Official Cricket Thread

[Drop The Baby]

Yeah. Strauss's tour been a bit disastrous, hardly any runs and he'll miss the third test for the birth of his kid. Still a f'ucking amazing batsman though

[RandyfromPennywise]

Well it was a pleasure watching Brian Lara bat today. I am very glad I went for almost the whole day... And I left with 15 overs to go, and he just got his double-ton in the last over of the day!!!! ****! Ah well, have to get down there for the start of play tomorrow.

INTERESTING: At the tea break today at Adelaide Oval (in the 3rd Test, Australia v West Indies) Warnie was hanging out of the changing room window having a couple of smokes! All the while checking the talent (women) on offer below. Quite funny to watch. Rather unprofessional of course though. Ah Warney, you have to love 'im!

[ThrashMaster27]

Well it was a pleasure watching Brian Lara bat today. I am very glad I went for almost the whole day... And I left with 15 overs to go, and he just got his double-ton in the last over of the day!!!! ****! Ah well, have to get down there for the start of play tomorrow.

INTERESTING: At the tea break today at Adelaide Oval (in the 3rd Test, Australia v West Indies) Warnie was hanging out of the changing room window having a couple of smokes! All the while checking the talent (women) on offer below. Quite funny to watch. Rather unprofessional of course though. Ah Warney, you have to love 'im!

Aha! As much as I dislike the bloke, he's quite a character. A friend of mine met him when he was doing the Anti-Smoking Campaign. I don't think he was very serious, because he had a smoke outside the Telstra Dome with him. Good old Warney.

[Drop The Baby]

Hahaha good stuff. Brian Lara has played some terrific innings against you Aussies over the last few years

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah for sure, and today's (yesterday's) innings was as good as I have seen (against us). I didn't see his 277 in Sydney in '93-4 but I've read all about it. Today he was remarkable. I was sitting with a bunch of my mates watching him and we were just amazed by his innings. We were actually cheering for him, above the Aussies getting him out.

He played one cut shot off Brett Lee that was phenomenal. He didn't move his feet, just rocked back and the ball went so fast to the boundary it was unbelievable. One of the all-time greatest and a privilege to see him. He may well break AB's 11,174 Test runs (at 50.56) world record tomorrow if he has enough partners to keep the innings alive. Great stuff!

[Drop The Baby]

yeah it's almost certain he will, he only needs another twelve. Lara is a sensational batsman, with unique style.

Not having a dig at the aussies, but i'm glad he got the world record for the highest score back again from Hayden.

[white_riot]

Brian Lara is awesome, I hope he goes on this morning and West Indies post over 400 runs. I hope the indies win this game.

[Ganondorf]

Tendulkar will break Lara's record soon enough :cool:

[Lord Abortion]

He probably will, TBH

So...Colly or the young pretender?

[RCVA]

He probably will, TBH

So...Colly or the young pretender?
Sachin is only 32 so yeah probably.


Cook got a double hundred against Australia so he can play well against the best but as England's batsmen have shown, it takes almost 3 innings to acclimatize to the pitches in Pakistan. Then again Collingwood has only played in the seamer friendly warm up pitches and Multan. I'd probably have to go with Collingwood and push Vaughan to second.

[FUnkarockadrummer]

Congratulations Brian Lara - Highest run scorer in Test history.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Quote of the week: Justin Langer explaining what Lara would have done if he was on 99:

"If I was Lara I'd have hit it back over his head, but that's why I'm Langer and he's Lara".

(Langer was dismissed on 99 in the current Test.)

[Drop The Baby]

That is a corker!

[RandyfromPennywise]

Absolutely classic in'it! Langer is funny at times, but that is one for the ages!

[snoogans]

Quote of the week: Justin Langer explaining what Lara would have done if he was on 99:

"If I was Lara I'd have hit it back over his head, but that's why I'm Langer and he's Lara".

(Langer was dismissed on 99 in the current Test.)

hahaha, bloody funny.

[Ganondorf]

India mvoe up to #4 in ODI rankings, afetr drawing 5 game series with South Africa 2-2 :cool:

[clown_phobia]

Australia pwned WI

[Drop The Baby]

Another dismal dismissal for Flintoff, England are 200/5 after making a bright start. The top three were all out sweeping (Tresco very unluckily, but a great catch by the keeper), Pietersen was caught down the leg side (another cracking catch) and now Flintoff's out hooking again.

Talk about an ashes hangover

[ThrashMaster27]

Collingwood has just got a half century. Well done to him . It's looking pretty bleak now Flintoff's out though. Estimated total? I'd say around 300-350, depending on how the lower order perform.

[Drop The Baby]

I think it all depends on this stand. These two are both more than capable of scoring hundreds, although Collingwood is inexperienced at test level and Jones can be erratic. If i had to guess i'd say the same though

[ThrashMaster27]

Haha, well Jones has just gone.

Lucky if we reach 300 now.

[Drop The Baby]

I was just gonna say. F'ucking hell, this doesn't look too good. We haven't even got Giles diwn the order to provide some resistance this time.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Just got back from a pub in Adelaide's Eastern suburbs. Saw Lara there! And the Aussie boys Symonds (of course), Hussey and Gilchrist. Good stuff!

[Drop The Baby]

Nice one! My mate's dad met Glen McGrath at a petrol station during this summer's ashes.

I met a few of the Aussie players when i was very young and saw them arriving in Canterbury during an Ashes series. I must've been about 8, so around 10 years ago?

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah that probably would have been the '93 tour, or '97.

Gilly was walking past me and was like "excuse me mate", so I was "yeah no worries", then I realised it was Gilly. I was starstruck for a moment or two. They are big ears he's got.

Symonds was cracking onto/being cracked onto by a 50 year old. A) what was she doind at the pub? and b) Symonds is a loose cannon!

[TalibanAxeMan]

What do all yous think bout the news that Clarke is being reconsidered for the aussie test team. Seriously its a bit of a pickle that the test selectors are in cos they DEFINETLEY cannot kick hussey out, cos the guys been batting his pants off. Theyre considering dropping Symonds but im not sure if thats a good idea given the first test(of the sth afr series) is at the WACA which is a pace bowlers pitch.
Despite Clarke's 200 against QLD in Sheffield Shield does he deserve back in? i say no, cos his international form was terrible and Australia will need the additional bowler at the WACA

Oh yeah btw, my best mate plays cricket with Andersons(the Aussie coach) son and hes met half the aussie team. He says langer is the biggest legend ever

[RandyfromPennywise]

What do all yous think bout the news that Clarke is being reconsidered for the aussie test team. Seriously its a bit of a pickle that the test selectors are in cos they DEFINETLEY cannot kick hussey out, cos the guys been batting his pants off. Theyre considering dropping Symonds but im not sure if thats a good idea given the first test(of the sth afr series) is at the WACA which is a pace bowlers pitch.
Despite Clarke's 200 against QLD in Sheffield Shield does he deserve back in? i say no, cos his international form was terrible and Australia will need the additional bowler at the WACA

Oh yeah btw, my best mate plays cricket with Andersons(the Aussie coach) son and hes met half the aussie team. He says langer is the biggest legend ever
The Aussie coach is John BUCHANAN. I think Clarke will come back in soon. Symonds is not a Test player. Not enough quality with the bat. He will go I think, but Hodge might make way as well. I think they'll wait until the end of the South African series though anyway.

