The Ashes: 2006/07

[Lonie_from_50]

I am guessing we are all cricket fans on this forum, and only 10 more days till the first ball of the most anticipated series in the country ever. Australia's form is quite good, despite the fact they haven't played a test match since the Bangladesh tour over 6 months ago. We did however win the Champions Trophy earlier this month in India.

The selection issues are at full flight, with Phil Jaques just in inspiring form, not only in the last 6 months for Worcestershire or Australia A, but his form against England in the last week has been, nothing short of amazing. He made a smashing 112 off only 110 balls against England for the Prime Ministers XI and continued on the great form yesterday on the opening day of the New South Wales vs England tour match. He made 107, at a strike of just under 70, against the attack of Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff and Panesar.

England look very shaky while Australia are struggling to find a best XI due to everyone capable of filling a spot. Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Brad Hodge, Jason Gillespie, Justin Langer and Shane Watson are all been thrown around as players on the short-list.

My First Test XI
1. J Langer
2. M Hayden
3. *R Ponting
4. D Martyn
5. M Hussey
6. S Watson
7. +A Gilchrist
8. S Warne
9. B Lee
10. S Clark
11. G McGrath

12th man: M Johnson

[FIGJAM]

Am I the only bloke in Australia who can't work out why we select Damien Martyn?

I'm no cricket buff, but I generally watch when it's interesting (ie. when the pressure's up) and he is perpetually MIA.

Bigger front running **************** than Andrew Williams!

[NeRFaHoLIc]

I know we all sounded pretty confident before the last series but I can't see us losing this time, not at all. (Watch as this comes back to bite me :o) England just look very ordinary at the moment, whilst the Aussies are in great form. Our batsman are in better condition than last time, and the greatest difference is that this year we have the great man Hussey! Also this time hopefully McGrath doesn't go down.

My XI for the first test:
1. Langer
2. Hayden
3. *Ponting
4. Martyn/Clarke (Probably lean more towards Marto)
5. Hussey
6. Watson
7. +Gilchrist
8. Warne
9. Lee
10. Bracken
11. McGrath

12th Man: Tait

Bracken is in sensational form and has done all that is asked of him. Tait for 12th man because he is a great bowler, deserves his spot back in the team and is so much better than Johnson it isn't funny. Tait can clean up the top order fairly quickly where as Johnson would be lucky to get one wicket at the tail end. Tait >>>>>>>>>> Johnson.

GO AUSSIES!

[Coin_Toss]

I can't wait, 10 days couldn't come along any quicker either.

Johnson will 'squeeze in' before Clark because he's a Queenslander and the first test is at the Gabba wicket. He's already noted and filed his name as a threat to the Englishmen, don't forget.

Langer is a certainty to play at the Gabba wicket, bit if he fails, given that he does, Jaques would be as keen as mustard to replace him.

My First Test XI
1. J.Langer
2. M.Hayden
3. R.Ponting*
4. D.Martyn
5. M.Hussey
6. S.Watson
7. A.Gilchrist+
8. S.Warne
9. B.Lee
10. M.Johnson
11. G.McGrath

12th man: P.Jaques

[kempos_kingz_05]

I am guessing we are all cricket fans on this forum, and only 10 more days till the first ball of the most anticipated series in the country ever. Australia's form is quite good, despite the fact they haven't played a test match since the Bangladesh tour over 6 months ago. We did however win the Champions Trophy earlier this month in India.

The selection issues are at full flight, with Phil Jaques just in inspiring form, not only in the last 6 months for Worcestershire or Australia A, but his form against England in the last week has been, nothing short of amazing. He made a smashing 112 off only 110 balls against England for the Prime Ministers XI and continued on the great form yesterday on the opening day of the New South Wales vs England tour match. He made 107, at a strike of just under 70, against the attack of Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff and Panesar.

England look very shaky while Australia are struggling to find a best XI due to everyone capable of filling a spot. Phil Jaques, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, Stuart Clark, Brad Hodge, Jason Gillespie, Justin Langer and Shane Watson are all been thrown around as players on the short-list.

