The Ashes Test Series
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Topic: The Ashes Test Series
Posted By: Matthew T
Subject: The Ashes Test Series
Date Posted: June 27 2009 at 16:48
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Hello I am putting up this post in the hope that one of the members from the UK has a liking for cricket and would like to discuss off and on the series.
I would like it to be done in a polite fashion and and to chat about the series not ( "we dun ya like dogs dinner ya pommie b*****ds" or" bloody drunken convict colonists can't play for sh*t" or sh*te depending on your preference.
I will praise a player from either side for good play and I would like to add that the last series we played in the UK we lost and to be honest this series could go either way, We do not have Glen McGrath or Shane Warne. Symonds has been chucked out of the team for bad behavoiur and no Gilchrist but Brad Haddin is doing a great job.
I see mention that Freddy Flintoff has been hitting a bit of form. I hope it happens for Brett Lee he does not seem to be as lethal these days.
Anyway let me know if anybody is interested. Tests are my fav but 1 dayers and 20/20 I do watch.
Matt  ------------- Matt |
Replies:
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 04:19
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yeah sure, although there is a Cricket thread already up and running.
" bloody drunken convict colonists can't play for sh*t" "
You know the Barmy Army song then!
  I'm always up for some jolly banter you'll not get any nastiness from me.
Good luck for the forthcoming series....
..... you'll need it!   ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA 
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Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 04:25
| It's hard for even this Australian team to lose to England unless the latter pull themselves together out of the blue. It will definitely be more keenly contested than the 2006 edition though...nothing's gonna be like the 2005 Ashes anyway. I don't know what you Brits make of KP, but I think the way his captaincy was handled will only be detrimental to the health of English cricket in the near term; he's going to nurse the injury to his ego for some more time and England lost a potentially charismatic, inspirational leader. |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 04:26
Blimey! The sledging has started already. 
This series has to be tighter than the last. I don't think that there will be a whitewash this time...Gulp! ------------- 
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 04:34
Starts in Cardiff too! ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: progkidjoel
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 05:25
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:O
I'm Australian Not a fan of Cricket though... Good luck to both sides *Fake smile* ------------- 
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Posted By: Snow Dog
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 05:28
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Snow_Dog" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 05:33
If you were referring to me, well, no, I am Indian and I watch The Ashes because it's sort of a cricket ritual like Wimby in tennis. And as a rule, I would always like to see the Aussies lose
 but I am afraid it takes a brave man - at least as far as 'outsiders' go - and a somewhat foolish one to bet on an English win. No offence meant and none taken, I hope. |
Man Erg wrote:Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 05:48
No offence taken
Call me a fool but I bet on England winning in 2005 and I will be again in 2009 against what I see as the worst Australian team to tour England in many a year.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 05:53
This is indeed the worst Australian team in a long time We said so when they came to India last year and they got thumped 2-0 and I am sure the 0 in the right column hurt Punter more than the 2 on the left, they couldn't beat India even once! But as I said in the earlier post, all the transition may just have unsettled what could have been a good winning combination for England. I'll be too glad to eat my words if England win, anytime Australia loses is a great ocassion.
Has nothing to do with the Monkeygate controversy - and I for one think Harby was guilty as hell! - but we've all grown sick and tired of Aus winning all the time. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 17:35
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Before the the first Test in Cardiff I will put up my prediction on the outcome of the series of 5 tests........win,draw,loss,washout or even a tied one. anyway I will see how much of an expert I am by the end of the series Maybe we should all put up our predictions and guaranteed a good laugh because in all honesty I am not confident and I believe our bowling attack is not the same. If not for Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke who seem to me to be the only consistent batsmen in the team presently and don't forget Haddin is really the Wicketkeeper..
This is Englands best chance they have had in a long time.
Back with my series outcome prediction before July the 8th and the start of the first test. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 17:39
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but we've all grown sick and tired of Aus winning all the time. You are not the only one,I really want a close series. I agree it has made cricket boring even for me.