Lucky. Did you speak to them?I said "no worries" to Gilly, that's it! :lol: Here's some goss for you all, apparently Lara "hooked-up" with a 20 year old girl at the same pub!

[Ganondorf]

Love how England 'best team in the world' Cricket team has fallen apart wahaha

[Drop The Baby]

We'll be back on form for the Indian c'unts, don't worry.

Pakistan have played really well this series. Despite the brilliant batting they've displayted today, i think the contribution of the match still has to be their keeper for two great catches to get Pietersen and Tresco

[RCVA]

We'll be back on form for the Indian c'unts, don't worry.

Pakistan have played really well this series. Despite the brilliant batting they've displayted today, i think the contribution of the match still has to be their keeper for two great catches to get Pietersen and Tresco
England's batting has let them down as well, Pakistan's bowlers aren't that great. We've collapsed almost once an innings.

[Drop The Baby]

Over the series, and especially today, Pakistan have demonstrated how to bat on a flat wicket without throwing your wicket away.

Whatever anyone says about this series it will be very beneficial. Young/inexperienced players will have had their first taste of the sub continent and it will provide valuable experince as England try to establish themselves as the best team in the world. It also hihglights the growing need to find a talented young spinner.

[TalibanAxeMan]

[QUOTE=RandyfromPennywise]The Aussie coach is John BUCHANAN. QUOTE]

Sh!t thats the one. sorry mate i always get him and ANDERSON(Aussie league boss) confused cos they look alike.
Australia is definetley getting weak in the bowling department though. Well, if not right now then they will be in a year or two when Mcgrath and Warne retire. Clarke is definetley too good to be dropped indefinetley, i agree with you there. I reckon he'l probably be aussie test captain in the future but he hasnt shown form enough to be allowed back in the side just yet. Symonds isndt a test player he is a good enough stop gap for the time being. Um, i forgot his name but theres a QLD left arm paceman whos looking good for a call up before too long.

[Drop The Baby]

Bell and Colly leading the fightback after a poor start when Shoaib got Vaughn and Tresco to leave us 30/2.

Already the bulk of the experience is out and we're over 250 runs behind still.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Taliban Axe Man - yeah, agree with you on those points, our bowling department could be looking thin in two summer's time... Still, Bracken, Tate, Rofe and others can make a step up...

England v Pakis - been watching a bit of this Test actually. God they cained the Pommy bowlers! Only 2 down for 120 was the last I heard, I think that's stumps on day 4. With 8 wickets in hand and 90 overs to go, it's definitely do-able for England.

Who are these new players in the side? This new bowler, Plunkett or something, never 'eard of 'im...

[RCVA]

Plunkett's from Durham. He played well in the warm up game.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I heard on the news a few days ago that the Barmy Army coming Down Under for next summer (Aussie summer) is going to be the biggest ever. Like we need any more Poms here...

[Ganondorf]

England can't win the series, India will beat Sri Lanka, numebr #3 ranking, here we come, haha :D

[white_riot]

India have been playing pretty well lately. Hopefully they beat Sri Lanka.

[Ganondorf]

Yeah, we did beat them 6-1 in the ODI series :p

[Rrrrrrr]

Just got back from a pub in Adelaide's Eastern suburbs. Saw Lara there! And the Aussie boys Symonds (of course), Hussey and Gilchrist. Good stuff!
I'm not much of a cricket fan anymore, but my dad has an autographed bat from when he met Courtney Walsh in a sports shop.

[ThrashMaster27]

I heard on the news a few days ago that the Barmy Army coming Down Under for next summer (Aussie summer) is going to be the biggest ever. Like we need any more Poms here...

Yeah, those dirty Poms! *checks passport* crap!

Well, we officially suck at cricket :p 5 ducks, man. That's just arse to the max.

[RandyfromPennywise]

I'm not much of a cricket fan anymore, but my dad has an autographed bat from when he met Courtney Walsh in a sports shop.
Decent. Walsh is a legend of the game without doubt. The best signature I've got would have to be Bradman. I've got his in the front cover of the book 'The Don', pretty class. I'm not so fussed about autographs anymore though.

Ha, I've a British passport too, but I'm not a Pom! I thought you Poms could have held on there for a draw, but Shoaib and Kaneria rip you to pieces. Meh, Ashes victory was a fluke.

[ThrashMaster27]

I'd hardly say it was a fluke.

Pakistan is a notoriously hard place to get a result in. I'm not too bothered that we didn't have a good series there, cause we still have them lovely ashes :p

I'm a pom and proud. But what do I know about cricket, eh? My fave player is Darren Gough.

[RCVA]

Very disappointing tour. At least we're getting experience of how to play in the sub-continent.

[snoogans]

I heard on the news a few days ago that the Barmy Army coming Down Under for next summer (Aussie summer) is going to be the biggest ever. Like we need any more Poms here...

great cant wait. had a huge fight down at the waca when the barmy army was here last time. my mate was in one of those portable toilets and a couple of poms pushed the whole cubicle down an embankment. it was about a 5 metre drop.
hey i admit my mates and i were giving the poms some **** as you do. england were getting hammered as always, but the poms just take it one step to far. after that all hell broke lose.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Quali'y, get well stuck in. We'll let 'em leave 'ere, but not before we've taken them Ashes and kicked a few 'eads in.

[Drop The Baby]

Vaughn's out of the one day series

[RandyfromPennywise]

No fans are allowed to sit in the first three rows at tomorrow's (well, today's, technically speaking) one-day International between New Zealand and Australia, because of excessive abuse and throwing of objects in Saturday's first match at Eden Park. Dirty Kiwis.

[Ganondorf]

India collapsed against Sri Lanka, good job the first three days got washed out. I guess that's what I guess for laughing at England's collapses :p

[snoogans]

No fans are allowed to sit in the first three rows at tomorrow's (well, today's, technically speaking) one-day International between New Zealand and Australia, because of excessive abuse and throwing of objects in Saturday's first match at Eden Park. Dirty Kiwis.

dont think thats gonig to stop any of the crowd from throwing objects at the players.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Two words: Andrew Symonds

And Michael Clarke

[RichHunt]

Two words: Andrew Symonds

And Michael Clarke


Yeah. Mondo pwn.

[RandyfromPennywise]

4 runs away from the highest ever 6th wicket stand in One Day Internationals, ever.

[G_Mac07]

So, Australia won by two runs. I wish that game was televised here, it sounded great.

