim I'd say..

Gotta say i'm impressed we lasted the night, I'm definately staying up to watch this game again...going to be a loooooooong day/night

[Alf™]

How can you be impressed? You did the hard yards, and choked at the end of the day. I was so disappointed with England, I thought tomorrow was going to be a great day. Instead, those 2 late wickets leave you in a very tough position.

[poorquality]

Because I didnt have high hopes from the off, I expected to wake up to "Australia Win the Ashes with a devistating 3-0 thrashing of england" and something along the lines of being all out for 189 or something.

Granted the 2 wickets at the end were stupid to give away, but we have our best batter at the crease, and Flintoff we all know can bat really well, he just needs to find his form...and when better than tonight.

I know it's a tough position, it was always going to be tough.

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

All of his dismissals have been very close. This time he didn't play a shot, and the ball hit him on the roll of the knee. If you don't play a shot, you can't complainhis dismissal in the first innings, when it was him and kp in bat, was a disgrace. He played and clearly missed, yet Koertzen gave him out. Sure, he wasn't playing a shot in the second one, but any decent umpire should see that is was rising well over the stumps.

[Aria.]

lmfao gota love it how they blame the umps now

lmfao :lol:

[TheBigMachine]

It depends on your country bias.

[Aria.]

or if your geting totally destroyed nd cant think of any real excuses

[poorquality]

So you think the umpires have been correct in every single decision made out there? Regardless of what replays have shown etc etc?

Sure England are playing terribly I'm not going to deny that, we're being walked over by the best Cricket team in the world.

But to say there haven't been any wrong decisions regarding things like LBWs is plain stupid.

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

ok i watched today's highlights. maybe koertzen isn't such a jackass.

[xxxwookie]

Cooke was playing well yesterday/today depending on what time you went to bed and where you are, was a shame when he went. England were playing quite well and then we lost a couple of wickets at the end which really ruined the day.

it's OK though, we only need a wicket to win.

But as I said, if you leave the ball and don't play a shot, you can defiantly not complain. The umpires are willing to give it out if you don't play a shot, and so they should.
It's not LBW if you don't play a shot, it's LBW if your leg stops it hitting the wicket. Whoever said hawkeye showed it as going over was wrong, it would've just clipped the bails. A very good call, unlucky for Strauss

[Alf™]

his dismissal in the first innings, when it was him and kp in bat, was a disgrace. He played and clearly missed, yet Koertzen gave him out. Sure, he wasn't playing a shot in the second one, but any decent umpire should see that is was rising well over the stumps.

He did not clearly miss it .It even took the commentators three or four replays and technologies to figure out if he had hit it or not. There was a obvious bat like sound there, and Koertzen couldn't do anything but give it out.

Cooke was playing well yesterday/today depending on what time you went to bed and where you are, was a shame when he went. England were playing quite well and then we lost a couple of wickets at the end which really ruined the day.

It's not LBW if you don't play a shot, it's LBW if your leg stops it hitting the wicket. Whoever said hawkeye showed it as going over was wrong, it would've just clipped the bails. A very good call, unlucky for Strauss

I think we know what LBW is, I'm just saying the umpires are more willing to give lee-way and give it out, if a batsmen is caught not playing a shot. And you are wrong, Hawkeye did show it going over the stumps, not clipping the bails.



The problem I think for England, is that they are content with just putting up a contest in this test, and any other. It seems they have given up all hope of actually winning matches. They will be happy going onto Melbourne, knowing they put the match into the fifth day. But England are a world class team, and should be making every match a contest. Their standards, dare I say, are too low. England has to get tough and not be happy with this match, or the last 2. Some big changes need to happen in the team, whether it is coaching wise, or player choice wise.

[Liberi Fatali]

Going into the Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand test match today. Lets hope NZ can put up a respectable fight.

[badtaste]

WARNIE!!!! Flintoff out for 51 and Ashes are coming back to AUSTRALIA (sooner or later)!

[Alf™]

What great thinking and fielding by Ponting. How quick was he onto that ball. Jones would be angry at himself, that has given him a pair. Awesome look on Warne's face, he didn't know what was happening.

Edit: And now we are ripping through England. We will have that little urn in our hands very soon.

[poorquality]

349 - 9....At lunch...Right well I said I'd stay up and watch it...well I see no point now...g'night folks


and Congrats Australia on the complete and utter demolishment of England.

[eug008]

Oh yeah, the look on Warnes face was priceless when Ponting fielded the ball.

[Alf™]

Wouldn't this be the sweetest lunch the Aussies have had in a long time. The Ashes are ours, what a moment it will be when we get the final wicket.

[badtaste]

ALL OVER!!!

Too easy. All too easy. Good on Warnie for leaving it on 699, so that Melbourne can enjoy the 700th!

10/350, Warne had 4 for 115 in this innings.

[Alf™]

What a win! We have the ashes back, what a feeling. Well done to Australia.

[badtaste]

What a win! We have the ashes back, what a feeling. Well done to Australia.

In all honesty, it was a pretty disappointing Ashes. I'd rather see a tough, hard-as-nails, breath-taking 3-2 win to Australia, rather than a complete demolishing. I guess it's good to demolish another team, but it's not sport.

