The Cricket Thread

[texta]

Disaster.

Only noteworthy thing is Hifly's bowling, which has been solid.

If only we had some bowler who was a proven wicket taker. Perhaps if they'd taken 12 wickets on debut or something...

[Gemerald]

Disaster.

Only noteworthy thing is Hifly's bowling, which has been solid.

If only we had some bowler who was a proven wicket taker. Perhaps if they'd taken 12 wickets on debut or something...

Credit to Hilfy for performing solidly unlike Hauritz who's I'm less than impressed about. Wasn't a great day for the Tasmanians, Ponting messed up in the field and lost his cool.

Also, regarding the first test, do you feel if we were in England's shoes, would we have acted the same. I felt we would've played for the draw but not wasted the same amount of time they did.

It was pretty sad really.

[JC Henderson]

That dropped catch from Ponting was not a good sign either of his current mental attitude. He looks a million miles away trying to find an answer to the mess his team is in.

[D.C.]

I think Hauritz has been really good thus far. Took the three top order wickets in the second innings despite having a dislocated finger. Not bad from apparently the 'weak link' in the bowling line-up.

Johnson on the other hand is cracking under pressure worst than Brett Lee. :(

[Gemerald]

I think Hauritz has been really good thus far. Took the three top order wickets in the second innings despite having a dislocated finger. Not bad from apparently the 'weak link' in the bowling line-up.

Johnson on the other hand is cracking under pressure worst than Brett Lee. :(

Regardless I'm not going to hold out a candle to him. I'm willing to cut Johnson slack for this game but he has to perform again soon. Better than Tait though. Tait had no ****ing radar. Check out my football thread too :)

That dropped catch from Ponting was not a good sign either of his current mental attitude. He looks a million miles away trying to find an answer to the mess his team is in.

+1

[grimace06]

Two awful decisions have left us 2 for 35 so far.

[JC Henderson]

CUrrently enjoying Ponting and Hussey batting. England is very sloppy like they are just expecting it to happen.

[D.C.]

About time for Hussey to actually stand up and do something in the middle. He doesn't have too many runs left in the bank to keep ****ing up.

[Spudzilla]

Holy shit, what is wrong with the umpires and the ICC? They didn't want to bring in the reappealing of decisons by players to the 3rd umpire for this series for some reason. God the ICC are spineless. If they weren't so stuck in the past then this test wouldn't have been marred with such atrocious decisions.

[grimace06]

*Prays for rain*

[Michaelangelo]

Today I sat at Lord's drinking beers and watched Pup score a tonne.

Frankly I don't care what happens for the rest of the series. Life is good.

[Jay]

That sounds awesome. The only thing more awesome than that would be Australia doing the impossible and winning this test match.

[D.C.]

This is starting to remind me of the improbable victory down at Tassie against Pak five years ago or so. Only 185 runs to go! We had all the momentum at the close of play, it's actually a pity the day came to an early end. If we clam up and try to save the game, we're destined to lose.

[Spudzilla]

Actually, it's the partnership that's 185 runs, Australia still need 209 runs to win.

If Clarke or Haddin go out I won't accept anything less than 100 runs from MJ

[Jay]

Considering the awful umpiring yesterday we have done a remarkable job. Now to bring it home. :)

[texta]

I'll definitely be staying up for this. I just want to see English people cry so much.

[Ad-Rock]

My thoughts on the Ashes so far...

Umpiring is disgraceful. Absolutely disgraceful.

Hauritz is still shit, Stuart Clark should be playing instead.

Australia is the better of the two teams.

Australia to win the series 2-1.

[Super Sleuth]

FUUUUUU***********************! Clarke's play and miss may just be what breaks the camels back.

C'mon Johnson and Hauritz.

[Super Sleuth]

F*** off Hauritz. That was terrible.

And Flintoff, put your arms down you **********.

[D.C.]

I really thought we might have had a chance going into the day. Shame.

[JC Henderson]

Hauritz dismismal was understandable. Clarkes was not. It was a full toss that he just played around. It made him look like a tail ender which goes to show what pressure can do.

[Super Sleuth]

Flintoff has been, and continues to get good swing into the right handers. Hauritz should have been completely awake to that.

[grimace06]

1-0 to England. Man of the Match - Rudy Keurtzen

Hardest part was hearing Nassar Hussain and co. wagging their dicks arounds in the commentary box.

[texta]

Sigh. Not a good result. Still Flintoff's only 5 wicket haul at Lords has two that clearly weren't out. I hope that takes the shine off.

Meanwhile, England just can't get Hilfy out.

[Michaelangelo]

Hate life. I'm coming back to Sydney, I don't live with 3 poms there.

[Spudzilla]

I hope that Keurtzen suffers some sort of repercussion for his terrible umpiring decisions but knowing the ICC they won't do anything about it.

Hate life. I'm coming back to Sydney, I don't live with 3 poms there.

I've noticed that the poms are very quick to forget any defeat they suffer. It's like the 06/07 series never existed to them but you will always hear them going on and on about the 05 series.

[Michaelangelo]

I've noticed that the poms are very quick to forget any defeat they suffer. It's like the 06/07 series never existed to them but you will always hear them going on and on about the 05 series.


It's ridiculous. Every single lunch/tea break there's a special feature on 2005.

[Spudzilla]

Well, it's not like they have anything else to hang their hats on in recent memory.

[immol8]

To be fair, it was the best series in recent memory, and any other is probably going to be compared to it for a while. But yeah, smug Poms are the worst. I kept the TV on just long enough to get an eyeful of crooked, yellow, British smiles.

[D.C.]

I hope that Keurtzen suffers some sort of repercussion for his terrible umpiring decisions but knowing the ICC they won't do anything about it.
Imagine if he pulled that shit against India. The guy would have been sentenced to a public stoning.

[Beep]

Australia largely didn't play this game that badly. The tour game will give us a better idea, but if Lee isn't fit, McDonald in for Johnson. Our bowlers have been able to get wickets, but they've let England get too many runs too quickly and McDonald can go a long way towards fixing that.

[Jay]

There is no way in hell they'll drop Johnson. Nor should they. Siddle, however, might be in trouble.

[Beep]

Have you even watched this series? Johnson has been terrible. He bowls one hundred average to horrible deliveries and then one good one for a wicket. Siddle has done well.

[Jay]

Yes, actually, I have watched the series. Thanks for asking.

And I agree, he has bowled at least three ****ing awful spells, one of which potentially cost us the Lord's test. But I reckon his performances over the last 18 months have earned him at least another test (I actually think he deserves as many as he ****ing wants). And his batting is awesome.

[D.C.]

Have you even watched this series? Johnson has been terrible. He bowls one hundred average to horrible deliveries and then one good one for a wicket. Siddle has done well.
So you want to take out our front-line quick (he's easily been our best bowler over the last few years) for a part-timer who is lucky to take a wicket? As bad as Johnson has been in this campaign thus far, you can't replace him with a guy who is never going to trouble the top-order for more than a couple of balls in succession.

