The Ashes in Australia, 2013/2014.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Thursday 21st November 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Brisbane
00:00






Thursday 5th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Adelaide
00:00






Friday 13th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Perth
02:30






Wednesday 25th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Melbourne
23:30






Thursday 2nd January 2014


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Sydney
23:30






I had 2-2 in my head for this series whilst the Ashes in England was on and I'm going with the same now.

Come on England! :bow:

[IBK]

Thursday 21st November 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Brisbane
00:00






Thursday 5th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Adelaide
00:00






Friday 13th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Perth
02:30






Wednesday 25th December 2013


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Melbourne
23:30






Thursday 2nd January 2014


Australia (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/australia)
v
England (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/england)
Sydney
23:30






I had 2-2 in my head for this series whilst the Ashes in England was on and I'm going with the same now.

Come on England! :bow:


2-2 ain't a bad call :good:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hope I am wrong by 3 though. :whistle:

Also, Clarke announced England's team for the first test so they can start their preparations early. :haha:

[Letters]

My mum is going to the 2nd or 3rd one with her husband, one of the things on his bucket list apparently.


My inheritance :rose:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's on tonight.

Sleep. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Ultimate test of your updating ability this is tbf.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'll need to outsource from after lunch, probably.

[LDG]

I'll need to outsource from after lunch, probably.

Letters is in a prime Cricketing area, with a more agreeable timezone :good:

[Syn]

Brisbane has always been one of the best wickets in the world. Something for spinners, fast bowlers and batsmen. Look at the variance of scores here: http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/ground/56336.html?class=1;team=1;template=results;type=ag gregate;view=innings

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Letters is in a prime Cricketing area, with a more agreeable timezone :good:

No commitments either, based on him checking in on GW regularly. :whistle:

[PGFC]

No commitments either, based on him checking in on GW regularly. :whistle:

In a land with a billion possibilities too :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

As one legend retired in India, another arrived.

[PGFC]

Meh, Letters is about a foot short of a legend.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just an end then?

[LDG]

No, a dwarf.

[Letters]

No commitments either, based on him checking in on GW regularly. :whistle:

:p

I'll get mum to sign up as she's just got to Brisbaine and is going to the match

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Time for the GW leaflets. :bow:

[Syn]

Damien Martyn has just tweeted a pic of the Gabba. Weather seems fine. Win the toss and bat obviously.

My predictions:

England to win 2-1.
Highest run scorer for the tournament - Michael Clarke.
Highest wicket taker - James Anderson
Surprise performer - Mitchell Johnson

KP's 100th test. Syn would like to take another annoying moment to congratulating himself on spotting Pietersen's talent when he was playing for Notts before he even played for England. England's best ever player? Dunno. Some of those pre war amateurs who had phenomenal records because only two countries ever played the game and the rest weren't rich enough to compete properly might get the plaudits instead.
But here's a nice accurate summary from Harminson:


Ex-England pace bowler Steve Harmison, who played alongside Pietersen in the 2005 and 2009 Ashes-winning sides, told BBC Sport: "Kevin is the best player ever to wear an England shirt."He's not the best English player to play for England because he's not English, he is South African, but he is the best player ever to wear an England shirt.


"He has changed the face of the game and the way people, especially young players coming into the game, view the game.


"English people have to be thankful that somebody like that has come along.
"I think he will set all the records for a short period of time before Alastair Cook beats them a little later after Pietersen retires."

Great tekkers and great innovator.

[Ollie the Optimist]

love the ashes. best sporting contest out there. this will be an endurance test though. think i might have to just cope with watching the first session everyday. should be a cracking series. Aussies to nick it by 1 though i think. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Highest run scorer for the tournament -Cook.
Highest wicket taker - Harris. Brave shout given his legs might not hold out.
Surprise performer - Umpires. Getting most LBW's correct.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Highest run scorer: KP & Bailey
Highest wicket taker: Broad & Siddle
Surprise performer: Carberry. will do well as opener i feel and Watson not getting out Lbw every time

[Syn]

Bailey's a good shout. Reckon he'll do well. Broad won't. He's just a takingwicketsagainstpeoplescaredoftheshortball merchant.

