The Ashes - 2010/11
- Thread starter PlainSimpleJoel
- Start date
I'm hoping we can get 100.
Well, that was pretty pathetic, wasn't it? Disgraceful effort against bowling that's no more than it should be in the conditions.
That sums up how likely I reckon that scenario is - even without the fact that (yet again) they don't have anything to bowl at. Certainly our blokes won't be able to count on their batsmen being as utterly inept as ours.
That sums up how likely I reckon that scenario is - even without the fact that (yet again) they don't have anything to bowl at. Certainly our blokes won't be able to count on their batsmen being as utterly inept as ours.
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All out for 98. And OZ, had has been very pathletic by the Australians, but the English deserve it, as they bowled very well.
^ Got be positive. At least Hugh Jackman batting was more positive than the Australians batting.
Mmmm...Hugh Jackman... 
Err...yes.
The Poms did no more than pitch it up and aim at the stumps - details that are usually beyond our blokes (Hilfenhaus is already all over the place as I type). Maybe they'll surprise me - again - but 98 doesn't allow any margin for any sort of error, and we're not good enough to be error-free.
Err...yes.
The Poms did no more than pitch it up and aim at the stumps - details that are usually beyond our blokes (Hilfenhaus is already all over the place as I type). Maybe they'll surprise me - again - but 98 doesn't allow any margin for any sort of error, and we're not good enough to be error-free.
Well, barring the most incredible turnaround this side of India's win in Kolkata in 2001, you'd have to think that's the Ashes gone. Given we have no one even remotely capable of playing the innings necessary to make that happen (barring something truly incredible), a Kolkata-type event isn't very likely.
All that now remains is to see which Australian cricketers will be gone with them.
All that now remains is to see which Australian cricketers will be gone with them.
The sound of Hussey's bat nicking through to Prior for the umpteenth caught behind of the day was the sound of the Ashes being thrown into the suitcase for the trip back to England.
It really was a day that had me regularly choking on my leftover turkey. The 'batsmen' today really were appalling - the outrageous shot selection, lack of pride in performance, zero courage and total lack of application (Haddin, Hughes, et al) had Bresnan looking like Lillee out there. For a bunch of blokes who constantly spout platitudes about how much they love Ricky Ponting and will fight for him till the end blah blah blah, they put in a suspiciously pea-hearted effort today.
Credit to the opposition where it's due though - where has England been hiding this Tremlett guy? He looks like a collossus. What is he? 6'8'? Built like a weightlifter. Bloody scary prospect with Anderson at the other end, who, no doubt, is the world's best bowler now. I can't remember a cricketer who has improved as much as him over the years.
Well done also to Strauss who dropped Finn, backed his bowlers to do the business all over us and put us in this morning, then held the adrenaline in while batting, and together with Cook snuffed us out of this series by the end of the day.
Did anyone notice how the crowd disappeared through the day? I reckon by tea, 40,000 people had gone home! Who could blame them though - Australia's batting was beyond abysmal. Australia's worst day of test cricket in generations? Third-day ticket holders might be wondering if they'll get a full day.
It really was a day that had me regularly choking on my leftover turkey. The 'batsmen' today really were appalling - the outrageous shot selection, lack of pride in performance, zero courage and total lack of application (Haddin, Hughes, et al) had Bresnan looking like Lillee out there. For a bunch of blokes who constantly spout platitudes about how much they love Ricky Ponting and will fight for him till the end blah blah blah, they put in a suspiciously pea-hearted effort today.
Credit to the opposition where it's due though - where has England been hiding this Tremlett guy? He looks like a collossus. What is he? 6'8'? Built like a weightlifter. Bloody scary prospect with Anderson at the other end, who, no doubt, is the world's best bowler now. I can't remember a cricketer who has improved as much as him over the years.
Well done also to Strauss who dropped Finn, backed his bowlers to do the business all over us and put us in this morning, then held the adrenaline in while batting, and together with Cook snuffed us out of this series by the end of the day.
Did anyone notice how the crowd disappeared through the day? I reckon by tea, 40,000 people had gone home! Who could blame them though - Australia's batting was beyond abysmal. Australia's worst day of test cricket in generations? Third-day ticket holders might be wondering if they'll get a full day.
Pretty much. Problem is, you could convincingly argue there are about seven players who need to go.
Well, unless we make 700 in a day and somehow learn to bowl properly in the same time frame - or it pours rain for the next couple of days - the Ashes are staying where they are. It's as simple as that. We don't deserve to get them back after this "effort".
