BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney

02 Jan 11 - 03:15 PM (#3065710)
Subject: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arthur_itus

Well it's tonight at 11:30pm UK time on Skysports.

I am so looking forward to it.

It would be so wonderful if England win the ashes.

Come on England.

Sold out for the first 3 days I think.

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02 Jan 11 - 09:54 PM (#3065941)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Rapparee

Whose ashes? Why would you want them? Wouldn't it be much nicer to simply scatter them or put them in a columbarium? I think it's pretty awful taste to raffle them off among nations!

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03 Jan 11 - 01:32 AM (#3066004)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arthur_itus

Too many questions Rapparee :-)

http://www.lords.org/history/the-ashes/

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03 Jan 11 - 04:05 AM (#3066036)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arthur_itus

134 for 4 TSP

So the Aussies are struggling. However they have put their heads down and tried to bat instead of just assuming they can hit anything that's thrown at them.

I like the young lad who took Pontin's place. Very well spoken, well mannered lad. Looks a very good promising batsman.

I hope James Anderson changes his Christmas Present and wears his old boots. Seemed to be stuggling to hold his feet with his new boots.

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03 Jan 11 - 05:06 AM (#3066066)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

A good day for England, but by no means a disaster for the Aussies. Apparently the pitch is a bit of a stinker to bat on, so it looks pretty balanced at the moment - provided that England do not revert to one of their traditional batting collapses when the time comes!

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03 Jan 11 - 05:27 AM (#3066071)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

"It would be so wonderful if England win the ashes."

On a point of order, Arf - they did. Last time. They don't need to 'win' them again, they've already won and retained them. You can't 'win' something again that you've already won!

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03 Jan 11 - 05:59 AM (#3066083)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arthur_itus

OK Win the series. Smartarse :-) LOL

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03 Jan 11 - 06:28 AM (#3066098)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

LOL! You know me so well! :-)

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03 Jan 11 - 06:34 AM (#3066102)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Richard Bridge

Raparee is talking total bails!

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03 Jan 11 - 08:08 AM (#3066144)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

Wot's a columbarium?

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03 Jan 11 - 09:24 AM (#3066186)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Rapparee

A place where you put cremains (preferably inside an urn or jar). Sort of a cupboard in a cemetery.

I hereby donate MY ashes to fill that Waterford thingie.

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03 Jan 11 - 02:16 PM (#3066388)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: MikeL2

hi

It is too soon to be able to read what will happen and how the match will finish.

IMHO the sides came out about even or maybe England just a shade ahead.

The new batsman replacing Ponting looks promising. He certainly is very stylish and seems confident.

Hmmmm Australia are relying on "foreign" players too...!!!

Cheers

MikeL2

ps Arfur.....well done Villa !!!

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03 Jan 11 - 02:22 PM (#3066389)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Ed T

Ashes to Ashes
Funk to Funky
Rapparee's not an
"obit" cricket junky

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03 Jan 11 - 02:27 PM (#3066395)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

Thanks Rap. Never seen or heard of one of those. Must be an Amurrican thang! :-) :-)

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03 Jan 11 - 10:02 PM (#3066686)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

Well done Australia. Ninety one runs for the last two wickets may have put them in the driving seat for the final test: Tailenders can bat.

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04 Jan 11 - 05:44 AM (#3066834)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arnie

England look to be in a fairly secure position at the end of the second day, but it could all change pretty quickly if the Aussies take another couple of wickets. Geoff Boycott pointed out this morning that 173 for 3 can quickly become 190 for 5 and then things start getting interesting. I had thought that Clarke was a bit foolish electing to bat first, but now it looks like he may have been vindicated. Nice to see a more finely balanced Test anyhow, always providing that England win of course. I can't stay up all night so will be watching the recording a bit later today.

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04 Jan 11 - 05:53 AM (#3066838)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

That sounds about right. It looks as if England have to keep their wickets and bat through tomorrow. As long as there is no return to the traditional batting collapse, they have a good chance.