------------- Matt |
Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: June 28 2009 at 20:29
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My prediction is that the 2005 scoreline will be reversed in favour of Aus...let's see if the results approach anything close to these figures eventually.
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Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 04 2009 at 17:22
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Here we go with my Test Series prediction.
I honestly believe England will win the series but it will be close.
2 wins to England
1 win for us unfortunately
2 draws (Bloody weather and bad light)
We shall see after the series how far out I am
My reason is the Aust bowling attack is not the same and our batting has been so so. Maybe the team might make a return to top form but I doubt it. Confident I am not !
I am hoping for a close series like everyone and the last thing I want to see is a whitewash. When test cricket becomes that uneven it becomes as boring as all hell and even if it is Australia doing the whitewashing I would rather turn it off and play music.
So lets hope at the last test at Brit Oval on the last day in the last hour Aust has 1 wicket in hand and 25 runs to get to win the the 2nd test and for the first time in their lives the English supporters and the Australian supporters ars together in praying that bloody light meter does not come out of that umpire's pocket
and the series outcome is in the dark(pardon the pun)Matt ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 08 2009 at 15:04
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Well England is in a good position. Three more wickets in hand with 336 runs on the board. If you can get the last of the batsmen to hang around for a while and get the score around 400 you will have us ( Aust) in a fairly tight spot as we will have the pressure on us to make the runs. A couple of quick wickets by England and our batting could get shakey.
Three scores over 50 by Pietersen, Collingwood and Prior has definately helped. Collingwood is a really good batsman. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 03:32
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Fairly evens I would say after the first day.
Five wickets down and I think we could have pushed for 450 + but could easily be all out for 350 now.
I see the Australian press and players from the past have already started to lay into KP. Thanks!!!
 Thats another century he'll score this series due to pissing him off!
The Windies tried that and paid for it handsomely.
I can see Hauritz going for some nought for 100 pluses by the end of the series too.
I couldn't quite work this quote out from Nielsen "I thought it was a pretty even day until a couple of late wickets got us back into the game"
(btw am I allowed to make a joke out of barn-mouth Mcgrath when his prediction dies again?)  ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 03:37
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Both not the Teams they were......................a bit like the Blue Square Conference league
India are the world cricketers of the moment, this is more like a rugby tri-nations affair. Hope you enjot the tournament though, would like to see England romp home............... ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 04:08
Agree about Hauritz myself. I have not read any negative press on Pietersen here but only really looking at the Aust cricket site and thats only for scores and stats. Anyway todays( late evening here) should give a good indication of how the match will be
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 04:09
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 05:29
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^ Haha......well now the Aussies v the Kiwis would be another story ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 12:28
| Well done England but Australia are on the rampage, Ponting is in good nick, not good news for England surely. Maybe neither team may be able to force a result, but Australia will push hard. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 09 2009 at 16:49
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Well done Ponting and Katich. Looks like we will avoid a follow on. You should all know Ponting will be hoping to amass a 500 plus score because the Australians will not want to be chasing runs on on a crumbling pitch in the last innings.
It is up to Englang to restrict this and still try and knock us over for 400 or less. It is possible as you should all know. If Strauss puts the pressure on early and gets Katich and Ponting off you can still win this test. If he doesn't one of them could go on to a double century and if that happens it will be all over red rover for England and you will be lucky to escape with a draw. Anyway I heard they are predicting rain on Saturday and if it rains most of the day a draw will be the most likely result.
So another interesting day to come and lets hope it stays competitive. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 10 2009 at 16:34
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Rain and Bad Light, is the only reason we did not make 500. Well done Clarkey and North (still in). Things are looking grim for England.
If and when play gets underway today,Strauss needs to take an aggresive approach as the pitch should have moisture and the bounce will be getting iffy. He needs to put Freddy in first and send the bloody ball down at our throats. Anderson at the other end and every fielder needs to be right on their toes.
What was he doing bowling Collingwood when he did. I sometimes wonder. He is only new at the captaincy. A win is unlikely now but the draw is still there to grab. Remember in 2005 England lost the 1st test and won the series but all the same the team that wins the first one is usually in a better position throughout the series.
