The sporting series of the decade

[David B]

is approaching fast.

I refer of course to the forthcoming Ashes series, where holders England have a good chance of winning a series in Australia for the first time in decades.

England have a good wicket keeper/bat, a good batting line up, a pretty good captain, a good speed attack most of whom have yet to reach their potential, including a good fast bowler who can bat well, and the best off spinner in the world at the moment, in Swann.

Swann is certainly one of the top three slow bowlers England have had since the war, and bats much better than either Laker or Underwood, the other contenders.

Australia have lost a lot of tests in a row now, and have lost players of the standing of Warne, Gilchrist and McGrath - all the sort of player who only come along every few decades (especially the first two) and hence have not been replaced.

Ponting remains one of the best bats in the world, but his captaincy is under question, following his record over the years since his top players retired.

I'm predicting great things for England this time.

David

[Matty]

yawn.

:)

[Silly Sausage]

I'll have live updates running on my pc at work (even though I'm sure its rather frowned upon). Fingers x-ed for England :)

[Laton]

yawn.

:)

+1

:)

[Ozymandias]

yawn.

:)

+1

:)

+1 = 3

:)

[David B]

I remember the fine writer and critic Neville Cardus (an interesting guy, if you look at his autobiography - came from the humblest of backgrounds to become music critic and cricket correspondent for the Guardian) quoting a cricketer talking about the dour between the war events that were Roses matches.

'People have to be edicated up to it'.

Some people - the majority - ain't edicated up to cricket.

Sad, really.

David

[JamesBannon]

McGrath was one of the finest quick bowlers of all time; not super fast, but deadly accurate.

[Rie]

Even the unedicated know their cricket in Oz David! Accents don't count when it comes to fast bowling or slashing batting.
My money is on Australia.... but of course. And Aussie cricketers are much better looking than the Brits!:drinking::clap::thumbup:

[Silly Sausage]

:rolling:

Better looking, Rie? Lets have some suggestions as to whom you are talking about.

Ricky Ponting.....

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/12/22/ricky_ponting_wideweb__470x318,0.jpg

or Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad or Alistair Cook?

http://www.nealcollins.co.uk/blog/uploaded_images/broadtrio-701536.jpg
(Sorry fellas, still trying to remember how to 'hide' pics - if any of the other Mods wanna jump in and do it for me, go right ahead :) )

Bring it on Rie ;)

Sorry for the mini derail David B, back to the cricket...

[David B]

So England have won the toss and are batting. The first session, the first hour, can setthe tone for the whole series.

If England are 90+ for 1 at lunch they will have won the session. More than 2 wickets and they will have lost it.

David

[David B]

Must go to bed soon - work in morning.

In middle of poker tourney while watching though, and break at the moment.

Strauss out early, but fighting back into the game.

David

[David B]

After passing over day 2 in stunned silence, what a great fightback by Strauss, Cook and Trott today.

England rather surprisingly in a position where the could even win the Test, which would be a real morale lowerer for Oz after getting into a winning position.

David

[David B]

So in the end it was a draw. It might seem strange to see a fascination in a game which lasts five days but has no result, but in terms of getting a bit of a psychological advantage for the rest of the series then England have it.

Lots of records, personal and team, too, on both sides, most notably it was the first time in Test history that England have topped 500 runs for the loss of only one wicket,

Looking forward to the next one.

David

[Silly Sausage]

I was most impressed by Ali Cook's knock. I couldn't stay up and catch any of it because I had to be up super early for work, but was quite surprised by our total. Still, it was nice to see the Aussie press suddenly clam up yesterday and start grumbling about their own team again.

[Aca]

Game of the decade for this US baby sitter for sure...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/29/babysitter-twitter-freak-ashes

American babysitter hit for six by Ashes mania on Twitter

Ashley Kerekes plans to keep user name despite becoming Twitter celebrity


:D

[Roo St. Gallus]

Game of the decade for this US baby sitter for sure...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/29/babysitter-twitter-freak-ashes

American babysitter hit for six by Ashes mania on Twitter

Ashley Kerekes plans to keep user name despite becoming Twitter celebrity


:D

Heh...A teeshirt. How emblematically USer.