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04 Jan 11 - 07:09 AM (#3066886)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: MikeL2

hi

Things are about equal at the moment. Despite all their problems I would always back the last 5 Aussie wickets to outscore the England ones.

Johnson looks to be on song and remember !!! he was the guy that did all the damage when the Aussies murdered England at Adelaide.

Fingers crossed here.

Cheers

Mikel2

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04 Jan 11 - 09:36 AM (#3066959)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Rapparee

Columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery.

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04 Jan 11 - 09:50 AM (#3066969)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

Rap, I'm at work and our IT-Control-Freaks have blocked that website! I'll take a look when I'm home.
It sometimes astonishes me what I learn on here!

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04 Jan 11 - 02:25 PM (#3067155)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

Thanks Rap, I see and understand now. Forgive my ignorance, and thanks again.

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05 Jan 11 - 07:01 AM (#3067617)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: MikeL2

hi

My feared batting collapse did not happen. Well done to Cook ( to think his place on the tour was in doubt !!!!) and Bell.

With a fair wind we should manage to win this one and win the Ashes in Australia.....almost makes history !!

Cheers

MikeL2

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05 Jan 11 - 02:28 PM (#3067888)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Rog Peek

Quote from Michael Clarke "I still believe, you know, there is still enough in the wicket, especially with the new ball, I'm confident if we can come out tomorrow morning and get these last couple of wickets, we're gonna have to bat our backsides off, we're gonna have to put up a really good fight 'n get a really good total and I think if we can get, you know, somewhere between a hundred and eighty and two hundred run lead on the last day of the SCG test match, I'm confident we can still win the game."

As my mother in law used to say, "If 'if' was a donkey, we'd all have a ride!"

In your dreams Michael!

Rog

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05 Jan 11 - 07:27 PM (#3068111)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Bainbo

Didn't mean to hide my ignorance behind a cloak of anonymity. Guest above was me, with a cookie which had evaporated.

Century up for Matty Prior. So that's what happened to her after Steeleye Span.

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05 Jan 11 - 07:30 PM (#3068113)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Bainbo

Now my original anonymous post has evaporated, too. Trigger-happy Mud-elf? :)

It read:

"Can I expose my complete ignorance of tactics (which hasn't impaired my enjoyment of this series)?

As I write there's just over a day and a half left, and England have still only lost seven wickets in thier first innings, and are about 260 runs ahead. Why don't they declare, and try to bowl out Australia for less than 260? Isn't there a danger there won't be enough time to bat out the remaining innings, so the match will end in a draw?

What have I missed?"

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05 Jan 11 - 07:39 PM (#3068121)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

I should really shut up here and leave the explanation to one of our more knowledgeable cricket fans. However, I would surmise that England only need to draw this match, whereas Australia still theoretically have a chance of levelling the series. To keep the Aussies under the cosh, my guess is that England wish to inflict as much pain as is possible on them with the bat at the moment so that a win virtually slips out of sight for the Aussies and so that their batsmen will be under unbearable pressure when they reach the crease. That said, one of our cricketing buffs is likely to come up with a better explanation!

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05 Jan 11 - 08:35 PM (#3068152)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Rog Peek

There ya go then: England 636-9 at lunch on day 4. Off I go to bed contented. (1.30am here in the UK).

By the way, all the best to Paul Collinwood in his retirement from test cricket. He's given great service to England and great entertainment to the fans. A true team player.

Rog

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05 Jan 11 - 09:22 PM (#3068169)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle

644 all out. Not bad, I suppose.
2.21

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05 Jan 11 - 09:31 PM (#3068173)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Raggytash

Tremlett last man out, England 664, highest ever score in Australia, now they're 364 ahead and the bowlers have a great opportunity in inflict an innings defeat again, stuff that dreams are made of !!!

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05 Jan 11 - 11:21 PM (#3068210)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

Yes, it does look as if Australia will need to bat rather well. They have just gone into tea at 72-2.