[TheBigMachine]

Sweet victory.
Thank you Sir Shane.

Warnie for PM.

[Alf™]

In all honesty, it was a pretty disappointing Ashes. I'd rather see a tough, hard-as-nails, breath-taking 3-2 win to Australia, rather than a complete demolishing. I guess it's good to demolish another team, but it's not sport.

Nope this time around, I wanted a massive thrashing. I wanted the Aussies to show the Poms whose top of the world, and who's in control. Beat them right on back to England. And we have done it. Hopefully we can continue doing it in the next two tests. Myabe next series can be close or something, but I don't care atm.

[TheBigMachine]

Close

Pfft

Nice one badtaste

[flyhalf]

GG England, ashes back to the Aussies now :P

England they aren't a bad team, just Australia was better on the day. The English players played some good pockets of cricket, and at some points even looked to take the game away from us, but just as they got their foot in the door, we'd slam it back (key example: McGraths double wicket maiden over with 16 balls remaining yesterday :amaze: )...that's where the experience of 'Dad's army' comes in :thumb:

To England's credit, the 2009 Ashes will be comfortably won back by the poms IMHO. By then the English team will have a mix of experience (collingwood, Flintoff, Strauss, KP, Harmison) and talented youth (Cook, Bell, Panesar) while the Australian team will have some huge holes in the bowling line up (No real replacement for warne, i suppose we have alot of pace bowlers that are pretty talented for McGrath: Clark, Johnson, Tait). Expect england to post some huge totals come 2009 :smash:

[Frankie]

Next ashes is in 2008 tho' ?

I feel sorry for Colly making a double cent and for nothing really.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Nah they will be in 2009. It's only 18 months between the series in England to being held in Australia, but 30 months between Australia and when the series goes back to England.

[TheBigMachine]

Unless Warne slumps drastically in form or simply becomes to unfit to play test cricket, he'll play in the next Ashes. But no way will he be able to win it for us.

In place of Mcgrath we've got Bracken, Johnson, Tait - no problems there. Lee will still be around.

Hayden, Langer, Gilchrist all will have retired by then. Jaques will step in for one of the openers, and Im not sure about the other one. Someone will replace Gilchrist, but they'll be no where near as good.

These are the glory days of Australia.

As the Windies had their time, this is our time. But all good things come to an end, and when it does, this England team are going to be looking to dish out a pounding.

[Alf™]

That's not true. Our Australia-A side could beat most sides in the world. The great thing about Australia is we have so many players that can step into our side. Hayden, Langer, McGrath and Gilly will go, but we have players like Voges, Hodge, Katich, Tait, Johnson, Jaques and the list goes on and on. Comparing us to the Windies is wrong, we have been sucessful for a longer amount of time. We have dominated for the last 15-20 years, and that will continue.

[TheBigMachine]

Katich won't play many tests. It's a bad move to bank on him, in my mind. Tait can be a huge asset if he learns some control. I did point out he last three, but I admit I forgot about Hodge.

I wasn't implying that we are going to get flogged every game, like the old days, but I dont think we will be quite as successful as we have been at the moment - it's kind of inevitable. When you lose some of the greatest players to play cricket for Australia, it's just what's going to happen.

But that said, I dont think we'll start losing necessarily - it's just that games and series will become alot closer.

[badtaste]

Who knows what the future may bring? But as Alf(tm) says, in Australia we have a huge, huge, huge, huge pool of talent to select from. So even if we don't win everything in the future, I'm sure our side will still be able to put up a good fight.

Anyone know about England's talent depth? ANy decent up and comers in the county cricket scene? I'm assuming it's not too flash because if England have players like G. Jones and Giles capable of being selected in the test squad, then you don't have much to choose from. Speaking of Giles, I don't think he would find a spot in Australia's E team.

[Alf™]

Katich won't play many tests. It's a bad move to bank on him, in my mind. Tait can be a huge asset if he learns some control. I did point out he last three, but I admit I forgot about Hodge.

I wasn't implying that we are going to get flogged every game, like the old days, but I dont think we will be quite as successful as we have been at the moment - it's kind of inevitable. When you lose some of the greatest players to play cricket for Australia, it's just what's going to happen.

But that said, I dont think we'll start losing necessarily - it's just that games and series will become alot closer.

Oh yes, of course we won't kill teams as much as we do now. But you said the England team will give us a pounding, but I don't think that will happen. We will still be successful when it matters imho. Australia is lucky to have so much talent in one country. 20-25 of our top players could get games at any other team in the world, easily.

Speaking of Giles, I don't think he would find a spot in Australia's E team.

Haha yes, Ben (aria) has said to me many times that Giles wouldn't get a go in his local C grade. :lol:

[TheBigMachine]

C grade, maybe, but definatley not A grade or B. Unless there was an injury

[Aria.]

lmfao yes giles sucks so bad i cant believe hes played test matches

and yes i know all the non australians will deny this but the brutal honest truth is that our australia A and B teams can slaughter any other country just as bad as australia does

[TheBigMachine]

The A team is sweet. I dig the A team.

hell, most of our state teams would be able to give any country in the world a bloody good run for their money.