[Apocalyptic Raids]

So, Australia won by two runs. I wish that game was televised here, it sounded great.
Yeah.

It wouldn't be hard, since the time difference wouldn't be huge.

[snoogans]

yeah i could only watch the ball by ball coverage on the internet. great innings by symonds. looked liked the ground had really short boundaries as well.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Short boundaries but my word he hit the ball hard! Clarke's run-out was absulutely class. One of the best fielders going around (Ponting + Symo are great in the field too).

[RichHunt]

So, Australia won by two runs. I wish that game was televised here, it sounded great.


FOXTEL DIGITAL! *parades around in his foxtellaryness*

[The Digital Pimp]

3rd NZ vs Aus ODI is done here, Brendon McCullum smashed 50 off 25, Styris got 101, Vettori helped out and got the final runs. Awesome game, halfway through it looked almost impossible. We've also broken the world record for a successful run chase in an ODI.

[white_riot]

Awesome match. New Zealand played really well in the last two matches. McCullum was on fire.

England are playing really well against pakistan at the moment also.

India are going alright against Sri Lanka, hopefully Ganguly can get a big score and show those selectors he is still the man.

[Ganondorf]

lol, I don't think it's coincidence that when he left the ODI team we started winning

[white_riot]

He has over 10000 runs in one day cricket, he should be playing. Maybe I am just bias because I love the man. He is taking his sweet time against sri lanka. I can see him getting out soon.

[RCVA]

England vs Pakistan
This could be close. Pakistan need about 50 more runs off 5 overs.

[RCVA]

Haha they just lost another wicket.
279 for 6 (45.2 overs)
Now 282 for 8 (46.0 overs)

[Untitled]

Damn i wish i could still watch cricket. But hopefully England should win, 4 overs to make 50, can be done, but unlikly i think, i duno.

[RCVA]

Haha they collapsed "England beat Pakistan by 42 runs"

[Ganondorf]

Tendulkar marches on to take the world record for most Test centuries.

[RCVA]

New Zealand made the highest run chase.

Cool.

[Lord Abortion]

Not bad with the ODI.

Flintoff won sports personality of the year. :D

[Untitled]

YEASH, He makes me proud to be northern western :D

[Ganondorf]

Hahaha, but he scored a duck, nice job BBC :thumb:

[Untitled]

Hahaha, but he scored a duck, nice job BBC :thumb:
Hahaha, i saw that this morning, BBC where blaming themselfs for keeping up the team all night, and thats why they did crap today.

[Untitled]

I didnt realise how late he was up untill before, i thaught it was like 12 midnight or so, but the news said 3am, thats ridiculas with a match in the morning.

It would of been hard to pre-record though because it was a live vote threwout the show.

[Drop The Baby]

national cricket match, something that determines world standing and qualification for future tournaments > BBC tradition.

[Ganondorf]

Pathan killed it today against Sri Lanka

[RandyfromPennywise]

Please explain the situation/circumstances here.

[Untitled]

Please explain the situation/circumstances here.
It was the sports awards last night, Andrew Flintoff won player of the year, and he had to stay up/wake up very early (3am) to collect his award in pakistan live on TV. And the team got team of the year too, and proberly were all up. So today they played awfull, proberly due to sleep deprovation.

[RandyfromPennywise]

It was the sports awards last night, Andrew Flintoff won player of the year, and he had to stay up/wake up very early (3am) to collect his award in pakistan live on TV. And the team got team of the year too, and proberly were all up. So today they played awfull, proberly due to sleep deprovation.
That is ****ing ridiculous.

[Untitled]

It is, and the BBC where joking this morning saying there gonna get some angry letters from the ECB.

[Alf™]

How did England get Team Of The Year? That's a joke. Yeh, sure they beat a out of form Australia, but then go on to lose against Pakistan (was it pakistan?).

[PianoDan]

It was the sports awards last night, Andrew Flintoff won player of the year, and he had to stay up/wake up very early (3am) to collect his award in pakistan live on TV. And the team got team of the year too, and proberly were all up. So today they played awfull, proberly due to sleep deprovation.
That's really stupid. Flintoff was good, England was good, but they weren't the best. The Australian cricket team, even though they lost to England, are still the best in the world.

Flintoff shouldn't have even got player of the Ashes series - Warne should have hands down. Stupid stupid decision. Way too much hype over England winning The Ashes. Everyone seems to think England have knocked Australia off the top for good.

[ThrashMaster27]

How did England get Team Of The Year? That's a joke. Yeh, sure they beat a out of form Australia, but then go on to lose against Pakistan (was it pakistan?).

Because it was a British award show.

It's like England winning the football world cup then not getting team of the year.

Everyone seems to think England have knocked Australia off the top for good.

I don't think anybody thinks that. Plus I wish Australians would quit making excuses for losing the Ashes. You lost, get over it. You'll probably win 'em back in Australia.

[PianoDan]

Because it was a British award show.

It's like England winning the football world cup then not getting team of the year.



I don't think anybody thinks that. Plus I wish Australians would quit making excuses for losing the Ashes. You lost, get over it. You'll probably win 'em back in Australia.
I agree that a lot of people keep making too many excuses for losing the Ashes. I didn't try to do that, though, as you may have noticed. It's a fact that we played well below our best but that is no excuse. England won the Ashes fair and square - and deserved to, too.

We will win them back in Australia, provided Warne and McGrath are still in form and fit.

[Ganondorf]

India set Sri Lanka record run chase to win the 2nd Test, hahaha India, I love my India !

[Untitled]

England won the "team of the year" award, because for the main prizes only British people or teams are eligible. There's a seperate overseas category. I couldn't choose between Flintoff and Warne for player of the Ashes series, personally. If Australia had won the last Test they probably would have shared the award...they both really deserved it, in my opinion.


Yeah, but everyone knew that Flintoff was going to win it as soon as we'd won the Ashes. meh.
Well, Flintoff got Sports personality of the year, and Wharne got internation sports personality so its all good.

Anyone played Brian Lara Cricket 05? Its so stupidly easy. Im on Test mode, the hardest one, im on tour in pakistan as england, the first game i beat them by 1 Inning and 60 runs, and finished a Test match in the evening session of the first day. I WANT IT HARDER :(

[Ganondorf]

lol 'Wharne'

[Agitated_Barry]

lol 'internation'

[Agitated_Barry]

England just got thrashed by Pakistan. Mainly the fault of poor bowling but even then only Flintoff and Bell looked like batting well. The middle and lower order practically all got out to stupid dhots and could have shown a little more heart even if they were going to lose.

[Drop The Baby]

England's one day batting line up looks very fragile. Although i don't thing he's the answer, Bell needs to be starting ahead of Solanki in the middle order.

Pakistan are playinmg very well.

[Ganondorf]

Solanki is good though, I'm suprised there aren't mroe British Asians in the team.....

