The Ashes Thread

[Yorkshire Blue]

But it gives the Australians time to regroup. If our wickets start tumbling as then they're back in the game.

On the radio they're wondering if it's a commericial decision enforced by the MCC and Sky, as they've sold tickets for all 5 days, because there was a (slight) possibility it could have been all over by this evening.

The so-called experts are largely clueless. Listening to their commentary, it's no wonder that England were so poor under the likes of Botham, Gower, Willis, Gatting, Agnew (although fortunately he never captained us).

They don't think about the game, they just try and re-enact games they've played in. Botham was a notoriously poor captain, whilst Gower once set the West Indies a target they reached for the loss of just one wicket yet we have to put up with them pontificiating on when to declare or whether to enforce the follow-on.

Lovely to see Freddie get his name on the 'Wall' at Lords.... something Shane Warne never managed...

Wow never realised Warne failed to get a five-for at Lords. Presumably McGrath had normally taken 5 wickets by the time the bookies-cash-grabbing, pill-popping, mummy's boy, text-pest got his hands on the ball.

Just goes to emphasise that the greatest Aussie bowler of that era wasn't Warne, but McGrath.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Freddie is a legend. Credit must go to Strauss also for his captaincy as well as his superb knock in the first innings. I think Ponting has a lot to worry about, their bowlers look very ordinary and theyve been very reliant on Clarke and Katich. Hopefully KP can sort his achilles problem out as surely there is a big innings or two waiting to come from him, and also Freddie has to stay fit. Brett Lee coming back could make things interesting but I really think Australia are there for the taking, they dont seem to have the characters to pull them through.

 

[BrettieAngell]

So glad to see Freddie get his name on the board with only his 3rd ever five-for (amazing really). Bring on Egbaston!!

Happy, happy, happy!!!!

 

[Jonny_Stokes]

Caaaaamownfaaaaackinggerrritupyoooowaussiebarstaff!!!!!!

 

[Mr Wooly]

Gotta love some sour Aussie grapes!

Here

 

[number11]

Gotta love some sour Aussie grapes!

Here

What a disgusting, hypocritical article. No appeal has been more misplaced and yet demanding and snarling like Pontings appeal for a catch against Collingwood at Cardiff. Nor when Hauritz scooped his catch off Ravi on Saturday did they consider whether it carried whilst celebrating.

Brilliant isn't it to have got under their skin so much.

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

What a disgusting, hypocritical article. No appeal has been more misplaced and yet demanding and snarling like Pontings appeal for a catch against Collingwood at Cardiff. Nor when Hauritz scooped his catch off Ravi on Saturday did they consider whether it carried whilst celebrating.

Brilliant isn't it to have got under their skin so much.

You should drop the author, Mr. Baum, an email to that effect...

gbaum@theage.com.au

Please do also include the phrases:

Whining
Whinging Ockers
Sour Grapes
Drugs cheats
Joyless, unsportsmanlike behaviour unfit to wear the Baggy Green

:)

 

[Uncle Leo]

Just heard that Kaypee is aht of the rest of the Ashes Series. I suppose that's Ian Bell's route back in then...

 

[Shrimper]

Delighted to see Ian Bell back in, a brilliant player but it's a shame that Pietersen won't be playing.

 

[Matt the Shrimp]

Delighted to see Ian Bell back in, a brilliant player but it's a shame that Pietersen won't be playing.

Steady on re Bell. Whilst his brilliant technique and ability are unquestioned, his temperament to succeed at the top level remains deeply suspect. It doesn't matter how many county attacks you pummel into submission, the Ashes is a whole different ball game.

For instance, if you asked me who had the greater natural ability out of Nasser Hussain and Graeme Hick, I'd answer Hick 10 times out of 10. Hick played 65 tests; Hussain played 96 - and the reason why is temperament.

I just hope Bell can conquer his demons and show us how good a player he is. However, I fear that Flower's statement today that we don't need Freddie or KP (unquestionably our two most talented players) will be seen as hubris - since I fear our chances of retaining the Ashes are significantly diminished following today's news.

:(

 

[BrettieAngell]

Balls, thats not good!!

 

[canveyshrimper]

I'm not sure how much play there will be at Edgbaston as the forecast doesn't look too clever for the next few days.

I'm rather surprised that the convicts are leaving out Phil Hughes for sick note Watson, while it gives them an extra bowler, it weakens the batting as while Hughes has had a torrid time Watson is nowhere near test class to bat at 6. I presume that Mr ****ing cricket Hussey will open with Katich.

 

[number11]

I'm not sure how much play there will be at Edgbaston as the forecast doesn't look too clever for the next few days.

I'm rather surprised that the convicts are leaving out Phil Hughes for sick note Watson, while it gives them an extra bowler, it weakens the batting as while Hughes has had a torrid time Watson is nowhere near test class to bat at 6. I presume that Mr ****ing cricket Hussey will open with Katich.

The reports seem to suggest Watson as opener....I hope so as would relish chance to get an early wicket. The logical choice would though be to put Mr Cricket there....which again would weaken their line up a bit as his form as been, pleasingly, poor over the last two years.

Still, it looks like no play today, on and off over rest of 4 days. We would have to play very poor to lose 20 wickets in that time, so am pleased I backed the draw yesterday.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Memo to Shane Warne - any chance you could shut the **** up?

 

[Bluesmanager]

Aus batting 65-1, Katich lbw Swann 46.

 

[Shrimper]

I didn't change my squad for this as i was away but good to see Katich get a couple, but let's hope that Australia don't get too far ahead today, however , i can see this being a draw.

 

[Swiss Tony]

Memo to Shane Warne - any chance you could shut the **** up?

Does'nt that prick personify the typical big mouthed Aussie (we have better weather then you) moron.

 

[BLUEBLOOD]

I have to admit i was looking forward to hearing Warne this summer, for a view from "over the fence" as it were, however the guy has been nothing short of pathetic .. still bemoaning the decisions from the 2nd test FFS .. you lost, deal with it, and to think they have the cheek to call us whinging poms !!!

 

[number11]

Memo to Shane Warne - any chance you could shut the **** up?

Yeah I thought he would be quite good as to most good judges he has a good cricket brain and would offer an interesting insight. However he has been appalling and whinging. His written on Ian Bell this week was pretty disgraceful as well I thought.

I feel sorry for Michael Slater as he was always good as the 'overseas' commentator and could, by and large, leave his affiliations behind. Also, surprisingly, I caught a bit of Matthew Hayden on the radio and he was pretty good.

 

[Davros]

Wow never realised Warne failed to get a five-for at Lords. Presumably McGrath had normally taken 5 wickets by the time the bookies-cash-grabbing, pill-popping, mummy's boy, text-pest got his hands on the ball.

Just goes to emphasise that the greatest Aussie bowler of that era wasn't Warne, but McGrath.

quite right, the old Mac is on there thrice, even Gillespie made it!

http://www.lords.org/history/honours-boards/bowling-visitors,84,AR.html