BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go

Subject: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Hrothgar
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 05:40 AM

Going to be an interesting five dys again!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 05:41 AM

McGrath out. Shaun Tait in.

English team unchanged. No surprises there.

Here we go.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 06:02 AM

Won the toss. elected to bat. Very god wicket. Rain expected. England expectant. England 18 for 0
Come on England this is the test match to win.


A thought for Mr and Mrs Sooz who will not be at Trent Bridge for the first time in yonks. Bet they wished they had bought tickets now. However they are probably huddled around the telly. Just imagine you are in a hospitalty box. The dog can be your waitress :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 06:47 AM

72-0

McGrath is looking to be a big miss already.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:01 AM

Aussies must be desperate. Warne is on.

Warne just been hit for four :-)

England 91 for 0

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:14 AM

He's just taken a wicket though

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:23 AM

I know, the rotten git!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:25 AM

Brett lee No Ball and thinks he's got a wicket LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:37 AM

129 for 1
Lunch
Englands morning.

Lets hope they can come out and do the same thing after lunch and not lose early wickets.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:37 AM

129-1 at lunch. England are looking very comfortable.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:42 AM

Never underestimate England's mastery of the batting collapse, Jon!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 07:54 AM

Exactly my concern Alanabit

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 08:11 AM

Just checking in.

I haven't got much to say at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 08:17 AM

You might in a minute, if Englands usual too much lunch syndrome begins. LOL :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 11:35 AM

England lost two wickets for eleven runs, so the traditional batting collapse may be on the cards. However, 160 for three is not the most memorably bad England performance, so the expected rain may materialise and save them later in the Test. I fear the same is likely to be true in the World Cup next year, unless there are some wet pitches, England could get humbled!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 11:48 AM

Australia have just dropped 2 catches so maybe we will escape the collapse.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 12:17 PM

Keep praying Jon! They had made 191-3 last time I looked in. It would not be like Australia to be kind to the MCC three times in a row though, would it? I don't know much about cricket. Would a little over two hundred runs on the first day likely be enough for England? The Aussies scored over three hundred on the last day of the previous test, so it does not look like a big enough cushion to me. Which of you cricket buffs can enlighten me?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 12:23 PM

England need to put up a score of at least 500. With the chance of showers, the first innings is critical.
The hope then is that England can bowl and field well, and get Australia to follow on and then bowl them out again.

Thats the way to do it :-)

206 for 3

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 01:43 PM

229-4 at close. Honours pretty even I suppose. I just hope England get off to a good start tommorrow.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 02:17 PM

Fingers crossed...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: ard mhacha
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 03:55 PM

Get your money on England, Oz bowlers are struggling, this Oz team lack strength in depth.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Alan Day
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 06:02 PM

If Flintoff and Pieterson (one day I will learn to spell his name)
can stay in, goodness knows what these two can put together.The first hour will be tricky however if it is still a bit damp.This is going to be a very interesting test.
Great Ashes series.
Al

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 06:07 PM

Just woke up and checked the overnight scoreboard. Not nearly as bad as I expected when I went to bed (at the start of the second rain break).

Having said that, it looks like England will post a good score, and I think I agree with ard mhacha in that the Oz bowling doesn't have nearly the punch of the English bowling, so I'll be surprised if our batsmen be able to match it.

Interesting to note that Ponting rolled the arm over. Successfully. Shades of Border & Waugh? We can only hope...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 08:02 PM

Waugh - you had 2 of the buggers who could bat and bowl! but you mean captains.

When Ponting came on, one of our old captains was mentioned, Graham Gooch, quite a handy medium pacer, esp when the ball was swinging. I felt he should have tried himself more often when the main bowlers didn't seem to making progress.

As for the game, you do miss McGrath. Not sure how your batsmen will fair. They haven't seemed to be running on all cylinders so far. The team as a whole hasn't. Not to detract from a very good England side who I want to win, I can't imagagine a great Australian side giving so many no balls away or dropping catches that at their level one would consider sitters - they have been sides you expect to take some of the 1/2 chances.

Maybe this England side are ratlling them a little... But I'm still not prepared to write Australia off. They have been too good and strong for too long... And England still possibly have the ghosts of snatching the defeat... Still plenty to keep my interest.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 08:42 PM

So many variables. Australia are certainly not themselves, and the reason could be one (or several) of many.