[Beep]

I'm not saying banish Johnson. He is our best bowler, but he isn't doing well. Giving him the next couple of weeks off might just help him, rather than having him hammer himself into a nervous wreck. Also, don't we wanna win? Our bowling attack has leaked runs these past two tests. McDonald did an excellent job in South Africa and he took wickets. Also, he is very well suited to the English conditions and calling him a part-timer is a grave misjudgement.

[Jay]

I would love to see McDonald get a run, but not at the expense of Johnson.

[Jay]

BTW, what do we think of this?

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/415113.html

There is no way Ponting shouldn't be in that side. That's a ****ing disgrace.

[grimace06]

BTW, what do we think of this?

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/415113.html

There is no way Ponting shouldn't be in that side. That's a ****ing disgrace.

Ponting > Chappell

[D.C.]

McDonald did an excellent job in South Africa and he took wickets. Also, he is very well suited to the English conditions and calling him a part-timer is a grave misjudgement.
I thought he was just okay in the SA series, and certainly didn't perform any better than Haurtiz has thus far in this Ashes series with the ball. Maybe calling him a part-time bowler was a bit unfair, but he hasn't prove himself at all on the national level to be a genuine all-rounder (bunny with the bat, marginal with the ball).

That Ponting omission is definitely ridiculous too. He's been ripped to shreds consistently in the media since taking over the captaincy, and while people may not be fans of his decision-making all the time (personally I think he's been a better leader than Steve Waugh), his batting record has been impeccable throughout his career. To keep posting up big scores at the most important position in the batting order, when the team is going through arguably one of its biggest periods of transition - it's been taken for granted.

[grimace06]

I thought he was just okay in the SA series, and certainly didn't perform any better than Haurtiz has thus far in this Ashes series with the ball. Maybe calling him a part-time bowler was a bit unfair, but he hasn't prove himself at all on the national level to be a genuine all-rounder (bunny with the bat, marginal with the ball).

That Ponting omission is definitely ridiculous too. He's been wrapped to shreds consistently in the media since taking over the captaincy, and while people may not be fans of his decision-making all the time (personally I think he's been a better leader than Steve Waugh), his batting record has been impeccable throughout his career. To keep posting up big scores at the most important position in the batting order, when the team is going through arguably one of its biggest periods of transition - it's been taken for granted.

Ponting's been our best captain since Allan Border.

Up there with Sachin and Lara as a batsman too.

[Gemerald]

Hughes needs to adjust to the short ball but this doesn't take anything from the extremely disgraceful decisions made against Australia. I think the ICC should release a statement confirming that some key decisions made went against us. It's so hard when you have momentum against you.

I still dislike Hauritz.

[Ad-Rock]

They should bring in Stuart Clark for Hauritz, and Brett Lee for Siddle. Johnson has been woeful but his form against South Africa with bat and ball should secure his position for at least two more tests.



Then they should tie Hauritz up in a sack with bricks and chuck him into the Thames.

[texta]

Hauritz wasn't all that bad. Though they should really bring back Krezja since he's the only one who we know can actually take a bag.

Seriously though, I think if Brett Lee doesn't come back and also actually bowl well then we're in trouble.

[D.C.]

It'll be interesting to see who they drop if either Lee/Clark do come back into the side for the third test. Johnson has certainly been the most pathetic of the bowlers, but it would be a massive gamble to take out our proven weapon for the last eighteen months for an older guy who hasn't player at the same level for at least a year.

I think Haurtiz has to stay because the pitches thus far have proven you need at least one spinner in there, but Hilfenhaus and Siddle have both been reasonably good too. The former because he actually gets a bit of swing, the latter because he's the only bowler in the team that never gives up and gives it 100% every delivery.

[[m]averick]

****ing hell, Brett Lee averages over forty in England and leaks runs like a sieve. At 32 and bowling 140km/h he is a liability and I wish I could nep anyone (on Hyper and IRL) who mentions him as a possible replacement. He is done at test level. Specialist one day bowler (where he is a genuine threat). He had one good year as a spearhead. That's it. Our bowling line-up knocked over the number one test team at their home ground, there's no reason why they cant do it against England. Johnson just needs to get his arm up nice and straight. He's bowling round-arm. Surely our bowling coaches can see that? Siddle and Hilf need to take the new ball. Johnson wastes it with his scrambled seam.

Only possible replacement is Stuart Clark because our problem has been bowling in partnerships and tying down one end. For instance, Hilfy hasnt got the support he's needed in order to really press hard on the English. No point bowling beautifully at one end if the pressure is released by Johnson and Siddle throwing up one four ball an over. The reason Warne and McGrath were so effective was due to their partnership. Bringing the Pie Man Lee in is a horrid decision.

[Gemerald]

Hauritz wasn't all that bad. Though they should really bring back Krezja since he's the only one who we know can actually take a bag.

Seriously though, I think if Brett Lee doesn't come back and also actually bowl well then we're in trouble.

In the end I don't feel his place should be set in stone (comparing to others). I don't have faith in his ability to assist in winning a match. Having said that, I know he can spin the ball.

[Ad-Rock]

averick;1094362']****ing hell, Brett Lee averages over forty in England and leaks runs like a sieve. At 32 and bowling 140km/h he is a liability and I wish I could nep anyone (on Hyper and IRL) who mentions him as a possible replacement. He is done at test level. Specialist one day bowler (where he is a genuine threat). He had one good year as a spearhead. That's it. Our bowling line-up knocked over the number one test team at their home ground, there's no reason why they cant do it against England. Johnson just needs to get his arm up nice and straight. He's bowling round-arm. Surely our bowling coaches can see that? Siddle and Hilf need to take the new ball. Johnson wastes it with his scrambled seam.

I take it you didn't see him in the warm up match. 150+ all day. It looks like he is the fittest he has been in a long while.

[sausage]

Mental note: never ask Glen McGrath to pick a winner at anything... ever.

[D.C.]

Mental note: never ask Glen McGrath to pick a winner at anything... ever.
He was an expert when he tipped us to win basically everything when he was in the side. ;)

[JC Henderson]

I'm on the Lee hate bandwagon. I was of the theory that in that warm up game the English batsman were paid to get out to him to ensure he gets into the test team.

[[m]averick]

I take it you didn't see him in the warm up match. 150+ all day. It looks like he is the fittest he has been in a long while.



And? The faster he bowls, the quicker it reaches the boundary. I dont care if he took six wickets against an England 2nd XI. The fact of the matter is we are a far better line-up without Brett Lee.

Brett Lee in the team = loss against SA in Aus.
Brett Lee not in the team = win against SA in SA.

He leaks runs. Thats one thing the current line-up is doing a good enough job without his help.

[Ad-Rock]

averick;1094819']He leaks runs. Thats one thing the current line-up is doing a good enough job without his help.

Yet they have failed to take 20 wickets in two consecutive tests.

[[m]averick]

They took nineteen on a very unhelpful Cardiff wicket. Anyway, who do you think makes way for Lee then?