[Ollie the Optimist]

think Broad will be fired up for this series and will perform well. he took 20 odd wickets int he summer and i think the aussie pitches will suit him.

loving the aussie media going to town on him and calling him a cheat for not walking etc, when half the aussie team didn't walk at all in the summer :lol:

[Rors]

Pigeon back on the commentary team :bow:

England 2-1 is my prediction. Winning the first two (with at least one by an innings), losing in Perth Because England Always Lose In Perth, weather-hit draw Melbourne, beer-and-skittles-draw Sydne.y

[Rors]

The Second test is a drop-in pitch of course, which is usually short-hand for 'Flat As A Pancake'..... Hmm.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sky's programme on SS2 starts now. Three month jolly. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

There should definitely be a test in the Northern Territory.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They've been allowed to ship the SkyCart over. :lol:

[Rors]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZjN2dXCYAA8tyV.jpg

Such scabrous wit..

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They've had four months to come up with something and that's what they deliver.

[Rors]

England team: Cook, Carberry, Trott, KP, Bell, Root, Prior, Broad, Swann, Tremlett, Anderson

Bairstow :rose: He can play with Agar in the Where Are They Now? sandpit..

Big call for Carberry, but on recent form he probably deserves it. Still not sure he isn't Morgan II though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Here comes the toss. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia win the toss and will bat first.

[Rors]

"We're gonna have a bowl mate"

Damn, not this time.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Punter. :lol:

Australia: Warner, Rogers, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Bailey, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Harris, Lyon.

[Rors]

"Look...look...look...look...look...look"

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Warney. :bow:

[Syn]

Warner will be entertaining. For about 3 balls before Anderson cleans him up. Fucking hit and hoper. Just a shit Matty Hayden.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia's Townsend.

[Rors]

Here's Pigeon on TMS :bow:

[Rors]

Here's Boycs on TMS :rolleyes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Boycs straight in to the swing of moaning. :bow:

[Rors]

Complaining at the moment by effectively saying England should have started the tour in the middle of September...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Straight after the ODIs at home. :blink:

[Syn]

The pomp and the ceremony is exciting tbf. Come on cricket.

Hope some rivalries develop quickly. Cricket's no fun when bowlers don't want the batsmen in hospital.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Will Monty get drunk? :popcorn:

[Rors]

Gonna try me luck for first hour or so I think.... Then hopefully awake for last few overs at 7 ish. (Plus quick updates should I 'stir' during the night)

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Anderson is cheating if he throws that one down the track in a minute.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on England. :scarf:

:pray:

[Syn]

Rogers is going to chanderpaul it isn't he. Don't think he'll pass 10 runs before playing 60 balls.

[Rors]

Come on England. :scarf:

:pray:

All out by lunch. No, make that drinks! :scarf:

[Rors]

Rogers is going to chanderpaul it isn't he. Don't think he'll pass 10 runs before playing 60 balls.

They'd 'Bite Your Hand Off For A Draw If You Offered It', so yep, can see that happening...

[Rors]

Phew, no Harmison II...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

First ball, finds the bat. Always a relief not to see someone Harmison-ing it.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hope Carberry remembers how to catch, unlike in the ODIs.

[Rors]

Time for 'B'..

[Rors]

Broad :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Boos all round for Broad. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Warner pulls Broad for first ball, four. No ball too. :doh:

[Syn]

Some of this Aussie facial hair is ridiculous. Just keep it boring stubble bros. No handlebars or tashes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Walters is Johnson's hero. As is he all of ours.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just drops short off Warner to Bell.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

12-1, Broad gets Rogers! :bow:

[Rors]

Here we go :scarf:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Watson lbw first ball. :pray:

[Rors]

Watson :lol: Hope he's remembered what the universal symbol for 'referral' is...

[Syn]

Watson and Warner :lol:

I'll give this partnership 5 overs. Watson has a hamstring problem so just get him forward.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nearly. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Watson slices it over Carberry's bonce!

FFS Aussies. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What a way to reach 3000 test runs. Sexy stroke.

[Rors]

Leg byes :bow:

[Rors]

Watson :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What's Warner doing? :lol:

[Syn]

Broad is trying too hard. Just bowl top of off. Let the batsmen make mistakes - and these two will make mistakes.

[Syn]

Australia have lost a wicket but they're making great use of the bowling powerplay here. If they get to 160 off their 20 overs it'll be a respectable score.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Broad. :lol:

Nothing going for him on that appeal.

[Rors]

Australia have lost a wicket but they're making great use of the bowling powerplay here. If they get to 160 off their 20 overs it'll be a respectable score.

Looking forward to the Golden Over to decide this one in about two hours time... :popcorn:

[Syn]

Well this partnership has survived more than 5 overs. And Watson is looking focused.