[Aria.]

or an *** whooping more liekly

[TheBigMachine]

Truth.

[badtaste]

The A team is sweet. I dig the A team.

hell, most of our state teams would be able to give any country in the world a bloody good run for their money.

I remember watching the A team play some other team, and particularly enjoyed Ryan Campbell's scoop shots. I was emulating that shot nearly every day after seeing that.

[Alf™]

I am going to go through the entire Australian team with comments on how long they will be around, and who may replace them, to give you an idea of how the next Ashes Australian side will shape up.

JL Langer - Wouldn't think he will stick around much longer, although on current form he could. May just miss out on the next Ashes tour. Possible Replacements - Hodge, Jaques, Katich, Hussey, Thornely, Cosgrove.

ML Hayden - Like Langer, could well and truly stick around if he wanted to, possibly till he is around 37 (2 years), but many feel that Hayden will hang up the boots if Australia goes 5-0 in this Ashes. Possible Replacements - Same as Langer - Hodge, Jaques, Katich, Hussey, Thornely, Cosgrove.

RT Ponting - Will be there for many years to come, and will be captain for many years to come, that's for sure.

MEK Hussey - Possible future captain, but may miss out, as Ponting is around the same age as him. Will be around for another good, sucessful 5-6 years.

MJ Clarke - Very young (25) and if all goes right, will stroll into the captaincy, after Ponting relinquishes it. If form keeps up, will be in the team for the next 10 years. What an exciting prospect.

A Symonds - Still early 30's, Symonds can cement his position as Australia's No.1 choice all-rounder, ahead of Watson and even Cameron White. Has alot of work to do though.

AC Gilchrist - Might have a couple of years in him, although no one can be sure when it comes to Gilly. Selectors might want to get Brad Haddin in soon, to give him experience before the next Ashes, if Gilly won't be there. Possible Replacements - Haddin.

SK Warne - Well now we come to Warne. What a machine, he will probaly still be taking wickets well into our next Ashes campaign. I sense the Ashes in England will be his fairwell, and Cullen will make it to the team as our key spinner. Possible Replacements - Cullen, MacGill.

B Lee - Binger is also in the league oh Hussey and Ponting. Will be around still for quite some time, and his place in the team isn't up for query.

SR Clark - Clark could be Australia's next McGrath. He has had a couple of great series, and has earned his spot in the 11. Alot of talent is there, and he is a exciting player.

GD McGrath - Pigeon is coming to the end of his era, like the rest of the mid-30's players. Depending on his personal situations, may still be around for the next World Cup and next Ashes, but that is doubtful. Possible Replacements - Johnson, Tait, Clark, Gillespie, Bracken, Hopes, Dorey.

So as you can see, we have a hell of a lot of talent to come through, and alot of talent in our current side. Expect to still see Australia dominate in the near future.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

I can't see McGrath lasting much past the World Cup.

I was in the US for the 3rd test so I only found out we won today

:-D

[badtaste]

B Lee - Binger is also in the league oh Hussey and Ponting. Will be around still for quite some time, and his place in the team isn't up for query.


I don't know about Brett Lee. When he plays well, he gets a bag of wickets. When he doesn't play well, he gets few wickets and many runs conceded. It's frustating seeing so many boundaries hit off the guy, due to Lee's own speed acting against him.

About Warney's replacement, how about Cameron White as an the team's all rounder as well as team spinner? Would that work out, or would the Australian team want a full time spin bowler?

[bahamut_ali]

They'd probably want a New South Welshman.

[eug008]

soo, looks like Warne is retiring according to the news.

[bahamut_ali]

He seriously could've made a thousand :(

Probably =/

[Fire Away]

soo, looks like Warne is retiring according to the news.

Say what? What, after this series?

[eug008]

yea.

[Aria.]

yea warneys callin it quits from test matches after the ashes
i thought he would play for at least a few more years thats a shame

im sure hel be in the one day side for a long time tho but stil that sucks big time im not ahppy

[TheBigMachine]

SK Warne - Well now we come to Warne. What a machine, he will probaly still be taking wickets well into our next Ashes campaign. I sense the Ashes in England will be his fairwell, and Cullen will make it to the team as our key spinner. Possible Replacements - Cullen, MacGill.


Touche :p

[Untitled]

Didnt warne say after the 05 series, that this would be his last ashes? I didnt think he'd quit all test cricket though. Big loss for aus.

[TheBigMachine]

Big alright.

[Alf™]

Woah, what a press conference. So Warne officially announced his retirement just before. He will stop playing international, state and local cricket after this ashes campaign. I think he will still honour his 2 year contract with his English county side though. And there is some rumblings that Glenn McGrath will retire shortly, possibly after the World Cup. What a surprise about Warne though, but it is a good way to go out.

[RandyfromPennywise]

yea warneys callin it quits from test matches after the ashes
i thought he would play for at least a few more years thats a shame

im sure hel be in the one day side for a long time tho but stil that sucks big time im not ahppy

Dude Warney retired from One-Dayers like three or four years ago.

[badtaste]

Dude Warney retired from One-Dayers like three or four years ago.

haha.

