1st Vodafone Ashes Test: Australia v England @ GABBA (Thur-Mon) [Pre game - After tea Day 1]

[eddiesmith]

http://i56.tinypic.com/24zzl1f.jpg
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png V http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/4749/eng.png
The GABBA, Thursday 25th November-Monday 29th November, 11am AEDT, 10am Local

Another summer and another Ashes series is upon us and another sponsor for the tests as well with Vodafone taking over 3. This year the summer began with an ODI series against Sri Lanka which Australia got badly beaten in but no one cared as this is the main event, its what everyone has been waiting 15 months for to see if Australia can yet again reclaim the Ashes or can England finally win a series in Australia. England enters the Ashes with the form, they have had a big year winning all their series whilst also managing a very good draw against South Africa away this time last year in a series they were given no hope in.

Australia is struggling, they lost the Ashes last year and then were happy having trounced the might of Pakistan and West Indies at home then headed to Kiwi land to topple them as well. But a drawn series in England against Pakistan shook the side and a shocking loss to India just recently sees the team in disarray, yet just 1 player from their preferred side in those series makes way because of it. However the Aussies are now at home and having set up a fortress at the GABBA having not lost in 22 years since Marshall, Ambrose and Walsh ran through them, the GABBA could be the deciding test, last time England won in Brisbane they won the series.

That was 1986/87 with England winning 2-1 with Chris Broad having a sensational series with the bat, 24 years later and England will be hoping another Broad dominates this time with the ball. The last time England toured Australia it was a disaster, from losing the toss and conceding 600 on a GABBA highway to letting all the momentum of a brilliant first innings in Adelaide disappear in a disastrous last day collapse at the hands of Warney. Thankfully for England he isnt around anymore and last year in England it was the Aussie batsmen doing the collapsing.

They started off well in Cardiff but some extremely poor captaincy and fine batting at the end saw a draw salvaged by England. England looked in control after that untill a Headingely collapse saw Australia draw level and so came the controversial last test as a flat Oval saw some life for the first time in decades and with Trott making a century on debut the Poms regained the Ashes. Clarke was the only Australian batsman to have a great series whilst Watson started off ok in opening following the dropping of Hughes whilst with the ball Hilfy loved the English conditions and Siddle found his rythym by the end and was Australias 2nd best bowler. Strauss was Englands best with the bat and Broad with the ball but it was overall a good team effort and great use of home conditions that saw them prevail. Over the last 12 months though the English side has used the momentum and becomes a stronger outfit

Now we move forward to 2010, Australia has pretty much the same side that lost the Ashes with Stuart Clark never playing again after Australia stuffed up by playing him ahead of Hauritz at the Oval whilst Hauritz has now been dumped as the scapegoat for losing in India. In to the squad comes Xavier Doherty, the bloke averaging nearly 50 for Tasmania with the ball but has been in some fine form the last year or so having finally pushed Krezja out of the side.

Doug Bollinger is also around having benefitted from injuries since the last Ashes however his own injury may cost him his spot as the selectors return to the pace trio that lost the Ashes 15 months ago as Peter Siddle looks fit and fired up for a return after 11 months on the sidelines. His last test was pretty good though as he dominated with the bat to get Australia home. Steve Smith looks likely to be heading home on Thursday morning so he can join NSW on Friday as North is safe and Hussey saved his spot with a century against a weakened Victorian outfit last week and his young challengers couldnt make anything at all against Englands 2nd attack. However Michael Clarke who failed to get through the Shield game 2 weeks ago and was rested last week has missed training as they continue to manage his back injury and could be in some doubt.

For England things couldnt be better, having won 2 of their tour matches and rain and a flat Adelaide Oval seeing a draw in the other, their form is high. They sent their 2nd string attack to Hobart but it was still enough to topple the Aussie A side and their batsmen have mostly found form. Trott hasnt done much though and after 2 shocking tours last English winter when he couldnt make a run at his native home or against Bangers away he looks to continue that so far as he can only make runs in England. Kevin Pietersen hasnt fired in a long time and that will worry England, but he loves it downunder and this may be his last chance to really make a name for himself, a failure here and his career may wind down as he gets remembered as a good batsman who didnt do enough after a great start.