Neither are England themselves. A deep reliable batting lineup and a bowling attack as ferocious as any I've seen for a long while.

Australia (for whatever reason) may come good or may not. England too may revert to form, although this doesn't seem likely at present.

The only thing certain at the moment is that nothing is certain.
That's the way I like my cricket.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 05 - 11:07 PM

AUSTRALIA ALWAYS COME TO HELP ENGLAND
AT LEAST CRICKET IS ON THE FRONT PAGE
NOT THOSE OVER ACTING SOCCER PLAYERS

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 02:33 AM

I think those cocky little buggers from upside down land, have finally met their match, and that is why they do not look as good as normal.

England are a young strong side who are improving all the time.

The thing that impresses me, is they are not lying down and dying, against a very good Australian side. They are also giving out a lot of stick to the Australian batsman - something they are not used to.

Lets face it they are both good sides and they are currently giving cricket top profile.

Its compelling action, that we haven't seen for a long time.

Long may it continue.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Hrothgar
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 05:40 AM

Australia should have Josef Goebbels playing.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 06:00 AM

252 for 5

Are England doing it again. New session and wickets fall.
That is on earea where I do not have much confidence in England.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 06:13 AM

How long Flintoff stays at the crease could now of vital importance in deciding whether the Ashes stay or go.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 06:20 AM

No balls!

Good one Hrothgar.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 06:30 AM

LOL - I couldn't work that one out.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 07:54 AM

I just hope that best team wins (Australia).

But I wish England does well as well.

I mean its only a bloddy game, I mean at the end of the day or in cricket terms 5 days, who cares really. its only a game.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 08:21 AM

Its the ashes M8. And that is serious for England. We do not want to see Australia walking away with the ashes.

I care

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 08:55 AM

405-5 and Flintoff on 99. I think this one will go to a win/lose in the last session of the 5th day

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 09:01 AM

He's got his 100

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 09:39 AM

Damn He's out. If we can get 500 before the end of play tonight and put the kangaroos in for half an hour, that would be great. A couple of wickets before before close.

If we get 500, I think the English bowlers are good enough to make em follow on and win it this time. Barring weather.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 10:24 AM

what do you mean 'we' how is there Scots, Welsh and Irish playing at Trent bridge'

Joke

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 10:29 AM

471-9! So the predictable batting collapse has come, even if it is gratifyingly later than usual. The innings will end any minute. So it is all up to the bowlers now. I think England are going to be in trouble unless they really do their stuff - and early on too.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 10:46 AM

477 All out. Not as big a total as I'd hoped for a couple of hours ago but it will do.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 10:51 AM

Right 477

Lets get in te em.

We need to get them out for 277 or less in their 1st innings to force the follow on.

We can do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 11:52 AM

Not a bad start! Australia 21-2

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 11:57 AM

Even better 22-3

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 11:57 AM

22-3 now.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: ard mhacha
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 12:42 PM

In my opinion England are a better team than the Aussies, this is the best England team for years, and you can go back as far as you like, they have better bowlers than OZ with Warne the excepition, and better batsmen.
This present Test is all but wrapped up, the only thing that will save Australia is rain.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 01:34 PM

99-5 at close. I don't see Australia getting out of this.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Sooz sans cookie
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 01:34 PM

Roll on 10.30am! Isn't it exciting?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Rasener
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 01:39 PM

99 for 5

Now let me see

Australia are 378 runs behind with 15 wickets left and needing 178 more runs to avoid the follow on.

I think they are well and truly in the fartiliser.

England need another 15 wickets with surprise surprise 3 days left.

Sleep well you Aussies :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 03:03 PM

It is usually the English who pray for rain, but it looks like being the Aussies' best friend this weekend. That sounds like a pretty impressive bowling performance. Let's hope England get to work tomorrow to force the follow on.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: ard mhacha
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 04:40 PM

Got England at the off at 9 to 4, threw a few quid in for a draw as a pull out bet, looks like I am on a winner, just a pity I will have to listen to those mouthpieces Lloyd and Boycott, sportsmen my ass.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 04:43 PM

Well as it turned out, there was that slight touch of luck in that replays did show 2 of the LBWs did touch the bat first, one of them being so faint an edge that I could only see it when they not only slowed the picture down but magnified it considerably!