About time for a sledge IMO. General chatter about Ghostbusters.

[Rors]

Right, I'm done..let's see what I wake up to. (The presentation speeches?)

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Time for Root IMO.

Bye Rors.

[Syn]

Watson went just before lunch. Must be absolutely livid. Was so careful to stay in - perhaps his slowest ever knock after having played 70 balls.

Townsend is still in and playing some neat punches through mid wicket. Clarke should be in now.

[Syn]

Broad bounces Clarke out for 1!

73-3. Massive wicket. Broad has taken all three. Always been a fan.

Give or take a Bailey 50, Aussies will go for under 200.

[Syn]

Townsend gone for 49. Silly shot.

86-4

Another wicket for Broad. 4 out of 4 for him.

Bailey comes to the crease. These guys have no idea how to play the long form of the game any more.

[Syn]

Anderson gets Bailey for 3.

100-5

Caught first slip by Cook. Expecting some maverick resilience from Haddin but this is just awful stuff from the Aussies. England haven't even bowled that well. Quite a few loose deliveries releasing the pressure, and it's not like the wickets have been unplayable balls.

[LDG]

Smith followed at 132-6 bowled Tremlett, caught Cook.

Since then the Aussies seem to have found some nerve and have put on a further 83 runs for no wicket.

Haddin and Mitchell Johnson at the crease on 51 and 49 respectively.

Will those jokes and jibes at Johnson's expense all of these years come back to haunt us?

[LDG]

And Johnson gets his half century. Aussies now in recovery mode.

[LDG]

100 partnership up for these two.

England have lost the edge.

Hopefully we'll get something before close with the new ball.

[LDG]

Broad got Johnson.

He went for 64 as Broad gets his five for.

Siddle got done by Anderson for 7, caught by Cook.

Stupid BBC text announced "Close", so I thought it was all done for the day :lol:

265-8 as it stands....

[LDG]

And that is "real" close.

273-8 is how it ended.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well done England.

Aussies. :lol:

[Ollie the Optimist]

good first day from England that. looks a belting wicket to bat on so to get the aussies 8 down for under 300 is a fantastic effort. thought all our bowlers bowled superbly. kept it pretty tight.

Johnson saying at the end of the day that this where the Aussies wanted to be it. :haha:

[Rors]

If England are still batting with good wickets in hand by lunch on Day Three, they should walk this one now. Being six down for a hundred odd after two hours - after you won the toss - is defeat in itself..

[Rors]

'Free-to-air' highlights (sort of) on Pick TV at 10pm every evening.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Play is 20 minutes away.

Come on England. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The Aussie press's treatment of Broad (well the Courier Mail) is really quite pathetic.

[Xhaka Can’t]

WTF has happened to Australia? They've gone from being amazing to becoming shite at just about everything.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Haddin moves on to 80.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Then he wafts at a short ball. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

282-9, Harris tries to leave it but just knocks it to Prior.

Broad with six-for now. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

295 all out, Haddin run out on 94. :haha:

Brilliantly taken by Prior.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Broad holds the ball up to the crowd, gets boos and puts on the trollface.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

How has Carberry got two runs from a block off a full delivery? :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Johnson first ball, rank. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England, 17-0. All looking good so I will go there before it goes tits up.

[Syn]

Mitchell Johnson is fucking rapid. 95mph bouncers on this pitch. England's older batsmen might be in trouble here if he finds a half decent spell.

[LDG]

Oh dear.

Tht's not nice to wake up to.

[cricketsi]

Shambolic. Utterly terrible. Bowlers will be unable to compensate for poor batting line up this time round.

And BBC TMS > Sky, by so much, how can Sky not get some decent commentators?

[Xhaka Can’t]

Fuck.

[PGFC]

:lol: Ah well, normal service is well and truly resumed.

[Marc Overmars]

We lost 6 wickets for 9 runs. :doh:

What a collapse.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

England, 17-0. All looking good so I will go there before it goes tits up.

So your powers extend to cricket now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

This one didn't take much working out, England's bowling line-up has been covering for the batting over a long, long period. Absolute shite.

Carberry did fairly well, Broad was very good. The rest of the recognised batting line-up...:lol: World class indeed.


Glenn McGrath, Ex-Australia fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special

"I'm happy at the moment. If you told me at the start of the day that Australia would be batting at the close with a lead of 221, I would have asked what you had been smoking." Glenn W Henry. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Also, Strauss is woeful on wicket taking deliveries.