Strauss and Cook couldnt make any runs 4 years ago but with Strauss leading run scorer last year and both making centuries in tour matches their confidence will be high and will be important to get off to a great start with Englands worries at 3 and 4 but their middle-lower order is stronger than ever. Collingwood loves it downunder and Bell loves batting at no6 having now proven once and for all he is no no3. Prior, Swann and Broad round out the batting lineup and alot will be expected of them and with Australias troubles finishing off teams lately, they should fire up this series.

Australia
Shane Watson
Simon Katich
Ricky Ponting (c)
Michael Clarke
Michael Hussey
Marcus North
Brad Haddin +
Mitchell Johnson
Peter Siddle
Xavier Doherty
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger
Steve Smith
Usman Khawaja
In:Xavier Doherty
Steve Smith
Peter Siddle
Doug Bollinger
Brad Haddin
Usman Khawaja
Out: Peter George
Nathan Hauritz
Tim Paine

England
Andrew Strauss (c)
Alastair Cook
Jonathon Trott
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
Matthew Prior
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
Steven Finn
James Anderson
In:Ian Bell
Out: Eoin Morgan

Umpires
Aleem Dar
Billy Doctrove
Tony Hill
Jeff Crowe- Match Referee
The video review system is in place for this series :thumbsu:

Coverage
http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9092/99na.gif Daily from 10:30 AEDT untill 17:58 AEDT and not a second longer
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/7399/abclocal.png Daily from 10:30 AEDT
Cricinfo Scorecard and commentary (http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2010-11/engine/current/match/428749.html)
Cricket Australia Scorecard and commentary (http://livescores.cricket.com.au/summary_2497_1.html)

Session Times all local, add 1 hour for rest of East, 30 mins for Adelaide and remove 2 hours for Perth
1st Session - 10:00 - 12:00
2nd Session - 12:40 - 14:40
3rd Sessions - 15:00 - 17:00 + 30 minutes for poor over rates every day...

Weather
Showers, showers and more showers forecast throughout the first 4 days although just expecting early ones on days 2 and 3 and late on day 4, likely more on the 5th as well seeing where the forecast is headed. Be 26-27 degree maximums across the test.

Brisbane has been wet as always so some life expected in the pitch, conditions dont seem to bad though this week and a run fest early may be expected again once seen off the new ball, the limited overs pitches have been very flat and with a bit of pace and bounce in them. With no storms forecast we probably wont see a game like the NZ one a few years back

Betting
The punters are favouring Australia despite everything else against them
1st Test
Australia 2.10
England 3.00
Draw 3.70

Series
Australia 1.85
England 2.90
Draw 5.00

Tickets
Sold out days 1-3

[legend166]

Great OP.

Pretty amazing to think that barring injury, we'll be going in with the exact same top 7 that played those last three Tests in England in 09

[Cousin Jed]

Thanks Eddie.

Plenty of blue sky outside at the moment. They've been forecasting a shower or two every day for about a month now. Most of the time it has been pretty sunny.

The umpire appointments for the series:

Aleem Dar/Billy Doctrove/Tony Hill (TV)
Tony Hill/Erasmus/Billy Doctrove (TV)
Erasmus/Billy Doctrove/Aleem Dar (TV)
Aleem Dar/Tony Hill/Erasmus (TV)
Billy Bowden/Aleem Dar/Tony Hill (TV)

[Cotchin 9]

Can't wait! Clarke in some doubt with his dodgy back.

[royboy2]

BettingSeries
Australia 1.85
England 2.90
Draw 5.00




LOL, England were at 6-1 when I got on during the pakistan series :thumbsu:

[Furn]

is 9 seriously gonna go to news at 6 everytime.?They know dam well the day is never finished on time. Makes you wish it was on foxtel.

[eddiesmith]

When we return to normal cities then the game moves forward 30 minutes so even the extended day finishes at 6, but a 9:30 start in Brisbane might be pushing it and obviously Perth the news break falls in the tea break but we still miss 10 minutes before tea

[FRUMPY]

With Tim Paine's injury last night (broken finger), if Haddin gets injured who is next in line? Mabou, Wade, Hartley, Ronchi?

Would have to be Wade i would think.

[TheColeTrain]

Great OP.

Pretty amazing to think that barring injury, we'll be going in with the exact same top 7 that played those last three Tests in England in 09

The word you are looking for here is disgraceful...

[eddiesmith]

Khawaja now called up as they dont think Smith is good enough to bat no4, obviously Khawajas fine efforts for Australia A were too good to ignore

As for keepers it would have to be Manou

[Doodlesweaver]

Thanks Eddie.