That said, yes, the bowling was impressive. The ball was swinging and we saw a truely world class display of fast bowling, a display the Australian batsmen had no answer to.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 07:07 PM

Man I can't believe that. When I went to bed Flintoff had just got his ton. How long have I been sleeping?

I guess it shows how long its been since Oz played a real cricket team. Good luck you Pommy Bastards, enjoy it. You've earned it.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: el_punkoid_nouveau
Date: 26 Aug 05 - 07:33 PM

Just for herself - the Aussie bastards were well stuffed today. 95 for 5 in reply to 477 all out!

epn - a bit pissed off at not getting tickets for Trent Bridge!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Hrothgar
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 04:52 AM

We have to do something about that bloody Flintoff. He's pkaying the way the Australians should be. One of the few born in England, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 12:12 PM

I'm a Scot who has Aussie 'bastards' as part of my famliy, and as lest Scotland never got beat by Australia, the reason was the rain we had in Scotland which meant the wimpish Aussies couldn't play, so in affect Scotland won because Australia didn't play.

Tam

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 01:18 PM

Hmmm. I'd hoped for a couple more wickets today... With luck there will be a couple of quick wickets tommorrow morning.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 01:59 PM

222-4. It isn't over yet. I would not bet too much against Australia batting out tomorrow. They will obviously bat as long as they possibly can. I guess it's up to England to take the wickets.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 02:24 PM

Never known a series to take so many twists and turns. Have Australia started to find their way again? The scoreboard looks a lot more respectable today than it did yesterday.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 02:56 PM

True John. Not yet time for us to start having nightmares about you getting a reasonable lead, the pitch deteroriating and Warne taking full advantage though.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 03:53 PM

The crucial session will be Sunday morning's and the main factor now - I fear - will be the fitness of England's bowlers. Hoggard looks to be limping and Jones has gone to hospital....

If they are all fit and firing - the morning (and the win) should be theirs.

But the whole fun of this series is that anything could happen. I saw that slip catch of Strauss and Lee's sixes going right out of the ground - so I know that anything could happen.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 27 Aug 05 - 07:08 PM

That's right, there have been some amazing sights, but as for Australia getting a defendable lead and then bowling England out, I think that must still be in the realms of pure fantasy.

An English win in this test would be the best result for The Oval. If this is a draw then Australia only need to draw at The Oval. It would be a suitable finish to this series to have both teams at full strength and both needing to win.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:17 AM

218 & 4/259. All square. Who'd have thought?

Five sessions to go, six wickets in hand...

What the hell is going to happen next?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:21 AM

It looks like Ausralia have the initiative back. They can bat as long as they like now on a batsman's pitch. If England have to get the runs in a hurry on the lasat day, they may well find themselves praying for rain by the end of this one. The Aussies can always be optimistic about an England batting collapse. I'd say it has turned around a bit.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:23 AM

Why are you lot getting so excited about a bloody game, it's just a bloody game, I mean who cares at the end of 5 days, the only good thing about Cricket is you can read a good book.

Tam

There's another thing that the umpire does, and that is make sure he stays awake, yawn.

(only kidding) (only a joke)

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:41 AM

Time for a cultural interlude, I think -

When passions run high
And conditions are tricky
When it's too close to call
And the wicket is sticky
Need someone reliable to put out the fire?
Relax. I'm a qualified cricket umpire.

When you've prodded and you've lost
Outside the dreaded off peg
Or concerned with the light
Or the shadow coming from leg
When you need a decision when life gets dire
Relax. I'm a qualified cricket umpire.

When everything fails
(Now I'm not inciting sedition)
When there's nowhere to turn
And you've lost faith in politicians
You need a man whose authority is higher
The world needs a qualified cricket umpire

- Cameron Bruce & Steve Abbott

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:42 AM

It's not gone as well as I'd hoped but one wicket down just before lunch does give a little more optimism. I'd still back England to win this one,

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:49 AM

I have famly in Australia, and some of them are English and I don't really care who wins.

Tam

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 07:55 AM

I've familiy in Australia too Tam and they are English. I've not spoken to any of them but I feel sure my brother will be routing for England. I'm less sure about the kids though - they've only been there a couple of years (and loving it) and last time I spoke to them on the phone, they were already sounding like Aussies - wouldn't be surprised if their sporting loyalties end up that way either.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:14 AM

I agree

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:20 AM

I have family in Australia, and one of them is English.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:26 AM

Gilchrist has just gone. Always glad to see the back of him.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:27 AM

Oh-oh, Gilchrist's gone now too. I think there's only one way this match can end now.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Tam the man
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:31 AM

My brother in law is English but he considers himself as Scottish because he went to a boarding school in Scotland, I just hope the best team wins.