My First Test XI
1. J Langer
2. M Hayden
3. *R Ponting
4. D Martyn
5. M Hussey
6. S Watson
7. +A Gilchrist
8. S Warne
9. B Lee
10. S Clark:eek:
11. G McGrath

12th man: M Johnson

U've gotta be joking Lonie. Im sorry but theirs at least 5 better bowlers than him that should play ahead of him. If he plays im going for the poms haha:thumbsd:

1. M.Hayden
2. J.Langer
3. R.Ponting
4. D.Martyn (although i believe it should be Pup)
5. M.Hussey
6. S.Watson :(
7. A.Gilchrist
8. B.Lee
9. S.Warne
10. S.Tait
11. G.Mcgrath

12. M.Johnson

[Coin_Toss]

Am I the only bloke in Australia who can't work out why we select Damien Martyn?

I'm no cricket buff, but I generally watch when it's interesting (ie. when the pressure's up) and he is perpetually MIA.

Bigger front running **************** than Andrew Williams!

In his "mood" he's a class batsman, despite his age, who times the ball sweetly and has the ability to settle in at number 4, in alarming positions.

[Lonie_from_50]

U've gotta be joking Lonie. Im sorry but theirs at least 5 better bowlers than him that should play ahead of him. If he plays im going for the poms haha:thumbsd:

I think Clark will get the nod because of his line and length is first rate, and has shown it in tests. Mitchell Johnson appears on my screen saver, so I am a big fan, but I believe his ability to be inconsistent is a factor that should be considered.

Then again, Johnson has the ability to swing it both ways as well as reverse swing it. He also has been the man of the moment due to his big name scalps, ie. Lara, Tendulkar, Pietersen, Dravid etc. It seems I am posting this in a way to own myself, as the pros lean toward Johnson before Clark. Clark may be able to boast a spot with his good form in the summer already.

Gillespie is a bowler, and his form hasn't been terrific, however he played in the last test and managed an unbelievable 201*, Bangladesh or not. Bracken has the change, being a left armer and has provided a good lead up for the national team in India. He has proven unsuccessful in tests though.

Clark has also a fantastic record in his short test career. He has taken 21 wickets (in only 4 matches) at an average of 18.76, and his strike rate of 42.00 is recognised as first rate, and even better considering he is a pace bowler. Compare him with Bracken, whose test career has an average of more than 42 and a strike rate of just under 100. Clark's form in the Pura Cup this year has seen him play 1 game, and took 8 wickets @ 9.00 and his economy rate of 1.79 RpO. Tait has taken 13 wickets in his two matches @ 19.38 and been more expensive at 3.76 RpO.

Just thought I would justify my selection.

[FIGJAM]

In his "mood" he's a class batsman, despite his age, who times the ball sweetly and has the ability to settle in at number 4, in alarming positions.
Never seen it.

He's like the inverse of Steve Waugh!

[KokodaMidget]

Well, this used to be a long held tradition at my sporting club, pick the first Ashes team, or the squad for when they head to England. FWIW here's my team, i think the only 2 spots up for grabs is Symonds'(could pick Watson, Clarke or Hodge), & Johnsons(Tait, Clark, Gillespie, McGill)

I've gone for Symonds, as Watson has yet to show that he can do anything consistent at Test or One Day level, plus, i just love the way Roy plays. Gone for Johnson cos he offers the left arm variety that Australia's attack has been yearning for, Bracken is not, and never has been or will be a Test Match bowler.

J Langer
M Hayden
R Ponting
D Martyn
M Hussey
A Symonds
A Gilchrist
B Lee
S Warne
M Johnson
G McGrath
12th S MacGill

[Lonie_from_50]

Am I the only bloke in Australia who can't work out why we select Damien Martyn?

I'm no cricket buff, but I generally watch when it's interesting (ie. when the pressure's up) and he is perpetually MIA.

Bigger front running **************** than Andrew Williams!

When under pressure, he was given a chance to prove himself and failed. Enter Brad Hodge in 2005/06. Hodgey, the Victorian made a statement in his long awaited test start. A fifty on debut, and then a couple innings later, an unbeaten 203. Suprisingly dropped, with an average as good as the best batsmen in the world (R Ponting), due to inconsistency some may say. Martyn was soon given another chance to comeback (why?). He was in crap form in the Pura Cup still, and Hodge was confident that he was the right man for the job, shattered and told the newspapers what he thought of it. Martyn made a half century couple innings into the South African tour, and then in the last test he makes 101. Bangladesh tour sees him make 4 and 7 (lol),

However...

His spot is under pressure, and his chance to keep it was in the Champions Trophy, despite being the different form of the game. He had solid performances and showed his true value, enough for his spot to not be questioned in the test side, FOR, the First Test.

