tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-115461562012-01-23T23:33:59.165+11:00Thoughts opinions and spins on Test CricketStuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.comBlogger5341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-75945976898186468682010-12-10T15:30:00.000+11:002010-12-10T15:30:03.373+11:00

Well someone had to say it.... Australia have unearthed Xavier Doherty 2.0, by naming another left arm slow bowler for the first Test. Michael Beer. Shane Warne apparently a big fan. The name itself is certainly an improvement although I was a Xav fan (as my 7 year old was lucky enough to be the Milo In2Cricket kid that received a medallion from Xavier on the MCG a few weeks ago, during the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-45959370949393592452010-12-07T11:41:00.003+11:002010-12-07T11:58:59.329+11:00

Well that is a smashing! What more can you say about a Test where you start with 3 for 2 in the opening 10 minutes and lose 5 for 30 at the end of that same innings, then 6 for about 60 in the next?  A debacle. England on the other hand did everything perfectly. There attitude is brilliant, which it ought to be when you've made 5 for 1000. They're positive. They're backing themselves. There is a

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-1562845553317382782010-12-03T12:27:00.002+11:002010-12-03T12:27:28.484+11:00

How can you possibly expect to hit the ball properly with footwork like this. This guy was giving Clarke batting tips during the week - I guess it showed when Clarke edged one a couple of balls later.

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-3064213244736498942010-11-30T10:08:00.000+11:002010-11-30T10:08:20.811+11:00

And so the fourth and fifth best Test sides in the world batted out a draw on the hardest, flattest highway in Australia. Just goes to show what can happen when two sides that can't take 20 wickets line up against one another with little assistance from either the pitch, or in Australia's case, their catching ability. So what did we learn out of all that. Well we did see that the English batting

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-49506630469150418212010-11-29T13:45:00.000+11:002010-11-29T13:45:44.160+11:00

“Test cricket is nearly dead and you are playing for a draw!!! Good on ya’s...that’s so English” Kerry "Skull" O'KeefeABC Radio

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-45789840931094079462010-11-28T21:12:00.000+11:002010-11-28T21:12:38.748+11:00

So clearly Day 4 belonged to England. You get the vibe that Australia are going to feel hard done by if England salvage a draw out of this. (England could yet win this Test). Anyway, should Australia feel that way? Day 1, clearly Australia's. Day 4, clearly England's. Day 3, you'd have to say Australia's. Day 2, arguably England's when you consider Australia were 5 for 140! So 2 days each. Apart

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-88209982699965771192010-11-27T21:24:00.000+11:002010-11-27T21:24:35.905+11:00

Well who saw that coming? After England were all out for 260 on Day 1, they promised to keep scrapping and at 5 for 160, it looked like they were right - game on! As has so often happened Australia were rescued by a record partnership late in the innings. How good have wicket keeper batsmen been for Australia in the last 20 or so years? Wow! Australia lost their 5th wicket, in their 53rd over

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-32059073233463119612010-11-25T22:30:00.003+11:002010-11-26T11:48:05.351+11:00

Thank goodness for the Ashes! Pure excitement as my 10 year old rang me from home, shouting down the phone, "Peter Siddle just got a hat-trick, did you see it Dad? On his birthday!" Well I didn't "see" it, but 8 of us were crowded around a little AM radio, 1945 style, listening as the commotion erupted. No limited overs hit and giggle will ever inspire that sort of behaviour. Isn't this just

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-77739296931708256902010-11-24T21:30:00.003+11:002010-11-26T12:17:05.315+11:00

What better time to resurrect a Test Cricket blog from the wilderness that 5 minutes before the most unpredictable Ashes series on Australian shores at least, in recent memory. When I started blogging my uneducated opinions on Cricket back in 2005, Australia were #1 in the world with a seemingly unassailable  lead. Now, 5 years later, they're 5 rungs lower on that ladder and firmly entrenched in

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-78728500640402760552009-12-11T10:25:00.004+11:002009-12-11T10:36:17.747+11:00

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26468065-952,00.htmlSo who would judge this?I don't care as long as Ritchie Benaud is there!Update:Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds could bat. Once hit out of the ground, you leave. Immunity Idol for anyone who takes a wicket."It's time to go.....Nathan"

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-79584439631424380372009-12-10T14:56:00.004+11:002009-12-10T20:26:43.904+11:00

When I first heard that Chris Gayle was the first West Indies opener to ever carry his bat through a Test Inning I found it hard to believe.Surely greats like Gordan Greenidge or Desmond Haynes had achieved this! But after a little thought it occurred to me that Greenidge and Haynes had fairly little hope of outlasting the plethora of talent that followed their partner's dismissal.Should Hayne

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-74447001910527049852009-12-09T22:25:00.002+11:002009-12-09T22:31:10.111+11:00

So a draw it is. The track probably never offered much else although for awhile we hoped for something else. 300 in two sessions on the last day for another memorable Adelaide Oval, Aussie win...well it wasn't to be.Good to see the WIndies playing like a series Test Side again. Gayle is great. Bravo is great. A couple of their bowlers are seriously sharp and Australia didn't show me that they're

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-26960004107276107132009-12-04T21:51:00.002+11:002009-12-04T22:23:58.270+11:00

Well I've just been asked "will I be back?" Thanks for the interest. I'm still here. In a personal affront to Twenty20 crap, I committed to blogging only about test Cricket sometime back. Now biased and one eyed as I am, I have lacked motivation to post and discuss anything much Test cricket related since the Aussies let the Ashes go again and slipped to number 4!Seriously though, that's good for

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-2266045511370592932009-09-04T06:39:00.003+10:002009-09-04T06:47:47.520+10:00

Umpiring standards seem to have been declining for years now...more likely the TV's abililty to spotlight the slightest mistake has become more and more efficient.I would question the wisdom of having umpires stand in only one Test to "ease the pressure" as Peter Willy suggests. What does that do? Spread the blame? If an umpire makes a bad decision he's human, if an umpire has a bad Test, that's

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-68727286100535003082009-08-26T12:44:00.003+10:002009-08-26T13:04:14.386+10:00

There are two types of Australians - those that think Ricky Ponting should stay on as Test Captain, those that don't.What should happen, and what will happen are two different things.It should be possible for Ricky to step back with dignity and say, "clearly I've lost the Ashes twice, I'm going to throw my full support behind (insert the new guy) and do what I do best, make as many runs as I can

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-81481680934513084492009-08-25T06:43:00.005+10:002009-08-25T06:49:56.320+10:00

So, Hilditch has been around cricket at the top level for what, 30 years? More? And his excuse is "we all misread the pitch" !I would've thought that's what they pay you to do Andrew!?Having said that (as the article really says), I still think it wasn't a matter of going into the match with 4 quick bowlers, or 3 and a spinner that lost Australia the Ashes at the Oval - let's not forget, we were

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-28766544962233826972009-08-23T20:07:00.002+10:002009-08-23T20:16:54.653+10:00

What annoys me the most about Australia's Ashes losing predicament at the moment is not so much that the urn is most definetly heading back home to England (not that it ever really left) but how incipid the Aussie batting was, come their moment of truth.With some Strauss like batsmenship, the Ashes could've been saved on Day 2. Then, the ball started moving a bit, and once again, we were found

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-48847364268147737572009-08-11T17:23:00.003+10:002009-08-11T17:32:56.819+10:00

Woohoo! All is well with the world again. I take one week's holiday and look what happens.Australia smash England and England panic. I hear now they're thinking of picking Mark Ramprakash - please do!Seriously though, the stage is set for a cracker of a fifth Test isn't it. Mitchell J back in town, Freddie Flintoff ready to be England's saviour in his last, Ashes regaining Test? Who wrote his

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-48223941745432180462009-07-31T09:37:00.003+10:002009-07-31T09:42:40.850+10:00

Rain, rain rain! Again I ask, how did they manage to invent this great game, in England?!Ah well, Aussies managed to make a little hey. 1 for 126 from 30 overs. That's a flyer surely! Shane Watson making us all eat our words - if nothing but temporarily I fear... From all reports it's not going to matter that much, as rain will probably rob us of the chance to capitalise. Hopefully not, I'm

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-10215974926451039982009-07-30T11:07:00.003+10:002009-07-30T11:21:17.662+10:00

England's "Jedi mind trick" on the Australian team is almost complete as rumors now circulate that Phil Hughes will be dropped for the third test and replaced with...wait for it...Golden Boy Shane Watson.Someone explain to me how this makes sense. Phil Hughes hasn't lived up to the initial hype that surrounded him sure and his long term future in the Test side maybe at risk but how is dropping

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-40598092053585700592009-07-24T10:46:00.002+10:002009-07-24T10:57:09.789+10:00

It must be the week for it - after England broke their 75 year Lords drought on Monday,I read this morning how Justin Langer just became Australia's highest ever first class run scorer, passing Don Bradman's 28067 in his 354th first class match....just a lazy 120 more matches than the Don took.Good one :-|

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-74537363620018376382009-07-20T16:52:00.005+10:002009-07-20T17:05:10.218+10:00

Dear Ricky,Tonight, as you face the (predominantly English) press, almost certainly after a defeat in which Australia has resurrected a small amount of pride after a horrible three days of cricket, please remember that as Captain of the Australian cricket team and wearer of the baggy green you are representing 20 million of us back home, hundreds to have worn the cap before you and countless more

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-75349568854571923712009-07-20T08:58:00.004+10:002009-07-20T10:16:32.572+10:00

Finally we can say, "Australia's Day". With just two Aussie batsmen being dismissed for the day, and 313 runs being scored, the score somehow wound up at 5 for 313, but those are sour grapes for another time. One wicket in the first hour will make things tricky for Australia but if Haddin and Clarke are not out at lunch on Day 5, we may end up seeing some more Strauss "tactics" later on in the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-91635147917142222692009-07-19T15:33:00.004+10:002009-07-19T16:03:55.274+10:00

Australia were embarrasing and England were like the Australians of old! They lead by 551 and the Aussies' Lords record we hear so much about, looks shot! It now appears Australia wasted all the good knocks for the series in one innings down in Cardiff.The first three days of this Test has highlighted just how suspect the Aussies are under real pressure - both with bat and ball. There is now no

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-4868642430864313592009-07-16T10:21:00.005+10:002009-07-16T10:59:48.269+10:00

So Ricky Ponting covers himself in glory once again, coming out after the thrilling finish to the 1st Ashes Test, casting aspersions at the English tactics. Images on "pots and kettles" spring to mind. When will he every realise his batting can do all the talking that is required. Just shut up and let it!Anyway, the blogosphere is rife with criticisms and lamentation of his post match press

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-20726624788935000202009-07-16T10:06:00.002+10:002009-07-16T10:21:13.564+10:00

So Freddie Flintoff has announced his retirement hey? Well my first reaction to the headline in the newspapers here ("Flintoff Retires") was one of selfish Australian biased relief.You beaty! One less hurdle, and a mighty one between now, and retaining the Ashes for another couple of years at least. Then I read the "fine print" - at the end of the season!The article to went on to highlight some

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-54324962232390895552009-07-13T11:27:00.003+10:002009-07-13T11:28:43.874+10:00

So what changes for Lords? (either side)(Harmisson in for Panesar or Swann?)(Lee / Clark in for ??)And what of England's batting - does it need a change of personal, or just a change of heart (as in getting some)?

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-80518975184643547172009-07-13T10:05:00.003+10:002009-07-13T10:27:59.619+10:00

Aus 6 dec / 674, England 435 and 9 / 252 : Match Drawn! Bugger! Australia average 112 per wicket lost, England 36. Can't we bring in some sort of count back system or something....;-)For English fans at least, that draw will be another one of those 'where were you when..." moments. Panesaar and Andersen hung on. Australia tried, well, they didn't try that much did they, but at big moments I guess

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-48131441202252800812009-07-12T09:34:00.002+10:002009-07-12T09:50:58.719+10:00

Australia smash England! Some mental scars left over from the Adelaide Test have possibly been re-opened today. England had scored 435 in first innings, yet have wound up batting last, facing a 239 run deficit on a deteriorating pitch - amazing physical and mental domination by the Aussies. I for one had given up hope of win early on Day 2 when the English tail wagged. Guess that's why I'm not

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-68033289613349948972009-07-11T17:48:00.002+10:002009-07-11T17:59:10.166+10:00

Well statistically speaking, if we are going to claim Australia won the first session on day 1 by claiming 3 wickets for 90 odd, then you have to give the points to England for the first session of Day 3 because they took 3 wickets, Australia scored 99. So maybe, statistically, they won that session but I actually doubt it. Australia had to push on for runs and when you're 1 for 250 at the outset

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-9018068161606090582009-07-10T09:44:00.003+10:002009-07-10T10:16:08.151+10:00

Who would've thought it possible, as the England tail wagged to enormous affect in the first hour of play, that it would be possible for reports to declare, Australia hold the advantage at the end of Day 2?Certainly not me! I copped a little bit of criticism on Twitter for lamenting how the game had slipped from Australia's reach as the English tail swatted, edged, reversed swept and also

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-2770944069220361912009-07-08T22:53:00.004+10:002009-07-09T14:56:00.638+10:00

In contract to the fiery adrenalin packed rush that was the first day at Lords 4 years ago, the first day of this Ashes series, on an odd shaped little ground in Wales was quite sedate.Mitchell Johnson trundled in at what looked like half pace and tossed down a few gentle overs, to light applause from a polite crowd.There was no chanting, no Barmy Army, no Harmisson bouncers and little

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-31760537367570554542009-07-08T09:18:00.003+10:002009-07-08T09:24:01.205+10:00

How time flies ...it certainly doesn't feel like a whole four years have past since I was last preparing to sit up into the wee small hours of the night, glued to the Ashes telecast, running back to the study, hoping my dial up internet connection hadn't dropped out so I could make yet another comment on Will's blog.With only hours to go, this time around, it will be the notebook on the coffee

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-23029100126618627482009-07-03T21:32:00.004+10:002009-07-03T21:39:15.415+10:00

In contrast to 2005 we are seeing some legitimate (first class) tour matches as lead ins to the first Ashes Test - for both squads.Fantastic to see Lee and Hussey strike form too, Hussey with 150, Lee with 5 wickets and reverse swing galore.I see Harmisson troubled Hughes in that first innings with some accurate short pitches stuff. He immediately piped up in the press boasting of weaknesses he's

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-51279375136346990232009-06-29T16:20:00.002+10:002009-06-29T16:22:45.839+10:00

Shane Watson must have his wires crossed somewhere...he doesn't need the help of the NSW selection favouritism to get picked, he's already the golden boy, he just needs to stay fit!Maybe now that he's a New South Welshman, they'll pick him even when he's on crutches, and well into his 40s at that!!!(NineMSN - http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=831450)

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-62123752129887559622009-06-25T09:47:00.002+10:002009-06-25T10:03:14.322+10:00

I believe, particularly when it comes to touring sides, that momentum is a big factor.With a lack-luster performance in their opening touring match, the Australian top order has already provided themselves with a battle to wage over coming weeks. Losing 5 for 114 and Ponting and Hussey not setting the world on fire, the guys will now have to battle not only some small elements of self doubt, but

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-64805493809221450482009-06-24T09:08:00.002+10:002009-06-24T09:10:27.904+10:00

If Shane Watson misses any more cricket due to injury - that's it - he's finished. They guy must be more brittle the Bruce Reid!! - and he broke in half at one stage didn't he? ;-)Now it's a knee - seriously, you'd be better off with Andrew Symonds - at least he'd sober up by thelunch break!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-35110289604835724652009-05-29T21:43:00.005+10:002009-05-29T21:54:34.523+10:00

Andrew Flintoff being ruled out of the Ashes with a knee injury will prove as big a blow to the English promoters' hopes of marketing them, as it will to the English team's hopes of regaining them.Nearly every image you see that encapsulates that incredible 2005 Ashes series involves Andrew Flintoff. Maybe someone else will stand up for England, but right now, it's hard to see them reversing the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-86525679065788838822009-05-22T14:42:00.001+10:002009-05-22T14:42:47.183+10:00

The first testicular guard was used in cricket in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. It took 100 years for men to realize that the brain is also important!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-90745766621279148572009-05-20T10:54:00.004+10:002009-05-20T11:07:15.847+10:00

It's done!  Here it is!The full squad for the Ashes is:Ricky Ponting (c)Michael Clarke (vc)Stuart ClarkBrad HaddinNathan HauritzBen HilfenhausPhillip HughesMichael HusseyMitchell JohnsonSimon KatichBrett LeeGraham ManouAndrew McDonaldMarcus NorthPeter SiddleShane WatsonSurprises! No Symonds!  That's the end now surely.  Crucified!So what's the starting XI for the first Test?

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-20195083208946995452009-05-20T09:42:00.001+10:002009-05-20T09:44:17.937+10:00

The wait is unbearable!(http://content.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/story/404837.html?CMP=NLC-DLY)

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-50354366494314611952009-05-19T09:45:00.002+10:002009-05-19T10:02:41.684+10:00

In recent memory Australian selectors have grown used to the enviable problem of selection dilemmas such as how to find a place for the second best leg spinner in the world, how high (or low) in the order to bat Adam Gilchrist and just which record breaking batsman should fill the spot at number 6 - an "embarrassment of riches" no doubt.Their selection task is no more easy now, and so given the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-68404316527092705172009-05-14T22:08:00.002+10:002009-05-14T22:13:15.103+10:00

It's so good to have some Test cricket to feast on again.England are warming up for the Aussies in a few months and did so with a pretty impressive performance in the First Test. The second test is now underway.if memory serves, they "warmed up" against Bangladesh, four years ago (2005) and that panned out pretty well for them. Flogging the West Indies just before Australia arrive could be just

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-68621125432149055172009-04-04T06:44:00.000+11:002009-04-03T13:36:57.367+11:00

My favourite TV show at the moment would have to be "The Gruen Transfer". It is a panel style show which airs on the ABC (non-commercial) and basically analyses and exposes the advertising industry, new ads, funny ads and so on.One segment, "The Pitch" sees two advertising agencies pitted against one another to produce an advert for a hyperthetical and seemingly impossible scenario. Last week,

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-9072870958994731432009-04-02T09:47:00.003+11:002009-04-02T10:10:19.593+11:00

Geez, three weeks can fly by quickly can't it.Well here we are, Australia is still number 1, (or is that number one again?) and yet, Australia has lost another dead rubber. The more things change, the more they stay the same.Well in terms of Australian Test Cricket, we turn our attention to England - and the Ashes. The return to English shores after the giddy heights of 2005. Hasn't that time

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-2150471376639466502009-03-11T17:26:00.001+11:002009-03-11T17:26:23.480+11:00

Under the Southern Cross I stand, a sprig of wattle in my hand...you know the rest right? Since I've posted Australia have had two of their best three Test Victories in the past fifteen years (Adelaide 2006/07 against England being number 1) and undoubtedly their best of the post-Warne era. They have retained their number one ranking emphatically with this series win in South Africa and actually

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-86355308762116542042009-03-01T11:11:00.002+11:002009-03-01T11:24:36.450+11:00

We all know it's the greatest game in the world - but how good has Test Cricket been this week?!England 6 for 600 after being dismissed a couple of weeks back for 51. Referral fiasco continues and Sarwan is average 100 and plenty on this tour. Sri Lanka make about 1000 runs and don't even take "first innings points", now Australia are doing the unthinkable, and putting South Africa to the sword,

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-10899104063173455612009-02-26T21:31:00.003+11:002009-02-26T21:38:08.205+11:00

After 6 for 765 declared by Pakistan, Sri Lanka have been rocked, losing 5 wickets and scrounging only 144 runs! After the previous 13 fell for 1409!! What's going on?!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-62598717040340052252009-02-25T12:03:00.001+11:002009-02-25T12:03:24.149+11:00

Something that jumped out at me from the shambles that is the Sri Lanka v Pakistan Test I mentioned in my previous post, was the number of overs some of the bowlers have sent down. Among them the young guy playing just his 4th Test having bowled 55 overs at the end of Day 4. This new Sri Lankan bowler - Ajantha Mendis - looks every bit as mysterious as Murali will ever be. At work the other

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-7835370455987225022009-02-25T11:44:00.001+11:002009-02-25T11:44:08.447+11:00

At 101.5 runs per wicket, you'd think it might be something of a road, they are batting on in Karachi... We've had some great Test Matches of late doing great things for the popularity of Test Cricket, England in the West Indies being bowled out for 51, then a brilliant draw, and in Australia, games ebbing and flowing - this however, isn't one of them though...

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-77429116587002643902009-01-08T10:30:00.004+11:002009-01-08T10:37:09.011+11:00

You have to laugh at how English cricket keeps managing to self destruct!4 years ago, they were on top of the world, looking alot like South Africa probably now feel, having just knocked off the world's number 1, and threatening to move on up the rankings themselves. Since then, they've continually found ways to avoid their presumed, inevitable success. Today Pietersen has resigned, despite

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-87622175260927735712009-01-07T17:14:00.008+11:002009-01-08T10:44:01.593+11:00

So, Australia are undefeated this calendar year ;-)South Africa demonstratate yet again they have the mettle of a true number one side...well almost.1/3 of the wickets in this Test match were LBWs. That's crap!Matthew Hayden needs to buy his Queensland mate Mitchell Johnson as much beer as he asks for as Matty's final contribution to Test Cricket was almost to let the match slip through his

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-20330905452724943762009-01-06T13:22:00.000+11:002009-01-06T13:23:25.020+11:00

Australia are now building a lead, in a fashion we are more accustomed to. Ponting and Kattich have combined and after lunch on Day 4 have extended their lead to in excess of 250.Now, in the past, this was the comfort zone. Now it's different though. In days gone by, when the Australian batting failed, I used to find myself thinking, "well we'll see how bad this really is, when the other mob

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-17501140032009515632009-01-05T16:32:00.003+11:002009-01-05T16:37:42.204+11:00

It's Groundhog Day! We're now half way through the final session on Day 3 - South African tail-ender hanging around, Ricky Ponting continues to go through the motions - playing directly into South Africa's hands, by changing nothing!  The side is on auto-pilot, as they were in Melbourne on Day 3.In Ponting's tenure, auto-pilot has always worked I suppose, but without the McGrath/Warne, operating

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-83111369583114569902009-01-05T14:58:00.004+11:002009-01-05T15:10:08.894+11:00

Well here we are again in this familiar position! Two and half days into the Test Match and South Africa seemingly in a hopeless position. Ricky Ponting must be fretting. This is such familiar territory and on both previous occassion, South Africa have cruised home. Once again South Africa are on the ropes, about 200 behind, not many wickets in hand. They're on the ropes indeed, but worringly (

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-27343275045897897072008-12-29T20:46:00.004+11:002008-12-29T20:52:14.965+11:00

I would have to choose, possibly one of the worst (from an Australian point of view anyway) days for my 8 year old son's first day of Test Cricket.We ventured to the MCG for family day. We sat and watched in disbelief. To his credit though, he sat out the entire day with only a couple of brief, Nintendo DS breaks...

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-59266164134073545402008-12-29T15:14:00.002+11:002008-12-29T15:23:34.826+11:00

To bowl all day to tail-enders, pick up just three wickets and in doing so surrender your match winning position was disgraceful (Day 3).To lose 7 wickets in the following two sessions (Day 4) - same pitch, same conditions, is just plain embarrasing.For years now we have been kidding ourselves that our domestic competion was second to none and that, combined with our natural competitiveness and

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-9656444261660939622008-12-29T11:36:00.003+11:002008-12-29T11:42:58.510+11:00

One hour into the day's play and South Africa has already managed as many wickets as the pathetic Australian line up manged for the entire day!  And we were bowling to tail enders!This is now depressing as the realisation sets in, that for the next several years, we are to follow a side that will slump to fouth or fifth in the world you'd think.We need, an opener that will value their wicket.

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-2043118640750679182008-12-29T10:29:00.003+11:002008-12-29T10:37:50.238+11:00

As Australia consolidate their fall from the giddy heights of the past decade, and strange paradigm shift takes over the Aussie cricket follower. Ricky Ponting is the ship captain, South Africa are the light house!I grew used to casually wondering what the score was during test matches - read: How many runs in front are Australia now? - to realising just now (10:28, Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test)

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-60384245287552747472008-12-28T21:46:00.002+11:002008-12-28T22:38:44.489+11:00

Any system that still has Australia ranked as the number one test nation in the world is a flawed system.What I witnessed today was a side devoid of weapons with the capability to concern a decent batting side and a complete absence of any creative thinking or attacking strategy to change things up a bit. They started Day 3 at the MCG looking at taking a lead well in excess of 150 into their

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-5688885643338292242008-12-26T13:33:00.003+11:002008-12-26T13:47:06.673+11:00

Remember this - Andre Nel dropping an absolute soda at mid-wicket. Ponting was on 19 when dropped (from memory) and went on to score 117.  After that Ponting continued scoring 100's like there was no tomorrow. Two in the match in Sydney and Ponting wasn't dismissed for less than 100 in Tests for nearly 12 months.Today it was McKenzie's turn to grass the Aussie skipper. It's still early but Punter

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-71334589024628736032008-12-22T11:04:00.002+11:002008-12-22T11:46:34.616+11:00

What a completely flawless run chase by the South Africans! As much as it pains me to say it, that was a completely dominating, well planned and perfectly executed dismantling of Australia in the fourth innings of the first Test.If you had to script a run chase for a first test, that not only won you the Test but exorcised every demon your country had with regards to mind games, close finishes,

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-19515819790497009852008-11-23T21:49:00.003+11:002008-11-23T21:58:57.952+11:00

Now that makes a nice change. How interesting is it to watch Test cricket when wickets are falling?Australia were on toast against the Kiwi's on Day 1. To be honest once Australia got passed about 180, I thought the Kiwi'sbatting was always going to struggle to score enough runs to win the match. This is a side that was dismissed for 170 odd against Bangladesh.  Anyway, that was exactly how it

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-34607899439062417912008-11-12T17:47:00.001+11:002008-11-12T17:47:40.342+11:00

It is through sheer disorganisation and not sour grapes that I have neglected to post since the end of the Third Test - a time frame in which the Border-Gavaskar trophy returned to India and Australia suffered their worst series loss in goodness knows how long (I'm sure I could find out pretty quickly on CricInfo but as I said...unorganised and busy...) Why should there be sour grapes, Australia

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-73185419230545324282008-11-06T16:15:00.001+11:002008-11-06T16:15:46.732+11:00

As India pick up in the fourth test, where they left off in the first innings of the third, pummelling the bowlers to all parts, is it time to draw a line in time - and start talking about that great Australian side of the 90s (and 00s) like we do the great West Indies side of the 80s?

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-16280515824010852742008-11-05T12:33:00.001+11:002008-11-05T12:34:24.503+11:00

I suppose it worked for them once. In Australia when the India Cricket Board (BCCI) threatened to take their bat and ball and go home over the Harbharjan affair, the Aussies and the ICC were made to look ridiculous or worse - Andrew Symonds was completely undermined. So that the ICC held it's ground against the BCCI is a credit to them. Anything less would've rendered the process useless for

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-81052243608380680952008-11-02T09:14:00.002+11:002008-11-02T09:27:00.268+11:00

Finally I get to post some positive words about these Test matches.After being thumped for nearly two days and conceding 613 runs, Australia answered in the only way possible, if they were to maintain any semblance of dignity and any chance of retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy. After india's 7 for 613, Australia had to prove to India that this was a feather-bed wicket with lightning fast

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-68272014563482485492008-10-30T09:40:00.001+11:002008-10-30T09:40:09.903+11:00

The current Test series in India will not go Australia's way now. India are 3 for 296 on day one and should not lose from here. But I feel one of the main reasons (aside from India being a bloody good side) has to do with some of the problems Test cricket is facing. These millionaire players, Australian's being one of the main offenders, think it's all about them. The belief of Administrators

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-76582451733441008022008-10-30T09:20:00.001+11:002008-10-30T09:20:08.928+11:00

Australia were again outplayed by a better Indian side today, and I've got some views on all this that I want to air. At 2 for 27 Australia were set up to play their way back into this series. They were denied of this opportunity by "back to basic" pure Test cricket. Watching Australia bat in the last test, I started to wonder whether they'd forgotten that you still get credit for running

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-35128344996997017612008-10-21T21:22:00.003+11:002008-10-21T21:27:39.064+11:00

I've focussed plenty on Australia's biggest loss in 10 years, but there was another Test going on these past 5 days and one in which Bangladesh looked like creating some history of their own...then enter Dan Vettori. 9 wickets and 131 runs (once out!). He captained, and batted at number 4 in the second innings. Amazing stuff!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-77391144936642090052008-10-21T16:46:00.001+11:002008-10-21T16:46:13.747+11:00

And so it was with renewed optimism, fuelled by a good night's sleep, that I "tuned" in again to the CricInfo, ball by ball commentary, hoping against all reason, for the most unlikely of draws. The news came on the local radio station as some clueless newsreader announced, "and play has resumed in India, with a draw the most likely result...". As I did my best not to splatter coffee all over my

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-45436700672240552242008-10-20T17:41:00.001+11:002008-10-21T10:29:02.324+11:00

I watched the CricInfo live ball-by-ball commentary, doing it's little 30 second refresh thing, hoping, and hoping, that wickets would tumble, or runs would dry up, or something. It wasn't to be. Gambhir and Sewag were merciless. Australian bowlers were ineffectual. The singles came, relentlessly, each one representing one more nail in the coffin as far as this result goes. Finally, after I had

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-12540885170697365722008-10-20T10:44:00.001+11:002008-10-20T10:44:58.726+11:00

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not writing off Australia's chances of a draw, and certainly not writing off the series yet...BUT...I can read! India 300 in front, two days to go, in form batsmen, and bowlers that move and/or spin the ball, on their home turf!! Not looking good hey?! Pundits around the world, most of them not Aussies, have been proclaiming the downfall of Australian cricket for the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-62254481571950551232008-10-19T08:43:00.005+11:002008-10-19T09:01:03.861+11:00

Fair to say, Australia pretty much under the pump now!Hayden failed again, third ball again, Zaheer Khan, again!  That guy can seriously bowl.India smashed the Aussie bowlers on day 1, exposing their lack of penatration and fire power. Then, the beat up on a weary top order. Leaving Australia four out at the end of the day, again, last over bunny, Michael Clarke falling in the last over! This is

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-43404596340419117512008-10-14T22:13:00.002+11:002008-10-14T22:26:38.183+11:00

About 20 years ago, on the 1988/89 Pakistan tour of Australia I was lucky enough to see Imran Khan speak at a sportsman's night.Among many things, Imran spole that night of being charged with re-structuring the format of Pakistani domestic cricket.At the time - and this was well before Australia's dominance, he spoke of the quality of the first class structure in Australia, of how this was the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-19694773400323020662008-10-14T22:09:00.002+11:002008-10-14T22:13:25.416+11:00

So Australia gave themselves a chance, but as you'd expect these days, against Laxmann, Tendulka and co. didn't quite have the cattle to claim 10 Test wickets in two and a half sessions.  Gone are the days of Warney hey?Well, a draw here makes Australia's job of retaining the Border / Gavaskar Trophy that bit harder. A one-nil lead was what was required.

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-48812275031777004752008-10-12T08:24:00.004+11:002008-10-12T08:36:36.240+11:00

I haven't watched as closely these past two days but suffice to say, you'd have to think a draw is on the cards on this slow paced pitch, even though Australia has had the upper hand.Disappointing really, as they all say, Bangalore is a happy hunting ground for us.The umpiring decisions continue to "even up" as Dravid gets a shocker.  Why have these "elite" umpires thrown out the benefit of the

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-51870453118899964682008-10-09T21:16:00.006+11:002008-10-09T22:22:50.556+11:00

Australia's first day of Test cricket for some 6 months showed us just what Test legends are made of. I have been critical of Ricky Ponting in the past and was even sceptical of his ability to lead Australia out of the current "lull" the popular press would have us believe they are in.After being gifted the perfect start to the season with a dubious caught behind, the Indians were not able to

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-52233258413124399142008-10-09T11:43:00.004+11:002008-10-09T12:33:40.693+11:00

Remember the shot in the arm Test Cricket got when England beat Australia in 2005. There was passion in every test. There was the Barmy Army singing, and Aussies shouting at their TV screens in the middle of the night.As much as Sewag's recent comments evoke similar hostile reactions in this part of the world (Australia) and no doubt stir emotions in India as well, unfortunately, this is what

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-18227587004365916082008-10-06T09:14:00.000+11:002008-10-06T09:15:07.598+11:00

This result exposes just how strongly Australia will be relying on Michael Hussey on this tour of India and you would suspect, on the Ashes tour next year too. For Australia to win, others will need to chip in, including a couple of the bowlers, but unless Hussey makes about 800 runs on this tour, I think we're going to be in big trouble.

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-36293749177528211482008-10-02T10:53:00.001+10:002008-10-02T10:53:40.737+10:00

It's only a 2 day warm up game but we've seen before how these matches can set the tone for a tour... Australia crawled along at 2 per over with what you'd have to imagine is something close to the starting batting line up and only made it to 218. Even more disturbing was the fact that a left arm orthodox spinner with 1 first class game under his belt took 5 wicket, including Ponting, Hayden

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-77519119782593966092008-10-01T20:40:00.002+10:002008-10-01T20:48:43.642+10:00

I am a bit over all this talk about "pacts" and "gentlemen's agreements" over catches.If Ricky Ponting wants to change things, he needs to lead - go first. Why is he waiting for India to say "okay, we'll be honest" before he agrees to do the same?As soon as someone takes a slips "catch", or close in" catch" that isn't a catch, stands up, gives the umpire the "nope - didn't carry mate" - there

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-1430454776913364282008-09-26T12:27:00.000+10:002008-09-26T11:05:37.611+10:00

It's been quite some time between posts here on STUmpcam, basically because I've been pretty busy with my fingers in too many pies, and the severe lack of Test Cricket (Australian) moments after stating I was re-badging the blog, to focus simply on that specific topic - way to go :-(Well what a way to start a big 18 months or so in the Aussie rivalry stakes anyway.The Aussies have headed off to

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-46003417344960475702008-09-25T09:26:00.001+10:002008-09-25T09:26:20.956+10:00

I read where Don Bradman's first test cricket bat sold for $145,000 at auction in Melbourne yesterday. I suspect it's on its way to a very expensive pool room. Given some stiff competition from Indian bidders (and we know how much money there is for cricket in that country) it's good to see that we have managed to keep one "trophy" off the Indians - now for the next one.

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-24274536923101543812008-09-02T19:55:00.000+10:002008-09-02T19:58:03.310+10:00

I read today where Graeme Hick has retired. A good friend of mine (with plenty of it mind you) once told me that potential is a very ugly word (especially when you're expected to live up to it).Well I suspect Graeme Hick should appear under the definition of "potential". Especially as it refers to "unrealised potential". Ah well....

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-76085278269686069992008-08-20T13:15:00.000+10:002008-08-20T13:16:45.495+10:00

ICC president investigates cricket at the Olympics

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-23160280368036613292008-08-14T12:42:00.005+10:002008-08-14T12:46:17.065+10:00

You may notice - if you turn up here, that there has been bugger all happening for some time. A bit like Australian Test Cricket really. Anyway, who knows, one day maybe I'll get all inspired again...What am I really here to post about? This post from Jrod on CricketWithBalls and KPs comments... This is what cricket blog posts should be like. Great opinions, put clearly and simply. Good one Jrod!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-55569567663405535592008-08-05T09:23:00.001+10:002008-08-05T09:23:10.924+10:00

We must acknowledge today, the 5th August 2008 as Don Bradman Day. The Don, would be 99.94 years old today!

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-28941205295396593712008-06-18T12:24:00.001+10:002008-06-18T12:24:31.721+10:00

I have no problem with this Pietersen switch hitting fiasco. What a storm in a tea cup that is. It's only going to really work on the postage stamp English grounds anyway. Let's just see a few pitches with a bit of life in them, and as Dan Vettori says, give the bowlers a bit more leeway, and there is no problem. Maybe it will bring about the demise of the dibbly dobbly one day cricket bowler

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-63809882874742326892008-06-18T12:15:00.001+10:002008-06-18T12:16:21.072+10:00

Very few posts here recently...  It's so hard to get enthused about a Caribbean tour these days, which is a tragedy really. The hour doesn't help the time difference here in Aus makes it even harder to catch say a first or last session. Anyway, Australia won 2 / zip. No real surprise there except that some may say, it wasn't 3 / zip! Australia wouldn't take too many positives out of the series

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-82364241378627372202008-06-06T15:38:00.001+10:002008-06-06T15:38:26.537+10:00

I forgot to mention this, but Rodney Hogg categorically stated on Melbourne Radio last week (or was it the week before), "England will win the Ashes in 2009". Based solely around Monty Panesar. (Given he was just coming of a 7 wicket haul against NZ). He makes a good point though - for the first time in about 20 years, England will have the advantage over Australia in the spinning stakes and

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-26966794967609656692008-06-06T15:32:00.001+10:002008-06-06T15:32:03.889+10:00

I see New Zealand have let England off the hook again. This is getting frustrating and I'm not even a Kiwi - how must Mike feel!? As an Aussie, it's my responsibility to support anyone who plays England, and this is not good news - England were 5 for 86!! They are now 7 for 273 - far from a great score still, but probably enough seeing as though NZ have to bat last and Monty is in form and

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-56805297055707105192008-06-06T09:20:00.001+10:002008-06-06T09:20:36.286+10:00

I am still alive...just busy. Since my last post... Australia wrapped up the first Test against the West Indies on the fifth Day, MacGill struggled but got a couple of questionable wickets to finish things off. Australia went into the second Test, heavy favourites, but again, could get rid of Chanderpaul, the end result being a draw. MacGill again highlighted just how good Warney really was,

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-89622404617518076222008-05-25T08:59:00.002+10:002008-05-25T09:17:30.846+10:00

Game On!Fidel Edwards and Daren Powell bowled really well in Australia's first innings without just rewards. That happens in Cricket. Their bowling was inspired stuff without luck.More inspired stuff from Chanderpaul, being basically KO'd by Brett Lee, then rising like Lazurus to score a first innings saving 118. More inspired stuff! In fact there are many young inexperienced player in the West

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-64675657114254102982008-05-23T15:11:00.001+10:002008-05-23T15:12:15.153+10:00

I was going to call it, Strong but not dominant, Australia's performance on Day 1 of this Test, but looking at that scorecard, I think maybe my view was tainted by the coverage I saw of the late overs. The West Indies certainly didn't seem dejected, but with a score of 4 for 301, maybe that is only a matter of time. Dwayne Bravo was certainly up - putting pressure on the batsman, doing quite a

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-18799272115509157662008-05-22T17:27:00.001+10:002008-05-22T17:27:00.490+10:00

When you hear the stories of all the big names in the West Indies camp arriving after the official training camp has finished, it automatically conjures up images of disunity and low team morale which does not auger well for a decent contest on this tour. Should we hear the same of the Australian side, we'd assume they will all get it together when it counts and that if Ricky Ponting arrived

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-91233654052550486132008-05-14T10:46:00.001+10:002008-05-14T10:46:10.271+10:00

In only 2 days, Lords will host the first test between England and New Zealand. The return bout after England's tour of NZ earlier this year. Promises to be a good show too. I enjoy watching these to sides go at it. Traditionally the Kiwis have struggled against the POMS. Statsguru will tell you, only 8 wins from 91 matches - appalling really. NZ recently choked somewhat in their hometown Test

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-77182831997863037582008-05-14T10:27:00.000+10:002008-05-14T10:27:44.853+10:00

The pre-tour camp is over, those that "ran away with the Circus" for a time, are back, no doubt fighting hard to get their feet back on the ground, the ship has set sail for the Caribbean, there is Test Cricket on the foreseeable horizon again, and all is well with the world. Just 8 more sleeps until the First Test between Australia and the West Indies at Kingston. Every time we meet the WIndies

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-16454281959122818252008-04-14T15:36:00.003+10:002008-04-14T15:39:44.512+10:00

How exciting is it to hear Ashes talk already? It is only next year that Australia tour England. (I know it's 14 months away, but hey - time will fly!) 14 months ago we were just starting the "never ending World Cup" - doesn't seem that long now does it?And a new Test Venue to kick things off - England clearly sick of losing the First Test at Lords every four years ;-)

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11546156.post-50090741073756188992008-04-14T10:55:00.001+10:002008-04-14T10:59:57.338+10:00

The two sides battling it out for number two position in the world - India and South Africa, have just crammed a forgettable three test series into 18 days, and wound up all square at 1 win each. India's "series" included a 319 from Sehwag in a total of 627, promptly followed just 5 days later by a first innings total of 76! India have just won the third test however in convincing style, albeit

Stuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06783460993241785773noreply@blogger.com4