If word gets 'round she should be able to make a tidy bundle. The name 'Ashley' is a bit of a joke in the US, a kid's afternoon television cartoon, Recess, had fourth-graders where there were enough 'Ashley' girls in the same class, they had an official Ashley club. (It sounds like the Ashleys are now grouped around the early twenties.)

If they get her there, they should track her closely. She sounds like she'll be full-on Paris Hilton clueless.

I'm not a freaking cricket match, either.

[Silly Sausage]

I loved Recess, I used to watch it even though I was in my 20's, lol.

[David B]

Now the second test has started, and Australia batting. They really didn't want to lose an early wicket to a run out.

LMAO

David

[David B]

Now Ponting c Swann b Anderson.

Two down, no runs.

Dream start

David

[David B]

Broad bowled a great over, lots of playing and missing, then Anserson takes Clark with first ball of 3rd over.

Have I died and gone to heaven?

David

[Shake]

*reads op*
Huh?

*reads on*
Oh, cricket. OK, then. Carry on.

[Rie]

Dream on you Brits... it's not over until the fat lady sings. I'll bet the British team watched re-runs of Aussie bowling excellence and had nightmares.

[David B]

Dream on you Brits... it's not over until the fat lady sings. I'll bet the British team watched re-runs of Aussie bowling excellence and had nightmares.

It would seem not, judging from yesterday's play.

After Strauss made a bad error, Cook and Trott had a good stand, then Cook and Pieterson scored at a goodish rate for the rest of the day. England lead with 8 wickets left, and the occasional ball is starting to turn.

Swann must be rubbing his hands with glee.

David

[David B]

On day 4 Australia fight back pretty well, but England still on top.

I'll have to do my sun dance tomorrow, to give England time to finish the job off.

David

[Silly Sausage]

And its 1-0 to the Pommys :p

From the Guardian today: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/dec/07/ashes-2010-england-batter-australia)

Without equivocation, this was the most complete performance by an England team in the memory of those who witnessed it. From first over to last, they dominated proceedings, first with ball and in the field, and then with bat.

Although the Aussies must be happy that Stuart Broad will not play any part in the remaining tests due to a torn stomach muscle :(

[DMB]

By an innings and 71! Yeehee! Pity about Broad, though.

[Rie]

We in the colonies applaud the English victory. We are not sore losers, even though losing is a strange experience for excellent us!

Does anybody know "Dreadlock Holiday" by 10cc an Aussie group which is based on cricket in the West Indies v Australia ?
It's very funny.

[Silly Sausage]

Maybe a choice track for your radio show this week, Rie?

[David B]

I thought 10cc were Brits

David

[David B]

268 all out. Better than it might have been for Australia, but very good for England.

A good day batting tomorrow could tie up the Ashes:banana:

David

[alien billie]

Just paid a quick visit to cricinfo. It seems that currently, England have four batsmen with an average for the series of over one hundred.

Australia have four bowlers with an average over a hundred :)

[Silly Sausage]

268 all out. Better than it might have been for Australia, but very good for England.

A good day batting tomorrow could tie up the Ashes:banana:

David

Was just coming on here to boast but you beat me to it.
Double :banana::banana: and a :woohoo: for good measure.

[DMB]

Let's not get too worked up. It's only the first innings of a potential 4.

[David B]

Oh dear.

Woke early, TV on expecting to see England going past Australia with wickets in hand, only to find Australia have bowled England out for a lead of 81, approaching 100 as I type.:eek:

Having looked at the fall of the wickets it looks more like fine bowling, from Johnson in particular, in conditions which helped the bowlers rather than the sort of abject collapse from bad batting that we've seem from England too often in recent years.

Need wickets, though, and soon.