Anyway if it rains there is always the Tour de France. Also Cadel Evans the Aussie cyclist (2nd last year ) is not doing that flash this year and if he manages to win from his current position it will be a better comeback than Lazarus. So there ya go------------- Matt |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 13:30
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Woo Monty Monty, Monty Monty Monty Monty Panesar!
Your not singing anymore !
Gawd we were lucky - Exciting stuff I had to change my shorts! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 14:50
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1st Test short summary.
Thoroughly outplayed by Australia, kudos to them. I've never seen them so up for it.
Almost a replay of 2005 but in reverse this time.
England have to go away and rethink their strategy and tactics, big time.
I feared for us when we decided to go with 2 spinners and we are lucky to be given another chance.
At least this time we can get things right without being one down.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 16:49
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An MBE or an OBE is not good enough for Paul Collingwood only a knigthood would suffice after that effort. Sir Paul Collingwood has a nice ring. The queen should have been there straight after the end of play to present it. He deserves it.
We had you on toast and he showed grit,determination and as I said before he is your best batsman,love his, I ain't givin' up attitude.James and Monty an OBE for them. Maybe Monty can open next test,can't do any worse than Cook.
Now for the next one at Lords.
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 17:31
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^ Typical poms Draw a match and they think they have won the World Cup!!
Jokes aside................GREAT RESULT  ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 17:43
I think Matt T is an Aussie. Only going by his address and quote 'we had you on toast'.
At least we know it's not the world cup anyway!
Not long now till next test
------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: July 12 2009 at 20:41
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I had begun to chant, "Ashes Are Burning The Way" at tea but England got away. That's Test cricket for you, one session is all it takes to avoid or reverse the result. Kudos to England for pushing the Aussies hard and making them fight for the wickets in the last session. The Ashes are away in right earnest!
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 04:12
Oh Lord it's Lords. We're more than slightly singed around the edges and we've not won a test against the Aussies there since... 1934
We really got away with it at Cardiff and fair play to Australia - I missed Saturday's play altogether and Sunday's paper didn't make good reading: diddly-squat-2 and all of Sunday to hang on. But we did, so bring it on. Just heard on the TV this am that Flintoff is in injury trouble again and Harmison and Onions have been drafted in.
PS Matthew, I thought your middle order was supposed to be weak? Weak  ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 15:44
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As promised a message to barn-door McGrath and his prediction for a 5-0 series win for the Roo's.
http://www.sherv.net/double.finger-emoticon-58.html">
 Just in case you missed that.......
 (no offence intended Matt)------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 17:11
After Collingwoods effort, that should give England confidence and to be honest bringing Harmison back is a good move as well. I have never seen Onions before so I can not comment.
Also Hauritz has had a little cosmetic surgery and now looks like this
 ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 17:41
Fair enough he made the prediction------------- Matt |
Posted By: Any Colour You Like
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 19:50
I don't know whether Hauritz would be pleased or destitute to be honest  Looking forward to the next test, Harmison looks to be in decent form, England just need more staying power in the top 4. Should be a good contest, Lord's will have something in it for the seamers. |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: July 14 2009 at 20:34
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Frankly, if you don't know how to bowl to tail-enders and/or bowl the right bowlers to them , you don't deserve to win tests or the series.