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06 Jan 11 - 04:16 AM (#3068304)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Richard Bridge

213 for 7 at stumps.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/06012011/58/ashes-england-brink-ashes-victory-sydney.html

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06 Jan 11 - 04:19 AM (#3068308)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: IanC

Bainbo

5 sessions will always be plenty. Better not to have to bat again. That can really slow things wown.

:-)

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06 Jan 11 - 05:17 AM (#3068339)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Raggytash

Australia's tail enders have proved to be resilient in previous tests this series, however I doubt even they will bat all day to secure a draw. All over by Lunch I would think. Well done to the English team

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06 Jan 11 - 09:58 AM (#3068480)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: MikeL2

hi

A good day for England again. Should be all over bar the shaouting now.

just bowl line & length and that should do it.

Cheers

MikeL2

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06 Jan 11 - 01:34 PM (#3068633)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

Agreed Mike. Some of the bowling at the end of the first innings was a little loose by all accounts.

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06 Jan 11 - 07:28 PM (#3068878)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

England have started the day by conceding 44 runs and taking no wickets. They should win, but if the bowling stays this loose, it is not impossible that Australia could draw.

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06 Jan 11 - 07:29 PM (#3068879)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

And no sooner have I typed - than Siddle goes for a creditable 43.

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06 Jan 11 - 07:45 PM (#3068885)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

Things are warming up. Hilfenhaus has gone for 7. One wicket to go with Australia at 267-9. Still, it looks as though they may all have time for a beer after lunch now!

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06 Jan 11 - 08:02 PM (#3068893)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

Done and Dusted!

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06 Jan 11 - 08:36 PM (#3068921)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle

I think it has to be said the Australian scores were quite creditable. There was never the horrifying train crash collapse that we associate with England.

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07 Jan 11 - 12:15 AM (#3069043)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Allen in Oz

Dear Alan

Oh I don't know...all out for 98 was less than impressive

We were well beaten by a very good side indeed ...I was at the 4th day of the Sydney Test.

Congratulations

Quo vadis?

AD

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07 Jan 11 - 04:16 AM (#3069095)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Sooz

Woo hoo!

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07 Jan 11 - 04:54 AM (#3069109)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: alanabit

A gracious response there Allen. I am sure this English ascendancy will not last forever, but we shall certainly enjoy it while it does. We are not really used to winning at cricket - especially against Australia. It should at least make everyone anticipate a competitive fixture next time.

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07 Jan 11 - 06:41 AM (#3069147)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: MikeL2

hi

Yes very well done England. No mean feat taking the Ashes home from Australia.

It has been a great series for England with many outstanding individual performances. But for me the platform of the victories has been the teamwork of the English side and in particular the fielding. They kept the pressure on the Aussie batsmen all the time and backed up some fine bowling.

It has to be said that Australia were made to look poor and disorganised but I know that this will be a temporary blip. They are too good a cricketing nation to be in this false position. Cricket needs Australia to be in top form.

Meanwhile let us here in England salute a rare occurrence. The team were very workmanlike and organised and they were by far the better side during this series......well done.

Cheers

MikeL2

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07 Jan 11 - 07:26 AM (#3069157)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle

True enough England did well.

I just thought the last two innings by the Australian team showed a lot of bravery and character in a difficult situation.

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07 Jan 11 - 07:48 AM (#3069174)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

Absolutely right Mike. Couldn't agree more.
And Al too.

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07 Jan 11 - 09:38 AM (#3069230)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Keith A of Hertford

These are not mine.
I repeat them for info. only.