[RCVA]

I think the 09 ashes series in England will be more competitive because for England:
Cook will be more experienced and he's already a huge talent.
Strauss will have matured further and i expect him to be captain.
Bell will reach his peak.
Pietersen will be even better - I hope.
We will have probably sorted out our wicket keeper problem.
Harmison will be more consistent.
Mahmood will be more experienced.
Simon Jones should be fit.
Hoggard will still be around.
Monty will be even better.
Flintoff will still be relatively young.

I'm just hoping for all of them ^^


I know Austalia still have way more strength in depth and they've got a lot of good players coming through but it will be more competitive.


What's up with Vaughan playing the ODI series? He's not a good ODI batter..he's only just back from injury and his best score in three innings against academy sides is 14.

[Frankie]

What about Panesar ? Come on the man undoubtly was out best player in the last test. I think he'll be a huge asset.

[Untitled]

He put panesar on the team there...

Hopefully in 08 we will be more prepared and wont have a coach like fletcher making stupid decisions.

[TheBigMachine]

Truth, your coach is a bit of a retard.

[Alf™]

You Poms didn't seem to have a problem with him 1-2 years ago, when he won you back the Ashes, ey? I can't really see what stupid decisions he has made, and there is only so much a coach can do to make his team successful.

[Aria.]

lol whoops
wtf

[Fire Away]

Hey, does anyone know if the world cup is going to be televised on Australian free-to-air?

[RCVA]

You Poms didn't seem to have a problem with him 1-2 years ago, when he won you back the Ashes, ey? I can't really see what stupid decisions he has made, and there is only so much a coach can do to make his team successful.

Well he always goes on about not sticking with players and consistent selection and after selecting read and panesar for the series against Pakistan you'd think he'd have stuck with them as there was no test cricket after that series until the ashes. Instead he dropped Read for Jones despite Jones doing nothing to boost his credentials and Panesar made way for Giles who hadn't bowled competitively for a year.

I think Strauss should have been captain as well.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

Still, England didn't make the most of the opportunities they had on field in the 2nd test. Hardly Fletcher's fault.

[RCVA]

Yeah the team is important but he has cocked up this tour a bit. I don't think we should sack him though.

[Untitled]

Mcgrath declared his retierment from international cricket too.

I think the news said he'll play the world cup, but his last test will be the last ashes match in Sydney

Two big blows for the aus team in terms of there bowling strenth, loosing 2 of the worlds greatest bowlers, sucks.


As for fletcher, i vote we see what happens at the world cup.

[eug008]

damn, it was harldy unexpected though.

[TheBigMachine]

Truth, but look at Clarke. He's already taking the wickets that McGrath would usually take. Admittedly, the person who replaces Warnie is going to have big shoes, but I now think Australia has to reinvent it's approach and drop this stupid all-rounder stuff. Five bowlers are needed, because we no longer have the highest wicket taker ever, and the highest wicket taking pace bowler ever.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

We have strong enough fast bowlers coming through that McGrath's retirement doesn't leave a huge hole. The same can't be said for Warne's retirement though.

[Alf™]

MacGill will fill Warne's shoes for a few years. I think he said he will play probably for about 3 more years. He is very able at the job too, what a great record he has.

[flyhalf]

Warnie has 700 :D

it's going to be a huge hole to fill. McGrath will leave quite a bit one too, but at least we have some potential talent to fill that gap with pace bowlers such as Tait, Johnson, Clark and Bracken coming through. tbh, at the moment i can think of no young spinners to replace Warne. First class spinners: Cam White's bowling average is like 38, Dan Cullen's average is around 41 and i think there's a new bloke called Doran who's taken 18 wickets at 29 (still early days for him though). An upside is that they all are pretty handy with the bat (in fact, i think White averages around 40ish).

Gilly will leave a big gap as well. The fact that he could bat with a high 40's average meant that we could play an extra bowler.

And yeah, Fletcher and the English selectors have made some pretty big fumbles this series. In retrospect however, in the last ashes we were all calling for Hussey to be brought into the side...at least you guys actually got panesar in :P

[TheBigMachine]

I agree. No one can replace Warne. Not yet.
Mcgill simply isn't good enough. He's a good bowler, but he's not good enough. Maybe it's just because he's on the tail of Warne, but when people go comparing McGill and Warne, I just can't see it. McGill is nowhere near Warne's level. No one is. Except maybe Muralitheran or however you spell his name.

[Alf™]

Wow, yesterday was an amazing day. I had greats seats, the second level, 2 rows back and right opposite them middle of the pitch. I couldn't have asked for better seats.
The atmosphere, although the G wasn't quite packed, was great. Everyone was just waiting and waiting for Warne to bowl, and we had to wait till almost 3:00PM before he did. One time Langer as a joke tapped Warne on the back, and took off his hat as if he was bowling, and the crowd saw this and went mental; but it was just Justin mucking around. And when Warne started warming up, it was the biggest reaction to a warm up since Merv Hughes.
The coppers came out in a force ready to stop ground invasions, but when Warne did take his wicket, the crowd did not surge on. What a great wicket it was, and it was great seeing him take 5 wickets as well. 12 wickets in a day, you couldn't ask for much more than that.
Top day at the cricket.