A few random thoughts:
* I like Ponting more than most but his finger-pointing display at the umpire (which I heard described on Aunty and have since seen on the news) was a complete disgrace. It's one thing to be competitive - and maybe he feels the noose tightening - but there's no excuse for that sort of behaviour from anyone, never mind the captain. Siddle also needs a kick in the arse for getting involved.
* James Sutherland (boss of Cricket Australia) was interviewed on Aunty this afternoon and demonstrated quite clearly how far and how thoroughly that organisation has their collective heads buried in the sand. I haven't heard so much total bullshit spouted by anyone other than a politician in a very long time. His meaningless waffle about and denial of the declining standard / status of the Sheffield Shield was particularly galling. Despite his delusions to the contrary it cannot be considered the best domestic cricket competition in the world any more, and with the increasing emphasis on 20/20 crap (that competition will be expanded next year), the situation will only grow more dire. It beggars belief that these people actually think it's important for international players to be available for that hit 'n' giggle garbage rather than for Shield games.
* the players, with their ever-increasing demands for more money, have to carry a share of the responsibility for degrading the Shield competition in favour of 20/20 crap. The money has to come from somewhere and hit 'n' giggle pseudo-cricket is the new cash cow. No one is ever going to learn how to bat for a day or more in difficult conditions by playing that sort of shit, but apparently it's what they want to do.
* Johnson should never play Test cricket again. He's an embarrassment.
* a few others ought to join him in oblivion. Sadly, the Shield has declined to the point it's difficult to see who should replace them.
It's very easy to sit at a computer and be critical, but performances over the past couple of years - occasional bright spots like Perth notwithstanding - invite and deserve criticism. To suggest otherwise is nonsense. We're heading toward 80s-like depths and no one involved with playing, selection or administration seems to be aware of or give a crap about it.
A few random thoughts:
* I like Ponting more than most but his finger-pointing display at the umpire (which I heard described on Aunty and have since seen on the news) was a complete disgrace. It's one thing to be competitive - and maybe he feels the noose tightening - but there's no excuse for that sort of behaviour from anyone, never mind the captain. Siddle also needs a kick in the arse for getting involved.
* James Sutherland (boss of Cricket Australia) was interviewed on Aunty this afternoon and demonstrated quite clearly how far and how thoroughly that organisation has their collective heads buried in the sand. I haven't heard so much total bullshit spouted by anyone other than a politician in a very long time. His meaningless waffle about and denial of the declining standard / status of the Sheffield Shield was particularly galling. Despite his delusions to the contrary it cannot be considered the best domestic cricket competition in the world any more, and with the increasing emphasis on 20/20 crap (that competition will be expanded next year), the situation will only grow more dire. It beggars belief that these people actually think it's important for international players to be available for that hit 'n' giggle garbage rather than for Shield games.
* the players, with their ever-increasing demands for more money, have to carry a share of the responsibility for degrading the Shield competition in favour of 20/20 crap. The money has to come from somewhere and hit 'n' giggle pseudo-cricket is the new cash cow. No one is ever going to learn how to bat for a day or more in difficult conditions by playing that sort of shit, but apparently it's what they want to do.
* Johnson should never play Test cricket again. He's an embarrassment.
* a few others ought to join him in oblivion. Sadly, the Shield has declined to the point it's difficult to see who should replace them.
It's very easy to sit at a computer and be critical, but performances over the past couple of years - occasional bright spots like Perth notwithstanding - invite and deserve criticism. To suggest otherwise is nonsense. We're heading toward 80s-like depths and no one involved with playing, selection or administration seems to be aware of or give a crap about it.
Apparently he's been fined 40% of his match fee - that oughta teach him
It was ugly - one of the worst from a serial offender in the petulance and bad sportsmanship stakes. No excuse for it, but he knows he's likely to be tapped on the shoulder in the next few days. These scenes today will likely be remembered as the moment Australia gave up it's champion status a la the Waugh/Ambrose footage of 1995 that everyone recalls as the moment the West Indian dynasty fell apart.
Ponting should be thanking his lucky stars he's not finishing his test career on a suspension.
Didn't hear the interview, but head in the sand is right. They're about to appoint the publicly (and internally) reviled Clarke as captain while he is in the worst form slump of his career, all because he has been 'anointed' years ago by Cricket Australia. This is going to end in tears for the player, and the people who put him in the job. And speaking of Clarke, what is with the damn whistling at players during his captaincy stint this afternoon? They are not dogs, they are your team mates you self centered show pony. No wonder they are rumoured to despise him to a man.