Plenty of blue sky outside at the moment. They've been forecasting a shower or two every day for about a month now. Most of the time it has been pretty sunny.

The umpire appointments for the series:

Aleem Dar/Billy Doctrove/Tony Hill (TV)
Tony Hill/Erasmus/Billy Doctrove (TV)
Erasmus/Billy Doctrove/Aleem Dar (TV)
Aleem Dar/Tony Hill/Erasmus (TV)
Billy Bowden/Aleem Dar/Tony Hill (TV)

God, not Billy Doctrove. He doesn't even give plumb LB's out. I'm sure even the English team would agree to have Taufel in his place. ;)

[Doodlesweaver]

The word you are looking for here is disgraceful...

Shoddy, pathetic, gutless, any of them will do.

[eddiesmith]

God, not Billy Doctrove. He doesn't even give plumb LB's out. I'm sure even the English team would agree to have Taufel in his place. ;)
Main reason we dont want home umpires is they are scared of getting Harper! ;)

[Doodlesweaver]

Khawaja now called up as they dont think Smith is good enough to bat no4, obviously Khawajas fine efforts for Australia A were too good to ignore

As for keepers it would have to be Manou

Great we are replacing a right-hander with a left-hander.

Got to give the selectors a round of applause for thinking with their arses.

[Doodlesweaver]

Main reason we dont want home umpires is they are scared of getting Harper! ;)

Both West Indies and Saffers management have tried desperately to find some 'home' link with Harper, some great grandma or a cousin three times removed so that he can be banned from matches there. ;)

[TheColeTrain]

Shoddy, pathetic, gutless, any of them will do.

The best way would probably result in a ban

[JimDocker]

I cannot see Australia winning a Test this series.

Unless Johnson has a complete blinder, which he is capable of. I think the England side will score 400 regularly and I am not sure that the Aussies can.

I am a pom though !

[Lazarus]

Wade>Manou

["josh]

Realistically England should win this series, however you can never count on the Poms to do anything right. If this was in England, I'd say England probably win the series 3-1, but over here I am not sure.

[stmookeyj]

There were restricted view tix available earlier today for Day 1.....

[Tom12]

Australia will struggle I think, England look sharp and ready to take whatever we throw at them. Think our disunity will cost us, in terms of mixing up the side and not getting any consistency in our selections.
No Hauritz is an interesting one, still not sure who plays in the final XI so his non-impact is yet to be seen. I don't see any of our slower bowlers doing much, unless North gets a run and produces a miracle.
Wonder if Usman will play, not having Clarke will really hurt us, especially with the former down on confidence after an average effort against England in the tour match.
Watson and Johnson hold our keys to success for mine. We all know how good Mitch can be when firing, he produces good form over 5 days, we'll come close to winning. If Watson can continue his solid form with the bat and show wicket taking form with the ball, we'll be in a good position.

[mattymac]

Realistically England should win this series, however you can never count on the Poms to do anything right. If this was in England, I'd say England probably win the series 3-1, but over here I am not sure.

not too many poms amongst them though. they got that right:D

[Admiral Afterworld]

Why is a sponsor in the thread title?

[Cousin Jed]

Does it matter?

[Admiral Afterworld]

I don't see the need. It doesn't happen on the other sports boards. BigFooty and its members aren't getting paid to have it there. It's irritating.

[krisholio14]

LOL, England were at 6-1 when I got on during the pakistan series :thumbsu:

I'm still getting a piece of the 2.90.

That's just giving money away.

[Cousin Jed]

I don't see the need. It doesn't happen on the other sports boards. BigFooty and its members aren't getting paid to have it there. It's irritating.

And so is 6 characters.

Vodafone stays.

[wavefall21]

TBH I cannot see the Aussies winning a test, there team is farcical atm and so unsettled, Eng are a well balanced team and are much more settled, Eng are better in every department than the Aussies

[Admiral Afterworld]

And so is 6 characters.

Take it up with Chirf.

[mattys123]

I love all the negativity here, I hope the punters here in Oz feel the same way as most of you and back the Poms.

I have backed Australia to win back the ashes (on a pommy site) and to say the odds I got were "nice" would be an understatement.

The Poms simply do not win in Australia, and this will be no different.

If the Poms retain the Ashes, it will be on the back of a 1-1 test series where rain ruined 2 tests and the wicket ruined the other (Hello Perth).