Do you not remember the tour of India? SA's tour of Australia? How often did we bowl either team out with SPEARHEAD leading the attack?

-- Cant be Hilfenhaus or Hauritz, they're leading the wickets with nine each.
-- Cant be Johnson, he's take eight wickets and is going to lead our attack for the next five to seven years. Also an extremely handy number eight.


So, Siddle? I dont think he's done enough to be dropped. He was showing some promise in the Lord's test. He bangs the ball into the pitch, gets height and bounce and hits the seam.

If you drop Siddle, you have Lee and Johnson. Two bowlers with relatively low arm actions, who skid the ball onto the batsmen. And, it's not like you gain that much. Siddle bowls at a good pace, a pace which seems quicker due to the bounce he gets off the pitch.

[Ad-Rock]

I reckon Hauritz has to be dropped. Out part time spinners are just as good. I have much hate for Hauritz. If they think they must have a "spinner" in the team then drop Siddle. I reckon he can be very good, but I don't really think we'll really miss him.

EDIT: as i said previously I think Hauritz and Siddle should make way for Clark and Lee. Clark provides much needed control.

EDIT 2: I have mixed feelings about Peterson being ruled out. I am happy because he can be very dangerous, but I am unhappy because so far he has provided us with 4 easy wickets.

[D.C.]

North is the big number being left out of the equation. I know he scored a hundred in the first test, but his 'spin' bowling has been awfully ineffective. I'd argue Clarke is more dangerous as a part-timer, but dropping North for another genuine bowler does leave our battling line-order extremely fragile.

[[m]averick]

If Watson can string together three to four months of competitive cricket ad prove, once and for all, that he can handle the rigours of bowling, then he will be the number six batsman who will be called on for ten-to-fifteen overs a day.

Was totally sold on Watson during the Indian tour. Great penetration, and got the ball reversing.

[Jay]

Pieterson is out for the rest of the series. Shame in some ways. Means we don't get to laugh at how he gets himself out. But it does save us from the inevitable 150 he would have made at some point.

[D.C.]

Also gives the UK media an excuse if the Poms drop the series. ;)

[Jay]

So the tour match has just started, with Watson getting a run. Hughes is already out - he made 10. Last check we were 1 for 43.

[Ad-Rock]

I feel sorry for Hughes, he is paying for the failure of the bowlers to take 20 wickets. It was only 4 test matches ago that Hughes made 100+ in both innings against RSA, whose fast bowling attack is far better than England's, yet they are saying he has a weakness against pace. He also averaged 143.5 in County cricket leading into the series.

I seriously can not believe that they didn't change the bowling line up. And putting Watson as an opener! To his credit he has batted very well last night, but domestically as an opener he was attrocious.

The selectors are a bunch of muppets.

EDIT: They replaced Hughes with a guy who averages 19 at test level and who made 28 runs in 6 innings as an opener for Queensland. What a ****ing joke.

/rant

[texta]

It seems like a pretty inspired choice from where I'm sitting. You can rant all you like about how much better Hughes looks on paper, but the proof is in the pudding and Watson has already scored more in half a day's play than Hughes was able to score in three innings.

There's obviously a lot more to selection then looking at how people were performing months or years ago and at this point in time it's very hard to argue that Watson wasn't the right pick.

[D.C.]

Hughes was a bit unlucky, but it's not like he's going straight to the cricketing abyss. He's only twenty, he'll improve his technique, and I'm sure he will be back in the side within a year. Watson totally deserved his shot, now let's just hope he can string more than a couple of games together without breaking down with injury.

Good start for us. Pounded the bowling, plus, we finally won the toss!

[jawsy]

Oh dear.

[grimace06]

We still cant pick a bloody swinging ball.

[D.C.]

Can we please drop Hussey ffs? I know most of the team were dismal today, but there's only so long he can keep chalking up mediocrity and pointing to three years ago.

[Michaelangelo]

One of my house mates works at Lord's and was talking to Stuart Clark at the last game. She asked if he'd be playing the next match and he said it would be unlikely because he's injured. I find it a bit odd that they haven't made it public if that's the case. Would ease some of the frustration that I and so many others are struggling with...

[[m]averick]

It seems like a pretty inspired choice from where I'm sitting.


Drop your opening batsman for an all-rounder to provide cover for your mediocre bowling attack?

The right decision wouldve been Hussey out for Watson, Watson at six and everyone shuffles up one spot.


Watson totally deserved his shot, now let's just hope he can string more than a couple of games together without breaking down with injury.


I'm a big wrap for Watson. But that's completely wrong. He didnt deserve 'his shot'. He gets the Andrew Symonds preferential treatment. He was great in India, showed that he has the potential to be great, but he just hasnt put numbers on the board, at international or domestic. I mean, opening for the Bulls, he made four ducks in a row.

If Watson falls over, then we're ****ed.

[Spudzilla]

Watch him impale himself on the stumps when we need him most.

[Ad-Rock]

Part of me is now hoping Australia gets humiliated in this test to force the selectors to pick a better team...

[[m]averick]

Sometimes I wonder if Andrew Hilditch's dog actually picks the team. Watson in for Hughes is absolutely bizarre. That move also sends the message that Watson is being picked primarily for his batting and not his bowling.


It should be the other way round. There's much better batters out there that can pinch in a few overs. Like the one we already have in the team, in Marcus North. What we need is a bowling allrounder who averages about 30-35 with the bat and under 35 with the ball. He could be better than Freddie (not saying too much, but the media love him). He has enough tools. He has the potential to be a great bowler who tips in 10-15 overs a day at 145km/h, but the selectors are worried his body cant stand up to it. I mean, seriously? What is going on with Hilditch and company? It's staggering.


It's too much pressure for a fifth-line bowler to have the responsibility of opening.


Part of me is now hoping Australia gets humiliated in this test to force the selectors to pick a better team...


It wont happen because Australia is obsessed with finding an all-rounder. All because of Freddie in '05. Well, Freddie has done **** all since then and done **** all for most of his career. Three Michelle's in 70 odd tests and hasnt scored a century since '05.

[Jay]

Michelle's? Ten fors?

[[m]averick]

Five for. Michelle Pfieffer. It's a stupid club cricket thing.

[Jay]

Haha, very good. I agree with you about him being overrated too. Though he does tend to step up playing us a lot. ****.

[Jay]

Rudi Koertzen can **** OFF! ****! FFS! What the **** do we have to do?

[Jay]

Come on!! **** off Strauss!

[Spudzilla]

averick;1098554']What we need is a bowling allrounder who averages about 30-35 with the bat and under 35 with the ball.

There's already one in the team http://uyac.com.au/forum/images/smilies/bizarro.gif

[goog]

i take it u mean mitchell johnson, i think he should be counted as our allrounder. Like u said his stats say he is a better allrounder then watson.

[Ad-Rock]

I have noticed their obsession with finding an all-rounder too. I personally think its better to have four quality bowlers and 6 quality batsmen and a keeper-batsmen.

Also Rudi is a dumb ****, who has his knickers in a knot cause we beat South Africa.