Martyn himself is a quality batsmen. His way of batting may seem slow, however he has a technique other batsmen in the world drool from and makes spectators cream their pants. He has no luck, as in, he goes out playing a bad shot every time. He will loosen up or swing at one when he shouldn't, and he doesn't get relief of almost going out, he is dismissed and walking back to the pavilion every time he takes a risk. He is a wonderful fielder as well. Some of the greatest catches I have ever seen have been taken by Martyn and his accuracy and strength in his arm is also very handy.

[goalpie]

My First Test XI
1. J Langer / Jaques
2. M Hayden
3. *R Ponting
4. D Martyn
5. M Clarke
6. M Hussey
7. +A Gilchrist
8. S Warne
9. B Lee
10. S Tait
11. G McGrath

Dont need Watson really. Not that good anyway. Would love to see Australia have the balls to dump Langer and give Jaques a go. Need to start thinking about the future. Langer is to old and slow and has been passable just.

[Lonie_from_50]

Australia vs Bangladesh, at Chittagong, 2005/06

1. M Hayden
2. P Jaques
3. *R Ponting
4. M Hussey
5. M Clarke
6. +A Gilchrist
7. S Warne
8. B Lee
9. J Gillespie
10. S MacGill
11. D Cullen

Just an idea of the last test side, :p

[eddiesmith]

Aussie form is greatly overrated, they beat the 3 worst teams in the world whilst England made 2 tough trips to the subcontinent then smashed Pakistan who are a much stronger team than South Africa or Bangers and the Windies

Going to be a great series and the selectors look like they could cost the Aussies another Ashes :D

[Lonie_from_50]

Recent form is hardly over-rated. Our second-third XI showed England are a joke. Flintoff has come down from his peak, as has Harmison. Hoggard and Jones can't expect overcast conditions every day to reverse swing the ball. Anderson is over-rated, and Sajid Mahmood is too inconsistent, and is their 'man of the moment', before finding another bowler from the county sides who is building a rep.

Australia have selection issues, because there are so many players capable of providing the best for the side.

Eddie, 4-0 Australia ;) :p

[eddiesmith]

Wow, using a one day match to justify form, damn, thats worse than the crap posted by those posters over on the cricket board

Atleast we didnt start our tour by losing to Bangers :)

[Jabso]

I look forward to more Victorian whinging over Hodge or some other dud. ;)

[RoosterLad]

Yeah but before the last ashes series you lot said you took a lot of confidence out of beating us and it proved we are not unbeatable :p

[RoosterLad]

Beating us in a one day match that is. Damn this not being able to edit posts bullcrap!

[Jabso]

You can edit posts

[eddiesmith]

Yeah but before the last ashes series you lot said you took a lot of confidence out of beating us and it proved we are not unbeatable :p
Really? I dont remember that, but hey no one thinks we are unbeatable :D

BTW I think the sides we play in the tour matches are also alot better than the ones who posted 500 in a day against the Aussies last year :)

Damn its good to discuss cricket without fear of the dictatorship running wild, might have to stick to this board for the Ashes :p

[RoosterLad]

Yes that 500 was shocking and we ended up losing the ashes anyway, so your hammerings by our local sides means you are guaranteed to lose this ashes.

Might have to talk cricket here instead of the proper board for it.

jabso those special people with yellow cards are unable to edit
i mean... why? why do they let us post and not edit? very strange

[eddiesmith]

Yes that 500 was shocking and we ended up losing the ashes anyway, so your hammerings by our local sides means you are guaranteed to lose this ashes.

Might have to talk cricket here instead of the proper board for it.

jabso those special people with yellow cards are unable to edit
i mean... why? why do they let us post and not edit? very strange
It seems the yellow cards are almost like suspensions but you can post, cant edit, supporter club members lose all their priviliges, dont know why they couldnt reveal all this beforehand, seems they are being very secretive about their new system

[FIGJAM]

It seems the yellow cards are almost like suspensions but you can post, cant edit, supporter club members lose all their priviliges, dont know why they couldnt reveal all this beforehand, seems they are being very secretive about their new system
I don't even know how the hell it works, so I'll be damned if I can explain it to anyone else!

[Lonie_from_50]

Wow, using a one day match to justify form, damn, thats worse than the crap posted by those morons over on the cricket board

Atleast we didnt start our tour by losing to Bangers :)

You just contradicted yourself mate. Our lead in to the Ashes, as justified by you, was a one day series. We lost to England and Bangladesh, and tied the series (didn't win it!). That is some pretty crap form, and it was a result from the ODI series. We then went on to lose the Ashes for the first time in 16 years.