David

[Silly Sausage]

I'd decided to avoid this thread this morning, but thought I better shuffle back in sheepishly and admit that once again DMB is right, got too excited too early :o

[David B]

Six wickets left, 310 to get.

Not looking good:eek:

Weather set fair, loads of time left.

David

[David B]

Crucial match.

England win toss and elect to bowl.

There's an old adage to the effect of think about putting the opposition in, then bat.

Is it wise?:dunno:

Time will tell.

David

[David B]

Looks like good decision now. 3 down and two dropped chances already.

David

[Silly Sausage]

I'm watching it now. Its always a joy to see Ponting go :)

[Silly Sausage]

And there goes Hussey....

[David B]

Watching highlights now, after staying up too late. It's really so inconsiderate of Australia to be so far removed from proper time;)

All out for under 100, a record low:D

Now to see how England reply, with a little trepidation.

David

[David B]

But nothing to worry about. 157-0 overnight, Strauss and Cook looking very good.

David

[Silly Sausage]

I went to bed last night when the Aussies were three wickets down. Made the bed, fluffed the pillows and switched on the radio just to check the score, only to hear that they were 77-7. I made my way back downstairs and watched what was left of their innings.
I hope to catch some tonight, although I might be out, and my folks are coming up on 27th, so I might get to sit up and watch some with my dad whilst having a few bevvies.
I'm just keeping my fingers x-ed that England don't waste this great oppurtunity.

[Octavia]

So the Aussies are rolled for 98.

Best. Boxing. Day. Ever. :D

[DMB]

Let's see what transpires. . .

My Aussie SIL is staying for Xmas, so I can't gloat. It wouldn't be decent.

[David B]

Well the openers have gone, without adding much.

But the pitch is starting to misbehave a bit.

One more good partnership, and the odd 20 or 30 partnership, too, and the match should be out of reach of Australia.

David

[Rie]

Don't count on it David. We, who endure heat well, and come from stock that, although mostly ill bred were good at enduring the long haul, are not mindless either. DMB... gloating is goof for the soul ....if merited. ( I mean one always knows that someone else id gloating , even if it's in a well bred polite type manner.) ;)

[DMB]

444 for 5.

[Silly Sausage]

My dad will be arriving at around 11pm tonight, so I should imagine that we'll be sitting up having a few beers whilst watching the cricket. It'll be interesting to see where Strauss chooses to declare should we not lose all the wickets.

[David B]

Looking good. Hope nothing intervenes, like weather, earthquake, flood, pestilence, plague....

David

[DMB]

Looking good. Hope nothing intervenes, like weather, earthquake, flood, pestilence, plague....

David

Look like the only things that could save Australia now. England 513 all out first innings. Australia 98 first innings and so far 169 for 6 in second innings.

[Silly Sausage]

Can I do the dance now?.....

[Ozymandias]

I wanted Australia to win.

[rog]

I wanted Australia to win.

For why?

[Silly Sausage]

Well, a big fightback would make it rather interesting.

[Silly Sausage]

:woohoo:

Time for the dance, we've retained the Ashes , winning by an innings and 157 runs.
Shane Warne, Ned Kelly, Ricky Ponting, Rolf Harris, Dame Edna Everage, your boys took one hell of a beating :D

:banana: :banana: :banana:

[DMB]

Hoo-bloody-ray! :woohoo::woohoo::parrot:

[David B]

Should be in bed - work tomorrow.

But Australia now 8 down, and England have a new ball.

The India/SA test is interesting, too. Pretty even at the moment.

David

[Matty]

yawn

eta :D

[Anne]

I so don't understand professional sports.

Local kids out there doing the best they can (roller girls, local soccer team) I get, but why pay tons of money to watch overpaid stars who will be quick to dump their team for a better contract next season?

Stopped caring about the 'pros' in 1986. I'm watching local peeps or I'm playing.

[DMB]

Local kids out there doing the best they can (roller girls, local soccer team) I get, but why pay tons of money to watch overpaid stars who will be quick to dump their team for a better contract next season?

Cricket is still largely different from this. It isn't football!