Apparently these issues were central to the player revolt that led to the sacking of the Qld coach a few weeks ago. No easy answers here, but abandoning 50 over cricket altogether might be a good start. 20/20 isn't going away, but freeing up the calendar for test matches and quality domestic four day cricket is a must.
The most frustrating cricketer of all time. So much raw talent, yet seems destined to not do it justice. He looks finished. His bowling action just stoops lower and lower every game. We can't afford to play Smith at 6 and shield him with three other quicks in case "Bad Mitch" turns up spraying wides everywhere. Should be thanked for his services and moved on.
Off field there has been major concerns over revenue, attendances etc - money talks and they're worried alright.
On the field, the 80's may look like a golden era by comparison to the next few years. The biggest problem we face now vs. the 80's is that there is no grit whatsoever in this side. Clarke is certainly no Allan Border, that's for sure.
Unfortunately, it looks like we are going to cop some fearful hidings in the next year (RSA away, India at home both in the next 12 months).
Ryan Harris has a stress fracture in his foot - that's a long term injury, so, adding that to the chronic knee injury you would have to say his international career is now in some doubt. Poor bastard has just been bowled into the ground. A big loss for the World Cup.
This series has become the very definition of sporting misery for the home team
, and we still have half a test here to play!
I felt for Trott missing out on a double ton this morning. He's a helluva batsman. Far from the prettiest, but what a fighter.
Watson has just run out Phil Hughes, leaving his position precarious. I would like to see Katich get a farewell at the SCG, so Hughes must be a little nervous.
Ponting now gets one last shot at glory on one of his favourite grounds.
Edit : England have the ball reverse swinging everywhere, already. Just when you think it couldn't get any tougher...
This series has become the very definition of sporting misery for the home team
, and we still have half a test here to play!I felt for Trott missing out on a double ton this morning. He's a helluva batsman. Far from the prettiest, but what a fighter.
Watson has just run out Phil Hughes, leaving his position precarious. I would like to see Katich get a farewell at the SCG, so Hughes must be a little nervous.
Ponting now gets one last shot at glory on one of his favourite grounds.
Edit : England have the ball reverse swinging everywhere, already. Just when you think it couldn't get any tougher...
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When England were finally dismissed I nearly wandered in here to say we'd probably be bowled out for 150. I see we've managed to surpass that target, albeit not by very much. Whoop-de-do.
Maybe South Australia were onto something with Harris after all. But to be a bit less cruel, that's very unfortunate for him.
The less said about any other aspect of this pseudo-Test, the better. It's beyond embarrassing now. The really galling part is that England have done no more than play the most basic first-class level cricket. Obviously they've done it particularly well and are due the credit they will undoubtedly receive, but the mind boggles as to what India or South Africa could - and will - do to our mob.
Interesting that Ponting was fined yet Siddle got off scot-free. He had even less business than Ponting being involved in that ludicrous confrontation. To Ponting's credit he admitted he screwed up and didn't try to weasel out of the situation; the accompanying insistence that the umpiring decision which provoked the stupidity was wrong is rather less praise-worthy.
Gah.
Maybe South Australia were onto something with Harris after all. But to be a bit less cruel, that's very unfortunate for him.
The less said about any other aspect of this pseudo-Test, the better. It's beyond embarrassing now. The really galling part is that England have done no more than play the most basic first-class level cricket. Obviously they've done it particularly well and are due the credit they will undoubtedly receive, but the mind boggles as to what India or South Africa could - and will - do to our mob.
Interesting that Ponting was fined yet Siddle got off scot-free. He had even less business than Ponting being involved in that ludicrous confrontation. To Ponting's credit he admitted he screwed up and didn't try to weasel out of the situation; the accompanying insistence that the umpiring decision which provoked the stupidity was wrong is rather less praise-worthy.
Gah.
Watching VVS Laxman batting with the Indian tail enders, steering his team into a dominant position on a Durban minefield against Steyn tonight, I hope our younger players are shown tapes of his innings.
There are no booming drives at swinging balls outside off stump - he waits for the overpitched straight one and flicks it through the leg side. There are no hook shots at balls two feet outside off stump - everything is left alone till there is something to cut through point.
Cook, Strauss and Trott do this all day as well - let's hope someone sits Smith down and talks him through this stuff after he threw away his innings today.
Putting on the Pollyanna hat here, I'd say Smith was the one positive today. He needs to be persevered with - there is something there.
The English bowlers once again put our attack to shame today. Without Finn there leaking runs, there is no respite for us. Bresnan's spell was the matchwinner today - reverse swing, seam, and tonnes of persistence. I have underrated him badly - he's got all the tricks.