I really don't get why every one is writing Australia off, last time I checked all 5 tests are being played in Australia, on Australian pitches, in Australian weather.

We will win this series, I'd say 3-1, but it might be a bit closer an go to the last test in Sydney, where we would thump the Poms like always.

Can't wait for the series to begin, you will be able to tell my posts here apart from most, I WILL BE THE ONE ACTUALLY SUPPORTING MY COUNTRYMEN.

CMON AUSSIE, CMON.:D:thumbsu:

[Tom12]

Using history as a guide isn't a friendly way to do it considering the side we're fielding and the circumstances. For me it's not a lack of support, it's not that I don't want Australia to win. It's more than I'm trying to post with realism and look at it like so, realistically.

[ManWithNoName]

And so is 6 characters.

Vodafone stays.
You sold out Jed. You used to be about the cricket. You're like T20 cricket now.

["josh]

not too many poms amongst them though. they got that right:D

True.

Look at this team if the England players had ended up playing for South Africa

1. Graeme Smith
2. Andrew Strauss
3. Jaques Kallis
4. Kevin Pietersen
5. AB de Villiers
6. Johnathon Trott
7. Mark Boucher
8. Johan Botha
9. Dale Steym
10. Morne Morkel
11. Paul Harris


If it does go to Sydney Matty, I'd back England to win. Sydney traditionally a spinners wicket. Best spinner in the world (could change in first 4 games) vs one of Doherty/Smith/Haurtiz.

[Smokey_22]

I love all the negativity here, I hope the punters here in Oz feel the same way as most of you and back the Poms.

I have backed Australia to win back the ashes (on a pommy site) and to say the odds I got were "nice" would be an understatement.

The Poms simply do not win in Australia, and this will be no different.

If the Poms retain the Ashes, it will be on the back of a 1-1 test series where rain ruined 2 tests and the wicket ruined the other (Hello Perth).

I really don't get why every one is writing Australia off, last time I checked all 5 tests are being played in Australia, on Australian pitches, in Australian weather.

We will win this series, I'd say 3-1, but it might be a bit closer an go to the last test in Sydney, where we would thump the Poms like always.

Can't wait for the series to begin, you will be able to tell my posts here apart from most, I WILL BE THE ONE ACTUALLY SUPPORTING MY COUNTRYMEN.

CMON AUSSIE, CMON.:D:thumbsu:

This exactly.

Australia at 1.85 is one of the easiest ways of nearly doubling your money. Fancy backing the poms over here on our pitches. If you back them you are dumb.

[beez]

Suprised they've back away from the 10:30 starts. Can't wait till we are watching Peter Hitchener talking about how shit Bailleu is when we could be watching Mitch get a hat trick.

[Cousin Jed]

The other East Coast tests start then.

Gabba doesn't.

[Doodlesweaver]

Using history as a guide isn't a friendly way to do it considering the side we're fielding and the circumstances. For me it's not a lack of support, it's not that I don't want Australia to win. It's more than I'm trying to post with realism and look at it like so, realistically.

This.

We've lost the last three test matches and one of them was against a team that even its own fans suspect of actively trying to lose matches. The batting has been shambolic in the state games and the attack is unsettled to put it mildly due to injuries and the annual 'shoot down the spinner' competition.

Its hardly being anti-Australian to acknowledge these things. We can live in hope though.

[eddiesmith]

Plus for being so unbeatable in Australia, they probably would have lost their last test on home soil if the opposition didnt throw the game

[dan warna]

wade jointly holds the shield record for most takes in a season with hartley, is a quality tidy keeper who makes few if any mistakes, is highly disciplined and bats with a fC average of 40, and he's 21 and seen off crossthwaite as the only credible opposition.

no way will the selectors give him a go, will show up what a spud haddin is behind the stumps as Paine did.

[Molons]

Can't wait to sit own on the couch and watch the first days play on thursday! Now that schools finished, don't have to worry about nothing, so can sit back and relax :D

Have this feeling that Aussies are gonna win the toss and bat, then Ponting will precede to go hit a double ton on day 1 to set up the match, and the series for an Australian victory.



Well it is nice to have a dream ;)

[BACCS]

I cannot see Australia winning a Test this series.

Unless Johnson has a complete blinder, which he is capable of. I think the England side will score 400 regularly and I am not sure that the Aussies can.