[TheBigMachine]

Awesome man, sounds good. Warne ftw.

[poorquality]

it's looking good for england now...we've had the better start this morning (your time)...why couldnt be play like this before lol..

Looks like another all-nighter for me

[Untitled]

Looks like Read is doing a good job behind the wicket from the score card.

I kinda heard the result this morning, and thought "oh know, here we go again" but im presuming its a very bowler friendly pitch.

I've not actully heard any commentary or anything bar the score and looking at the scorecard, so im not in a position to say much really.

[TheBigMachine]

Hayden, 100. Sweet.
Symonds, 50. Even better. I really hope he gets 100.

[flyhalf]

Very good bowling pitch this morning and yesterday when it was still a bit damp. Quite a bit of sideways movement for the swing bowlers, and a bit of uneven bounce for the seamers. However, it is starting to look a bit more friendlier for batsmen as today's gone on, as the pitch dries up.

That being said, i'd just like to say rudi khortsen should retire already. Some real shocking decisions today, especially panesar to symonds. In fact, this happened in the 1st innings and in Perth as well...aw well, i guess rudi's just the kind of umpire who won't give an LBW unless the batsman doesn't offer a shot.

Read has done a pretty solid job behind the stumps. Even though he's only made 3 runs this test...it's still 3 more than jones made in perth :P

[TheBigMachine]

Seriously man, Read owns Jones.
Read is a way better WICKET KEEPER than Jones, which is his first job after all. Batting is secondary. And, besides that, Read isn't even all that bad a batter.

[Alf™]

Great end to the day for the Aussies, Symonds is not out on about 160, and Hayden made 150. Warne is out there with Symonds.
On the subject of Read Vs. Jones, well I don't think Read is that good of a wicket keeper. Obviously at world class level, you won't be that dreadful. Jones was not bad, but again, not amazing. And I thought Jones was a better batter anyway, that's why he was chosen for the first few tests. So far, Read has not really looked convincing, and you Poms should not be happy with 3 measly runs.

[bahamut_ali]

Symonds may be sticking around for a while yet :smoke:

Good to see Hayden make a decent score too. If ever two batsmen needed it.

[eug008]

Whoa, I so totally did not expect Symonds to make that much. Good comeback for us :)

[RCVA]

When i went to sleep Australia were 88-5..:(

[TheBigMachine]

Sucks to wake up for you

[badtaste]

YAY! My wish of Symonds putting on some runs came true! Hope he hangs around for more test action. I was at MSAC playing basketball during the day, so I was running into the reception area to check the cricket scores every few minutes and man, it felt great to see 5/### knowing that Symonds and Haydos were laying on the runs.

Good on England for bowling well. Unfortunately, the performance is a few tests too late.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

Sucks to wake up for you
Not as bad as when I went to sleep knowing Australia scored a record total in an ODI against South Africa, then waking up to find out they managed to beat it. :(

[TheBigMachine]

Man that did truely suck. I admit this.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah that was a terrible game to watch. Well, not really, it was probably one of the most exciting games of the pyjama form of the game I've ever seen, but to be watching it thinking, gradually more and more, "They are going to f-ing do this" was terrible from an Aussie perspective. It was like watching a lion chase down a zebra in slow motion. After the zebra had just eaten one of the lion's cubs. But yeah, one of the greatest one-dayers of all time. I taped the replay to keep it for good, even though we lost, that's how good that game was.

I'm tipping an Aussie win late on day four or early day five. A bit optimistic, maybe, but England have no confidence, no drive and really don't look like they want to win. Having said that, England might pull out an innings of 350+ and make a real game of it. They've had one decent innings in each Test.

[TheBigMachine]

My friend taped it. We've watched it about 5 or so times, and I swear, it never get's old. Every single time, we're still sitting on the edge of the seat, biting out nails.

[Untitled]

What a dismal performance by us this second innings.

the match will be over by tea this rate.

[TheBigMachine]

By lunch tomorrow, is my bet.

[Aria.]

could easily be over tonight with englands tail

[Aria.]

ok second though this is gonna be over iwthin the next hour

[TheBigMachine]

I wish I didnt make that bet.

[Aria.]

ownedddddddddddd

[RandyfromPennywise]

Anyone else think McGrath's Test retirement is getting massively over-shadowed by Shane Keith Warne's decision to do the same? I know the Pidg will play at these grounds again in the ODIs and still has the World Cup to come, but surely we should be appreciating him a bit more than we are. Warne is the greatest, but McGrath is certainly among the bunch of bowlers with a rightful claim to be the best of the rest from Australia.

[TheBigMachine]

This is true, your absolutely right man.
Poor McGrath. But I think in Sydney people may realise how understated his exit was.

[Fire Away]

Did we win? I was shopping...

[TheBigMachine]

Yes, we won. How could you miss THAT for shopping?

[Aria.]

what the **** idiot

[RCVA]

Oh man....sucks to be english.

What happened?


Were we just really ****?

[Untitled]

Oh man....sucks to be english.

What happened?


Were we just really ****?

Basicly, yes.

[eug008]

Totally pwned England. At this rate it's gonna be 5-0 to Australia.

