Slow Love™
International Captain
Funny game, this. I caught the Gilly knock, absolutely superb, I felt privileged to see it. Amazing hitting.
It was surprising to note how often the commentators today entertained the notion of England actually winning this match. Chasing 550-odd, I just can't see it, even taking the conditions into account. If it actually happened, I'd imagine Ponting might cop a thumping in the press, but honestly, I wouldn't hold him liable in the slightest over the declaration. It was a good one, and he allowed plenty of time to bowl the opposition out.
Felt sorry for Cook tonight, much was being made of how tired he looked, and just near the end he succumbed. Loved the castling of Hoggard by McGrath though, what a champion. Both attacks have looked good this match, even when there's been long periods between wickets. A turn-up for me so far has been Bell - I picked him for biggest disappointment, and didn't really rate the guy, but although he hasn't set the world on fire, I think he's certainly done enough to have earnt some respect, and his performance so far has been pretty good. Definitely shown some real guts to go with the flourish he's demonstrated against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Anyhow, yeah, the Ashes should be in our hands sometime tomorrow before tea. I've enjoyed Monty's contributions, and you have to have a laugh at Fletcher's expense when you look at how decent his batting and fielding has looked. He does have a spectacularly girlish way of celebrating his wickets, but it's all part of the charm, innit?
It was surprising to note how often the commentators today entertained the notion of England actually winning this match. Chasing 550-odd, I just can't see it, even taking the conditions into account. If it actually happened, I'd imagine Ponting might cop a thumping in the press, but honestly, I wouldn't hold him liable in the slightest over the declaration. It was a good one, and he allowed plenty of time to bowl the opposition out.
Felt sorry for Cook tonight, much was being made of how tired he looked, and just near the end he succumbed. Loved the castling of Hoggard by McGrath though, what a champion. Both attacks have looked good this match, even when there's been long periods between wickets. A turn-up for me so far has been Bell - I picked him for biggest disappointment, and didn't really rate the guy, but although he hasn't set the world on fire, I think he's certainly done enough to have earnt some respect, and his performance so far has been pretty good. Definitely shown some real guts to go with the flourish he's demonstrated against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Anyhow, yeah, the Ashes should be in our hands sometime tomorrow before tea. I've enjoyed Monty's contributions, and you have to have a laugh at Fletcher's expense when you look at how decent his batting and fielding has looked. He does have a spectacularly girlish way of celebrating his wickets, but it's all part of the charm, innit?