[DMB]

Well it will now take a miracle for the Aussies to win the fifth test: Australia first innings 280; England first innings 644. At close of play on fourth day latest score for Aussie second innings: 213 for 7. The Guardian writer suggested that at the end of this game the stumps should be pulled up, burned and placed in a small urn. . .

Report of the match in The Age: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cricket/ultimate-humiliation-awaits-australia-20110106-19gq1.html

Australian cricket's total humiliation awaits after their batsmen gave England free passage to the brink of an unprecedented third innings victory of the series on day four of the fifth Ashes Test.

The Australians conceded 644, the largest innings by an England team in this country and the sixth highest in all Tests down under, before their batsmen found familiar ways to get out and the Barmy Army entered a state of celebratory delirium at the SCG.

England claimed the extra half-hour to force victory but the home side staggered to 7-213 at the close, the tourists three wickets away from a 3-1 series scoreline and the first time Australia will ever have lost three matches by an innings in the same series.
(my bold)

[Anne]

Local kids out there doing the best they can (roller girls, local soccer team) I get, but why pay tons of money to watch overpaid stars who will be quick to dump their team for a better contract next season?

Cricket is still largely different from this. It isn't football!

Who said it was?

So, Cricket has no professional, highly paid players (as opposed to 'professional' players who get sponsored by the local pizza joint), and there is no recruitment from out of the area and trading of players between teams?

[DMB]

Cricket has professional low-paid players. Professional cricketers in England typically play for one county all their sporting life. They may extend their earning capacity by playing for an Indian or Aussie side during the time when cricket is not in season in England (it's essentially a summer game).

AFAIK they are not traded between teams. It is nothing like professional football (soccer) which is full of ridiculously highly-paid players who do get traded by clubs.

In my lifetime a lot of the top cricketers were amateurs. Amateurism has declined over time, but cricket is still a completely different animal from professional sports such as football of most sorts and baseball and basketball.

[David B]

It's over.

The records have tumbled - first time ever 3 innings defeats for Australia.

It's not been the sporting series of the decade, it's been the sporting series of all time, in my book.

India next, in England, after some one day stuff which I enjoy but doesn't really count compared to Test cricket.

India at the moment are a stronger side than an Australia that has been in decline for 2 or 3 years. I'm looking forward to it immensely, not least for the possibility of seeing another great innings or two from The Little Master - hopefully in a losing cause.

David,

[DMB]

I agree about looking forward to India and Tendulkar. But I'm a bit dubious about your judgment of the series.There is no doubt that this was a brilliant England side and a stupendous result, but quite honestly the AUssies were rubbish in comparison with their sides of the past.

[Ozymandias]

If I cared, I would be disappointed.

[Silly Sausage]

But you don't, so you're not.

[Anne]

Thanks for the explanation, DMB.

[Rie]

Hell... if we didn't let you win very occasionally.....you'd forget the feeling you ancestral Aussies, you fuddy duddy Poms!

[Silly Sausage]

LET us win?


:rolling:

[Rie]

Of bloody course Silly... we in Oz have great pity for you in England... you know, the smog, the cold, the general Pomishness, the Royal pains in the arse, the fact that a lot of you came here, on 'assisted passages' it was called, and proceeded to tell us here that you knew how to do things better than we did because you were effing Brits.

We forgive you.:p

[Silly Sausage]

Well, if you let us win, I can only thank your boys for 'allowing' the England team to bend your lot over and royally shaft them in a tight dark space. And doing so for the whole world to see. If the Aussies let England win, then it makes them a far worse team than if they had tried their best.

[DMB]

Unkind joke:

What do Aussie batsmen and drug addicts have in common?
Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will come from.

[DMB]

England just won the first 20-20.

[alien billie]

Nice double usage of the word "just" :D

[David B]

'Just' being the mot juste.

ETA dammit posted before seeing alien billie's post

David

[alien billie]

*tempted to edit my post to retrospectively steal the 'mot juste' phrase too*