I am a pom though !
Well, that says it all then.;) Johnson will fire up this series, that Shield game should do him the world of good. Cmon Aussies!:thumbsu:

[FreoBulldog]

Being a pommy supporter, I have seen too many false dawns, however the two Andys have done everything possible to give England their best chance of retaining the Ashes in Australia. I am not writing Australia off, the England team know how tough it is going to be. But, my gut is telling me this could be the series that i've been waiting for for 20-odd years. I'm tipping Stuart Broad to have a very good series (he's genetically programmed to play well in Ashes series and has a fierce competitive spirit) and also i'm hoping the Sherminator fulfills his potential.

[stmookeyj]

The other East Coast tests start then.

Gabba doesn't.

That means the Thursday schedule for me is TIGHT. Get into Brisbane at 7:50, airtrain at 8:14AM (disembarking onto the tarmac and onto shuttle buses to the terminal, flying Qantaslink into gate 1,2 or 3 for those that know Brisbane airport - they fly into country Qld), into Roma Street at 8:42, it will be about 8:50-9:00 by the time I get onto the shuttle bus to the ground.

[Juggalo Balla]

Right now even with the fact the poms choke infront of our crowds they should still be winning.

They just have a better team.

Aussie selectors in no way should be rewarded for the team we're putting on the park. The batting lineup is a joke and the bowling is just a rabble.

[Lazarus]

Although I don't want us to lose, if we do surely the selectors will have no choice but to completely overhaul the team - which is, of course, well overdue.

[nicko99]

Usman now in the squad on stand by if Michael Clarke doesn't recovery from his back injury.

[royboy2]

Usman now in the squad on stand by if Michael Clarke doesn't recovery from his back injury.

Selectors obviously impressed by his form against the 2nd string English attack

[JimDocker]

According to many on these boards, pretty boy, part time under wear model Clarke is the worst player ever to play for Australia anyway (despite his exceptional record). So it will please them to see him gone and Australia are bound to win without him.

[SuperMonty]

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/3570/aus.png

and so came the controversial last test as a flat Oval saw some life for the first time in decades

Just picking up on this from the OP, what was so controversial about it? Check out the last 20 years of results at the Oval - more positive results than draws over that time.

That Oval test pitch was a beauty, runs for good batting, spin for decent spinners and bounce for the faster men.

[THRILLHO]

I'm sure it's common knowledge, but no HD simulcast on GEM for the Ashes. Which is weird, because Nine advertised it for a good three months leading up to it.

[ManWithNoName]

I'm sure it's common knowledge, but no HD simulcast on GEM for the Ashes. Which is weird, because Nine advertised it for a good three months leading up to it.
Then Nine realised it'd mean their ratings would be split between 9 and GEM, so bailed on the idea.

Note: I don't actually know for certain, but that'd be a pretty accurate assumption I'm guessing.

[Cousin Jed]

They also didn't want to lose the loyal Ellen viewers...

[legend166]

Have we had any reports on whether Clarke batted at training today?

[TheColeTrain]

Yep he batted but no certainty still.
http://cricket.com.au/news-display/Pup-bats-but-doubt-lingers/22792

[eddiesmith]

Just picking up on this from the OP, what was so controversial about it? Check out the last 20 years of results at the Oval - more positive results than draws over that time.

That Oval test pitch was a beauty, runs for good batting, spin for decent spinners and bounce for the faster men.
I agree but I remember many months of arguments afterwards

[frankrizzo]

Have this horrible thought of ponting choosing to bat first on a marshy bog of a pitch then after we get rolled for 120 watching jonhson and siddle spray it everywhere.

[Cousin Jed]

The rumours of a possible under prepared green top are grossly exaggerated. Its perfectly sunny outside again today.

The captain who wins the toss will bat first and only really poor batting will see them get less than 200

[frankrizzo]

The rumours of a possible under prepared green top are grossly exaggerated. Its perfectly sunny outside again today.



Im about 15 mins from the gabba and it's rained on and off basically every night lately.

it's got to be hampering preparations.

[TheColeTrain]

The rumours of a possible under prepared green top are grossly exaggerated. Its perfectly sunny outside again today.

The captain who wins the toss will bat first and only really poor batting will see them get less than 200

Its very possible with our middle order though

[OzBomber]

The rumours of a possible under prepared green top are grossly exaggerated. Its perfectly sunny outside again today.