[badtaste]

Yes, we won. How could you miss THAT for shopping?

Hey, I was shopping too. Bought some nice threads.

Dude, what everyone is watching is NOT cricket. It's not cricket at all. This is rape. This is the US invading Iraq (minus the various insurgent attacks). This is total demolition. Even though I caught the end, I don't find too much joy in watching uncompetitive games, where one team completely annihilates the other team.

It's a good thing, and a bad thing. Oh well... Sucks not to have a fourth and fifth day (means I can't sit on my arse at home).

[Untitled]

Hey, I was shopping too. Bought some nice threads.

Dude, what everyone is watching is NOT cricket. It's not cricket at all. This is rape. This is the US invading Iraq (minus the various insurgent attacks). This is total demolition. Even though I caught the end, I don't find too much joy in watching uncompetitive games, where one team completely annihilates the other team.

It's a good thing, and a bad thing. Oh well... Sucks not to have a fourth and fifth day (means I can't sit on my arse at home).

Thats why the 05 series was such a good series, it was a great competition, topped off with us winning.

[badtaste]

Thats why the 05 series was such a good series, it was a great competition, topped off with us winning.

Yeh, agreed. Even though that series seems like a eternity ago, I remember being all sweaty and nervous when Kaspa and Lee had to face a few more balls to get the draw or win. No such moments this series.

[Untitled]

Yeh, agreed. Even though that series seems like a eternity ago, I remember being all sweaty and nervous when Kaspa and Lee had to face a few more balls to get the draw or win. No such moments this series.

Edgbaston and old Trafford where too great matches, because they both went right into the very last over and it was really tence.

I mean, good game Austrialia for beating us in 3 days, but its bloody crap to watch.

[RCVA]

Plus the Australians lost about 900,000 dollars because of it.


I just find it really embarrassing how we could play so poorly. We have some really talented players who aren't being organised, motivated or managed properly.

[Aria.]

ive got a feeling that the 5th test match is going to be the biggest *** whooping yet

[badtaste]

Oh yeah, how cool is Stuart Clark. The man is IIIICCCCCEEEEEE COLD!!!!! Yeah, baby, yeah!!

I loved it when I think Hayden dropped a catch of Clark's bowling. Clark simply turns back, and goes to start his run up again! ICE COLD BABY!!!! The guy has a great posture as well! ICE COLD POSTURE BABY!!!

[RCVA]

What's the Sydney pitch like?

[badtaste]

What's the Sydney pitch like?

Isn't it generally a spinner's wicket? I don't know if I heard right, but I think they're keeping the same team. Poor Stuart MacGill. Owned again. Then again, Warnie's retirement might get him some permanent game time.

[RCVA]

Yeah....unless Australia pick Cullen instead haha.

Well if its a spinner's wicket i think that's a little bit better for England.


They really can't do with the pitch suiting Clark, Mcgrath and Lee.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

What's the Sydney pitch like?
Slow.

[Aria.]

yeh i thought htye might play macgill and warney for sydney

i would love to see that shi england would have no idea

[TheBigMachine]

Who are they going to drop for Macgill?

Symonds made 160. He's out.
The permanents, well you can't drop them.
Both clarke's are performing wonderfully.

Theres no room for mcgill. We can do without.

[RCVA]

lol! Jamie Dalrymple might play. I guess we can't be much worse..

[badtaste]

Who are they going to drop for Macgill?

Symonds made 160. He's out.
The permanents, well you can't drop them.
Both clarke's are performing wonderfully.

Theres no room for mcgill. We can do without.

Read somewhere that they're simply going to utilise Symond's offspinners. Poor MacGill.

lol! Jamie Dalrymple might play. I guess we can't be much worse..

Who's he?

[m0ngaa]

Who are they going to drop for Macgill?

Symonds made 160. He's out.
The permanents, well you can't drop them.
Both clarke's are performing wonderfully.

Theres no room for mcgill. We can do without.

I think they are going to have to find room for Mcgill though, based on recent performances and how that pitch runs, I would have thought he's a shoe in.

But we'll see.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

There is always speculation about playing two spinners when the Sydney test comes around and given our current form, I'd be suprised if it happened.

Symonds bowls offies anyway.

[Aria.]

yeah i dont think theree will be any changes i was just saying i would love to see it

im looking forward to seeing more macgill in test matches
he is one of the worlds top spinners

he has a wonderful test record even though he hardly gets agame

[RCVA]

Who's he?
Hahahahha that just sums up england's 'strength in depth'


Er he's an offspinner all rounder. More of a batter than a bowler. Plays for middlesex and has been the only consistently good England ODI player for the last 2 series.

[badtaste]

So Justin Langer has announced his retirement. Channel Nine should make a new reality TV show "Australian Test Opener (Princess)".

Some stats of JL: 23 Test centuries and 7650 runs at an average of 45.27. Made his Test debut in Adelaide aged 22 in 1993 and went on to become the first WA player to play over 100 Tests.

Something I didn't know: The WA captain was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2001 as well as ING Cup Player of the Year during the 2002/03 season.

[TheBigMachine]

JL was a good cricketer. Luckily Hayden hasn't retired just yet.

