England set off to Australia to retain Ashes tonight.

...Indeed - and of course England won the ashes without losing a test, didn't they?

I think in all seriousness we could learn something from them tho as supporters - to get behind our team!

England don't roll over as easily as they used to 10 or so years ago - they are not ranked 2nd/3rd in the world for nothing.

However, they will have to show character to get anything out of this test.

BTW - I just realised - is Reid injured?

Australia are now really on the rocks having been restricted to 600 odd.

England with only 3 wickets down are well on the way to making a very uncomfortable last 3 days for the Aussies, worrying about whether they will have only one extra day's rest on the Monday.

The old codgers may not last a four day test before the arthritis starts to play up.

Mark

quote:

The old codgers may not last a four day test before the arthritis starts to play up.

Yes, did you notice Glenn McGrath's desperation tactic, the one where he took wickets with consecutive balls, just to minimise the amount of bowling he had to do?

Steve

Starting in a few hours, day 3 at the "Gabbatoir".

Predictions?

Steve

England to thrash McGrath all over the place to post a total of 189 all out.

Australia forced into putting England back in to bat, despite not really wanting the two old codgers to have to go at it again so soon without a bit of a nap in the pavilion. This will play right into England's hands and they will attempt to see the third day out and frustrate the Aussies' wish for a couple of days off.

Mark

quote:

. . despite not really wanting the two old codgers to have to go at it again so soon without a bit of a nap in the pavilion.

That's not a problem. In the latter stages of Dennis Lillee's career, they used to bring the 12th man on for half an hour while Lillee had a shower, a cuppa and a nice lie down.

Steve

One of the English batsmen will point out ball-tampering to the Umpires - in the hope that the Aussies will walk off in disgust...?

Steve

The problem has been with England's warm up matches. The last warm up was a 3 day test, and that's what they are geared up for, 3 days. Australia bat for 2. England bat for 1. Draw. Job's a good'un. Repeat for 4 more tests, Ashes retained.

No-one told them these are 5 day tests!

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Deane F:
One of the English batsmen will point out ball-tampering to the Umpires - in the hope that the Aussies will walk off in disgust...?

That's plan B - now where's Darryl Hare when you need him?

Here is a picture of the new advisor to the England test team:

Actually I think we're winning...we've got 59 and they've only got 3!

Tonto had better get started with the rain dancing, quick smart.

England out for 157 - leaving them open to the follow on - but Australia comes back in to bat! What is their plan? Perhaps to get a quick 150 and declare again leaving them 1.5 days or more to beat England?

A lead of over 500 runs makes even me feel squeamish.

Steve

I think I've figured out the reason for Australia batting again: sadism. The desire to beat England by as huge a margin as possible.

quote:

Originally posted by Yo-yo Master:
I think I've figured out the reason for Australia batting again: sadism. The desire to beat England by as huge a margin as possible.

Nah! Steve - Ponting was worried about McGrath having to bowl another half a day without a rest. They've just brought his nap forward a bit!

Mark, on reflection, you must be right. Did you see the way McGrath walked off the pitch at the end of the England innings, clutching his hip?

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Yo-yo Master:
Stumps, day 1, Australia 3/346.

Steve

You've got the shark, here's the England fish:

Ah, the barramundi, Australia's favourite table fish. Does the English team have a nickname? How about "The Barramundis"?

Steve

I was referring more to the fact that it's stuffed!

And I was referring to the fact that the barramundi is almost boneless!

'Almost'? Then it has the advantage over the England cricket team at the moment!

Mark,

If only you were as optimistic as me........I'm looking forward to two more great nights of cricket. I don't care how tired I'll end up when it's this good.

Mark

I think it's very good of the England Cricket team to keep their hosts so entertained in this way. The Aussies should think themselves lucky they have such generous and talented visitors.

Only 648 for victory, Mark. Can the Barramundis do it?