>
>
> WHAT do you get if you cross the Australian cricket team with an OXO cube?
>
> A laughing stock.
>
> The Australian bobsleigh team have asked the Aussie cricket team for a meeting.
>
> They want to ask their advice about going downhill so fast!
>
> What's the difference between Ricky Ponting and a funeral director?
>
> A funeral director doesn't keep losing the ashes.
>
> Did you hear what the stump microphones picked up when The Ashes skippers tossed the coin on Boxing Day?
> Andrew Strauss called correctly and, quick as a flash, said to Ricky Ponting: "You lads can bat.''
>
> Just as quick, Ponting replied: "No, we can't. We really can't."
>
> What do you call an Australian with a champagne bottle in his hand?
>
> A waiter.
>
> Of everyone in the Aussie team, who spends the most time at the crease?
>
> The woman who irons their cricket whites.
>
> What's the height of optimism? An Aussie batsman putting on sunscreen.
>
> Why did the Aussie break his leg throwing a ball?
>
> He forgot it was chained to his foot.
>
> What is the main function of the Australia coach?
>
> To transport the team from the hotel to the ground.
>
> On his way out into the middle to bat, Ricky Ponting gets a call from his wife and teammate Michael Hussey tells her he's heading out to the middle.
>
> His wife replies: "I'll hold, he won't be long!"
>
> What's the difference between an Aussie batsman and a Formula 1 car?
>
> Nothing! If you blink you'll miss them both.
>
> Who has the easiest job in the Australian squad?
>
> The guy who removes the red ball marks from the bats.
>
> What do Aussie batsmen and drug addicts have in common?
>
> Both spend most of their time wondering where their next score will come from.
>
> What did the spectator miss when he went to the toilet?
>
> The entire Australian innings.
>
> What's the Australian version of LBW?
>
> Lost, Beaten, Walloped.
>
> Why is Ricky Ponting cleverer than Houdini?
>
> Because he can get out without even trying.
>
> What does Ricky Ponting put in his hands to make sure the next ball is almost certainly going to be a wicket?
>
> A bat.
>
> What do you call a cricket field full of Australians ?
>
> A vacant lot.
>
> Why do Australians call their favourite drink XXXX?
>
> Because they can't spell beer.
>
> Why can't Australian blokes take their girlfriends to the cricket?
>
> They eat all the grass.
>
> What does an Australian batsman who is playing in The Ashes have in common with Michael Jackson?
>
> They both wore gloves for no apparent reason.

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07 Jan 11 - 10:23 AM (#3069267)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: G-Force

For me, the most crucial bit was England saving the draw in the first test which, let's face it, Australia had the better of.

Too often we've seen England touring sides lose the first test, or for that matter the first day, and spend the rest of the series trying but failing to catch up.

Quite frankly I was surprised but delighted at what happened afterwards.

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07 Jan 11 - 12:28 PM (#3069335)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: GUEST,Rog Reek

Oh Keith, you are awful!.........but keep 'em coming LOL.

Rog

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07 Jan 11 - 02:33 PM (#3069405)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Arthur_itus

i thought it was a damn shame that Anderson didn't win the series award.
He was the kingpin of our bowling and worked his socks off. Additional to that, is it's great to see him fielding so well.
He has become a top class player.

My vote would have been

Anderson - series award
Cook - match award

Great series and so wonderful that the poms gave them such a spanking.

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08 Jan 11 - 03:20 AM (#3069687)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Backwoodsman

My thoughts too Arthur, the two stars of an exceptional team.
But those Aussies will eventually be back with their own new Great Players, hurting and determined. Let's hope the England team are still as great - that'll be the Mother Of All Ashes Series'. Can't wait!

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08 Jan 11 - 09:33 AM (#3069795)
Subject: RE: BS: Final Ashes Test starting at the Sydney
From: Hrothgar

"Australian scores were quite creditable"

No, they were not. Most of the batsmen deserve to be flogged and burnt, and we might do a couple of the bowlers while we're at it. They have to play like Test cricketers, not Twenty/20 fairies.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - the worst thing is that we've been flogged by a Pommy team that is not really all that good.

I think we need a change in the system.

Instead of having 137 coaches who spend their time massaging the egos and public relations of a bunch of neurotics, and a group of selectors who don't seem to be watching the game, we need the following:

A batting coach who tells them to leep the bat close to the pad, step toward the pitch of the ball, and don't hit anything they don't need to;

A bowling coach who tells them to put it on a consistent length aimed at the top of off stump;

A payment system where the bulk of the money is directed to win/draw loss incentives;

and a selection system in which the players vote for the team. They won't be carrying any has-beens or non-performers when their win bonus is at risk.

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