[Alf™]

England won the toss and elected to bat. The start was delayed due to rain, and McGrath and Lee have been really causing troubles without getting a wicket so far.

[TheBigMachine]

Oshi I forgot, time for TV.

[badtaste]

2/75 right now. Both Strauss and Cook are gone, wickets taken by Lee and Clark respectively. Nothing special so far (except for the now typical English opener collapse).

[TheBigMachine]

Splendid.

"You must spread some rep around before giving it to badtaste again!"

Lolerz I laughed at your english opener collapse comment but apparantly no rep for you :( sorry

[badtaste]

Splendid.

"You must spread some rep around before giving it to badtaste again!"

Lolerz I laughed at your english opener collapse comment but apparantly no rep for you :( sorry

No worries. Even I bide by the rule of spreading rep around, before attempting to rep myself (repeatedly).

Edit: This game is ridiculously boring.

[badtaste]

WOO!! McGrath has gotten KP out, caught by Hussey! STupid KP and his wild shots.

[badtaste]

Apologies for the double post, but McGrath strikes again, clean bowling Bell!

[TheBigMachine]

That'd be triple :)
This game was too slow. Reminiscint(sp?) of Adelaide's first couple of days, except with more wickets.

[samthebassman]

Anybody know why Pietersen walks at the aussie bowlers? surely it is ego, a shame coz he is a class bat who should just bat. Warney is a far better bowler than Murali (look at the teams and players he cleans up) and he will be remebered as a better bowler and as a pure bowler unlike the sri lankan chucker.

Also what is going on with south african cricket? poor captain, poor coach and some very poor selections. They are a very cocky bunch that rate themselves very highly but rarely win anything.

Did anybody see Blizzard smash 89 off of 38 balls for victoria against SA in the 20/20 game on monday? unbelievable hitting!

One more quicky, how can Mark Cosgrove get away with being the fattest man in Australia and play first class cricket?

Phil Jacques will not last in the aussie test team and Chris Rogers will be the man to take over from JL.

Why does everybody rave on about Chris Hartley from Qld? He has done nothing! safe hands but only one first class 100. Very premature!

[nowhesingsnowhesobs]

yeah it's not like murali will, by the end of his career, have more wickets at a much lower average than warne could manage.

[Alf™]

Anybody know why Pietersen walks at the aussie bowlers? surely it is ego, a shame coz he is a class bat who should just bat.

He seems to do it, not because he is cocky, but because it takes away the chance of him getting bowled, through bat and pad. It seems he is very careful of the ball that cuts back in, especially from Clark. This is his way to deal with it, and it is quite successful.

Warney is a far better bowler than Murali (look at the teams and players he cleans up) and he will be remebered as a better bowler and as a pure bowler unlike the sri lankan chucker.

I don't think you can compare the bowlers. They are very different; you just can't compare leg-spin with off-spin imho. And being Australian, you are bound to be biased, and you haven't probably seen much of Murali's bowling. I think Murali is a amazing bowler in his own rights, and the best off-spinner we have ever seen, and the stats show that.

Did anybody see Blizzard smash 89 off of 38 balls for victoria against SA in the 20/20 game on monday? unbelievable hitting!

Yes, that was some very impressive hitting in that game.

One more quicky, how can Mark Cosgrove get away with being the fattest man in Australia and play first class cricket?

He gets away with it, because he continues to bat well, and score runs. Just because he is fat, does not mean he shouldn't play. Hell, Australia has a great history of big men playing in the national side.

Phil Jacques will not last in the aussie test team and Chris Rogers will be the man to take over from JL.

That's a very silly comment. You do not know how Jaques will do in the national side, and you don't even know if he will replace Langer.

Why does everybody rave on about Chris Hartley from Qld? He has done nothing! safe hands but only one first class 100. Very premature!

Tbh, I haven't heard much said about this guy.

[TheBigMachine]

Alf has spoken.

[badtaste]

That'd be triple :)
This game was too slow. Reminiscint(sp?) of Adelaide's first couple of days, except with more wickets.

Woops.

Anybody know why Pietersen walks at the aussie bowlers? surely it is ego, a shame coz he is a class bat who should just bat.


Nah, not really. McGrath simply balls perfect length, therefore by moving up, McGrath's perfect pitched balls become more like half-volley shots for KP.

PROGRESS REPORT:
England were bowled out for 291 this morning, pretty disappointing as Flintoff was looking good. But then again, Aussie bowlers did well with Lee, Clark and McGrath all picking up three. Flintoff made 89, which I think is his highest score this series.

Australia batted to put on 188 for 4 wickets at the end of today. Like England's batters, most of our batters put on good starts but failed to make it to the triple digit mark, with Ponting highest at 45. Currently, Hussey is 37 and Symonds is 22.

[m0ngaa]

Did anybody see Blizzard smash 89 off of 38 balls for victoria against SA in the 20/20 game on monday? unbelievable hitting!



Yeh, he lost two balls on the roof !

[Untitled]

He gets away with it, because he continues to bat well, and score runs. Just because he is fat, does not mean he shouldn't play. Hell, Australia has a great history of big men playing in the national side.

