The Ashes 2009

[Idaho]

Can anyone explain to me why we have to only have one all-rounder in the team? Why don't we swap one of the pointless batsmen for Rashid? Give us a new bowling and batting option. They say we don't know how to set fields for two spinners - but why not learn? Why not change our style?

 

[Nemo]

Can anyone explain to me why we have to only have one all-rounder in the team? Why don't we swap one of the pointless batsmen for Rashid? Give us a new bowling and batting option. They say we don't know how to set fields for two spinners - but why not learn? Why not change our style?

All-rounders aren't necessarily going to perform as consistently with the bat as specialist batsmen.

 

[agricola]

Can anyone explain to me why we have to only have one all-rounder in the team? Why don't we swap one of the pointless batsmen for Rashid? Give us a new bowling and batting option. They say we don't know how to set fields for two spinners - but why not learn? Why not change our style?

You can argue that with Broad and Swann we already have two.

 

[Nemo]

Athers and Warne reckon that England have the edge on overall bowling strength, and that's why they're ahead.

 

[Idaho]

All-rounders aren't necessarily going to perform as consistently with the bat as specialist batsmen.

You can argue that with Broad and Swann we already have two.

But with our middle order being so pointless and our 'early tail' being so promising - why not build on what we have. Have 5 specialist batsmen, 3 All rounders and 3 out and out bowlers. With a strong and varied bowling attack able to make runs - could be very strong.

 

[Balbi]

All-rounders aren't necessarily going to perform as consistently with the bat as specialist batsmen.

yeah, because we've got the consistency of iris murdochs yorkshire puds at the minute

 

[slaar]

I don't get all the moaning about this pitch. It's difficult, but batsmen who've applied themselves (Strauss, Bell, Trott, Swann, Ponting, Hussey, Katich) have got decent scores on it. It's a good result pitch as far as I can see, rather than a road where 550 plays 500 in the first innings.

If the Aussies wanted to blame something they should blame the rain at lunch on the second day, which made the ball swing like a boomerang in Broad's capable hands. But that's just cricket.

 

[Nemo]

265-5 at tea. Another good session.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

what a session! what a relief!

 

[TrippyLondoner]

If the Aussies wanted to blame something they should blame the rain at lunch on the second day, which made the ball swing like a boomerang in Broad's capable hands. But that's just cricket.

thing is if they admit the rain disrupted them, they're admitting they reacted wrongly, which is a sign of weakness imo.

 

[butchersapron]

Good session - a slow death is a good death.

 

[Nemo]

what a session! what a relief!

Yep. Three line calls, three wickets.

 

[Dirty Martini]

You can argue that with Broad and Swann we already have two.

Three, with Jimmy

 

[Nemo]

Watson needs to work on his lbw problem if he wants a long stretch at the top of the order imo.

 

[Diamond]

Probably already been said but wasn't Mathew Hayden fascinating on TMS during the changeover yesterday evening talking about his batting preparation in the same situation?

 

[marty21]

Three, with Jimmy

don't forget harmison, he averages 131 at the oval

 

[Balbi]

I thought Potter and Malfoy (no, the other one) were mildly amusing - especially Potter sending Boycott into apoplexy

 

[Nemo]

Bumble and Beefy both saying 'start the car' for the final session.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

Bumble and Beefy both saying 'start the car' for the final session.

i hate that phrase

 

[gabi]

Watson needs to work on his lbw problem if he wants a long stretch at the top of the order imo.

I dont think he'll stay there. IMO they should've kept faith with Hughes, I think he'll be back after this series.

Watson's tidy, but not a test opening batsman.

 

[Nemo]

Come on lads!

 

[TrippyLondoner]

c'mon england!

 

[marty21]

31 overs, plus a half an hour, we can get a result today!

 

[Nemo]

Collycutters.

 

[gabi]

MBE to open! wtf?

 

[Balbi]

I remember 2005, and my housemate who wasn't into his cricket ended up hooked on the final test. He'd heard about the ashes, and the urn and how important it all was - was into Aussie baiting and Fred worship and allsorts, and when we won and the team went mental he was chuffed. Until they presented the urn, and his exact words were;

"TWO BLOODY MONTHS FOR SOMETHING THAT SMALL? FUCKS SAKE"

bless

 

[JimW]

We need to slow this wicket taking down a bit; keep the losers stood out there on display for the evening and another half day too.

 

[TrippyLondoner]

I remember 2005, and my housemate who wasn't into his cricket ended up hooked on the final test. He'd heard about the ashes, and the urn and how important it all was - was into Aussie baiting and Fred worship and allsorts, and when we won and the team went mental he was chuffed. Until they presented the urn, and his exact words were;

"TWO BLOODY MONTHS FOR SOMETHING THAT SMALL? FUCKS SAKE"

bless

Its not the size of it that matters!!!

 

[Nemo]

MBE to open! wtf?

Good choice on this pitch.

 

[Nemo]

I remember 2005, and my housemate who wasn't into his cricket ended up hooked on the final test. He'd heard about the ashes, and the urn and how important it all was - was into Aussie baiting and Fred worship and allsorts, and when we won and the team went mental he was chuffed. Until they presented the urn, and his exact words were;

"TWO BLOODY MONTHS FOR SOMETHING THAT SMALL? FUCKS SAKE"

bless

Wasn't the real urn anyway. Presumably he'd have been even more shocked that for the majority of Ashes history, there wasn't even a trophy.