The captain who wins the toss will bat first and only really poor batting will see them get less than 200
Dunno about you but the pitch looks pretty bloody green. If Johnson can't swing a ball on this then I'll be damned.

[Bucking Beads]

They are picking Siddle, Bollinger was told today that he won't be playing on Thursday. Pathetic selectors IMO. Bollinger has been our best quick for a year, surely him underdone a touch but fully fit is still better than a mentally impared Siddle.

[Bucking Beads]

The rumours of a possible under prepared green top are grossly exaggerated. Its perfectly sunny outside again today.

The captain who wins the toss will bat first and only really poor batting will see them get less than 200

Totally agree, Brissy has been having showers over night and early in the morning but that is well and truly dried up by the sun by lunch time. Pitch will be a fast belter as per usual.

[mattys123]

Smith has been released from the squad, down to 13 now.

http://www.bigpondsport.com/smith-released-from-ashes-squad/tabid/91/newsid/63745/default.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Young all-rounder Steven Smith has been released from the Australian squad preparing for the first Test against England at the Gabba starting on Thursday.
The decision by selectors to let Smith go leaves the squad at 13, including rookie batsman Usman Khawaja, who was called as standby for injured vice-captain Michael Clarke.

[Doodlesweaver]

They are picking Siddle, Bollinger was told today that he won't be playing on Thursday. Pathetic selectors IMO. Bollinger has been our best quick for a year, surely him underdone a touch but fully fit is still better than a mentally impared Siddle.

So apart from Hauritz, we really are going in with the Ashes 2009 losing team and Hauritz didn't play at the Oval anyway.

Round of applause for the selectors/nutters.

[stmookeyj]

They were always going with Siddle from the time he was rested from matches last week. If they were in any doubt about him, he would have played against WA.

[mattymac]

god help us.

[linda]

I wish good preparation and form meant that England would perform well in the series .Sadly it is a new day and anything can happen so I await the future with trepidation .
England seem to have the form and are certainly full of confidence whereas Aus seem to be the complete opposite and are pinning their hopes on Ponting suddnly finding his best form and Johnson having a good series

[Kahuna]

Not Siddle for **** sake.

Lets just hope the poms crack under the pressure, which lets be honest, is pretty likely to happen.

Watto will carry us to a series victory.

[linda]

god help us.

I am reliably informed that if there is such thing as a god he or she is English

[Doodlesweaver]

I wish good preparation and form meant that England would perform well in the series .Sadly it is a new day and anything can happen so I await the future with trepidation .
England seem to have the form and are certainly full of confidence whereas Aus seem to be the complete opposite and are pinning their hopes on Ponting suddnly finding his best form and Johnson having a good series

Depending on Johnson is throwing in the towel before we start. I'm hoping Hilfy bowls in a bubble and doesn't let the fact that pressure will be released from the other end all the time affect him too much.

[linda]

Lets just hope the poms crack under the pressure, which lets be honest, is pretty likely to happen.


England won the last test against Aus when they had to and under pressure .They held SA in SA under extreme pressure and finally won a ICC comp with all the pressure that bought .

England no longer crack under pressure easily .Hope it carries on

[linda]

Depending on Johnson is throwing in the towel before we start. I'm hoping Hilfy bowls in a bubble and doesn't let the fact that pressure will be released from the other end all the time affect him too much.

I have to admit I think Hilfenhaus is a much better bowler .Im just going on what all the Aus fans and media are saying and that is all about Johnson .

[Hawks1523]

I don't see the need. It doesn't happen on the other sports boards. BigFooty and its members aren't getting paid to have it there. It's irritating.

:o :o :o :o :o



I am reliably informed that if there is such thing as a god he or she is English

Even more reason not to believe in that bullshit then! :thumbsu:


Our selectors are a joke. :(

[HSSB]

No Smith and no Bollinger, lawd we are screwed.

I think we should just give away the Ashes.

[Tom12]

No Smith. Finally they do something right. ;)

[eddiesmith]

Very disappointing to hear Bollinger isnt playing, he would have guaranteed England a win

[Macca18]

An embarrassment of riches for England at the moment - fit, firing, in form and would have to be reasonably confident against let's face it, a pretty ordinary looking Australian side to say the least. Certainly the media over here is approaching the series with a little trepidation, which is surprising as usually they are quick to praise the national side at every opportunity but most seem reasonably confident and every right to be. Nobody is underestimating Australia at home but they are not a world cricketing force at all these days...