That comment reminded me of this tee-shirt http://www.worldcricketstore.com/product_detail.asp?id=4834&id_pclass=8&callingpage=product_listing Which made me lol the first time i saw it.

I love warne though........

When we're not playing agaisnt him.


Also, can someone explian why hoggard isnt playing? wtf is all that about.

[badtaste]

Also, can someone explian why hoggard isnt playing? wtf is all that about.

Stomach virus, I believe. Or he was feeling ill.

Other news: Heard and saw a bit a bit of footage about Branson and Botham heading a campaign to keep the Ashes urn in Australia (it is touring here).

I'm all for it. It adds a little bit more incentive to the series, getting to keep the actual urn in your country. Imagine the World Cup tournament, but with the actual World Cup staying in one country. Doesn't sound right, eh?

[TheBigMachine]

Precisley. It's ridiculous that it has to stay in England. But I guess the potential of so much travel could perhaps damage the urn - but if that happens, we can just reverse the rule and keep it in one spot.

[Untitled]

When we start winning on a regular basis you can have it over there for the two years you hold it :P

Otherwise itll be down in aus for 20 years, then here for 2.

Its nice to have it here all the time :D

In all honesty, i have no idea why we keep it here, baffles me why we should.

[Alf™]

Wow, Warne is really hitting out atm. Sixes and fours all around the ground. Exciting cricket. And with Gilchrist up the other end, who knows how much they can extend the already healthy lead.

[badtaste]

Gilchrist has been given the wrong decision and is out. Silly Bowden and his crooked finger. Thought Symonds was playing well, but fell to the flight of Panesar's offies. Yeah, right now, Warne is looking good with 40 off 31 (could have been out a few times as well).

At Lunch, it's 7/325 leading by a few runs to England's 291.

UPDATE: Cmon WARNE, give us a century! He's on 70 right now.

UPDATE: NO! Clarke out with a crazy top edge of a pull shot. Hope McGrath survives now.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

samthebassman's post
:rolleyes:

[badtaste]

So Australia were bowled out for 393, with a lead over England's 291. Warne was last man out for 71 (elusive century has yet to come, probably never will).

England were sent in, it's 5/114 at the moment. Currently, KP is not out on 29 with Panesar the nightwatchman on zero. Anyone see Strauss get smacked in the head with the bouncer? Looked nasty... too bad there was no blood though.

I'd say this match is ours... unless KP makes a quick century or two.

[Untitled]

Woo, loosing!

I hope we put a better performance's in for the one dayers coming up.

[Untitled]

Good game, aus, looks like the whitewash, we have just played poorly, ive still not got over loosing at Adelaide tbh.

Im gonna play Cricket 07 on ashes mode on super easy and kick your arse!!!1

[Alf™]

And there it is.

5-0.

What a Ashes series, what a team of players. Congrats to the Aussies!

[TheBigMachine]

We own.
:)

Lol @ untitled

[bahamut_ali]

gg england

****ing boring though :(

[poorquality]

It's funny isn't it....the first bowl of the series from Harmison...the one he screwed right up?

Who knew that would say EVERYTHING about England over the next 5 matches.

The sad thing is, looking at that Squad, I can't see anyone I wouldn't of picked myself :S Well Trescothik of course if he didn't have a mental breakdown.

I can't help but think if Monty was in the team from the getgo we may have put up stronger resistance.

Personally I think Flintoff shouldn't be captain, mainly because it put to much pressure on him, Strauss should of been captain and let Flintoff do what he does best.

Overall....Meh got an extra controller free untitled?

[Untitled]

It's funny isn't it....the first bowl of the series from Harmison...the one he screwed right up?

Who knew that would say EVERYTHING about England over the next 5 matches.

The sad thing is, looking at that Squad, I can't see anyone I wouldn't of picked myself :S Well Trescothik of course if he didn't have a mental breakdown.

I can't help but think if Monty was in the team from the getgo we may have put up stronger resistance.

Personally I think Flintoff shouldn't be captain, mainly because it put to much pressure on him, Strauss should of been captain and let Flintoff do what he does best.

Overall....Meh got an extra controller free untitled?

Nay, its on PC, so its all keyboard :( i only got it yestoday, keep loosing :(

Strauss should of been captain, i think i would of picked tresco over cook for experiance, but cook is a quality player. Monty would of been picked from the start, and Jones if he was fit, alas he wasnt and for the first 2 matches we had 2 bowlers who looked like they would take wickets.

Good game Austrialia, crap series to watch though...

[poorquality]

Trescothik would of been in 1st batter every time mate, but he had to go home with depression or something like that.

SO we didnt really have a choice in that matter :(

[badtaste]

Let's pay tribute to Warne, McGrath, Langer and Martyn. It's quite unbelievable that we happen to be alive in the era of two great bowlers (and two very handy batters).

This is equivalent to having lived in the era of the Don (perhaps even better). Cricket won't ever be the same (not for a while anyway). So thanks to those cricketers for providing us fans with some good cricket.

England was terrible. Boringly terrible. Embarrasingly terrible. They should hand back their MBEs (was that it?) to the queen for being so crap. Adios everyone.