This thread is sooooo polite it's almost sickening but I won't be the one to bring it down . All I'll say on the dreaded contoversial aspect of it is as follows : 1. The time wasting was blatant, not only in the dying throws of the test, but the day before when the Aussies were batting and the rain was on it's way . The regular bowling changes which then allowed meticulous and involved changes in field placements was deplorable . 2. It was all so blatant that Ponting could have said nothing, retain some dignity and let others raise the debate e.g. Nasser Hussain 3. His raising it was as facile as Strauss and others attempting to explain away the inexplicable. We all saw it Straussy . As Kevin R would say ' Fair shake of the sauce bottle'. 4. The umpires need to grow some balls and take control of time wasting and other on-field incidents firmly and decisively. Doctrove is embarassingly innocuous and indecisive and our old mate Aleem is marginally better. 5. The Aussies only have themselves to blame for letting England off the hook and it may prove very costly . The Aussies are not going to have 4 centurions in every test innings and some of the English batsmen will convert their good starts into big innings - no doubt. As it is , jibing and banter about such things can only serve to spice up the series and it has. Bring on Lords and may the better team win, so long as they can bowl out the tail. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 15 2009 at 03:54
That's not fair - that's one spectre from the recent past guaranteed to put the shazers right up us - just ask Mike Gatting!
I'd respond with images of Jardine & Larwood if I could be assed ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 16 2009 at 16:52
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Bloody good match so far,something for all of us. I will admit the first 4 hours were not good for me but I bet you all enjoyed it Strauss is still not out and England has broken the old record set in 1326, ooh sorry I meant 1926,
Also the bloke in the picture above..........we miss ya ------------- Matt |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 16 2009 at 17:02
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At work today so I've seen no play, just heard bits of radio commentary. I'll settle for that at the end of the day and I guess Australia will too. As Haddin's quoted on the BBC as saying: "Tomorrow's first session will be huge" Not dissimilar to end of Day One in the First Test - and very much all to play for ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: July 16 2009 at 21:14
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Twas a good toss to win at Lords. Aussies bowled poorly and some errors in the field . Give a team a chance and they'll make you pay . England has done just that .
Can Australia bat as well in their first innings as they did at Cardiff. I have my doubts. Lets see what happens on day 2 with the Aussies bowling at the England tail. They'd want to do better than they did against the top order. It's gripping stuff. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 17 2009 at 12:22
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Good God!! What's happening?
I daren't say anything!!
 ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 17 2009 at 12:30
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2 wickets on the dreaded half-nelson (111).Cricket superstitions. Who belives in those eh? -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 17 2009 at 12:42
What a face!!! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 17 2009 at 16:34
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Looks like we have hit a bloody big pothole on the road to glory or you could also say we are up sh*t creek without a paddle I really can't see us avoiding the Follow on and the question now is whether Strauss will make us and take the risk that we could make a big score. Also with rain predicted it would rob you of a win as it could fizzle out to a draw. If he takes the other option and gets England to bat again and try and get another 300 runs he would have a strangle hold on the match and then make us chase it.
Anyway we have our backs to the wall and the indignity of losing at Lords. Even my wife said Oh no and she is not a cricket fan
I like games like this  . One other comment Ponting was out anyway LBW so you won't hear me moaniin" and also dodgy calls are part of cricket. Imagine how boring and sterile it will become if we use cameras for all decisions. All in all the umpires a do a good job and normally these things seem to balance out at the end of the series with contentious umpiring decisions.------------- Matt |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 05:03
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(long way to go in this test yet though) ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: Any Colour You Like
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 05:15
Haha, brilliance |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 12:39
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Interesting chat during the radio commentry today.
Angus Frazer was at a meeting somewhere recently when someone offered the proposition that leg-byes should no longer count as runs against the bowling side and should be taken out of the game all together. My thought on this is to keep leg-byes in test cricket but in the shorter form of the game,take them away.... -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 15:43
Anyway the game, Strauss has done the right approach to this and if we even draw it now it will be a miracle. Has Prior been getting coaching of Gilchrist
. My fav batsman on your side Mr Paul Collingwood has made a another good contribution. You have us on Toast. Well the boot is on the other foot for this series now and the team is not the same. The knives are begining to appear with the press here concerning Ponting's Captaincy already. The comment is normally..." if we lose this series it will be 3 out of the last 4" etc. It is a shame I know that you all would like nothing better to see him given the bums rush but credit where credit is due he is an amazing batsman and a wonderful cricketer but any captain could have won test series with Glen McGrath and Shane Warne in your attack.