Quite incredible how Tremlett and Bresnan have come into the English team without missing a beat, and in both cases surpassed the efforts of the players they replaced. Flower and co. clearly have put a tonne of planning into this series, and deserve plenty of credit for engineering this humiliation.
Where on earth does this team go from here? We've got a selector-induced disaster on our hands re: the leadership of the team - neither the captain or vice captain should be in the side.
With no obvious alternatives to captain the side, maybe Ponting should just be given a farewell game in Sydney as captain, and we hope that our opponents turn up with a New Years hangover and take the foot off the throat. But I wouldn't bet on it - they seem way too professional.
Gah x 2
There are no booming drives at swinging balls outside off stump - he waits for the overpitched straight one and flicks it through the leg side. There are no hook shots at balls two feet outside off stump - everything is left alone till there is something to cut through point.
Cook, Strauss and Trott do this all day as well - let's hope someone sits Smith down and talks him through this stuff after he threw away his innings today.
Putting on the Pollyanna hat here, I'd say Smith was the one positive today. He needs to be persevered with - there is something there.
The English bowlers once again put our attack to shame today. Without Finn there leaking runs, there is no respite for us. Bresnan's spell was the matchwinner today - reverse swing, seam, and tonnes of persistence. I have underrated him badly - he's got all the tricks.
Quite incredible how Tremlett and Bresnan have come into the English team without missing a beat, and in both cases surpassed the efforts of the players they replaced. Flower and co. clearly have put a tonne of planning into this series, and deserve plenty of credit for engineering this humiliation.
Where on earth does this team go from here? We've got a selector-induced disaster on our hands re: the leadership of the team - neither the captain or vice captain should be in the side.
With no obvious alternatives to captain the side, maybe Ponting should just be given a farewell game in Sydney as captain, and we hope that our opponents turn up with a New Years hangover and take the foot off the throat. But I wouldn't bet on it - they seem way too professional.
Gah x 2
So the last rites have been administered and the Ashes are staying where they are. (They always do, of course, but that's another issue altogether.) Kudos to England, who have been by far the better side, and by planning properly and arriving early - thus taking a visit here far more seriously than a lot of teams do - they have deservedly reaped the rewards. Well done to them.
Haddin and Siddle aside, we've been a rabble in this Test. In truth, we've been a rabble for the majority of the series and made England's task infinitely easier than it ought to have been. Australian cricket fans had better get used to it, though. Our batsmen lack both technique and application, and the ability to play each ball on its merits. Our bowlers lack basic skills, patience and the ability to plan, never mind execute a plan. Our fielding is utterly pathetic by any standard, never mind the standards we established and other teams have since followed and matched or surpassed. Our selectors are clueless, but thanks to our administrators they have little to work with. The Shield competition, such as it is nowadays, is on hold for the mindless 20/20 money-fest that will take over everything for the next several weeks. The blokes who should be out there playing first-class cricket and putting pressure on the incumbents have instead been twiddling their thumbs and gearing up for Mickey Mouse pseudo-cricket. The whole thing would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic, inept and thoroughly predictable.
There are plenty of far more important things in life than losing a few games of cricket so the histrionics that will follow this defeat - and the chortling among the English that will also ensue - will be excessive by any reasonable standard. The sun will continue to rise and life will go on. But I'd rather our over-hyped, overpaid mob had made it difficult for England instead of handing over the trophy they supposedly prize above all others with so little fight.
Haddin and Siddle aside, we've been a rabble in this Test. In truth, we've been a rabble for the majority of the series and made England's task infinitely easier than it ought to have been. Australian cricket fans had better get used to it, though. Our batsmen lack both technique and application, and the ability to play each ball on its merits. Our bowlers lack basic skills, patience and the ability to plan, never mind execute a plan. Our fielding is utterly pathetic by any standard, never mind the standards we established and other teams have since followed and matched or surpassed. Our selectors are clueless, but thanks to our administrators they have little to work with. The Shield competition, such as it is nowadays, is on hold for the mindless 20/20 money-fest that will take over everything for the next several weeks. The blokes who should be out there playing first-class cricket and putting pressure on the incumbents have instead been twiddling their thumbs and gearing up for Mickey Mouse pseudo-cricket. The whole thing would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic, inept and thoroughly predictable.
There are plenty of far more important things in life than losing a few games of cricket so the histrionics that will follow this defeat - and the chortling among the English that will also ensue - will be excessive by any reasonable standard. The sun will continue to rise and life will go on. But I'd rather our over-hyped, overpaid mob had made it difficult for England instead of handing over the trophy they supposedly prize above all others with so little fight.