The Ashes - 2010/11
- Thread starter PlainSimpleJoel
- Start date
Nick - the Boxing Day Test is always been in Melbourne, well for the last 20 years that I can remember.
Saw the score and was quite amazed. Good that Johnson got some wickets finally.
Saw the score and was quite amazed. Good that Johnson got some wickets finally.
Well, that's certainly disappointing for an English fan. I'd be writing previous England sides off by now and expecting defeat. However England are still not out of it. Keep the Aussies down to 350 or so and I'd say it's a reachable target, but it will require "sensible batting" as Boycott would say.
I'm also expecting Anderson to knock Haddin's head off when he comes to bat. The gum chewing and smirking as he bats is really starting to get under my skin, perhaps more so than Watto.
I'm also expecting Anderson to knock Haddin's head off when he comes to bat. The gum chewing and smirking as he bats is really starting to get under my skin, perhaps more so than Watto.
I have fears about the total not being enough. But what annoys me is that my stupid TV isn't getting good reception for nine. And I agree about the Inglis contract.
Colour me mildly surprised at this stage. There's still plenty of time left; it remains to be seen if our blokes can take wickets at times other than the final hour or so. Maybe Bell can bat for two days. One never knows.
Hopefully Ponting's hand isn't too badly damaged. Say what you like about him, he's the only viable captaincy option we have. It was interesting to hear Greg Chappell's remarks about that particular matter.
Also interesting is what's going on in South Africa. India being belted is rather enjoyable. Seems incredible Kallis hasn't made a Test 200 before now.
Hopefully Ponting's hand isn't too badly damaged. Say what you like about him, he's the only viable captaincy option we have. It was interesting to hear Greg Chappell's remarks about that particular matter.
Also interesting is what's going on in South Africa. India being belted is rather enjoyable. Seems incredible Kallis hasn't made a Test 200 before now.
Ponting has a fractured end of his finger and isn't out there today. If he doesn't play you would think the only options for captain would be Clarke or Hussey, with Clarke in the lead as VC. Plus there is the question of which batsman comes in.
First wicket just fell, Anderson. It would have been nicer if it was Bell as Bell and Prior could give the chase a good shake.
First wicket just fell, Anderson. It would have been nicer if it was Bell as Bell and Prior could give the chase a good shake.
Game over ... and Australia win. Finally. Bring on Melbourne.
With Ponting and the next game? If Ricky doesn't play, I'd love to see Watson at number 3, and bring in another opener. Who? Don't know. But I think Watson is a long term number 3, when Ponting does retire.
With Ponting and the next game? If Ricky doesn't play, I'd love to see Watson at number 3, and bring in another opener. Who? Don't know. But I think Watson is a long term number 3, when Ponting does retire.
That was nice and quick. Though, we saw this last year...England fighting draw, England heavy win, Australia heavy win, it was very up and down...I rather be in England's seat than Australia as they just have to win 1 of the next two or draw them both and they'll retain the Ashes. Pity we can't play the rest of the matches at the WACA because we're going to most likely need to have a spinner for the next two (so one of the quicks will have to be 12th).
Last edited:
That worked out a bit better than I'd anticipated. 
Watson needs to learn to convert 50s into centuries far more efficiently if he's going to stay in the top end of the order. If Ponting isn't fit (and they'd have to cut his hand off to stop him playing so it's probably a moot point) I'd kinda like to see David Hussey finally get a go. He's one of the very few who's consistently performed in the (increasingly devalued, declining and underappreciated) Shield competition over a long period; that used to actually count for something. Not sure why it doesn't any more. The captaincy scenario is far more of a worry, so I suggest dosing Ponting to the gills with painkillers and hoping for the best in Melbourne.
It's amusing that Ryan Harris wasn't considered good (fit?) enough to get a new contract with South Australia a few years ago. That's worked out really well for them, hasn't it? And three of the selectors are from / associated with SA as well. Not a pleasant thought.
Watson needs to learn to convert 50s into centuries far more efficiently if he's going to stay in the top end of the order. If Ponting isn't fit (and they'd have to cut his hand off to stop him playing so it's probably a moot point) I'd kinda like to see David Hussey finally get a go. He's one of the very few who's consistently performed in the (increasingly devalued, declining and underappreciated) Shield competition over a long period; that used to actually count for something. Not sure why it doesn't any more. The captaincy scenario is far more of a worry, so I suggest dosing Ponting to the gills with painkillers and hoping for the best in Melbourne.
It's amusing that Ryan Harris wasn't considered good (fit?) enough to get a new contract with South Australia a few years ago. That's worked out really well for them, hasn't it? And three of the selectors are from / associated with SA as well. Not a pleasant thought.
That was a bit rubbish.
Merry Christmas, Cricket tragics!
Welcome along to what is, hands down, my favourite day of the year - the Boxing Day test, Day 1.
Inexplicably it's 1-1, the Ashes are on the line, there is bad blood between the teams, and a 100,000 seat cauldron awaits. Sport does not get any bigger or the stakes any higher than this.
From where I sit in Sydney, the rain continues to hang around. Australia must win in Melbourne.
Bring it on.
Welcome along to what is, hands down, my favourite day of the year - the Boxing Day test, Day 1.
Inexplicably it's 1-1, the Ashes are on the line, there is bad blood between the teams, and a 100,000 seat cauldron awaits. Sport does not get any bigger or the stakes any higher than this.
From where I sit in Sydney, the rain continues to hang around. Australia must win in Melbourne.
Bring it on.
^ Absolutely we must win in this test. England have won the toss, and send Australia in. Play only 10 minutes away.
Only just regained consciousness from Christmas day to see Smith get out and Australia at 5/66. Not at all surprised at the score, even as good as Hussey has been going I just had a feeling that he would go cheaply in Aust 1st batting innings if the top order went early. Clarke just got out. We might not make triple figures at this rate.
Looks like great bowling conditions so you would hope when Australia get the ball in their hands that they'll be able to dish out something similar to England.
Looks like great bowling conditions so you would hope when Australia get the ball in their hands that they'll be able to dish out something similar to England.