Where's Holding? :(

[Syn]

Broad was around 80-85mph and still caused problems. Similar with Anderson and Tremlett was low 80s.

Harris and Johnson were consistently 90mph+ and it's going to be very difficult to face them, although I still don't rate Harris that highly. England should be more worried about a really shit spinner like Lyon taking Bell and Prior's wickets, but it's probably a one-off.

Said it before but Gabba and Perth are really great wickets. Test cricket should be about batsmen shitting themselves. England need to skittle Australia out in the next 100 or so runs to stand a chance of chasing the target. Wouldn't write England off for this game just yet.

The series needed an Aussie win to start tbf. England still strong favourites for the series so Australia ruffling a few feathers will make for a better contest.

[Rors]

Here we go...!!

Rog. Once a county clogger...

[Syn]

Here we go...!!

Rog. Once a county clogger...

Poor man's Graeme Hick tbh.

[Munchies]

:doh: at the rain

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia are 299-5, Warner and Clarke both with centuries. Tea now.

Lead by 458.

England's batting. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nasser. :lol:

Questioning whether Australia can get the job done here. Well with 458 lead and counting, it would be an impressive cock-up not to do it now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

305-6, Swann bowls Bailey!

Bailey. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

England take the second new ball.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bumble and Beefy thought this was an opportunity for England's bowlers to be agressive. Er with what score to defend against?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No Sky commentary for about five minutes, could just hear two fans hurling abuse at each other. :lol:

[PGFC]

Woke up to not much better news this morning, switched the radio on to hear Carberry play on to his stumps :doh: ffs England, sort it out.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Trott didn't last long either. :(

All on KP and Cook tomorrow. Only 500 odd runs to win. :scarf:

[LDG]

This really is horrific.

[GP]

LOL just LOL @ inglund

[Rors]

Trott is absolutely having one. Anything with a bit of zip and on the leg side and it is brown trousers time. Keep your head still man!

[Rors]

Trott didn't last long either. :(

All on KP and Cook tomorrow. Only 500 odd runs to win. :scarf:

KP :lol: Just the man you need for quiet slow innings-building patience. 5-0 England tbf....

[Rors]

And I know it didn't matter in the long run, and I suppose he was entitled to it, but Clarke's shot to get out with to Swannn would have disgraced the Jack of a park green Fifth XI. Atrocious :haha:

[Rors]

Strauss is utterly pitiful.

[Syn]

Clarke is such a fantastic batsman. Doesn't really have a weakness to his game. The short ball plan to him was just silly.

[Syn]

No JA unplayable worldies has been a problem. Clarke aside you can knock this Aussie line up aside just like they did to England. Maybe Anderson needs a test to find some rhythm.

[Rors]

Clarke is such a fantastic batsman. Doesn't really have a weakness to his game. The short ball plan to him was just silly.

Yes I had a feeling they'd think they could go that particular well again after the first innings,and it was never going to work. He is nobody's bunny.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

KP :lol: Just the man you need for quiet slow innings-building patience. 5-0 England tbf....

No more Colly and Panesar to hold on for dear life. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on England.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

72-3, KP loops it in to the air. Goes for 26. :rolleyes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well that was a bit of a beating. Australia won by 381 runs. :rose:

[Syn]

He bowls to the left, he bowls to the right, that Mitchell Johnson he's...erm...still erratic but is now bowling some absolutely unplayable deliveries every couple of overs. 9 wickets in the game for him, #decenteffort.

[Syn]

Used to like Michael Clarke. But what a tit he was at the end today. Does turning into a complete twat come with the territory of being Australian captain?

[Syn]

For those who missed it:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKtvZhmAn0I

Well done big man. Threatening a broken arm to a no.11 when the game is already won. What a penis.

[Rors]

For those who missed it:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKtvZhmAn0I

Well done big man. Threatening a broken arm to a no.11 when the game is already won. What a penis.

Totally idiotic, and I don't think it's becoming of his character. Having said that, I doubt very strongly that Jimmy didn't 'have a word' himself beforehand... But still, Clarke is the one in the wrong here, no doubts.

[Rors]

Used to like Michael Clarke. But what a tit he was at the end today. Does turning into a complete twat come with the territory of being Australian captain?

Look, this is the thing. Look, it seems to be what they want. Look, he got a kicking from the jackals in the Aussie press a year or so ago for not being a larrikin. Look, now it looks like he has caved in. Look, that's a shame.