Your form is pretty crap. A Pietersen knock was the only thing that made the side win a game, yet in the same match you let Gayle and Bravo make hundreds. The start of your tour in the land down-under was laughable. A thrashing at the hands of the Prime Minister's XI, (English attack went for 350-5 and then side bowled for 180). Then New South Wales look the better side halfway through a tour match. If it has any significance, this series will be a big win for Australia.

[Dale Didak #134]

My team would be:
1.Langer
2.Hayden
3.Ponting
4.Hussey
5. Clarke
6.Watson
7.Gilchrist
8.Warne
9.Lee
10.Johnson
11.McGrath
12th Man: Bracken

[Djibril Cisse]

P. Jaques
M. Hayden
R. Ponting *
B. Hodge
M. Clarke
M. Hussey
A. Gilchrist +
S. Warne
B. Lee
N. Bracken
G. McGrath
12th Man: S. Tait

[Lonie_from_50]

S Clark continues to firm in the 3rd pace bowler position, despite Steve Waugh's comments.

ENG @ 6/313 off 76 overs (RpO: 4.12); S Clark 17-1-50-3-2.94

[Jabso]

HELP! I suck at ICC2006 bowling.

[Lonie_from_50]

Shane Watson playing? He goes alright.

Also, jabso, go check out two threads on the Gaming Stories sub-forum (to Comp, Gaming and Tech). One by me, and one by Reaper, which went as long as they could before the 2008 crash bug existed. May give you an indication as to who is good.

[Lonie_from_50]

Hodge/Clarke puts more weight on Martyn's shoulders. Clarke scored 68 today against the Poms after a solid 50 in the first innings, while Brad Hodge smashed 153 before going out on what would be the last ball before stumps.

[Dj Chriss]

Who i would have as our 1st 11 in the 1st teas at the GABBA

Langer
Hayden
Ponting
Martyn
Symonds
Hussey
Gilchrist
Warne
Lee
Bracken
Mcgrath

Bracken i believe is much better than Clarke Johnson or Tait, i dont know why he got droped from the squad last year

[eddiesmith]

Because he absolutely sucks at test cricket?

[Lonie_from_50]

Bracken provides variety as a left armer, and can swing the ball, but his test record isn't convincing as Tait and Clark have pretty competitive test careers so far and Mitchell Johnson is becoming a household name for his same variety and ability to get big wickets.

[cult_hero26]

Australian Sqaud announced today, Michael Clarke left out in favour of Watson. Being English, here's my English Xii and not in batting order

Flintoff (captain)
Strauss
Cook
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Jones w/k
Anderson
Hoggard
Harmison
Panesar
Giles (12th)

[campbell023]

I can see us struggling in the top order. Hayden hasn't played too much cricket, Langer has hit some runs but not many, Ponting has been in horrible form and has admitted to it. Hussy hasn't hit many runs of late and Gilchrist hasn't either. I know im bagging them already but lets hope that they find some good form and we kill the pommies!

[campbell023]

Australia squad Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting (capt), Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath, Shaun Tait.

Johnson 12th man Tait 13th

[Lonie_from_50]

My First Test XI
1. J Langer
2. M Hayden
3. *R Ponting
4. D Martyn
5. M Hussey
6. S Watson
7. +A Gilchrist
8. S Warne
9. B Lee
10. S Clark
11. G McGrath

12th man: M Johnson

Looks like the selectors saw this and thought, hmm :p

[Lonie_from_50]

Australian Sqaud announced today, Michael Clarke left out in favour of Watson. Being English, here's my English Xii and not in batting order

Flintoff (captain)
Strauss
Cook
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Jones w/k
Anderson
Hoggard
Harmison
Panesar
Giles (12th)

I think Giles will get the gig before Panesar to be honest. Panesar hasn't been in great form, and his last test match saw him get a golden duck with the bat and 1-103. His match against PMXI (despite OD) was pathetic, and he did ******** all against NSW, wheras Giles was the Poms best bowler (spinner at least) in both.

1. A Strauss
2. A Cook
3. I Bell
4. K Pietersen
5. *A Flintoff
6. P Collingwood
7. +G Jones
8. A Giles
9. M Hoggard
10. S Harmison
11. J Anderson

12th Man. M Panesar

[goalpie]

Langer should have retired. To old and slow and doesnt make consistent scores.