[Drop The Baby]

Solanki's technique is poor, and he's too loose in his shot selection. To give him credit, he has done well as a super sub recently, but he shouldn't be part of the starting line up IMO

[Ganondorf]

well as a super sub he's bought in for batting anyway, and the only other thing he does is feilding (I think), so maybe they should sub one ofthe older guys when he comes on (That is if England bat first)

[Drop The Baby]

I never feel comfortable with him down the order, i don't think he's dependable and should never be included in our starting line up.

I think his average is 28, and that's afetr playing a lot of ODIs.

[Ganondorf]

Perhaps he should replace someone like geraint Jones, and they coudl give the gloves to Matt Prior?

[Untitled]

Solanki's technique is poor, and he's too loose in his shot selection. To give him credit, he has done well as a super sub recently, but he shouldn't be part of the starting line up IMO
Who else could play? KP is injured, and so is Vorne, so thats the subs into the starting line up.

I wish england where at full strength, all this tour is doing is injuring out team. They better be all fit for febuary :mad:

[Drop The Baby]

I think Jones, and possibly Prior, should be in the original line up too.

Bell should definately be above Solanki in the pecking order.

Tresco
Strauss
Prior
Bell
Flintoff
Collingwood
Jones


There's the batting order. Still doesn't fill me with confidence but it's better than one that would include Solanki.

[RCVA]

How did England get Team Of The Year? That's a joke. Yeh, sure they beat a out of form Australia, but then go on to lose against Pakistan (was it pakistan?).
*BRITISH TEAM OF THE YEAR.
Edit: I didn't notice Thrashmaster...

[RCVA]

Solanki is good though, I'm suprised there aren't mroe British Asians in the team.....
There's that guy from Middlesex. He's brilliant.


Anyway, England are disappointing.

[Ganondorf]

India in Feb, Kumble and Singh - twin spin - bling bling bling

[Drop The Baby]

Kumble signed as Surrey's overseas player for next season.

[Ganondorf]

Hell yeah, I live in Surrey :D

[Untitled]

How many matches is the india series? i read it was 7 tests and 3 ODI or something along those lines.

[RandyfromPennywise]

358?? 358!!!

England are ****.

Ashes 2006/7: Australia 3 England 1 (1 draw)

----------

Aussies not doing too badly v SAfrica at the moment, Ntini's been the main threat, Ponting was good for his 71. I love the Tests in Perth, they go 'til 8.30 at night on tele here (because of the time-difference), well class.

[TalibanAxeMan]

I was talking bout the left arm QLD pace man the other day. Names Mitchel Johnson. Played in the ODI and got carved but meh, it was his debut

[RandyfromPennywise]

Yeah I could not believe he was called up, if it was he who was called up to the NZ tour. Anyone heard of Kasprowicz, Gillespie, Rofe, Bichel... It's all well and good to promote youth, but when you have a guy not even considered good enough to be on the ACB pay-roll, surely you take a proven, seasoned professional.... ???

[TalibanAxeMan]

Ive watched him play first clas and hes a good bowler, but he didnt show any of that when he played the ODI's. Hes a damn sight better than Bracken for sure.

Bichel should be playin ODI's, look at his bowling and batting formin state cricket.

[Ganondorf]

How many matches is the india series? i read it was 7 tests and 3 ODI or something along those lines.

Probably the other way round, 3 Tests and 7 ODI

I think that there should be a rankings sytem that takes in to account 50% ODI ranking and 50% Test ranking. If this was the case, the top 3 would be as follows

1. Australia
2. Daylight ;)
3. India

ooh yeah

[white_riot]

Ganguly dropped for the third test. I can't believe it. I don't care if Yuvraj got 77 not out, ganguly deserves to be in the team more then him.

[Ganondorf]

I think selection should be based on the quality of batting, no person is bigger than the team

[white_riot]

Most of the team should have been kicked out a while ago when they were all playing hopeless. But anyway it is good that they are winning again, hopefully they can keep it up.

[RCVA]

There's that guy from Middlesex. He's brilliant.
Owais Shah i think.

And Ganondorf, i live in Surrey too.

[Ganondorf]

Most of the team should have been kicked out a while ago when they were all playing hopeless. But anyway it is good that they are winning again, hopefully they can keep it up.

Yeah man, Dhoni is such a badass, he even wears his ODI blue cap when batting in Test matches :cool:

Also, RCVA, whereabouts in Surrey you at? I'm in Redhill.....you know that place?

[RCVA]

Haha yeah that's close to me. I live in Sutton.

[Drop The Baby]

When i was younger i played for Surrey.

[Untitled]

When i was younger i played for Surrey.
Ohh Surrey wow. :D

Heywood > Surrey :p

[Jasarn]

To anyone who's watching the Australia vs. South Africa test, why is Brett Lee batting at 3? I just tuned in. :-\

[Alf™]

To anyone who's watching the Australia vs. South Africa test, why is Brett Lee batting at 3? I just tuned in. :-\
He was the night watchmen from the night before.
South Africa just got dubbed with a dodgy no-ball call.

[Jasarn]

He was the night watchmen from the night before.
South Africa just got dubbed with a dodgy no-ball call.

The night watchman? :confused:

[Alf™]

The night watchman? :confused:
If there is a wicket late in the day, and the captain doesnt want any more wickets to happen, so that his middle order isn't exposed, he sends in a night watchman. This is a lower order batsman, one of the better bowlers, and his job is to face the rest of the overs of the last session.

[Ganondorf]

Pathan is awesoem at #3 for India, he actually made 90 odd batting at #2 in the last test, which considering he usually bats somehwere around #8, is rather awesome...

[RCVA]

He opens in ODI's sometimes.

[RandyfromPennywise]

Hodgo on 91 at stumps... Aussies resuming normal service. Looks like we'll win this Test from this position now. SAfricans 'ave been good though, but I think the WACA pitch will favour them the most out of all the three pitches, so this is their best chance to win a Test. Boje will be back for them soon too I think. How good is Mike Hussey!!!!!

[flyhalf]

australia declares at 8/528.

Great knock by hodge unbeaten on 203 :)

[Ganondorf]

Yeah man, Hodge had a good innings


Oh yeah, Laxman got his century, Pathan also hit 88

[Untitled]

Lost by 13 runs!!

WTF happend, i left college this morning and pakistan where on 159-6, or something, i thaught we was set :upset:

[Ganondorf]

lol, England are missingthe magic spin of Giles haha

[Untitled]

lol, England are missingthe magic spin of Giles haha
And the other 600 players that are ill. Spinners are even that usefull in ODI, the ball isnt rough enough, or the pitch.

[Ganondorf]

Lol, I was mocking Giles/England's love of him

[Untitled]

Lol, I was mocking Giles/England's love of him
KING OF SPAIN!!!

I like Giles :), i dont think he's as bad as people say, yes he's not the best, but he gets whickets, not to bad at batting either.