[Syn]

The 'looks' probably do make me think he's a reasonable man (no homo). No person who keeps starting with 'look' could be anything but balanced. The internet forum equivalent would be adding 'tbh' to everything tbf. He should mix it up by borrowing Keane's 'listen'.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I think Clarke is going for the Border '89 approach. Hope it's not the same scoreline.

Trott has left the tour citing a long standing stress disorder which I presume is agitated by getting out all the time.

[PGFC]

Shame about Trott, I'm just surprised the Aussies have taken this long to revert to type, I just hope we're up for the fight.

tbf I'm surprised at Clarke, sledging Anderson like that? does he not realise there are four more games? He's either brave or extremely stupid.

[Syn]

I'd pick Ballance. Give talented yoof a chance. They can react to the quickies.

[Syn]

Mark Butcher is such a good analyst. Really picks out unusual points that nobody else considers. Also has #decentbanter. When Gower has had enough, Sky should try to get Butcher to takeover as the main host.

[Rors]

I think Clarke is going for the Border '89 approach. Hope it's not the same scoreline.

.

"No (Robin Smith), you can't have a fucking glass of water. You can fucking wait like the rest of us" :lol:

[Rors]

As I suspected.... : according to Aggers, it started with Anderson telling Bailey he was "going to punch him in the face". :lol:

[Rors]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZ3LUU1IAAAN326.jpg:large See you there.....

[Ollie the Optimist]

one of the aussie papers has the headline "trott does a runner"

this was their first win in 2013 and they are all acting as if they are the worlds best team. their attiude towards trott and his mental health is disgusting and the arrogance of some of their players is awful. yes they won and deservdly so but its the first test match. i hope we fucking hammer them after their behaviour

[Xhaka Can’t]

If true: Stay classy Australia.

[Ollie the Optimist]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZ_Pv9YCEAEokFn.jpg

[Rors]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZ7ab91CYAAKQW4.jpg:large

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ah, I think we know what set it off then.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

AVB has definitely lost one dressing room....

[Ollie the Optimist]

few rumours about that England might call up Tymal Mills to play in Adelaide. I've watch him quite a lot for Essex, and he is rapid. easily gets it down at 92/3mph. Remember watching him last august in colchester, the derby batsman didn't stand a chance, it was going down at them at frightening pace but he hsouldnt be called up at all. he's not got enough control, hostile and fast but not accurate however I'm sure in a few years he will be playing for england.

though it would be amusing watching all the cocky aussies shit themselves as mills chucks it down at them :lol:

[Syn]

Let it go ahead. Would be interesting to see.

[IBK]

one of the aussie papers has the headline "trott does a runner"

this was their first win in 2013 and they are all acting as if they are the worlds best team. their attiude towards trott and his mental health is disgusting and the arrogance of some of their players is awful. yes they won and deservdly so but its the first test match. i hope we fucking hammer them after their behaviour

Bunch of classless c*nts. This is all led by Darren Lehman - and goes to show how desperate they are for a win. The shame for me is that England are handing it to them on a plate through being complacent; undercooked and continuing to try to play percentage cricket. The England team of 2010/11 would have shoved it back down their throats. Unfortunately, this incarnation will simply give these Aussie tossers justification.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Second test tonight. :popcorn:

[Syn]

Can't find it easily on cricinfo - any clues on who will play for England instead of Trott?

[LDG]

Can't find it easily on cricinfo - any clues on who will play for England instead of Trott?

Dunno.

Though, if they get a big blanket from the bedroom, and drench it in water, that should do the trick :good:

[PGFC]

Bresnan, Root will maybe bat at 3, ball 3 that is, probably :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yeah that's what I figure it will be. Not known if Big Tim is fully fit but he'll play if he is.

Some rumours England will play Monty. :lol:

Probably just to piss on various buildings in and around Adelaide.

[Ollie the Optimist]

id play Bresnan in this match. he bowled superbly in the summer against the Aussies. Move Root to 3, keep Tremlett.

[Syn]

Root's a battler but I don't think he's technically good enough to bat at no.3 long term. He's more of a no.5 or 6 good for grinding out an innings and batting until the tail get bowled out. England should try out a promising youngster. I was hoping that Yorkshire guy (forgot his name) would get picked.