Its time the selectors started making some tougth decisions. But then again Boon is one and he doesnt exactly have much up top.

[Jabso]

I'm no cricket expert but if you mean "making tough decisions" as in letting some young blood come in for some of the oldies then I don't agree especially in this point in time. If the young blood is better then its different. But we're playing in the ashes. It's like going into the grand final next year and dropping Wakelin who has solid form for Anthony who hypothetically hasn't even debuted yet. There is plenty of time to turn over the team, but for now we have to concentrate on winning the Ashes.

[Coin_Toss]

Langer should have retired. To old and slow and doesnt make consistent scores.

The man who scored the quickest fifty in the one-day domestic competition should have retired?. We can't afford to take any risks. And Langer has the runs on the board. Hayden and Langer are too irresistible to pass up, they form a dominate opening combination in anyone's book.

[Lonie_from_50]

Langer was amazing yesterday. He got selected the day before for the first test despite the rumours, and AB? summed it up perfectly; He has been criticised too much, and his fifty (a record in Domestic OD) was a point to prove that he is still up to it.

Langer wasn't at his best against QLD this week, bad luck. His Pura Cup has still been solid:

25
188*, 8
7 & 67

295 runs @ 73.75, 1 100s, 1 50s

I agree it could be better, however, he shouldn't retire, as he is still an inspiration to many Australians due to his gutsy performances and ability to take a knock and continue on.

[eddiesmith]

Yet a bloke who has scored 400 runs @ 80 is not a chance in hell to ever get near the test side again and isnt good enough

[eddiesmith]

I'm no cricket expert but if you mean "making tough decisions" as in letting some young blood come in for some of the oldies then I don't agree especially in this point in time. If the young blood is better then its different. But we're playing in the ashes. It's like going into the grand final next year and dropping Wakelin who has solid form for Anthony who hypothetically hasn't even debuted yet. There is plenty of time to turn over the team, but for now we have to concentrate on winning the Ashes.
The problem is when the older players are underperforming, especially in the middle of a series they dont get cut, then if you are unfortunate to be cut (Martyn) dont worry because within 6 months with no first class form and your replacement doing well you will still get your spot back because they dont want to end your career with you being dropped

[Lonie_from_50]

Yet a bloke who has scored 400 runs @ 80 is not a chance in hell to ever get near the test side again and isnt good enough

Who are you talking about Eddie?

[Jabso]

Shane Watson playing? He goes alright.

Also, jabso, go check out two threads on the Gaming Stories sub-forum (to Comp, Gaming and Tech). One by me, and one by Reaper, which went as long as they could before the 2008 crash bug existed. May give you an indication as to who is good.

While knowing who to select would be a good idea I just have no clue when it comes to tactics. I.e. what agression, line/length that sort of crap.

[Lonie_from_50]

Usually, I can't be ********ed changing them anyway.

[Jabso]

Oh no, first the ashes and then the election.

[Lonie_from_50]

So, there are talks over MacGill playing in Adelaide. Who do we drop...Clark (played a great match), Lee (maybe?), or do we play 5 bowlers, with Martyn getting the ommission?

Thoughts?

[Coin_Toss]

Unchanged. Last I heard Ponting wants Watson in there. The selectors won't drop Lee, mainly because he's a threat to England with his lighting bolts, but granted - his form has detoriated. Clark's form couldn't be better with both ball and bat. MacGill, say, should get a game but probably won't.

Originally Posted by goalpie
Langer should have retired. To old and slow and doesnt make consistent scores.

Ouch.

Langer - 82 and 100*

Betcha you're too hurt to admit it.

Go Alfy! :thumbsu:

[Lonie_from_50]

Unchanged. Last I heard Ponting wants Watson in there. The selectors won't drop Lee, mainly because he's a threat to England with his lighting bolts, but granted - his form has detoriated. Clark's form couldn't be better with both ball and bat. MacGill, say, should get a game but probably won't.



Ouch.

Langer - 82 and 100*

Betcha you're too hurt to admit it.

Go Alfy! :thumbsu:

Couple years back I had a feeling Hayden would play his last match at the WACA. I wrote on BigFooty with my feelings...Hayden made 380 in that test...lmfao

[Alkaline]

Test unchanged for the Adelaide Test.