My team for game 4, assuming all are fit: Katich, Hughes, Ponting, Clarke, Hussey, North, Manou, Lee, Clark, Siddle & Hilfenhaus.

EDIT I did have Hodge in my team, then I realised he is like 34 y.o. which is a bit too old really.

[[m]averick]

There's already one in the team http://uyac.com.au/forum/images/smilies/bizarro.gif


Yeah, he's not an all-rounder though. He's much better suited to number eight, where there is less pressure to make runs compared to number six or seven, where you must make runs.

I'd leave Johnson where he is and just enjoy the runs he scores there.

[Gemerald]

The rain is putting a dampener on things (excuse the pun) but I am somewhat surprised Watson didn't do something stupid or injure himself. He's probably riding his luck.

[D.C.]

If we lose this test in less than three-and-a-half days (given the rain), to just an 'okay' Poms outfit, it would have to go down as arguably our worst loss in the last decade. Embarrassing enough already. :(

[grimace06]

If we lose this test in less than three-and-a-half days (given the rain), to just an 'okay' Poms outfit, it would have to go down as arguably our worst loss in the last decade. Embarrassing enough already. :(

We'll draw this test - surely theres not enough time for the rest of innings and then sending them in to bat?

Also, what is wrong with Ponting atm? I've never seen him have so much trouble reading the pitch early in his innings.

[D.C.]

They only have to take eight wickets and we're still about twenty runs behind their first innings score. You only have to look back on what happened to us in the first innings - it's a very real possibility.

[sausage]

Ol' Freddy will get 24 knee injections before play and rape another five-for before lunch; game over and cue another 18 months of Freddy being perpetually pissed.

[Spazzallo]

Thinking of plodding $50 on the draw at $1.22 however knowing my luck we'll be all out in the first session if I do so :(. Decisions!

[grimace06]

Thinking of plodding $50 on the draw at $1.22 however knowing my luck we'll be all out in the first session if I do so :(. Decisions!

Whats the point mate? 1.22 is crap odds.

[Spazzallo]

Eh save me working an hour or two >_>.

Didn't bother :P. Will bet on a draw for the next test seeing as rain is forecast for the week.

[[m]averick]

I thought Huss had turned the corner this innings. Shame he got out to such a middling ball.

[Jay]

David Lloyd is currently singing 'Graham Manou' to the tune of 'Ma Nah Ma Nah'.

****ing weirdo.

Oh, and go Clarke and North. Brilliant.

[Gemerald]

David Lloyd is currently singing 'Graham Manou' to the tune of 'Ma Nah Ma Nah'.

****ing weirdo.

Oh, and go Clarke and North. Brilliant.

I've been a big lover of Clarke for a long time. I wonder how Hussey is feeling now. I'd still give him a chance, but the thought of dropping him isn't out of my mind entirely.

[Jabbz]

Before that knock I was all for leaving Watson in the side, replacing Hussey with Hughes and having him open with Katich again. But now, I'm undecided. Hussey batted ok, Watson did too, but didn't bowl so well. And of course, I'm guessing hell break down any day now.

[grimace06]

I didn't see the point of batting out the whole day - we could've easily declared at tea and had a crack at them in the last session.

[Jay]

Probably it was about resting bowlers, and ensuring their was no chance of a Twenty-20 style assault. Also it is indicative of Ponting's naturally conservative captaincy. Having said that, I do not think either Taylor or Waugh would have declared either. Maybe Ian Chappell, but he's a dickhead (and nowhere near as successful a captain as he would have have believe).

[Ad-Rock]

I didn't see the point of batting out the whole day - we could've easily declared at tea and had a crack at them in the last session.

My guess would be to dent the confidence of England's bowling attack. It shows that, had the game been 5 days, we would have put up some stiff competition (we had a lead of almost 300 with 5 wickets still in hand after "3 days" play).

[grimace06]

Probably it was about resting bowlers, and ensuring their was no chance of a Twenty-20 style assault. Also it is indicative of Ponting's naturally conservative captaincy. Having said that, I do not think either Taylor or Waugh would have declared either. Maybe Ian Chappell, but he's a dickhead (and nowhere near as successful a captain as he would have have believe).

I think that Ponting would've declared back when he first got the captaincy - but now that the media have naturally cut him down at every possible opportunity he's become conservative.

He's still easily our best captain since Border.

[Beep]

Ponting shouldn't have declared unless there was some small outside chance he could have got ten wickets, and looking at that pitch which was doing nothing, and considering the duke ball needs thirty overs to swing, there wasn't.

Good to see Manou getting to play a little innings. He's one of the highest scoring batsmen in the domestic competition and kept better than Haddin would have in this game.

[[m]averick]

Manou is a great glovesman, better than Bad Hands, but to suggest that he is anything but an average batsman is pretty bloody optimistic.

[Beep]

His domestic stats over the past season are exceptional, all I'm saying.

[Jay]

Brilliant start. Flintoff out of the team, 2 early wickets (though ****ing Strauss was PLUM first ball of the day, unbelievable). Clark in, Haddin back. North took a blinder to get rid of Strauss.

[JC Henderson]

That catch was a screamer. Clarke has been immresive in his first over. Johnson not so much.

[Jay]

Johnson has been pretty awesome the last two overs. Picked up Bell and could easily have had Collingwood. Wonder how they're feeling about only playing 5 specialist batsmen now...

[JC Henderson]

Argeed Johnson has stepped up but I love Clarkes control at the moment.

[Jay]

Agreed. It's great to see him back in the team.

[Hyperblau]

Um, what is going on....this is strange.

[Jay]

The cricket is awesome. :) **** the football. haha. A Michelle for Siddle, eh mav? ;)

[StorminNorman]

Bloody hell, what happened? I just tuned in after the footy, and England were all out for 102. Siddle took 5/21.

[D.C.]

Damn. Good news, but like Stormin' I missed the last four wickets. Let's just hope that we can build a massive first innings lead - we're liable to ****ing collapse if we have to chase down anything.

[Jay]

Haha, four balls in and we're a tenth of the way through their total. Watson hit the first two balls for 4. Let's ****ing crush these ****s.

[grimace06]

Harmison takes Katich.

Come on Punter silence these fat ****s!!

[Jay]

This is going unbelievably well. :)

[D.C.]

****, Watson just got out. What's that, three fifties in a row? Got to be pissed he hasn't gone on and made a big score yet...

[grimace06]

Damnit, Ponting out for 78.

Deserved a ton.

[Super Sleuth]

Oh **** this. Strauss was out absolutely plum and these cocks refused to give him...now Hussey is gone from one possibly slipping down leg.

[grimace06]

Hussey needs to make way for a non-plodder who doesn't sit on the crease.

[Super Sleuth]

Yeah, but he has zinc nose. Better than zinc lips....stupid Siddle.

[Jay]

Hussey's was not out, Ponting's was vaguely dubious. It's ****ing ridiculous.

[Super Sleuth]

I thought Ponting's was out. But yeah, Hussey's should not have been given.

And Watson needs to go on to make a good score. 3 times in a row now...