If Australia are going to win any game in this series, it's going to be this first test in Brisbane. But England will gradually improve as the series progresses and can see it being a 2-1 or 3-1 result to the Three Lions. Best chance in ages and pound for pound, they are just better than Australia right at the moment. Holders of the Ashes as it is, T20 World Cup champions (against Australia) and a convincing ODI series win over here just a few months back. England have Australia's measure in all forms of the game, home or away. We'll see it again this winter.

[OzBomber]

What a ****ing joke. How can you pick Siddle over Bollingee. What has he done of note in the past 12 months? Absolutely nothing. Don't care if he's been injured, Bollinger is far better.

Bollinger has an average of 23 FFS. 23!!!!!!!

[wotdoiput]

I think the English have to be favourites to retain the urn, even over here, Their side looks so much better than the Aussies.

Australia need 3 of Kaitch, Watson, Ponting and Clarke to have a big series. Need someone to help build pressure with Hilf when Australia bowl and Mitch Johnson to find something resembling his best form.

[amer]

Came out of surgery today, so missed a good day and a half of the build up. Just sitting back and getting up to speed, **** me how cocky have England been. Protecting their bowling "aces", not showing up for promotional luncheons. Everything about them is wrong. They don't have an embarrassment of riches, they're all fluff, all talk, and they've paid lip service to the ideal preparation rather than actually put everything of themselves into it. Anderson will ****ing flop in these conditions and they'll go into panic mode when Swann can't dent us on our decks.

The Aussies will win the series.

[eddiesmith]

Bollinger has also played nobody, Siddle played most of his tests against the top 3 nations

[Doodlesweaver]

I have to admit I think Hilfenhaus is a much better bowler .Im just going on what all the Aus fans and media are saying and that is all about Johnson .

All the Aus fans?

Ok, I'll take that as fan exaggeration as you obviously aren't frequenting the same media as I am.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the red top media in Aus or Cricket Australia for that matter as they use Johnson as a poster boy, it barely matters how poorly he bowls.

[bombersno1]

I seriously hope we get flogged so Harris or Bollinger play the 2nd test...

Lets look at our attack..we have a spinner than can't spin a doornob, and a Victorian that bowls pies at 5 runs an over and Johnson who couldn't land them on a pitch half the time...this is how Hilfenhaus was over bowled the last time!

[eddiesmith]

I seriously hope we get flogged so Harris or Bollinger play the 2nd test...

Lets look at our attack..we have a spinner than can't spin a doornob, and a Victard that bowls pies at 5 runs an over and Johnson who couldn't land them on a pitch half the time...this is how Hilfenhaus was over bowled the last time!
Or they could play Bollinger who couldnt take wickets on a shocking pitch in the 4th innings...

[Cousin Jed]

Not sure when "Victard" became an expression du jour, but like retard and other such variations that you may have seen on other boards, if I'm feeling particularly narky that is infraction worthy.

Just a bit of a general warning for the summer. :)

[mattys123]

I can understand the Siddle over Bollinger selection.

One (Bollinger) is a workhorse, who won't go for many runs, but at the same time severely struggles to get wickets with the new ball.

While the other, (Siddle), is in the Craig McDermott mould, a firebrand who at any moment can take a few wickets and change the test match.

As I've said before, I don't think it really matters too much what 11 players we select for the series, or any individual test, we will still win, the Poms are that far over rated it ain't even funny.

Petersen is a wanker who needs a cuddle to feel "loved", yet he has all the talent in the world and doesn't have the "balls" to back it up.

Their bowlers are exactly the same shit bowlers they sent last time (add Tremlett) and they have supposedly "improved" out of sight in 4 years, BULLSHIT.

This will be a battle between 2 teams that are no where near the best in Test Cricket at the moment, and as such, the home team has a huge advantage in such matchups.

I'll back Siddle, you have to now, as it seems he is a cert to start, and I WANT THE AUSSIES TO KICK THE POMS ARSE, so I don't care which 11 are out there, I'll cheer em on.:thumbsu:

[bombersno1]

Sorry, do you want me to edit it, would you prefer silly Victorian instead, it is just slang really, lol!

[bombersno1]

While the other, (Siddle), is in the Craig McDermott mould, a firebrand who at any moment can take a few wickets and change the test match.


Comedy GOLD. When did this so called event happen...last time I looked Bollinger has a better average...