I am still optimistic though for the series. After this hiding we will need to regroup and knuckledown to some tough Test cricket ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 15:55
Oh I nearly forgot, it is the Lords Test we are about to lose ------------- Matt |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 16:17
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By "we" do you mean England? England haven't won a test match at Lord's since 1934. I predict a draw (due mostly to rain delays and an Aussie fightback). -------------   
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Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 16:26
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I know, that is why it hurts for us Aussies ------------- Matt |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 16:30
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It hurts to be successful? I expect Strauss to declare first thing... perhaps even before the game restarts. He could in theory let them come back on for 30 minutes (so Flintoff can get a 50!) but I doubt it. Then we have what... two days to bowl you guys out? -------------
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Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 16:55
) Our bowlers really need to try and get some swing like Anderson has been getting which would make a difference. It was the swing bowling that seemed to rattle the batting in the team in 2005 as well.
Anyway I am pessimistic and good on England for making this interesting. As you might suspect for me this is the Holy Grail of cricket when you play the Ashes ------------- Matt |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: July 18 2009 at 17:39
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Well no, hence why I said it could be a draw. I still think we will win if the rain holds up. -------------
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Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 19 2009 at 07:47
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Ponting's GONE!!!!!
Well done Broad! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 19 2009 at 16:47
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A glimmer of hope, could it rain, maybe bad light or Freddy could breakdown with that dicky knee and last but not least maybe the batsman can do it. Clarke and Haddin but it will be a real Harry Houdini if we still get out of this.. Anyway good job so far by those 2.
I will be away for the next few days. My wife and I are having our yearly holiday together with NO KIDS even though the youngest is 19 and where we are off too there ain't no internet.
So I am not runnin' if or more likely when we lose. I am just on holiday down the coast which I love in Winter. Nobody hardly there and the sound of the ocean and the birds.
See ya at the next one where I am hoping our dignity can be restored ------------- Matt |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: July 19 2009 at 20:28
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There's still a glimmer of hope.
I'm not going to say much about the umpiring because all teams have to put up with poor decisions - it's a part of the game, despite the advancements in technology which are designed to help. This innings the Aussies have copped their fair share of bad luck with these decisions . The failure to call the Flintoff ' no ball' to Katich, the failure of the umps to refer the Hughes edge despite the on-field conjecture about it and Hussey missing the Swann ball into the footmarks, not by the width of a cigarette paper but more like the width of a packet of Rizzlas or Tally Hos. Even just one of those unfortunate batsmen up our sleave would have made it very interesting . Just one breakthrough now on the 5th day is all England will need . I knew they'd make us pay ! ! ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 07:32
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Huzzah!!!
A Freddie Five for... England 1-0 up in the series. Bad luck Australia. You put up a very good show but it just wasn't to be. Here's looking forward to the third test. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 08:53
I would look forward to the third test but I don't have Sky and Radio 5 is just bad... 
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Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 10:53
I'll make sure to let you know how England get on,James. I was listening to Blowers et al this weekend.Much hilarity.Especially when Michael Atherton came into the commentary box and stole Blowers and 'Gus Frazer's pork pie.Some of Tuffers' anecdotes were quite humerous too. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: chopper
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 10:56
| I'd like to know what Glenn McGrath has changed his prediction of 5-0 to the Aussies to now!!! 3-1? |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 11:09
'I'm not going to say much about the umpiring' but bla bla bla bla, bla bla bla, bla bla bla bla ..........bla bla bla bla bla......bla bla bla..........bla bla .....bla bla bla............'
Glimmer has now gone out! Hip hip hooray! ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 11:11
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We can't be too hard on him, this afternoon he had a little cry.
Aww bless him!
 Couldn't have happened to a nicer bloke!!!  ------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 18:11
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^
Yeah, perhaps he'll revert to catching "fingers down" like the rest of us now. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: July 20 2009 at 21:36
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I have at least been trying to be gracious so far in my posts on this thread but after the last couple above I may have to reconsider.