Btw Grimace, it's your freaking turn on Simpsons Jeopardy over at UYAC. DO IT!

[Jay]

Ponting was stiff considering what hasn't been given out this series. I know two wrongs don't make a right, but we are well past two wrongs. Hussey's was a disgrace.

[Super Sleuth]

Before the first ball was bowled earlier tonight, my mate groaned when he saw England were batting. I said in a stupid voice, 'it'll be awesome, we'll bowl them out for under 100'. Then made a stupid grin.

I wasn't far off;)

[Super Sleuth]

What are they appealing for!!!? Dickhead poms.

[Spazzallo]

What are they appealing for!!!? Dickhead poms.

Seems to have worked quite well so far this series -_-'.

[Super Sleuth]

That was beyond ridiculous. Clarke CLEARLY hit the ball onto his pad (it was a massive deflection) and they all went up like it was plum.

[Beep]

****, Watson just got out. What's that, three fifties in a row? Got to be pissed he hasn't gone on and made a big score yet...

And Watson needs to go on to make a good score. 3 times in a row now...

Oh yeah, really disappointing from Watson. Only three fifties in a row? Who does he think he is. Let's drop him.

[D.C.]

Oh yeah, really disappointing from Watson. Only three fifties in a row? Who does he think he is. Let's drop him.
Exaggerate much? I don't know what crawled up your arse, but I'm pretty sure both of us were simply implying that Watson scoring three fifties, looking in top form, and not going on to make a big score is frustrating to watch (and certainly something he would be disappointed with).

[immol8]

Conditions seem to have worked in Australia's favor for once. I hope they can capitalise this time, unlike in Cardiff where England got off the hook. So what's a good score? Maybe make another 100 today and declare? If their next innings goes anything like the first, they'll have days to chase down a total.

[Jay]

They need to keep batting and put as much daylight between the two sides as possible. A lead of 300 would be very nice.

[Beep]

Why declare? In what universe? Australia would like to bat for another couple of days if they can.

[Spudzilla]

Beep has obviously just started watching cricket.

hohoho

[Super Sleuth]

Exaggerate much? I don't know what crawled up your arse, but I'm pretty sure both of us were simply implying that Watson scoring three fifties, looking in top form, and not going on to make a big score is frustrating to watch (and certainly something he would be disappointed with).

Pretty much this. As soon as he hit the half century mark he played a couple of decidedly average shots and then a few balls later, he was gone. I just hope it doesn't become a bogey point for his future innings'. (Sure, scoring 50 every match is nothing to sneeze at but come on, you'd want to go on with it every now and then)

[Jay]

Amazing start by the Aussies. Wow. They've put on 65 in under an hour.

[Jay]

Haha, Stuart Clark has just hit consecutive 6s off Broad. Lead is out over 330. Brilliant. :)

Great hundred by North as well. Is he the new Mr Cricket?

[D.C.]

Clark just smacked two sixes. Lead now 332 - the way we're playing at the moment, we might wrap this up in less than two-and-a-half days. :D

EDIT: Stupid Jay was too quick. :p

[Jay]

Stupid eh? I'll get you D.C.. And your little dog too!

The cricket is awesome atm. :)

[Super Sleuth]

Dammit. I fell asleep on the couch. When I fell asleep, England hadn't lost a wicket. Now they're 5-78. Awesome.


I'm so very tired.

[Super Sleuth]

Well that was probably the worst piece of live television I've seen for a while.

[Hyperblau]

Lol...England...haha

[Shadow Knight]

Michael Holding is awesome.

[StorminNorman]

An innings and 80 runs.

It was a pretty enjoyable session for a while this morning, but really just held off the inevitable.

[Hyperblau]

Woot!

[texta]

I'm a little sad Hilfy didn't get a bowl at the end but a pretty good result.

Really, when you consider how close to winning we were in the 1st test and how much we smashed this one home, we must be looking good for the Oval. Possibly some pretty massive selection headaches though.

Bring in a spinner + what to do with Hussey?

[Ad-Rock]

Who suggested Australia should declare with a lead of 300 in their innings? On the second day of a test? lol

I say leave the team how it is. Hussey is due, if he fails again it will be the end of his international career probably. **** Hauritz off for good as well. He is terrible. We will win with 4 quicks (5 if you count Watson) and 3 decent part time spinners (Clarke, Katich and North).

[texta]

You say Hauritz is terrible, but he was the second leading wicket taker after the first three tests when a lot of our bowlers were struggling. I think you've got to give him some credit for that.

[Ad-Rock]

You say Hauritz is terrible, but he was the second leading wicket taker after the first three tests when a lot of our bowlers were struggling. I think you've got to give him some credit for that.

I really don't rate him as a threatening bowler at all. Sure he takes some wickets but so can Clarke. Also, I think all of our fast bowlers are more threatening and Clark has the ability to really restrict the run rate unlike Hauritz. I'd give Hauritz a rap for his batting, which has been at least as good as a couple of our batsmen.


Come to think of it, there are very few off-spinners who I would pick on a team (especially when you exclude those who chuck the ball, i.e. bowl a doosra). Vettori is probably the best of the legitimate ones.

EDIT: I am talking about both Clarke and Clark, not a typo.

[texta]

I really don't rate him as a threatening bowler at all. Sure he takes some wickets but so can Clarke. Also, I think all of our fast bowlers are more threatening and Clark has the ability to really restrict the run rate unlike Hauritz. I'd give Hauritz a rap for his batting, which has been at least as good as a couple of our batsmen.
For the record, Hauritz has the best economy rate in the Ashes of all of Australia's full time bowlers.

I'm not a big fan of him, or a fan at all, but I think he deserves a go based on his form.

[immol8]

Who suggested Australia should declare with a lead of 300 in their innings? On the second day of a test? lol

I did, or something like that. Partly because it'd be great for us to give England a walloping by an innings, and only lose 4-odd wickets for it, but also because I wanted an early night for once. Doesn't really matter now, though.

The Oval is going to be INTENSE.

[Ad-Rock]

Its good that Flintoff is coming back. Hopefully England will put up a bit of a contest. As much as I enjoy seeing Australia thrash the opposition, I enjoy seeing 5 days of play more.

[sausage]

So Aussie has to win this one to retain the ashes right?

[D.C.]

So Aussie has to win this one to retain the ashes right?
Just draw (because we are currently 'holding' the ashes from winning the last series).

[sausage]

Oh... big game for England then huh?

[[m]averick]

Same deal as '05, really. We needed to win to retain, England only needed a draw.

[Ad-Rock]

Cricket Australia has picked the T20 and One-day squads for the series' after the Ashes.

I really, really, really don't know why they keep selecting Cameron White... He is a mediocre bowler who they rarely use and there are far better batsmen to choose from.

[texta]

averick;1101410']Same deal as '05, really. We needed to win to retain, England only needed a draw.Except as with '05 it's the other way round.

Cricket Australia has picked the T20 and One-day squads for the series' after the Ashes.