[Syn]

@philtufnell: Not long till we are underway in Adelaide. The sun is out and it sounds like it is belter of a pitch as usual!Eng have to go big 1st innings

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The toss is imminent. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Australia win the toss and will bat first. Double sided coin I reckon. :ninja:

[Syn]

Ben Stokes plays btw. Surprise inclusion.

He's had a test to play himself in, now anderson will rip them apart.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No Bresnan and Monty does indeed play.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on England. :scarf:

Australia: Rogers, Warner, Watson, Clarke (capt), Smith, Bailey, Haddin (wk), Johnson, Siddle, Harris, Lyon.

England: Cook (capt), Carberry, Root, Pietersen, Bell, Stokes, Prior (wk), Broad, Swann, Anderson, Panesar.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Anderson giving Rogers some treatment.

Bumble complaining of it being so cold in Adelaide. You're in Adelaide, broadcasting to the UK, at midnight.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Rain stops play. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And play now resumes.

[Syn]

Anderson, bowl faster innit.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We could do without Warner going mental again.

[Syn]

Rogers off the mark. 10 balls, 1 run. I suspect that'll be his strike rate even when he gets out.

Try to score some raaaaans you fanny.

Warner hits a streaky cut for four. Jammy as always.

[Munchies]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BarlPg3CEAAHMNi.jpg

:haha:

Official twitter feed of the Aussie cricket team. They deleted it now

[Syn]

:haha:

Why did they delete it? Everyone's so worried about the PC police.

[Syn]

Confirmed. Warner is the new shitwag.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

23 off 19. Get Swann on to get this scrote lofting one in the air.

Ball cracking open already. :lol:

Have Pirelli made the kookaburra now too?

[Syn]

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

34-1, Broad gets Warner for 29! :haha:

I saw the weakness in his eyes.

[Syn]

What a village cunt :haha:

Utter stupidity to throw his wicket away like that. But that's just how he plays.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Geoffrey Boycott, Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"What a dipstick. There's no oil is lamp. To spoon the ball, head-high and gentle to point is a really poor shot. It couldn't happen to a nicer fella after what he said in Brisbane to one of our batsmen."

Boycs. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Rain stops play again.

[Syn]

Fuck this shit.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yeah agreed, Ashes breakfast for me I reckon.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Aussies made 273-5. Fairly even you'd say.

[Syn]

Haven't seen the highlights but reading reports it seems 3 catches went down in the final session. No excuse for that.

If the lower order stick around again and one of Clarke or Haddin remain not out, you're looking at around 400. Usually if you score 400 in the first innings you don't lose the test match - England got to get them in the next 70-80 runs and then look to score 500.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71541000/jpg/_71541517__71538087_ca_tweet.jpg

:haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just watching the highlights now:

Watson's dismissal. :haha:

Village doesn't cover it. That was hamlet stuff. Anderson's trollface. :lol:

Monty's delivery to get rid of Smith. :bow:

Less good for the celebration.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Monty's drop of Bailey. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Root's effort off Clark would've been a stunning catch. Can't fault him for putting that one down.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Swann's catch to get rid of Bailey. :o

[Rors]

Will be watching the crudely-edited highlights (with trails for 'The Verdict' kept in then that section itself not being broadcast) on Pick at 10.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Carberry. :haha:

What a dolly.

And The Verdict isn't the same now it's not just Tom Moody and Laughing Bob Willis.

[Rors]

Carberry. :haha:

What a dolly.

And The Verdict isn't the same now it's not just Tom Moody and Laughing Bob Willis.

Willis :lol: It May Never Happen, Bob

[Rors]

And I have seen Carberry's cock-up. Oh dear.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He just dropped the Ashes.

[Rors]

He just dropped the Ashes.

His recovery attempt was hilarious.

[Rors]

Warner :lol: The World Hubris Champion

[Rors]

Panesar. Should surely be back on drinks duty whenever he is not bowling.... You ain't no fielder son :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

You'd think Australia would just knock singles to him all day, guaranteed two.

Mr. Cricket at the SkyCart. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Fifty for Clarke.

[Munchies]

And I have seen Carberry's cock-up. Oh dear.

Not being racist, then again, its only chocolate , as its nearly 1 now, but I read that as Cadbury :haha:



:getcoat:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Two chances to get Clarke out.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Haddin gets his fifty, Clarke about to get his century. :(

[McNamara That Ghost...]

367-6, Stokes gets Haddin for his first test wicket! :haha:

Ah no he doesn't. It's a no ball. :haha:

368-5 it is.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Clarke gets his century. Well done to him.