[Ganondorf]

Nothing compared to Warne or Murali though, nothign compared to the likes of Kumble, Harbajhan or Kaneria either really. Or Vettori, or Afridi, or McGill....or just about any half decent spinner........

[Untitled]

Nothing compared to Warne or Murali though, nothign compared to the likes of Kumble, Harbajhan or Kaneria either really. Or Vettori, or Afridi, or McGill....or just about any half decent spinner........
Ahh, but non of them are english, we need some more spinners. We have Udel or something dont we? He looked pretty decent when i saw him play, in the C&G cup final. I dunno.

[Ganondorf]

Lol he looked **** when I saw him play in the Pakistan Tests :p

[Untitled]

Lol he looked **** when I saw him play in the Pakistan Tests :p
well, i only saw him play a couple of county one day matches. Ive not been able to watch the Pakistan tour, and i wont be able to watch the india tour, or when sri lanka come over here :upset:

I might look into getting tickets for ols trafford for the sri lanker tour though.

[Jasarn]

I'm going to become a Fast Spinner. A leg spin coming for you at 150 km/h. How do you like that eh?

[RCVA]

Giles is a spinner that barely spins the ball, he sometimes bowls accurately enough for a long time so that the batsman does something stupid. We should pick Doshi (sp?) from Surrey.

Udal is pretty bad IMO.

[Ganondorf]

I'm going to become a Fast Spinner. A leg spin coming for you at 150 km/h. How do you like that eh?

How many mph is that?

[RCVA]

90-100 i reckon.

[Untitled]

Dosnt it have to be slow other wise itd bounce to quick, get no grip, and not spin...

[Ganondorf]

lol I don't think he was serious.....if he was he's dumb

[Alf™]

Well it seems, Australia mucked up its time to declare, and the 1st test match against South Africa ended in a draw. Rudolph played awesome. Congrats to the proteas.

[Ganondorf]

India gonan win 2ND RANKING WOOO

[Drop The Baby]

Why don't England just get every single up and coming spinner to just start chucking the ball like Murali? We can then have a master spinner and no one can do jack sh!t about it as it's 'legal'

[Ganondorf]

lol Giles and Udal lol

[Alf™]

That's harsh. I am Aussie, and as much as I would like to believe that he chucks it, I don't think he does.

[Drop The Baby]

Well, whether you believ he chucks it or not, why isn't every spinner being told to bowl like it?

[Alf™]

Well, whether you believ he chucks it or not, why isn't every spinner being told to bowl like it?
Because it is totally unnatural, and he can only do it, because he can't fully straighten his arm. It would take years, and I mean years, to master bowling exactly like that, and there are no gurantees that you will be good. He is a one in a million case.

[Untitled]

Because it is totally unnatural, and he can only do it, because he can't fully straighten his arm. It would take years, and I mean years, to master bowling exactly like that, and there are no gurantees that you will be good. He is a one in a million case.
I have fuked up wrists, and fingers, and everything, and i can bowl leg spin, thus.

I AM ENGERLANDS SAVIOUR:amaze:

[Jasarn]

lol I don't think he was serious.....if he was he's dumb

I was kidding. :-\

[Ganondorf]

I have fuked up wrists, and fingers, and everything, and i can bowl leg spin, thus.

I AM ENGERLANDS SAVIOUR:amaze:

Please.....do you even know who Murali is?

[Untitled]

Please.....do you even know who Murali is?
Yes, hes that spinner that got the rules about how you can bend your arms changed so his bowl was "legel"

[Drop The Baby]

Only one player in a million will be the next Warne, Tendulkar, Lara...

Murali chcuks it, and whilst it is 'legal' other bowlers should be taught the same thing

[Ganondorf]

What, taught to *chuck* it, despite the fact that it would probably benefit THEM (the ones without birth defects) to bowl with a straightened arm?

[RCVA]

Well **** me England won by six runs. Blackwell got 3 and Anderson got 4.

[Drop The Baby]

F'uck me England bowled well, especially Harmison, Anderson and Blackwell (wo's had a decent series).

[RCVA]

F'uck me England bowled well, especially Harmison, Anderson and Blackwell (wo's had a decent series).
Batting is a bit questionable though.

[Drop The Baby]

Very. The order never seems to be settled and no-one seems to understand their role. Too often we have to rely on the lower middle order to get us uyp to a barely defendable total. The top order needs to get more runs.

It's worth pointing out that Vaughn was out for the whole series, although he's hardly been the most dependable one day player.

[RCVA]

He motivates the team to do well though.

[Ganondorf]

Yeah, like in the Test series ;)

[W.M.A]

If Murali didn't chuck they wouldnt have had to change the rules. What does it matter, Warne is still better.
I disagree with those who say we declared too late, Hodge deserved the 200 and our bowlers put up a sub par performance.

[RCVA]

Yeah, like in the Test series ;)
No i meant the Ashes tour, the South African one, both West Indies tours i could go on but i won't.


Compared to Ganguly he's **** though :rolleyes:

[Ganondorf]

lol Ganguly was a miles better batsmen comapred to Vaughan, but now they're pretty much equally bad.

[Alf™]

If Murali didn't chuck they wouldnt have had to change the rules. What does it matter, Warne is still better.
They changed the rules because they were old and out-dated and shouldn't have applied to modern day cricket. Rules have to be changed to suit modern times, that applies to everything. Actions/Plays/Pitches/Players change and the rules have to be molded to fit.
The rules were certainly not changed because Murali "chucks" the ball. I think almost everyone in the world is in agreeance that his action is legal. Instead of questioning his action, try to respect him, and worship his ability to win matches and take wickets. He is certainly one of the best Off-Spinners of all time.
And you cannot really compare Murali and Warne, as they are different bowlers. Murali is an Off-Spinner, Warne a Leg-spinner. It's like comparing McGrath and Warne.

[W.M.A]

i totally disagree. the new rule means its now damn near impossible for umpires to pick if someones chucking. also people only agree his action is legal after the rule change, not before it. i certainly won't worship him, but i will admit he's a very effective bowler, even though he's taken many wickets against the weaklings like bangladesh and zimbabwe. he is certainly not the greatest test bowler of all time, despite the **** shovelled out by wisden.

as most teams only have one spinner in the team i believe you can compare warne to murali. its more like comparing mcgrath and vaas. anyway this is my opinion, and i am open to disagreement

[Alf™]

The umpire's are not supposed to pick up on the exact angle of any given action. If the bowlers arm is bent (they will rarely give a no-ball anymore) he will talk with his fellow umpires (2nd and 3rd umpire) and they will lodge a complaint/report to the ICC after the match. Then they can do tests and decide whether it is legal/illegal.
And I believe you are wrong again. A large percentage of people thought his action was always legal. After he got pulled up numerous times for throwing, in the mid 90's, he had to have tests to analyse his action, and was found to be bowling legally and within the boundries of bending the elbow by the ICC, so why would people question that. Many people don't even realise there have been changes on how much you can bend your elbow.
He has indeed taken many wickets against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, but not that many, and I'm sure every other leading bowler in the world, has as well. I'm not sure getting less wickets against weak nations is a good thing.
I agree he isnt the greatest bowler of all time, yet.
If and when he plays as many tests as Shane Warne, he will have a better average and more wickets.