I really, really, really don't know why they keep selecting Cameron White... He is a mediocre bowler who they rarely use and there are far better batsmen to choose from.Tim Paine's inclusion is pretty good. He's probably going to be Australia's next wicket keeper when Haddin retires, so it's good to get him in now for some match experience while Haddin isn't 100%.

[D.C.]

I really, really, really don't know why they keep selecting Cameron White... He is a mediocre bowler who they rarely use and there are far better batsmen to choose from.
Watson has often been derided in the past for being the selector's 'lovechild', but you could make a similar case for White too. Not only does he make Hauritz look as brilliant as Warne, but his 'one decent innings per summer' batting average is beyond a joke.

[goog]

I cannot understand the inclusion of Watson over Hughes. It has been a couple of weeks and i still cant get over it. Shane Watsons test batting average is 26.43 his highest score is only 78 and before this series he had only made 1 test 50. He will not last long opening the batting. I dont care if he made 3 50s in a row i expect those kind of scores every time we play from our opening batsmen

[texta]

I cannot understand the inclusion of Watson over Hughes. It has been a couple of weeks and i still cant get over it. Shane Watsons test batting average is 26.43 his highest score is only 78 and before this series he had only made 1 test 50. He will not last long opening the batting. I dont care if he made 3 50s in a row i expect those kind of scores every time we play from our opening batsmen
Clearly the selectors know more about the form of Australia's cricket players than we do. As much as you can complain about Watson (and I'm not a fan any more than you are), the reality is that he's been a pretty good pick in this series.


Anyway, I'm counting down to tonight's game. I hope we see tears at the end when Australia win/draw.

[Jay]

Finally that ****ing average spanker is gone. Ian ****ing Bell. Seriously. Amazing how a couple of quick wickets can change the whole complexion of a game.

[Ad-Rock]

Well I'm pretty satisfied with Australia's performance after day 1. Clark bowled tight, so did Hilfy. Jonhson was dismal in the first session (except for his first 3 balls to Bell). Siddle bowled with his usual grit and effort.

Hopefully the Aussies will be batting 30 min in to tomorrow's play. If Australia can bat until the end of day 3 they'll be almost unbeatable.

[Jay]

Good stuff from the Aussies - now it is totally in our hands. Bat well in the first innings (370 - 450) and we cannot really lose. Good to Siddle really come back in his second spell after a leaky pre-lunch session.

[fearofthesky]

5/47 this session...and an appalling decision from the umpire! Thick edge from North onto pad-I saw it live, deflecting off his bat onto pad.

So sick of this shit. Why don't we have the review and challenge system in this series?

We have the technology for Jebus's sake!

And this pitch is a disgrace. Falling apart on the second day.

And there goes Katich. We're gone.

[Spudzilla]

5/47 this session...and an appalling decision from the umpire! Thick edge from North onto pad-I saw it live, deflecting off his bat onto pad.

So sick of this shit. Why don't we have the review and challenge system in this series?

We have the technology for Jebus's sake!

And this pitch is a disgrace. Falling apart on the second day.

And there goes Katich. We're gone.

England had a pretty bad decision in their innings too, btw.

Also, "OH YEAH PICK PACEMEN ON A DRY PITCH HUR HUR HURRRRRR!!"

[Super Sleuth]

Our scorecard ****ing pathetic.


I'm now on the 'piss off Hussey' bandwagon.

[D.C.]

Geez, I was expecting this kind of outrageous collapse in the second innings, not the first. Unless rain takes out a couple of days, even the Poms couldn't stuff this up now...

[Super Sleuth]

Oh, **** off.

That is the worst decision I've ever seen.

[Gemerald]

I hard post now but that is quite possibly one of the WORST if not the WORST decision I've seen in the last 18-12 months.

[fearofthesky]

ANOTHER ****ing awful decision! Clark missed the ball by six goddam inches! Just plopped off his pad, he bumped his pad with his bat, and sent on his way!

We. Need. Challenges. Now.

[Spudzilla]

gw guys

[Jay]

Oh well. Should've taken that last wicket in Cardiff I guess. :(

[JC Henderson]

Oh well. Should've taken that last wicket in Cardiff I guess. :(

I think on reflection of the series that is definately going to be a sore point for the Aussies. It would have changed the entire tone of the series.

[sausage]

I hope you guys are religious cos the only thing that'll save Australia now is rain.

[Spudzilla]

Except no one here has said Australia can win from this position, so I'm not sure who you're referring to.

[sausage]

lolwut?

[Super Mario]

Just got my Boxing Day Test ticket!

Gonna be a messy day.

[Jay]

We are going to lose this series having the three top wicket takers and making 7 centuries to 1. It's almost unfathomable. ****ing ****s.

[JC Henderson]

We are going to lose this series having the three top wicket takers and making 7 centuries to 1. It's almost unfathomable. ****ing ****s.

I did not realise the stats were as skewed as that. This team is rubbish but it does not say much for our guys that they will lose the series.

[D.C.]

If one good thing can come out of this series (if we indeed lose), hopefully it will be that the selectors finally get off their arses and cut the dead weight. Hussey has had way too many free passes...

[Spudzilla]

They deserve to lose. They look at flat at Clark's face.

[Jabbz]

Got to say, bring in Hughes for Hussey, put Watson at 5 or 6 and bump North to 4. Bowling wise.... Gah. How can we NOT pick a proper spinner, when North bowls 30 overs and gets 4 wickets, you cant see the pitch was dusty before the test started????

[Spazzallo]

So anyone daring to dream? I can see Ponting and Hussey getting to about 250-300 before the rest of the order collapses, but there is still hope!

[Jay]

Not daring to dream - I'm employing the add two wickets theory - but I will certainly enjoy watching these ****ers' nerves start to fray if these two do get to about 300. That will be superb. But it only takes one ball, and the one Broad just bowled to Ponting showed that the pitch is still a mother****er, and not test standard.

[D.C.]

Ignoring the overall target or a particular score before losing another wicket, I'm just crossing my fingers that this partnership doesn't end before the close of play. We go in tomorrow only two down, suddenly a tiny chance we might actually pull off a draw/win.

[Jay]

If that happens they will be fair dinkum shitting themselves. And we'll be about 370, and could just about win from there.

[D.C.]

Don't underestimate the potential for an Aussie batting collapse. :p We've proven to be just about as bad as the Poms in the past - I'll only consider winning a realistic possibility if we have less than fifty runs left with at least five wickets in hand.

[Jay]

Ha ha yeah, you're spot on. Anyway, it would be nice to at least see them through to tea together...

[Jay]

Oh for ****'s sake!

[D.C.]

Well, there's a moment of insanity. Nice one, Hussey. Enjoy your final test with the baggy green, you're done.

And now we have replays of that ********** Flintoff with his arms in the air, thinking he's god. I refuse to watch anymore. :(

[Jay]

What a ****ing ridiculous thing to do. ****!

At least,m as Warnie has just pointed out, Clarke is the form batsman of the series, and the best player of spin in the side. But Ponting was set. **** it. **** it to hell. ****s.