[Lonie_from_50]

Good decision by the selectors. MacGill didn't deserve a call up with the trouble selecting a third pace man almost chucked out. Going in with 6 batsman and 5 bowlers in which a couple can bat (so not all-rounders, ie. Lee and Warne) is too risky when they can win with the best standard format (6-1-4) and move to 2-0 in the series.

[FIGJAM]

Am I the only bloke in Australia who can't work out why we select Damien Martyn?

I'm no cricket buff, but I generally watch when it's interesting (ie. when the pressure's up) and he is perpetually MIA.

Bigger front running **************** than Andrew Williams!
I stand by my call. In fact, it's strengthened!

[campbell023]

Martyn will be given the full series to make runs i feel. Has worked hard over the last 6 months and showing form in the latest 1 day series.

[eddiesmith]

I stand by my call. In fact, it's strengthened!
I think you are, everyone else knows the answer, Dads Army is all about sticking by your mates and marto is Punters mate

[FIGJAM]

Martyn will be given the full series to make runs i feel. Has worked hard over the last 6 months and showing form in the latest 1 day series.
So play him then! Where he hasn't got time to think!!

Ya can't have guys batting at four who pee their pants. Period.

[magpies42]

I think you are, everyone else knows the answer, Dads Army is all about sticking by your mates and marto is Punters mate

marto, is a quality act. he is all skill, when making runs he does so with ease and is such a great timer of the ball. i feel that if his position is questioned he will step up! anyway our batting isnt the problem its the bowling!

[eddiesmith]

marto, is a quality act. he is all skill, when making runs he does so with ease and is such a great timer of the ball. i feel that if his position is questioned he will step up! anyway our batting isnt the problem its the bowling!
Marto, Hayden, Lee and McGrath are all in the same boat, no chance of ever being dropped or rested so it wont change

[zorbadunde]

does anyone think lee should get dropped for the next test? he is starting to go back to his old days and not think about his bowling. some of his balls are just all over the place and are easy pickings for the english. i mean if ure going to bowl all over the place then bring tait in. at least he is quicker than lee with some 155k yawkers in his bag.

and should damien martyn be dropped? when the pressure is on he seems to disapear?

cyas

[DThomas]

woooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI! AUSSIE OI! AUSSIE OI! AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI!

[FIGJAM]

marto, is a quality act. he is all skill, when making runs he does so with ease and is such a great timer of the ball. i feel that if his position is questioned he will step up! anyway our batting isnt the problem its the bowling!
Jebus m42, you could not have been more wrong on both counts! Another 5 from Mr Timing and the bowlers win us a certain draw.

I agree that our bowling ain't what it used to be, but our #4 is a ********ing disgrace. Or to be more precice, our #4 has been coming in at #5!

[cult_hero26]

eddiesmith, you are the only other englishman that i know of on the collingwood board. can we come back to at least 2-2 and retain or even win
3-2?

[eddiesmith]

Possibly, it all depends on whether we can turn it around in Perth and what sort of pitch is prepared. It will be tough in Sydney if we are 2-1 down but no doubt our best chance of getting a win will be Melbourne if Fletcher realises his errors and goes back to Monty and Read

[Lonie_from_50]

Just like to say, yesterday I watched every minute of the game, and my mum watched 90% of it. It was the most entertaining days play of test cricket besides Edgbaston. Easily the greatest victory by Australia I have ever seen. The celerbrations were terrific to watch, and just took me back to last year's 2nd test.

The crowd yesterday was amazing. With Warne having one of the best displays I have ever seen him bowl (even if it wasn't a milestone bowling innings).

[Lonie_from_50]

Hodge for Martos ;) Make another double hundred at the WACA and provide the biggest cheer EVER once more at the home of sport, the Melbourne Cricket Ground!

[Jabso]

Hhaaha I love the unbiased media in the Herald Sun. "Don't call us poms, say poms" and "Dad's Army 2 - Dud's Army 0".

[Lonie_from_50]

Hahaha, yeah

[Dale Didak #134]

cwQcKd4jcAY
Classic

[cult_hero26]

i think you're right about panesar, if he's included then he's an attacking option as a spinner rather than giles who is used in a containing and defensive role. if england bat first in perth and again amass a score in excess of 400 it will certainly go someway to helping them win the test and going 1-2.

[FIGJAM]

Am I the only bloke in Australia who can't work out why we select Damien Martyn?

I'm no cricket buff, but I generally watch when it's interesting (ie. when the pressure's up) and he is perpetually MIA.

Bigger front running **************** than Andrew Williams!
I think the last comment really hurt him! :eek: