Ashes 2006 / 2007

[ningnangnong]

Anyhow, cricket is a ****e sport

[Shaggy]

Can we go any lower?

Thought we did okay polishing off the tail last night – with the exception of allowing Warne to score more runs than any of our muppets did in our 2nd innings that followed.

Went to bed just before lunch with us on 20-0 or summat. I envisaged coming down in the morning to find us 200-3 or 4. Yeah right. There is absolutely no excuse for making 160 twice on that pitch.

[kopdan]

its tricky as all our batsmen apart from Flintoff and Strauss have made 100s.

So we know they can bat at the top level. Even the bowlers with the exception of Mamood and Anderson are still the best we have.

So to be fair, the inclusion of Reid and Panesar were the only changes that on paper were needed.

So it has to be discipline and game plan that needs improving

[kopdan]

actually Bell didnt either I think but he was quite consistent with the bat at times.

[Red Chilli]

So many reasons for this tour being the shambles that it is. Maybe a 5-0 thumping would be good for them long term, they need to rediscover their determination. They don't see too bothered. We have a great chance in 2009 as Warne and McGrath won't be there but if we win this last Test we might go home complacent again.
Flintoff has been a major let down with bat, ball and captaincy.
We've missed Vaughan.
We're inexperienced, none of our top 7 batsmen have played in Australia before.
We've been unluck with injuries.
The tour has been badly managed from start to finish. The players are there although we need some more depth in our batting and we need to look for a long term replacement for Vaughan as captain.

The Australians have played great cricket, they deserve their success.

[Red Chilli]

actually Bell didnt either I think but he was quite consistent with the bat at times.

I like Bell, he's improved a lot and he's taken Warne on. He has a good attitude and learns from his mistakes. He also has a very good technique. He's definitely got a future.
Pieterson is a great player.
Strauss has been really unlucky in this series but he has a long term future. I think Strauss has suffered from losing Trescothick, it must be hard to adapt to a new opening partner who is young and inexperienced and has a technical flaw. Until Cook learns where his off stump is and which balls he can leave instead of wafting at, they will never get a huge partnership. Having said that, Cook will be a great player.
Flintoff was never fit enough for this tour, there was too much expectation and responsibility on an injured player.
Read should have ben in at the start not G Jones.

[SouthAfricaRed]

I see the favourite result is for Australia to win 4-0 @ 6/1
Next Best Australia to win 5-0 @ 13/2

Ridiculous.

Seems very likely now

[Shaggy]

Seems very likely now

[Red Chilli]

England win the toss and bat first.

Rain has delayed the start, things are looking up for England

[Shaggy]

England win the toss and bat first.

Rain has delayed the start, things are looking up for England

I watched it til just after lunch and it was a good morning of cricket. Flintoff needs to convert this 40 odd into a big score.

[spud_gun]

Nice of the English lads to show up for Warne and McGraths testimonal match.

[Red Chilli]

Nice of the English lads to show up for Warne and McGraths testimonal match.

Even nicer if we can beat the Aussies in Sydney for McGrath Warne and Langers last match. Give them something to remember us by

[spud_gun]

Even nicer if we can beat the Aussies in Sydney for McGrath Warne and Langers last match. Give them something to remember us by

[Red Chilli]

Stranger things have happened

[Red Chilli]

****e! Collingwood is out.