[Ganondorf]

Hey people, guess what team is ranked #2 now? :cool:

[Berserker!]

Traitor.

[Ganondorf]

wahaha, SUCK ON THAT!

[RCVA]

We're gonna beat your *** in feb.

[Jasarn]

So Australia lost to Essendon Football Club for the 2nd year running. Poor effort.

[RCVA]

Cricket?

[Ganondorf]

Nice avatar either way

[Jasarn]

Yes, in cricket.

[Untitled]

Austrialia got beat of a football team? (by football i presume you mean rugby or aussie rules?) I dont understand :confused:

[Jasarn]

Yes, an Aussie Rules team beat the test team by about 10 runs.

[Alf™]

Haha. Stupid James Hird and Matthew Lloyd.

[RCVA]

Yes, an Aussie Rules team beat the test team by about 10 runs.
I suppose that shows how good most Australian people are at all their national sports.

[Lord Abortion]

Very. The order never seems to be settled and no-one seems to understand their role. Too often we have to rely on the lower middle order to get us uyp to a barely defendable total. The top order needs to get more runs.

It's worth pointing out that Vaughn was out for the whole series, although he's hardly been the most dependable one day player.
Vaughan is a great bastsman, but he's an even better captain, and that's where his real value to the team is.

[HendrixDoorsWhoZeppelin]

what have you seen in Vaughan that causes you to think he's a great captain? He's certainly not a bad captain but he's certainly nothing great. And if he's not making runs he should be dropped just like any of their other batsman.

By the way, has Mark Butcher officially retired from test cricket?

[Ganondorf]

Yeah, you pick your captain out of the best 11, you don't pick your captain first.

[RCVA]

Haha I got a book about England's Ashes victory. It's a bit weird how obsessed we are with it. I doubt the Aussies would make an official book about how they beat us.

[Untitled]

Haha I got a book about England's Ashes victory. It's a bit weird how obsessed we are with it. I doubt the Aussies would make an official book about how they beat us.
Haha, my brother has that.

I want the DVDs, not just because we won, but it was a fantastic series to watch.

[Alf™]

HUSSSEY! HUSSSSSEYYYYYYY!
What a 100. I thought he played shocking yesterday, but kept his head today, and used the strike very well.
Looks like the Aussie's are actually back in it, and have a fighting chance, after dominating 2/3 sessions yesterday and having not much to show for it.
Symonds has to be dropped. Bring back Clarke. Disapointing that Jaques only made 2, he could have made it hard for Langer to come back in the team. What are they going to do with Gilly as well?!
And the G' is back and looking better than ever! The new stand looks simply awesome, the atmosphere is great.
Carn' the Aussies!

[flyhalf]

What a great knock for hussey, so much for the saffas dominating the second day :thumb:

Gilly should stay, i mean he's averaging 50...that's more than enough for him to be playing as an opener (which he does...during ODIs :) ). And if symonds doesnt take 5 wickets or if he doesnt make 100 runs next innings he should be dropped, and bracken or clarke should come back in.

[Alf™]

I think something needs to be done about Gilly. Replace him from a few tests and it could do him wonders. It doesn't matter what he is averaging overall, it's right now that is the problem.

[flyhalf]

I think something needs to be done about Gilly. Replace him from a few tests and it could do him wonders. It doesn't matter what he is averaging overall, it's right now that is the problem.

who's gunna keep for us then :p gilly still is an outstanding keeper and really, for other teams the wicket keeper isnt expected to average more than 30 odd runs.

that being said, i reckon we should dump the all rounder idea and just use an extra fast bowler when we use 2 spinners (bracken) or an extra batsman when we have 1 spinner (clarke?), cuz really our tail is quite capable of putting up a fight imho :thumb:

[Lempard]

Clearly Gilchrist has been consistent for years, averaging 50+ he will be around for the next ashes and hopefully world cup. Its to late to blood a new keeper now and as flyhalf said most keepers are expected to average around the 30 mark. Gilchrist still has the potential to obliterate a team rather than a nervous debutant playing their first game/series.

[RCVA]

Haha, my brother has that.

I want the DVDs, not just because we won, but it was a fantastic series to watch.
I want the Edgbaston DVD. I was in France when it happened so i missed the 'greatest test match ever' i saw Kasprowicz get out though.

The book is OK.

[TalibanAxeMan]

Hussey what a gun. Whats his average gone to now? It was 97 before his last innings. Dissapointing about Dossy though.


I think something needs to be done about Gilly. Replace him from a few tests and it could do him wonders. It doesn't matter what he is averaging overall, it's right now that is the problem.

Gilly will probably retire soon. He'll prob stay for the ashes but thats it. Haddin or Hartley will keep for Australia next, my call is Haddin.(i want hartley but haddin will get the spot)

who's gunna keep for us then gilly still is an outstanding keeper and really, for other teams the wicket keeper isnt expected to average more than 30 odd runs.

that being said, i reckon we should dump the all rounder idea and just use an extra fast bowler when we use 2 spinners (bracken) or an extra batsman when we have 1 spinner (clarke?), cuz really our tail is quite capable of putting up a fight imho

Straight from the mouth of Merv Hughes,"Andrew Symonds was selected as a batting option, who could also bowl when needed, not as an all - rounder"
Good call Merv
Also, you cant rely on a tail to bat, even though the Aussie tail puts up a fight, its still a tail

Clearly Gilchrist has been consistent for years, averaging 50+ he will be around for the next ashes and hopefully world cup. Its to late to blood a new keeper now and as flyhalf said most keepers are expected to average around the 30 mark. Gilchrist still has the potential to obliterate a team rather than a nervous debutant playing their first game/series.

Good call

[flyhalf]

Straight from the mouth of Merv Hughes,"Andrew Symonds was selected as a batting option, who could also bowl when needed, not as an all - rounder"
Good call Merv
Also, you cant rely on a tail to bat, even though the Aussie tail puts up a fight, its still a tail


Yeah fair enough i heard him yesterday speaking about that.

He's been pretty good in the bowling department at the MCG at the moment and of course he's a gun in the field. However if he was selected as a batting option, hopefully he can get a few runs next innings :thumb: Although the argument is that no-one really springs to mind as a 3rd pace bowler who is known to be handy with the bat. I guess we gotta give symonds more time to fire as a batter.

[RCVA]

Compare Gilchrist with the other batting wicket-keepers around. He's still the best.