Tam

I like the English, I think they are great

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:37 AM

280-6. A couple of wickets gone down. Let's hope England stick to it. If they can bowl the Aussies out today, they should do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 08:58 AM

Well Warne has started lashing out, it's 11.00pm here and I'm going to bed. I'll look forward to being amazed in the morning at what has gone on overnight, whatever it is.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 09:59 AM

362-8. Shane Warne now has time to practise his bowling action. England have struggled to finish these innings quickly. The last couple of Australian wickets of an innings have both cost over forty runs. This is getting interesting...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 10:01 AM

Eight wickets down now - but I will be happier when that Bret Lee is out.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 10:04 AM

Nine down now. I bet Lee will take another swing now. Hope he doesn't connect too often.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 10:18 AM

A lead of 124 now. Any predictions of the size of the final lead?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 10:28 AM

129 to win. Should be comfortable...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 11:18 AM

36 for 2. I don't like this.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 11:45 AM

The England batsmen could still win this one - for Australia! Let's hope they settle in and take their time. It really would be awful if the traditional batting collapse came about to give Australia the series. Either way, we should at least get a result!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 11:58 AM

4 down now.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 12:07 PM

England can do it. They can send the Ashes back to Australia by close of play tonight. Oh dear - it is beginning to look a bit like the traditional batting collapse, isn't it? Still, it is nice to know there is one thing we are still the masters of!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 12:48 PM

Pieterson out. Fivefer. (Couldn't sleep)

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:01 PM

111-6 and Flintoff gone - this is nail biting!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:16 PM

Another wicket gone. There should be a result by close of play, and the smart money should be on Australia now. What a brilliant performance by them on the last day!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:33 PM

Phewwwwwwwwwwwww.

Hard lines to Australia though, they put up an excellent fight today.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:34 PM

Well done England.

Gave you a fright.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 01:36 PM

England win by three wickets. By God I need a beer! What a brilliant performance by the Aussies on the last day, in what looked like a nearly hopeless position. They really went for it and England very nearly fluffed it. Let's hope they keep their nerve better in the last Test. Well done all the same. I am not used to England winning at cricket - especially against Australia. It is a bit like beating New Zealand at rugby or Brazil or Germany at football. It is not supposed to happen and it really feels a bit un British!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 02:40 PM

The English do usually lead the world and showing the right way to lose well. It was nice to see the Australian team learning from this example - and be given a chance to.

But what a close thing. England very nearly grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory but Warne and (that bugger) Bret Lee certainly helped....Can we have Bret Lee on our side?

But the Australian team since beating England easily in the Lords test - have (if only very marginally) been second best. Roll on the Oval....And now that England only need a draw to win the Ashes - roll on the rain.

No I would really like to see another nail-biter like the last three tests have been - as long as I know in advance - that England are going to win (or not lose).

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: ard mhacha
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 02:51 PM

Shambles, do open the other eye would you call the louts that attend Englands soccer matches "good sports", detested throughout Europe.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 03:12 PM

However loutish English and Scotch football supporters may have been - our teams have always been sporting and lost well. I fact it is toss-up between who loses better between English and Scotch teams. But as Scotch teams have more practice at losing - they probably have the edge.

But perhaps another thread is need on the subject of loutish fans? This one is celebrating a fine sporting contest - being played in a fine spirit (and not whiskey).

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: ard mhacha
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 03:23 PM

Yes Shambles a great win, but don`t talk rubbish, the worst losers in the world bar none, please get it right.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 04:49 PM

Perhaps a word for Giles and Hoggard. They did seem to manage to stay a lot calmer under the pressure exerted by the Australian bowlers than a number of their team's better batsmen appeared to.

They did seem to be the England team's last hope - I am not sure that if either of them had gone - that the result would have been the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 05 - 05:17 PM

Well, it would have been quite interesting if Simon Jones had to bat. I wonder how he in his 1/2 mobile state would have coped with Bret Lee firing the ball in at speeds of up to 96mph (at least that was the fastest I saw clocked).