Now Clarke has been run out. **** it.

[D.C.]

Just saw the replay of the Clarke dismissal. Was expecting another foolish decision (Clarke is one of the poorest judges of a run in the side), but he was a bit unlucky.

I honestly think Ponting was our great chance. He's done it before (particularly in the Ashes) and Hussey doesn't have it in him. I just hope the rest don't try and play overly conservative and the test is wrapped up before the final day. Worth taking a crack now and at least try and score relatively quickly, to put some kind of pressure on the Poms.

EDIT: Now North is gone. Brilliant. :(

[Jay]

Ha ha suck dicks Jimmy Anderson. Just...suck dicks. It's all I got. :(

[Jay]

Good boy Huss. Keep going now.

[grimace06]

Brad Haddin is a ****ing dumb ****.

[Jay]

It was a ****ing ridiculous thing to do, but whatever. Should've taken that last wicket in Cardiff. It's been a bizarre series. Statistically we have utterly dominated, yet we are going to lose 2 - 1. Just ****ed.

[grimace06]

It was a ****ing ridiculous thing to do, but whatever. Should've taken that last wicket in Cardiff. It's been a bizarre series. Statistically we have utterly dominated, yet we are going to lose 2 - 1. Just ****ed.

That collapse at Lords was the killer.

[sausage]

Uh-oh (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10592806)

[big_b]

Wehay!! Feels good to be English right now =P

[TAT]

This loss can be traced back to the lack of one man: Brad Hodge.

Oh, and also the umpiring was the possibly the worst in the history of the Ashes, not to mention both team's "sportsmanship" in ignoring the new rules which allow the questioning of the umpires. Just dumb.

[sausage]

God that Ponting is a ugly little prick too with his skinny neck and round face; looks retarded imo.

[Michaelangelo]

I just got home (it's nearly 1am in London) thinking my housemates (3 poms, all avid cricket fans) would be in bed for work tomorrow, sparing me a 1st class grilling. All three of their bedrooms are empty. They're going to come home hammered and absolutely destroy me.

Worst weekend of sport ever. Australia lost the ashes, the wallabies lost, Fulham lost, Sydney Swans lost, Cronulla lost... The best thing I can take from this is Sydney FC getting a draw. F YEAH!!!!!



Hate life.

[D.C.]

This loss can be traced back to the lack of one man: Brad Hodge.
Haha.

Apparently we have now dropped all the way down to fourth on the test rankings, not to mention well down in the one-day international level, and basically last in 20/20.

Probably the lowest point in Australian cricket for the last decade. :(

[Ad-Rock]

I feel totally violated and betrayed by Australia's loss. 4 more years of shame... at least...

I still think Hussey will either retire or get dropped. Sure 120 was good, but it was too little too late in my books.

[texta]

I feel totally violated and betrayed by Australia's loss. 4 more years of shame... at least...

I still think Hussey will either retire or get dropped. Sure 120 was good, but it was too little too late in my books.The 100 makes up for either his poor form or for running out Punter. Not both.

[Ad-Rock]

Just read this article by Slater, he seems to have hit many nails on their heads.

Selectors had it wrong from the start (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=853709)

Also, all this talk of Warne coming back if he is offered the captaincy is rubbish. Yes he is a gifted cricketer and captain, but it would do nothing for Australia's spin options in the long run.

[NiB]

Just read this article by Slater, he seems to have hit many nails on their heads.

Selectors had it wrong from the start (http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=853709)

Also, all this talk of Warne coming back if he is offered the captaincy is rubbish. Yes he is a gifted cricketer and captain, but it would do nothing for Australia's spin options in the long run.

But we'd get Warnie back to mind ***k the poms and proteas :p

[fearofthesky]

Big big hit by Aiden Blizzard!
v=dMB6ed1QU0E

Just...wow.

Also, maybe a thread title change? Don't like being reminded that the Ashes are gone, consarn it.

EDIT: Video wont work, here's the link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMB6ed1QU0E). Fixer up for us Mods? Don't think I'm doing anything wrong...

[Lazlow]

dMB6ed1QU0E

[fearofthesky]

dMB6ed1QU0E

OK, I see now, I've gotta give the v= the shove. Ta!

Can't believe that hit! That hedge you see in the background of the practice nets is actually a chain link fence with creepers on it, and thats the WACA's outer boundary. Freakin' hell.

[REQUIEM]

I think the Ashes changing hands is a good thing for the series. It was getting boring and not worthwhile watching.

[ScToTeE]

That six shot is amazing!

[Jay]

Champions Trophy final starts in about 10 minutes. NZ to bat, but they have lost Vettori to a hamstring.

BTW mods, any chance of renaming the thread to reflect general cricket discussion (and so as not to remind us of the ****ing Ashes debacle)? Cheers.

[fearofthesky]

BTW mods, any chance of renaming the thread to reflect general cricket discussion (and so as not to remind us of the ****ing Ashes debacle)? Cheers.

I second this suggestion. The memories hurt.

Also wish I had Foxtel so I could watch the Champions Trophy final. Why is the final on a Monday? :confused:

[Jay]

Blame the South Africans. For the cricket scheduling as well.

I don't have foxtel either, hence an open browser window as I play a bit of Tiger Woods 10. It's quite hard. Do you have it scarecrow? If so up for a round?

[Jay]

Oh, McCullum's put for a blob. They're in a lot of trouble now.

[fearofthesky]

Sounds cool, but no I don't sadly. Next sports game purchase will be FIFA 10 or maybe Madden 10...

Hey you have FIFA 10! Wait till I get those trades for JB HIFI sorted and it'll be on!

How about Ponting and Watson the other night? Missed it but wow...Need to look up the highlights.

[Jay]

Fifa is excellent. Truly excellent. And I'm a hardcore Pro Evo man.

[grimace06]

Fifa is excellent. Truly excellent. And I'm a hardcore Pro Evo man.

You were a hardcore Pro Evo man, right?

[D.C.]

You're not missing much, Jay. The match has been an absolute bore-fest thus far (even with us kicking arse).

I haven't really been following the tournament, but I'm assuming SA choked out before the finals again? I think they're still trying to recover from Allan Donald's moment of insanity. :D

[Beep]

NSW and Vic play in the Champions League tonight.

[sausage]

It's been a while since the Ashes so can someone remind me who won it this year?

[TAT]

It wasn't won. It was lost because Ponting is a shit-hack

[texta]

It wasn't won. It was lost because Ponting is a shit-hack**** you. You clearly don't deserve the second T in your name.

[sausage]

http://cricket.zeenews.com/Image/2009/10/5/daniel2.jpg


Look at him; he looks like a little monkey baby next to Vettori.


oo-oo-ah-ah

[fearofthesky]

Look at him; he looks like a little monkey baby next to Vettori.

oo-oo-ah-ah

You knob. Vettori is a beefcake though!

New cricket topic! Post youtube vids of crazy/awesome cricket stuff. There are heaps out there...

I know this has been said before, but thread title change, please!

Inzy, Inzy, Inzy...