[flyhalf]

symonds finally starts firing up in his bowling and in his batting, im liking it :)

with his last bowling spell, he managed to half his bowling strike rate :lol:

[TalibanAxeMan]

Everyone get your as$ in front of ya tellies, Symmos firing with the bat. He's on 40 off bout 25 and hes hit a bunch of 6s.

Go you good thing!

[TalibanAxeMan]

Symonds - 50 runs, 40 balls

5 x sixes
2 x fours

Queenslander!

[snoogans]

Haha I got a book about England's Ashes victory. It's a bit weird how obsessed we are with it. I doubt the Aussies would make an official book about how they beat us.

the aussies wouldnt make a book about it. they would have a huge library by now if they did

[snoogans]

Symonds - 50 runs, 40 balls

5 x sixes
2 x fours

Queenslander!

im listening to it on the radio cos im at work. missing out on a great innings. gotta watch the highlights tonight.

[RandyfromPennywise]

the aussies wouldnt make a book about it. they would have a huge library by now if they did
:thumb:

[HendrixDoorsWhoZeppelin]

is there anywhere to download recent cricket highlights or anything on the internet for free?

not too much cricket on TV here in the U.S.

[RCVA]

Australia demolished SA. Good knock by Pollock though considering he's a bowler. He did the same against England.


Ponting is the number one batsman in the world for 2005 and Shane Warne the same for bowling. I reckon Ponting can beat the century record Tendulkar beat.

[Jasarn]

What does it mean when there are 3 batsmen on the field? Also, what is 10WM? 10 wickets in one innings?

[RandyfromPennywise]

What does it mean when there are 3 batsmen on the field? Also, what is 10WM? 10 wickets in one innings?
There would only be three batsmen on the field at one time if one of the batsmen required a runner, for an injury picked up during the course of the game. The third batsman doesn't face any deliveries, he/she only does the running between the wickets that the injured batsman would have done, were he/she not injured.

10WM means 10 wickets in a match. To achieve this is a very special achievement, so much so that the greatest bowler of all time - Shane Warne - has only done it 10 times in his entire Test career. It is kind of similar to a double hundred I guess, although it (generally) requires excellent bowling in both innings of a Test, not just one.

I think a bowler has only taken all ten wickets in an innings in a Test a handful of times, very few in the history of cricket. Has Anil Kumble done it? I think he has a 9 for at least.

[Jasarn]

There would only be three batsmen on the field at one time if one of the batsmen required a runner, for an injury picked up during the course of the game. The third batsman doesn't face any deliveries, he/she only does the running between the wickets that the injured batsman would have done, were he/she not injured.

10WM means 10 wickets in a match. To achieve this is a very special achievement, so much so that the greatest bowler of all time - Shane Warne - has only done it 10 times in his entire Test career. It is kind of similar to a double hundred I guess, although it (generally) requires excellent bowling in both innings of a Test, not just one.

I think a bowler has only taken all ten wickets in an innings in a Test a handful of times, very few in the history of cricket. Has Anil Kumble done it? I think he has a 9 for at least.

Thanks, do you know if anyone has done it (10WM) in an ODI?

[RandyfromPennywise]

No, no one has ever taken all the wickets in one innings of an ODI. The best bowling ever in an ODI was by Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka. He took 8/19 v Zimbabwe in 2001/2.

7 wickets has been taken a number of times also. You might remember in the World Cup of 2003 when Andrew Bichel took 7/20 v England, and Glenn McGrath took 7/15 v Namibia.

[Alf™]

Well answered above. I think it was Jim Laker who took 19 wickets for very little runs in a test match about 50-80 years ago. That is the most in one test match that any bowler has been able to achieve.
After day one, Australia v Proteas, I think SA would be happy with there position at the moment. They have about 230 runs on the board, although have lost 3 key batsmen, but counter that with having two batsmen out there who looked pretty comfortable against the Australians great bowling attack. Earlier in the day, it seemed they were going to get steam-rolled and bowled out for less than 250, with some amazing bowling spells from Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. There were perfect conditions for them early, and they used that extremely well.
Interesting to see Graeme Smith's reaction as he was walking off the field. He looked very disapointed, in himself more than the decision, and he looks to be really struggling to get a big score.
And later in the day, we saw Stuart MacGill almost pleading to Ricky Ponting to let him have a bowl.
All in all, a great day of cricket, and today is a very important day: will they get 450, or struggle to get 300.

[Lempard]

Kumble did get 10 wickets in an innings against Pakistan in '99, although watching that match it looked like the umpires wanted to be a part of history and gave anything that hit the pads out. The only other player to get 10 in an innings is Jim Laker against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956.

[snoogans]

aussies 2 down. both openers bowled out.

[Berserker!]

Is this on TV? And until what time?

[Alf™]

It is stumps for the day. Yes, Langer and Hayden both played onto stumps. And Langer was looking in good form. And also Hodge played directly into Smith's plans, after he placed a bat pad, and hit it up straight to him, in the last over of the day.

[RCVA]

I saw the highlights of the game where Laker got 10. He was amazing. When they got someone out back then, they hardly celebrated.

[PianoDan]

I saw the highlights of the game where Laker got 10. He was amazing. When they got someone out back then, they hardly celebrated.
Very different today. It's all about the entertainment factor. The crowd loves seeing a good celebration. How 'bout Symonds at the MCG? Lee and Warne are always good celebrators.

To add to Laker's 10-for, he also got 9 in the other innings, taking 19-80 (I think - can't be bothered looking it up now).

[aria]

we r getin mad pwned

[Simon__Thats_All]

Yep, we're not looking good in this test...

[Ganondorf]

Hopefully SA win, draw the series, India beat Pakistan and England and macr htowards #1 ranking :cool:

[RCVA]

Haha.

What's up with Sri Lanka? They used to be pretty good.

[RandyfromPennywise]

we r getin mad pwned
Time for another massive Ponting innings then.

[Alf™]

Yes, well the Aussies at the moment are being saved by the shocking Sydney weather. It is raining and very wet at the SCG, and not looking good for the Proteas. The real problem is the light though. But Tony Greig just said it was getting a bit lighter.
The only good news for the Proteas would be if it clears up very soon, it will still be overcast and that should help their seamers with swing.
Looks as though this test will end in a draw.

[flyhalf]

Don't forget the Proteas were in the same position on day 1, in the same conditions too. I reckon if australia loses another wicket or two they'll lose by 100-150 runs or so. Or we could just bat it out for a draw and still win the series.

In the end, the Proteas still havent beaten australia in a series for more than 10 years :smash:

[Alf™]

Very true. I think we will get about 250-300. The Proteas will then go out and get another 200 and send us in with a 400 run lead and about a day to go. Then if we lose early wickets we will go for draw, if not we will try and win it from there.
Well, they have started play, and it is very overcast/cloudy. Hussey and Ponting are in. We lost 1 hour of play this morning, but it can be made up tonight and tomorrow morning. So in the end, no time will be lost.

[snoogans]

Time for another massive Ponting innings then.

yep or another hundred from the flavour of the month hussey.