Harris is better than both of them!

[ManWithNoName]

Fact is since the first test in India Bollinger's played 1 Shield game and 1 Grade Cricket game. And in that Shield game he was good in the first innings, then very pedestrian in the second. Not the kind of fitness we need going into a first Ashes test.

Fact is Siddle has the runs (well, wickets) on the board in Test cricket and deserves his spot.

[linda]

Came out of surgery today, so missed a good day and a half of the build up. Just sitting back and getting up to speed, **** me how cocky have England been. Protecting their bowling "aces", not showing up for promotional luncheons. Everything about them is wrong. They don't have an embarrassment of riches, they're all fluff, all talk, and they've paid lip service to the ideal preparation rather than actually put everything of themselves into it. Anderson will ****ing flop in these conditions and they'll go into panic mode when Swann can't dent us on our decks.

The Aussies will win the series.



I think judging by this post your medication hasnt worn off yet

[linda]

All the Aus fans?

Ok, I'll take that as fan exaggeration as you obviously aren't frequenting the same media as I am.

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the red top media in Aus or Cricket Australia for that matter as they use Johnson as a poster boy, it barely matters how poorly he bowls.

You only have to look on here generally anyone who thinks Aus are going to do well points to Johnson .
Newspaper wise i have just been browsing the main papers

[timneale]

Is anyone else as appalled as I am that they are not airing it in HD?! They advertised that it would be shown on gem in HD but have since scrapped it in favor of nanny reruns. WTF

[bombersno1]

Fact is since the first test in India Bollinger's played 1 Shield game and 1 Grade Cricket game. And in that Shield game he was good in the first innings, then very pedestrian in the second. Not the kind of fitness we need going into a first Ashes test.

Fact is Siddle has the runs (well, wickets) on the board in Test cricket and deserves his spot.

Siddle hasn't played a test since last January....how the hell has he got the wickets on the board. Go on, this will be good. Bollinger was good in the Shield match, 3/20 odd. Siddle has bowled well in 1 innings as well...I am sorry but I'll stick with the guy averaging 23!

For the record Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland are better than both options!

[Belnakor]

they'll go into panic mode when Swann can't dent us on our decks.


any team that comes to Australia with a finger spinner as their main strike bowler is on a highway to nowhere. I'd be surprised if Swann takes more than 20 wickets for the whole series.

[eddiesmith]

Siddle hasn't played a test since last January....how the hell has he got the wickets on the board. Go on, this will be good. Bollinger was good in the Shield match, 3/20 odd. Siddle has bowled well in 1 innings as well...I am sorry but I'll stick with the guy averaging 23!

For the record Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland are better than both options!
Then they looked at his 0/40 odd when the game was on the line and probably wondered why he couldnt back up his 1st innings performance whilst Siddle has now bowled about 140 overs this season so no doubts over his fitness

[TheColeTrain]

Fact is since the first test in India Bollinger's played 1 Shield game and 1 Grade Cricket game. And in that Shield game he was good in the first innings, then very pedestrian in the second. Not the kind of fitness we need going into a first Ashes test.

Fact is Siddle has the runs (well, wickets) on the board in Test cricket and deserves his spot.

The reaction/stupidity by some people to the selectors not picking an extremely underdone Bollinger and Harris who can't even play two games in a row has been absolutely ridiculous though not that surprising.
Hopefully Siddle has a great game so once again most the posters on this board can be shown for the clueless cricket fans they really are:rolleyes:
Bollingers record is not that good, rather then look at the wickets look at the teams he got them against as well...

[TheColeTrain]

Then they looked at his 0/40 odd when the game was on the line and probably wondered why he couldnt back up his 1st innings performance whilst Siddle has now bowled about 140 overs this season so no doubts over his fitness

Ryan Harris isn't even an option, the guy struggles to play consecutive matches FFS

[Slax]

Should have an option for whoever wins the toss. With guaranteed green top the loser will be batting and will do extremely well if they don't lose 3-4 wickets in the first session.

Will have a bet on england if they win the toss immediately.

[Flawed Genius]

Well I'm looking forward to this either way

[pies_this_year]

When will Cricket Australia realise that Siddle is NOT a good cricketer? He has ZERO consistency, has no bowling plan and has no idea where his next ball will land. Having him and Mitch in the same team is quite frankly a recipe for disaster.

Australian Selectors are a bunch of dicks.