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 04:18 AM

It's immaterial. 'What-ifs' and 'Might-have-beens' don't matter a shit. England won and most of the Antipodean Convict Johnnies had faces like smacked arses. Come to think of it, they HAD smacked arses! Come On The Oval! Wooooooooooooo-Hoo!!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 05:12 AM

Enjoy it SJ, it might not last long.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 05:51 AM

And the Great British Rain Making Ceremony didnt work !!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 05:52 AM

Another Century !!

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:16 AM

I tend to go with the verdict of Flintoff who stated that there was no debate among his team mates about the wicket-keeping abilities of Jones - but does anyone think that Jones should be dropped?

The way I see it - the individual heroics of Warne and Lee were not enough to enable their team to win and the few lost chances that were made by England's wicket-keeper (and others in the field) were not enough to prevent England from winning.

However, it would probably be fair to say that without these missed chances - the win would have been a lot easier and not caused the nation's supporters - so many bitten nails. But it is a team game after all and the question raised is:

Would the possible increase in wicket-keeping by replacing Jones - make enough difference to set against any possible loss to the quite obvious team spirit, loyalty and fight - that the current team undoubtably have?

I see that David (Calamity) James has not been picked for the England football team's next big match - perhaps he would be a good replacement for Jones?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Odd shaped balls
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:43 AM

Hull stun Leeds in Challenge Cup

Paul Cooke's late converted try handed Hull a shock 25-24 win over Super League champions Leeds in the Challenge Cup final in Cardiff.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Hrothgar
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:58 AM

"... as for Australia getting a defendable lead and then bowling England out, I think that must still be in the realms of pure fantasy."

Oooooh, John!!

You don't have the Ashes yet, and I reckon Australia were establishing their psychological dominance at the end.

What we want now is a very narrow win to Australia in the Fift Test, just to drive the poor old Poms crazy with frustration.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:17 AM

Well with Geriant Jones, I think his wicket keeping errors are costing more than the runs he is making and I can't say I was overly impressed with his batting "heroics" in the second innings.

On the other hand, the team do seem to back his ability and are a winning side. The question to me is would you risk upsetting the team, and possibly replace him with someone who fairs no better in the last test? Jones for me just survives on that basis.

Football... As for David James, not before time IMO. He is capable of brilliance but shall we say "Calamity James" suits him. Overall, I think he is a liability. Bring on Robert Green (I have to say that as a Norwich supporter).

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:19 AM

What we want now is a very narrow win to Australia in the Fift Test, just to drive the poor old Poms crazy with frustration.

It might be a good idea for you to have a PLAN B........

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Hrothgar
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:29 AM

Plan B is a HUUUUUUGGGGGE win in the Fourth Test.

Plan C is, um, er, ah, ...... does not bear contemplation.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 04:57 PM

If Simon Jones is unfit and Glen MacGrath is fit - an Australian win is certainly possible on the Oval pitch.

My plan A is to pray for rain (even if I am also on holiday at the time).

The rate that both sides score runs - without stoppages for rain/ bad light etc - a draw seems as unlikely as it is now desirable....

England might just have to win this test too.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:23 PM

Dare I point out that neither of the English wins have been anywhere near the shellacking that they should have been.
In fact they only just squeaked them in,whereas the Australian win was the shellacking that it should have been.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:43 PM

Dare I point out that two narrow wins - against a pasting - still (at the moment) mean that England are one game up - and unless the Australian team can come-up with another pasting or indeed a narrow win at the oval - England will take the Ashes?

No I had better not.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 06:48 PM

Yes I see your point, Shambles. For this fortnight or so the Ashes certainly are in English hands, but you must also see mine surely? If we do go to the Oval with Simon Jones out and McGrath in then we must surely be looking at more than just the possibility of an Aust. win?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:11 PM

Could go either way John. I had thought the last test would be the decider where one team really got on top of the other all the way through but that wasn't to be...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:43 PM

Of course you're right Jon, I thought after my last post - It's all just idle speculation as anything is possible, as it has been all season.
Just keeping the banter going - it is a BS thread after all.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 07:57 PM

But isn't that the joy of this series. The tension and the uncertainty of the outcome are great (even if you may not feel so great at the time). But because things are so uncertain and even when the result is known - the small differences between the sides and the various turning points in the games - mean that there are endless discussions and speculations to be made.