[coontc]

its sad how little some of u guys actually know about cricket, btw have u heard any of brett lee's band's music?!

[clown_phobia]

its sad how little some of u guys actually know about cricket, btw have u heard any of brett lee's band's music?!

nope. I only found out a couple of days ago he was in a band.

How would he get time to practise etc? It'd take a lot training to be in the australian cricket team... What instrument does he play?

[Jasarn]

nope. I only found out a couple of days ago he was in a band.

How would he get time to practise etc? It'd take a lot training to be in the australian cricket team... What instrument does he play?

Guitar, maybe he posts on MX? :p

[TalibanAxeMan]

Time for another massive Ponting innings then.

Well the scores 4/196

Ponting is on 101 and Symonds just got in and is on 4 or so.

Too bad for Symonds, cos he was looking good in Adelaide when he was playing his natural game. He wont be able to do that now cos he has to help Ponting steady the innings.

Everyone seems to hate Nell but i actually quite like him. i know at times he carries on like a ****head but he looks like he enjoys himself when he plays, and generally has a good time.

[TalibanAxeMan]

its sad how little some of u guys actually know about cricket, btw have u heard any of brett lee's band's music?!

What makes you say that?

[Alf™]

its sad how little some of u guys actually know about cricket, btw have u heard any of brett lee's band's music?!
Is it not called Six and Out and with his brother, Shane Lee?

[TalibanAxeMan]

Is it not called Six and Out and with his brother, Shane Lee?

Yeah i know Shanes in here but im not sure what its called

[Alf™]

The band is an absolute load of **** though.

[Ganondorf]

Where can you hear their stuff? :p

[Apocalyptic Raids]

I don't know. Just google it.

Props to South Africa. They are probably the only team since India to come here and be competitive. About time.

[PianoDan]

nope. I only found out a couple of days ago he was in a band.

How would he get time to practise etc? It'd take a lot training to be in the australian cricket team... What instrument does he play?
Brett Lee plays bass. Brad McNamara and Shane Lee play guitars. Gavin Robertson plays drums and Richard Chee Quee sings. I believe they all do vocals/backing vocals though.

They're a pretty lousy band but hey, what do you expect from first class cricketers? They cover Daddy Cool's "Eagle Rock", though, which I listen to sometimes since I don't have Daddy Cool.

Hussey's more than just a flavour of the month, too. He's a real talent. Sure he won't continue averaging 85, but if he stays fit he's probably got a few years in him. If he plays for four or five years he could make quite an impact.

[coontc]

yeah, ur not wrong about hussey, he has some serious talent, anyone who can score a hundred with mcgrath at the other end gets my vote of approval

[Alf™]

Don't put McGrath down, he has turned into a half decent tail-ender. He has a pretty rock solid defence and can play a few little dab shots that will get him runs. What a legend.

[Jasarn]

Don't put McGrath down, he has turned into a half decent tail-ender. He has a pretty rock solid defence and can play a few little dab shots that will get him runs. What a legend.

How about the crowd cheering after every shot of his? Bad form I say. He didn't seem that happy either. :-O

[Little Android Man]

yea, McGrath this the sh it. Period.

[Alf™]

And McGrath isn't too happy at the moment, Warney dropped a catch at 1st slip that probaly should have been Gilchrist's.
And I'm guessing Smith isn't too happy. He was given out LBW on a ball from McGrath that was clearly going to high.
Scores are 2-55 off 14 odd overs at the moment. Gibbs is on 44.

[horses_are_angry]

Bichel is very good to watch. He's plyed some crucial one day innings especially, quite similar to cHris Cairns who's just retired
chris cairns has only retired from test matches

[Jasarn]

And McGrath isn't too happy at the moment, Warney dropped a catch at 1st slip that probaly should have been Gilchrist's.
And I'm guessing Smith isn't too happy. He was given out LBW on a ball from McGrath that was clearly going to high.
Scores are 2-55 off 14 odd overs at the moment. Gibbs is on 44.

The umps are pretty shocking this Test.

[Alf™]

The umps are pretty shocking this Test.
Yeah, i agree. And not only just this test, in fact this whole series, and it seems that the umpires standards are really lowering. It is becoming a real problem in the game.

[Jasarn]

The 3rd umpire needs to get more involved. I reckon they should make it so his decision should over-ride the field umpires if they make a mistake, or something like that.

[snoogans]

Yeah, i agree. And not only just this test, in fact this whole series, and it seems that the umpires standards are really lowering. It is becoming a real problem in the game.

yep, they seem to be acting tough regarding LB decisions. they have knocked back quite a lot even though some look clearly out.

[clown_phobia]

Wow! what an exciting declaration! This should be a great final day

[aria]

we r gona pwn this shi

[PianoDan]

Very good declaration. Really SA's only chance at winning, which they need to to draw the series. They may as well be 2-0 down as 1-0 down, so why not go for the win?

Australia looks like winning though, if the whether holds out.

[Alf™]

Very good declaration. Really SA's only chance at winning, which they need to to draw the series. They may as well be 2-0 down as 1-0 down, so why not go for the win?

Australia looks like winning though, if the whether holds out.
Were you just watching the telecast on TV and taking notes of what they said? I swear that's exactly what Chappelli said.

[Simon__Thats_All]

Speaking of which...

Ponting, first man ever to get a century in both innings of his 100th test :eek: Go Aussie!

[Alf™]

Yeh, that was pretty impressive. Unlucky for Hayden to not get his 100, he really deserved it.

[PianoDan]

Were you just watching the telecast on TV and taking notes of what they said? I swear that's exactly what Chappelli said.
I think Ian Healy said something about it making no difference if they lose 2-0 or 1-0, but I don't think Chappelli said that. I was indirectly quoting Heals for that part, coz what he said was spot on - 1-0, 2-0, they still lose the series, so why not give themselves a chance?

Yeah, well done Ponting on getting a 100 in each innings of his 100th Test. If the ICC do the right thing and wipe the "SuperTest" off the official records, then Ponting's 100th Test is yet to come - but I don't see that happening. Either way, 100 in each innings of a Test is a rare thing, and Ponting's done it twice in one summer.

He'll be the greatest of all time by the time he goes, I guess depending on how far Tendulkar, ul-Haq, and Lara carry on.

Hayden was unlucky, he thoroughly deserved a tonne.

[snoogans]

Speaking of which...

Ponting, first man ever to get a century in both innings of his 100th test :eek: Go Aussie!

yep nice one ricky. looks like he'll be taking hold of a lot of batting records over the next couple of years.

hes the best thing to come out of tassie followed closely by boonie and boags.

[Drop The Baby]

Ponting played very well, all credit to him

[Ganondorf]

I admire the way SA went all out for the win, even though they lost :)

[RandyfromPennywise]

He'll be the greatest of all time by the time he goes
*coughs loudly* Bradman *coughs loudly*