Time to go though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Stokes did eventually get his wicket, getting Clarke on 148. Haddin got another century.

England closed on 35-1. Cook went for 3. :rolleyes:

England 535 runs behind. :rose:

[Rors]

367-6, Stokes gets Haddin for his first test wicket! :haha:

Ah no he doesn't. It's a no ball. :haha:

368-5 it is.

Boycs wasn't commentating on that moment...:(

[Rors]

Innings defeat by tea on Day Four isn't off the cards.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Boycs wasn't commentating on that moment...:(

Bad luck you Pommies.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on England. :(

[Ollie the Optimist]

fully expecting to wake up to us all out for under 200 and aussies on something stupid like 180-1 at close of play

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Root has to stop getting so bogged down. 9 off 61 isn't good enough.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'd like to see a run before I go to bed. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Seven runs in half an hour. :lol:

Time to go.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Only 398 runs in it now!

[cricketsi]

fully expecting to wake up to us all out for under 200 and aussies on something stupid like 180-1 at close of play
I wish your prediction wasn't so sadly accurate and obvious.

Utterly pathetic. Our batsmen aren't worthy of the name.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'm not sure I can bring myself to watch the highlights.

[Xhaka Can’t]

This is not going as well as expected.

[Marc Overmars]

Aussie whitewash? :ninja:

[Rors]

Holy mother of... :haha:

Top/middle-order just crumble. Johnno isn't exactly a guile-laden bowler, but even he had the run of most of the team again. Hell, even Monty 'Brian Close' Panesar put up more resistance against him.

[Rors]

Just seen Broad's dismissal. WTF was he doing?! Yes that's right, just expose all three-stumps to somebody throwing it down at 95mph. That'll help.

[Syn]

Just seen Broad's dismissal. WTF was he doing?! Yes that's right, just expose all three-stumps to somebody throwing it down at 95mph. That'll help.

A couple of them were impatient. I saw up until lunch. Root went after Lyon's first ball and Carberry went for a pull just before lunch. It was probably all over by that point anyway.

Very good innings from Bell. Was positive from the first ball and looked in no real danger to miss out on a hundred if others didn't let him down. Cook getting out was the disaster...he's the most likely to be able to play a 300+ ball innings.

[Rors]

A couple of them were impatient. I saw up until lunch. Root went after Lyon's first ball and Carberry went for a pull just before lunch. It was probably all over by that point anyway.

Very good innings from Bell. Was positive from the first ball and looked in no real danger to miss out on a hundred if others didn't let him down. Cook getting out was the disaster...he's the most likely to be able to play a 300+ ball innings.

Cook just isn't there at the moment. Having a dip straight outta Summer 2010. So slow to the pitch of the ball, be it pace or spin. If you are effectively one down before you start, and your third wicket partnership is therefore inexperienced in the test game you've got problems. Good score for Carberry though, probably done enough to cement that position for at least the remainder of the series. Not that the series will be worthy of the name by Christmas if this keeps up... :(

[Ollie the Optimist]

utterly pathetic. in three innings this series, we haven't scored over 200. its a joke. i thought the aussies would win this series, but for england not to even put up a fight is just unacceptable. a lot of players need to be dropped, too many think they are untouchable even when playing badly. anderson, swan, KP, Prior are the worst culprits at the moment. just think they can turn up and get runs/wickets.

id actually have a drastic change for perth. Cook, Carberry, (call up compton) Compton at 3, KP, Bell, Bairstow WK, Bresnan, Broad, Tremlett, Finn, Panesar

the reason for such a drastic change is for several reasons. One, give some of the current players a kick up the arse, two, is because i think some of those fringe players would actually go down with a fight. we've lost this series already, might as well try something different.

[Rors]

Laughing Bob on SSN...on 'form'

[cricketsi]

utterly pathetic. in three innings this series, we haven't scored over 200. its a joke. i thought the aussies would win this series, but for england not to even put up a fight is just unacceptable. a lot of players need to be dropped, too many think they are untouchable even when playing badly. anderson, swan, KP, Prior are the worst culprits at the moment. just think they can turn up and get runs/wickets.

id actually have a drastic change for perth. Cook, Carberry, (call up compton) Compton at 3, KP, Bell, Bairstow WK, Bresnan, Broad, Tremlett, Finn, Panesar

the reason for such a drastic change is for several reasons. One, give some of the current players a kick up the arse, two, is because i think some of those fringe players would actually go down with a fight. we've lost this series already, might as well try something different.