I am not sure that there has ever been series quite like this one. Perhaps 1983 was as exciting but the scoring rates in this series make it quite different game altogether.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 09:22 PM

Absolutely! This is the most exciting series I can remmember. It has breathed new life into cricket, and every day brings a brand new uncertainty, usually one you would never have predicted. I don't think there's ever been a series like this one. Brilliant.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 09:24 PM

Oh. You said that. I agree.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 05 - 09:24 PM

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 30 Aug 05 - 03:56 AM

Does Ricky Ponting have a point - with his complaints about the England subsitute fielders? Or is he just upset that his running between the wickets was too slow and he was run-out by one of them?

From what I can see - what the England team is doing - is perfectly within the rules and which his team could equally exploit. The only difference is that the substitute fielders that are available to Ponting are the 'donkeys' (in fielding terms anyway) that he has selected to bring on tour.

Were the series taking place in Australia - they would have a wider choice of substitute fielders and the Endland team - as the touring side - would be limited to those selected to tour. A situation that I am sure he would not complain too much about. A case of swings and roundabouts?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 03:59 AM

It seems that Ponting has been upset about this for quite some time, but undoubtedly getting run out contributed to his distress.

As I understand it, the way Fletcher has used the subs this season is a departure from how they have previously been used, and resembles the interchange bench at a Rugby League game. I have always thought that this misuse of the interchange bench lowered the standard of Rugby League (if that's not a tautology or something), and I don't think it is within the spirit of cricket as I understand the game.

I would be very disappointed if it became an accepted feature of test cricket.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: Paul Burke
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:21 AM

I see, John. The English have to remain gentlemanly, and stick to the traditions. It's up to others to introduce sledging, aggressive appealing, dissent, war paint and all the other things that 40 years ago would have had their own captain asking them to leave the field for.

I don't think that Fletcher invented substitution, people have been resting bowlers for years now. What IS interesting is that the subs aren't top notch players, and I'm glad Pratt got his moment of international glory.

Was Ponting home? No. Was it a good throw? Yes. Was Jones injured? Yes. Should Pratt have deliberately missed? Come on.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:25 AM

It's an odd one.

The one that caused Ponting to blow his top was genuine enough under any circumstances with Simon Jones injured and England have done nothing in any substitution that breaches the rules/playing conditions for the series.

That said, I agree that it seems that Ponting had issues with this long before his runout. His annoyance at being run out only seems to have brought something he was concerned about to the boil.

Regardless of the playing conditions, I do find the practice of routinely taking your bowlers off for short breaks questionable in terms of the spirit of the game.

As a side issue, what do others think of this substitute who can bat or bowl and "power play" in some one day games? I don't like it but there again, I'm enough of a dinasour not to like squads of subs and changes of personel for tactical reasons in any game. To me, you put the team you have picked out and short of injuries, those players play right through.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:34 AM

What IS interesting is that the subs aren't top notch players

I'd imagine they are top notch fielders even if they aren't top notch batsmen or bowlers. I don't know anything about Pratt except that he seemed pretty able. Trevor Penny is another sub they have used. He is one of the best fielders in the country. I remember watching a game a few years back, a semi final in one of the cups - Glamorgan vs Waricks - more than one player in that game perished to his throwing...

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 07:32 AM

Thnking back to the start of the series. There were two members of the England team who had their cobmments - which were reported in the newspapers - much critised. This mainly before the match by the Australian team and especially after the Lords performance - by just about everyone.

The main feeling was that they perhaps should confine their talking to on the pitch - purely by their performance.

After their fine stand in the win at Trent Bridge - there is perhaps a little irony in the fact that the two players concerned were - Hoggard and Giles.

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: John O'L
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 08:34 AM

Paul -
The Shambles asked for our thoughts on Ponting's outburst. I wasn't going to be the one to introduce the subject, but seeing the question printed there, I had to answer. Couldn't help myself. I'm not that strong.

What would you expect me to say? That he should cop it sweet when he sees the opposition fast bowlers going off for a cup of tea and a backrub after every spell, because there's no rule explicitly preventing it?

"The English have to remain gentlemanly, and stick to the traditions. It's up to others to introduce sledging, aggressive appealing..."
Am I to understand then, that in your opinion Fletcher's use of subs equates with the those things?

Subject: RE: BS: Trent Bridge Test - here we go
From: The Shambles
Date: 31 Aug 05 - 04:18 PM

I is a bit strange to hear the traditional English cry of - ITS NOT CRICKET - coming from Australians.