Yk8iOWTrew4

a3TM5rofIFY

nTJSiHDGnIE

EDIT! Just read REQUIEM's post above. If you think it was so good that we lost the Ashes, go get on a sailboat and get in trouble off the coast.

[sausage]

QrG8kRkj_lw


"And this is perhaps a LITTLE disappointing".....

[Jabbz]

I don't remember, or have a video of it, but seeing a keeper beamed in the head by the paceman as he was up at the stumps was just awesome!

[fearofthesky]

"And this is perhaps a LITTLE disappointing".....

Lowest point in Aussie cricket history, I must agree. From an Aussie to a Kiwi, sorry.

Thing is it would never have happened if they had changed ends so Lillee bowled the last over rather than T.Chappell. They ****ed that up. And so what if he did slam a six, a tie woulda been cool!

Weirdest dismissals ever; btw I know this is old TAT, don't need to point it out...!

bsjbkOX7gUA

Wonder what Clarke got fined for number 10?

[Jay]

That video proves what an absolute ********** Brendan McCullum is.

[fearofthesky]

I disagree, if you do something that dumb in international cricket you deserve to be runout, imo...Oh hang on, you is mad becuase NSW used him as a ring-in in the T20 final last year!

[TAT]

Shit video; no Graham Gooch:

qArZWA6aC2A

[fearofthesky]

Amnrose lets go of a high, harmless bouncer, then follows through, ending up just a metre or 2 from Waugh, staring at him.

Steve Waugh: What the f*** are you looking at?
Curtley Ambrose: (stunned) Don't cuss me, mon.
Waugh: Why don't you go and get f***ed.

As you can see, Ambrose sees red, and takes a step towards Waugh, until Richie Richardson arrives and literally drags him away. Of course, the next ball he attemps to remove Waugh's head from his shoulders.

Great stuff. The quotes are from Stephen's memoir, Out of My Comfort Zone. He said he did not mean to cuss Ambrose; it was just the adrenaline causing his mouth to shoot off before his brain kicked in.


LZnx5oBBMuI

[Super Sleuth]

So.. where the hell could I get a copy of last nights match in Hyderabad? Based on the score...possibly on of the best 1 day'ers ever?

[sausage]

cricinfo is your best source of cricket related banter. (http://www.cricinfo.com/indvaus2009/content/current/story/433035.html)

edit: wow yeah good game.

[D.C.]

So.. where the hell could I get a copy of last nights match in Hyderabad? Based on the score...possibly on of the best 1 day'ers ever?
It's replayed today on Foxtel.

I thought it was a very good game, but the pitch gave absolutely no hope to any of the bowlers. More a case of India completely choking in the last three overs, although it was still a top effort from our guys considering we didn't have about three/four of our first choice bowlers.

[Ad-Rock]

Watched an hour and a half highlights package of last nights game.

Brilliant!

I just wish I didn't know the result before watching - it would have been thrilling!

[Super Sleuth]

It's replayed today on Foxtel.

I thought it was a very good game, but the pitch gave absolutely no hope to any of the bowlers. More a case of India completely choking in the last three overs, although it was still a top effort from our guys considering we didn't have about three/four of our first choice bowlers.

I don't have Foxtel....

Any other means can be pm'd to me;)

[sausage]

I like how we requested a thread name change and it still hasn't happened.

[Super Sleuth]

This thread is no phoenix.

[Watchers]

You can thank Texta for actually bringing it to mod attention.

[Serenity]

In my insomniac state I started watched the Ashes earlier in the year on SBS. To my surprise it wasn't as boring and slow paced I'd deemed cricket to be. I shall be watching more in the future.

[texta]

Another important press release from the Concerned Tasmanians for Jason Krejza

DOOSRA BOLSTERS KREJZA HOPES

CT4K says picking Krejza will get wickets and sell tickets

“The doosra was delivered late in a Sheffield Shield match already pronounced dead. NSW versus Tasmania was out of breath as a contest, a draw the inevitable result, the crowd either yawning or leaving or long-gone … and then … and then … Jason Krejza ambled in and bowled the most significant delivery by an Australian spinner since the retirement of Shane Warne.”
- Will Swanton, Sydney Morning Herald, 23-Nov-2009

The doosra: that most difficult and exotic of all cricket deliveries. While a challenging delivery to perfect, the well-executed doosra presents an often unanswerable challenge to the batsman.

Until now, no Australian had been able to utilise the doosra at first-class level. The doosra remained the domain of Mushtaq, Muralitharan, Botha and Singh. Concerned Tasmanians for Jason Krejza (CT4K) is pleased to report that last week, Jason Krejza joined the doosra club.

“In the post-Warne era of spinning mediocrity, Australia needs is a spinner that can turn the ball, take wickets, mobilise the punters and add to our attack. We haven’t had this since Warne,” CT4K spokesperson Hugh Miller said.

“Concerned Tasmanians for Jason Krejza believes it’s the biggest dismissal since Whitlam.

Mr Miller focused his attention upon South Australian lawyer, ordinary ex-cricketer and now ordinary selector, Andrew Hilditch.

“What Andrew Hilditch doesn’t realise is that Jason Krejza is not only a cricketing dream, but also a promoter’s dream. Why hold back this cricketing phenomenon?

“Picking Krejza will get wickets and sell tickets. Picking Hauritz will bankrupt the game – morally and monetarily.

Following the momentous doosra, CT4K have announced plans to celebrate the dismissal that rocked a nation.

“We are excited to add another date to the Krejza fan’s calendar on 20 November each year: World Jason Krejza Doosra Day,” Mr Miller said.

“Following the success of World Jason Krejza Day, we hope that World Jason Krejza Doosra Day can also prick the nation’s attention and inspire a generation of off-spinners.”


CT4K

Read more here: http://www.krejza4australia.com

[Super Mario]

None of today's cricketers have any personality.

[Beep]

None of today's cricketers are allowed to have any personality.

If any of our cricketers show any personality they run the risk of someone not liking it and being blacklisted.

An underwhelming Test series against West Indies starts today.

[Serenity]

Noooo! I thought for sure Katich had that century! :(

[grimace06]

Noooo! I thought for sure Katich had that century! :(

I think that was karma for what he did to Watson.

[goog]

perhaps watson should learn to call louder

[NiB]

Shane Watson is the gift that keeps on giving, I don't care if he's an aussie. A tool is still a tool

[Spudzilla]

perhaps watson should learn to call louder

perhaps watson should stop messing around with his 3 mobile plan

[AranchineD]

perhaps watson should stop messing around with his 3 mobile plan

"Watson, you were meant to bring the ball."

"I did, it's a beach ball, how hilarious am I?"

*Michael Clarke beats Watson's head in with a cricket bat*

[fearofthesky]

Watson is hooping the ball right now, very very dangerously. Reverse swing ftw!

[texta]

Is it just me or did Australia just appeal for caught out one hand, one bounce?

[Jay]

It was an extremely optimistic LB appeal, on account of no shot being offered. Might as well have been one hand one bounce.