But ignoring those last 2 or 3 posts, well done to the English team . The undisciplined batting display by the Aussies in their first innings, coupled with Freddy's hostile and exceptional bowling in our second innings and some more than useful spin bowling at the end by Swann has proved to be the difference . It'll be a hard road back from here. ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 21 2009 at 02:17
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^
No offence meant - I just knew that fielding style had to catch RP out at some point. Let us Anglos laugh while we can - there's a long way to go and we know it!
Sure makes the series more interesting though - if that doesn't fire up Australia nothing will. The last thing we wanted was to face a wounded kangaroo for three more tests
Horrible pun. Originally unintentional. Honest. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 21 2009 at 05:05
Someones a bit tetchy this morning!
Theres no bad feeling in this thread sir, just some jolly banter. (I think you call it sledging!!
)If someone like "barn-door" Mcgrath decides to stick out his arrogant, pompous head and makes his typical 5-0 prediction then he should be prepared for plenty of stick when (as usual) it rebounds badly on him!!! ...and thats exactly what he got!
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
|
Posted By: progmetalhead
Date Posted: July 21 2009 at 05:06
*whispers*
(Martin, thats Mcgrath not RP)
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112" rel="nofollow - http://www.last.fm/user/colt2112 Colt - Admin Team MMA
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Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 21 2009 at 05:49
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^
Sorry mate I didn't look properly - he's a lot taller than RP so I have should have clocked him on that alone. I just presumed it was Ponting, if you know what i mean ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: July 21 2009 at 19:25
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I didn't think it looked like RP and worked out that it was in fact He who leads with his chin. I was prepared to let that one go through to the keeper , as it were .
RP is not the most revered of captains here in Aus and after his arguably unnecessary whinge about the perceived time wasting in the first test I thought he showed some uncharacteristic restraint and handled the situations that the Aussies had to respond to quite well , at least without running off at the mouth. We Aussies can whinge all we like, the fact is England deserved it's win . Keep the banter coming, we've got ' broad' shoulders . ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 17:53
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Back from the coast or the Rain forest ( which is where we spent most of our ti\me). Sorry to hear about KP. Anyway you never know his replacement , Bell they are saying could turn out to be the man of the match. With his past record and average at International cricket I would say this could be his last chance. That should give him a good reason to perform. Also I believe Edgbaston is his home ground.
With much consternation I say this
 Congratulations on winning at Lords 70 something years its beenGood Series so far ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 18:04
I would have chosen Robert Key as KP's replacement.Then again, I am biased being a Kent C.C.C. supporter. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 18:20
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 18:44
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Actually, I'd drop Bopara and include Key (3) and maybe include Bell (4). I must admit I am not Ian Bell's greatest fan.
Robert Key is also a useful leg-spinner. Key's test average is 33.1 and Bells is something like 31. Key has played fewer tests than Bell. Key's highest test score is 221 against the West Indies.Bell's is @ 75 against Australia. Key captains his county side. I think that you are right about the (Australian) bowling options.Seamers are your (Australia's) best choice of attack (taking in the weather conditions* ) especially if and when Brett Lee is fit.He is going to make a hell of a difference. * Trent Bridge pitch sounds horrendous. There has been so much rain that the head groundsman dosen't seem to thinl that the wicket will be firm enough within the next week! 'It feels like jelly' Trent Bridge head groundsman's quote to the press. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 19:00
I sometimes wonder with Selection myself. We all moan here in the other states that New South Wales Players seem to be selcted more often than other states players in the team. Maybe they think with his past experience against Aust that might have got him in. I can't understand why Stuart Clarke is not bowling in our team. To be honest I would prefer him to Brett Lee who I think has been a bit on the woe full side lately. Lost the sting but I could eat my words you never know
Bopara has not done much apart from use his throat to stop the ball (Ouch) but this may be his test. He does need to do something worthwhile with the bat ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 19:22
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'Rushing' Brett Lee back into the squad could be a make or break decision for his career.Australia may just have to do without.