Not sure quite such full blown changes would be the way to go. I think Compton was harshly treated and cannot figure out why Root was preferred to him, because he just isn't good enough at this level at the moment. His 180 in the summer was a fluke and he should have been out for 4. I've never been a KP fan because, good as he can be, he just dicks about far too often. I don't think Bairstow is good enough either, which is a big issue when Prior is hopelessly out of form. You've actually (theoretically - in reality not possible) weakened the batting line up with an extra bowler, and dropping Anderson is madness. Bresnan is a bits and pieces cricketer, Tremlett not threatening and Finn erratic. I would like to see Finn in the next match though. And Panesar for Swann would not be unreasonable, but I think unlikely.

Our squad is actually depressingly weak. Going from a position of seeming to have quality players waiting in the wings we now have a disordered stream of mediocrity, much like the mid '90s. However, if somebody would just break Mitchell Johnson's arm we can compete again!

I just hate seeing Mitchell Johnson, David Warner and Michael Clarke's smug faces, they all look like typical arrogant Aussie cunts. I have mixed emotions about Aussies worth bothering to hate again...

[Rors]

Despite the arm-breaking escapade, I actually like Pup. Warner and Johnson can suck it though. The latter in his interview with Ward today was pure smarm personified, yuck.

And you can't drop Anderson - he has toiled out there, but who hasn't? Getting rid of him would be the equivalent of the old "I'd bring the senior team home and send the U-18s out to the World Cup in their place" canard (see England - Algeria 2010).

[cricketsi]

Despite the arm-breaking escapade, I actually like Pup. Warner and Johnson can suck it though. The latter in his interview with Ward today was pure smarm personified, yuck.

And you can't drop Anderson - he has toiled out there, but who hasn't? Getting rid of him would be the equivalent of the old "I'd bring the senior team home and send the U-18s out to the World Cup in their place" canard (see England - Algeria 2010).

I'm not sure about Clarke, but he's an Aussie captain, so still worth some hating. Really hoping Mitchell Johnson falls apart again. Partly because I'm a bit of a cricketing purist snob and hate his slingy sideways arm action.

I do find it funny that the two players the Aussies thought were weak and could undermine are the only two actually performing - Bell and Broad!

[Rors]

And what was KP playing at? A 'crafty dab' to midwicket. When somebody is at midwicket for the 'crafty dab' to midwicket.

[IBK]

We saw it in the Summer. England have played joyless percentage cricket for a while now, and Australia have finally worked out how you beat that.

[Rors]

Watching the highlights on Pick (who now finally grace us with their own presentation, with new links from Gower..). A few balls beforehand KP chipped one through midwicket like that. So Australia put TWO men there. You could guess the rest... Dickhead.

[Rors]

Well Prior just gave that up. Three balls very short, fourth one full/good, and there he goes. (And did Warne just call a duck a "dozzer"? Never heard that before)

[Rors]

The 'look' from Johnson to Anderson. Uncalled for. What an absolute dweeb. Yes Mitchell, you clean bowled the Number Ten. Well done.....

[Rors]

Monty heading one for leg byes :bow:

[Rors]

And as for that misfield at point which gave Warner his 50. Just stow it KP.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Australia have declared.


And there may been rain :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Come on England, at least get the moral victory of taking it to the fifth day.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1-1, Johnson gets Cook.

WTF is he thinking?

[Marc Overmars]

So is this Cook bloke actually any good? I don't know a great deal about cricket but he's been garbage everytime I've seen him lately.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He was but his mind is frazzled.

20-2, Siddle gets Carberry. :rose: Carberry following Cook's lead. :doh:

[Syn]

Pietersen sets off for a quick single. Gets hit by the throw by Siddle and stumbles over. Botham says "he'd get into the Arsenal team with a dive like that...". :fingers:

[cricketsi]

So is this Cook bloke actually any good? I don't know a great deal about cricket but he's been garbage everytime I've seen him lately.
Yes. He's in a bit of a slump, and with cricket being such a form game it makes him look terrible. But he'll pick up again and be prolific once more, hopefully sooner rather than later.

What's more, although many will say it's irrelevant, he's a genuinely nice guy.

[cricketsi]

Mitchell Johnson's such a dick. Quite funny bit of aggro between him and Stokes, umpire pushes Mitch away!

Sadly Stokes gone next over. Hopefully Broad can silence the boos.