***Official*** Australia in England (The Ashes)

[djwolf]

I think it's great that England are 2-1 up in the series. They have played wonderful cricket at times, particularly with their 1st innings bowling and batting.

BUT, I have to say they have had most of the luck with McGrath being out injured and the umpiring decisions. The thing that has frustrated me the most with England is our lack of ability to finish off the opposition in the 2nd innings, something that Australia have always made sure of when they've been on top. Like someone said you have to consolidate and build your lead without giving wickets away.

On the whole it seems obvious that England have played the better cricket (75% of the time) but Australia seem to have small periods where they fight their way back into the match, usually with Lee and Warne's bowling. The series isn't over just yet.

 

[Nate]

Bracken has improved since then Craig. I think he`d go well in English conditions. He took 3/30-odd recently off quite a few overs, playing in... India? I`m not sure.

We need Bevan!

 

[Josh]

Bracken has improved since then Craig. I think he`d go well in English conditions. He took 3/30-odd recently off quite a few overs, playing in... India? I`m not sure.

I'm not sure he even has a CA contract any more, luckily...

 

[Josh]

They nickname him Bing because there is a Eletronics (? (and a successful one too!)) store called Bing Lee.

Errr... He was around before the electronics store, which I'm quite sure ended up being named after him funnily enough.

 

[Nate]

I'm not sure he even has a CA contract any more, luckily...

03/04: Contract
04/05: No contract
05/06: Contract

In summary... he currently has a contract. And sure as hell deserves it.

 

[Josh]

I'm interested to find out why I keep seeing Shane Watson's name appear in people's posts about playing test matches.

In my view, Australia favours having a specialist batsman over an all-rounder. Watson's selection in his one and only test was a token selection because the series was wrapped up and no-one cared. I don't think he even has a realistic chance of making any tour squad. If the tests in Australia get blown out again (which looks unlikely after this), then he MIGHT get another token selection. He's just not test standard. He's barely ODI standard.

 

[andyc]

Errr... He was around before the electronics store, which I'm quite sure ended up being named after him funnily enough.

Wrong on both accounts..

Since the opening of our first store in 1958

 

[Josh]

03/04: Contract
04/05: No contract
05/06: Contract

In summary... he currently has a contract. And sure as hell deserves it.

So does Mick Lewis, he won't play either. Bracken's only chance is in the one-dayers. He ruined himself by running in from the top of his mark and bowling 110 km/h off-cutters a few years ago in a test. I've never rated him at all since then.

 

[Josh]

Wrong on both accounts..

I'm not from Sydney.

I heard he was called "Bing" because some famous dude from long ago was named Bing Lee.

 

[Nate]

So does Mick Lewis, he won't play either. Bracken's only chance is in the one-dayers. He ruined himself by running in from the top of his mark and bowling 110 km/h off-cutters a few years ago in a test. I've never rated him at all since then.

Mick Lewis = awesome. Agreed.

If Bracken only played one-dayers, fine, he`d do well.

And yeah, let`s all bag the guy who did his best for Steve Waugh with a severely injured hamstring. And MacGill dropped a sitter off Tendulkar with one of those off-cutters.

 

[howardj]

I think we both picked it actually mate.

A few people did, but some ridiculed us for it...

Don't get too ****y, Lady Mcbeth

You were the one, after all, who shouted down anyone who dared to suggest that Kevin Pietersen be picked for the Tests.

 

[Josh]

If he did play one-dayers it'd be due to an ongoing injury or he'd be the backup (behind Lee, Kasprowicz, Tait and just maybe Gillespie, although I'd like to include Lewis there but the fact is he's just too old. Hope he returns to Rosanna one day)

 

[chalky]

oh one other Key thing that i realised Australia's batting performace in the 2nd innings was the the best the top order had batted all series & it good signs for the oval that Australia are finally coming to terms with how to play the English bowlers.

Australian batsmen looked good because England were a bowler short and had to bowl for 6 consecutive sessions. Even then England created plenty of chances & were able to dry up runs when they waiting for new ball.

 

[Zinzan]

I think we both picked it actually mate.

A few people did, but some ridiculed us for it...

Wow ...what an achievement !!
In the 35,000 posts between you, you've called this one right. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Especially scratching each others backs the way you do.

Might I remind you it takes more of a man to admit when he's called something wrong. Something I can't seem to remember you doing too often. That is, if you have ever been wrong before. Surely its happened once or twice in over 30,000 posts ??

 

[Slow Love™]

Ponting indicated that Australia were reluctant to make any changes to their batting line-up, despite the opener Matthew Hayden's form struggle and poor returns from Damien Martyn. "I can't see that happening, to be honest," he said.

Quite bizarre, really (re. Hayden).

Bizarre, but not entirely surprising.

After a while, you start to wonder if it's a Nerd/Julio thing. Are they both Nerds? Both Julios? If they're from a different faction, that theory's out the window.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Bizarre, but not entirely surprising.

After a while, you start to wonder if it's a Nerd/Julio thing. Are they both Nerds? Both Julios? If they're from a different faction, that theory's out the window.

Er, what?

What's a Nerd and, for that matter, what's a Julio?!

 

[FaaipDeOiad]

Er, what?

What's a Nerd and, for that matter, what's a Julio?!

You aren't alone.

 

[luckyeddie]

Er, what?

What's a Nerd and, for that matter, what's a Julio?!

Obviously the technology/operetta gang wars haven't hit your neck of the woods yet.

 

[Josh]

Geez they mention Nerd/Julio every year on Border Medal night.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Obviously the technology/operetta gang wars haven't hit your neck of the woods yet.

Demonstrably not! Still wandering thru a fog of non-comprehension....