Congratulations to Justin Langer passing Don Bradman's record.  -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 24 2009 at 19:48
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I hope we win this one and then the series will be red hot. I'd say Ponting is really hoping. If he loses the series as captain he could be on very shakey ground. Lets hope it is another struggle. They are the best tests. Wouldn't mind having Justin Langer back. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 02:47
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Its on again and I am desperate for a win Well I just heard that Hughes will be dropped and Watson is the replacement. Mitchell Johnson has me edgy and where is Stuart Clarke he should be in the team. I still say Johnson should have another go but as the test draws near
Anyway this is the Ashes the most important cricket series with you old dodgers..............all the best and lets hope for another good game ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 03:09
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I predict.............................weather will be England's blessing ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 03:27
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Chris S
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 03:29
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^ Your captain seems all out of luck at the moment. Should be a cracker of a game if the weather holds out. ------------- ...As I venture through the slipstream, between the viaducts in your dreams...[/COLOR] |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 16:45
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126-1 and a good forecast for tomorrow. Glad we got the wicket we did, to be honest. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 16:47
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What a shock it has been raining in England Good to see good sportsmanship from Strauss eg..........
Under ICC rules, the opposition captain must agree to any change to the declared sides. Had Strauss not agreed to Australia's request, the tourists would have had no choice but to play an injured Haddin or deputise him with a part-time gloveman. Strauss' decision will silence critics who questioned his sportsmanship in the opening two Tests. So we have a new wicketkeeper on debut Graham Manou.
Pretty good start to the game but not much else really to say with only 30 overs played. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 30 2009 at 17:07
------------- Matt |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: July 31 2009 at 14:11
All change : Onions got it in the bag!
Still all to play for mind ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: July 31 2009 at 16:01
A friend of mine could not have said it better last night " Whats goin' on in the cricket we are gettin' thrashed" Anyway we have a replacement team on the way over for the next test. These blokes have been around a while and they are most likely our only hope.
 ------------- Matt |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: August 01 2009 at 12:31
Hopefully they remember to bring wellies!
 ------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 17:02
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Talk about being put under the pump and that is the position Aust finds itself in. Can we do it? Optimism is a wonderful thing,you never know. What is the weather like not clearing I hope. Hang on a few years ago England was in a similar position so you know how I feel
A fiery day was had by all out there but we still have a chance. A lot rests with Michael Clarke when he bats if you get him out early you can all start looking at that old urn at Lords as yours because with only 2 tests left in the series which we would have to win to retain it, is very unlikely. There is no better day for a return to form for Michael Hussey. One other thing you may have noticed Haddin is not batting and now we have Manou who is on debut but you never know( Optimistic).
Anyway a lot more rests on todays play than just the test in my opinion. We are looking right at the series and losing that urn.
What happens,happens so here is to the coming days play
In all honesty I hope it does not rain if we need to rely on that,what can you say------------- Matt |
Posted By: akamaisondufromage
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 17:16
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Matthew. You will be glad to hear that the weather forcast is good for tomorrow. ie no rain.
A draw looks most probable though. Depends if the ball swings or not.
------------- Help me I'm falling! |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 02 2009 at 17:49
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 03 2009 at 19:19
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Whew that was close, Great test. ,Onya Clarkey Strauss can only blame himself,he dropped him but these things happen thankfully from my side of the fence. On to the next one at Headingley ------------- Matt |
Posted By: el dingo
Date Posted: August 04 2009 at 05:59
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^
Yeah. anyone just looking at the scorecards wouldn't have realised how close it could have been to a win from our point of view. As you say, on to the next and still all play for. ------------- It's not that I can't find worth in anything, it's just that I can't find worth in enough. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 01:19
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Now you know why I have been distressed about Stuart Clarke's absence from the team.Line and length and aimed at off stump. Mitchell needs a little practice yet and even though he has not had a good tour,I still believe with a little more consistency he could be lethal and he is only new at the game.
No Freddy,no KP but do not give up yet. This test is still open and we still have to bat last. You have to admit a batting collapse makes riveting viewing. We had one last test ------------- Matt |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 02:02
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I think that Australia have this one...Even after just one days play.The weather looks set fair for the weekend.I just hope that this isn't a 3 day test match.
If the result does go Australia's way, it makes it all the more entertaining* for the final test at The Oval. *Nail-biting. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 02:19
It will be great if we win this one for that reason alone. You will have Freddy back as well in the next.------------- Matt |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 02:23
...and if Brett Lee is included,probably at the expense of Johnson,we could be in for a classic. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 02:34
------------- Matt |
Posted By: Matthew T
Date Posted: August 08 2009 at 18:39
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Things are not looking good for England this test. For a number 3 batsman Bopara has been woeful and to be honest I would get David Gower down from the commentary box and put him in pads and give him a bat.He will most likely need a runner (make up a bad back story) but surely he could do better.
The Oval is almost on fire now for the next one.Freddy will play for sure even if his knee is broken. I am sure he will be out there really having a go and giving us grief.
Well done to North and Johnson ( knew he would come good) and the inclusion of Stuart Clarke has been a real catalyst for the team. Still baffled why he has not been in the team all along. ------------- Matt |
Posted By: mrgd
Date Posted: August 10 2009 at 21:17
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So the Aussies showed some composure with bat and ball at Leeds. Marcus North has technique and experience . Well done to those selectors - this extends to finally picking Stuart Clark who would have played in all tests if I were a selector.
But again, on the final day, our bowlers became frutrated and failed to execute the bowling game plan, allowing Broad and Swann to dictate the terms. Well done to them . The brittleness of our bowlers under that kind of pressure, even when the win was inevitable , is cause for concern. Now there's in an issue in the English dressing rooms as to whether Freddie should have played at Leeds . From an emotional point of view, he should have . It would have been a fitting farewell for any Yorkshireman and apparently one he desperately wanted . It now is out that he was none to happy and still isn't. So, should you risk playing an all-rounder carrying an injury that could compromise both his effectiveness with bat and ball and , at worst, could see him aggravate the injury and do neither . Conservative and wise heads, said NO. Now it seems he'll be right for the Oval . How bad is the rift between F and his Captain and selectors or is it again just being beat up by the media. Surely it's a further distraction England does not need . The reality is that there are selection problems for both sides. What will prove to be the best combination for the the Kennington conditions on both sides / Should Freddie play / how many spinners should be picked /Who goes out for Hauritz / should England pick a new No. 3 for such a vital game etc.etc. From an England point of view, they have to be bold and take risks . After all, they must win this test where the Aussies have the benefit of one of 2 outcomes in order to prosper. It's no time for consevatism in the English camp imo. Bring it on . ------------- Looking still the same after all these years... mrgd |
Posted By: valravennz
Date Posted: August 10 2009 at 21:27
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Normally I am not one to cheer the Aussies on (traditional fierce sporting competition between our two countries - ) However in this instance - its GO OZ GO!! Good luck in the final test match!! ------------- 
"Music is the Wine that fills the cup of Silence" - Robert Fripp |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: August 11 2009 at 02:22
First of all,Well done Australia.You really put us to the sword and, dare I say it, not before time. I have been shouting from the rooftops for Robert Key to be selected to bat at 3 or 4 for the last two or more years.He has a good record against Australia,even on tour.He is a very solid and reliable batsman and an excellent fielder and can be called upon to bowl some neat spin and tidy if needed. I think that Bopara and Bell have had their chance(s) and now have to make way. The rumour is that Mark Ramprakash is now an option. He has been playing well for his county but will he and Robert Key, if selected,be able to transfer their current excellent form to the international test stage? There is only one way to find out. I noticed in the newspapers that certain Australian 'pundits' are saying that England should hold firm and keep the current squad.Well, they would say that wouldn't they? I agree that Flintoff should have been rested for Headingley and to hopefully allow him to recuperate.The media could kill off any confidence in the England team if they carry on in the way that they are doing. One man does not a team make...even Freddie.It's Botham mania all over again. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |