BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 31 Dec 10 - 03:46 AM

He invariably shows neither sportsmanship nor grace. He lends more than a hint of truth to the widely-held perception of Australians' inherent arrogance.

In victory, he gloats. In defeat, he sulks. He is the master of the openly grudging, back-handed 'compliment' to his opponents, whether it's win or lose.

Sorry to have to disagree with you Mike. He's condemned by his own words and actions - constantly. He's a disgrace to the spirit of the game, and a bad example as a captain.

And now he's got his come-uppance. Hopefully.

IMHO. YMMV, etc. etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 02:58 PM

That must make him stupid then.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 02:37 PM

Even if that is true, I still wish the man well. Any man who has the bottle to face fast bowlers with a broken finger is not lacking in either guts or determination.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 01:57 PM

He hates us Poms. That's enough.

It's lovely seeing him crap his pants. Rub it in.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 10:06 AM

His worth to Australia and to cricket in general has been magnificent


I note the use of the phrase 'has been'. ;o)

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: MikeL2
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 09:59 AM

hi

I am by no means an Australian supporter at cricket: in fact I am revelling in the current situation down-under.

BUT I think you are taking it too far with your criticism of Ponting.
It was very clear to anyone who was watching the incident that Ponting had badly injured his finger. It turns out after an X-ray that it is fractured.

With this kind of injury it would be madness to try to play in a Test Match. Especially when the outcome is not that important. Another blow to that area could create a far more serious injury that would put him out of cricket for a long time.

Ponting is one of the most prolific batsmen of the modern era. His worth to Australia and to cricket in general has been magnificent.

Things are not going right for him at the moment. All players experience this from time to time. I for one think that he will be back. Aussies don't give up !!!

So from this Pom I hope the Ricky recovers quickly and returns to the game he has served so well over the years.

Cricket needs players of Ponting's ability.

Cheers

MikeL2

PS I don't condone Ricky for his antics with the umpire but to some extent I can understand them.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 30 Dec 10 - 07:19 AM

Apparently Sourpuss Sore-Loser Poncing has now suffered further injury to his finger (allegedly, maybe, perhaps), which will prevent him playing in the final test. Aaaawww diddums.

Sounds like code for The Sack to me.

The sack by any other name is still the sack, but I wonder why they're bothering to try to save face on his behalf, and thereby not hurt his feelings - he's never given a Flying You-Know-What about anyone else's.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Van
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 09:12 PM

There must be a few people on this thread who are now eating their words, or, are biting their nails in the hope that they were wrong.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 11:24 AM

Wish I could say the same about Gerrad Houllier Mike :-)

Happy New Year to you as well and all other Mudcatters.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: MikeL2
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 11:01 AM

Hi Arthur

No I was talking about Andy Flower and fabio Capello because there appears to be some thoughts here that we shouldn't have foreign coaches.

Of course as a Man United supporter I think that Alex Ferguson is a great Manager. His record speaks for itself.

Cheers and the all the best for the New Year

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 07:33 AM

"And by the way they have a non-English manager/coach !!! "

Are we talking about Alex ferguson here Mike?

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: MikeL2
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 06:50 AM

hi

Well done England. A great achievement. Never mind how poor the opposition was. We can only beat what they put out.

No Aussie team ever gives up and Perth proved that we needed to keep a boot on their throats. It is 24 years since they lost an Ashes series in Australia which proves how hard it is. Hope they now go for the throat to win it outright.

IMHO The point about "foreign" players is not appropriate. All teams have included them at various times. England has always allowed players from other countries to go through a qualification period before allowing them to play.

And by the way they have a non-English manager/coach !!! Makes some of the comments about managers in football a bit irrelevent !!!!

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,erbert
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 06:45 AM

Tanks and Heavy Artillery..

and cricket boxes..

We will dominate the planet again through the gentlemanly virtues
of honour and total annihilation on the field of sport..

exterminate exterminate exterminate exterminate....


you will obey.....

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 06:36 AM

Great stuff England.

However, I feel that we too easily switch on and off.

If we are going to be great like the Aussies were. we have to hate the Aussies even in a game when it doesn't really matter. We have to murder the Aussies in the next match.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Hrothgar
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 06:25 AM

Nice chamge?

England have now won three of the last four series. Well, they haven't won this series yet, but they can't do worse than a tie, and they keep the Ashes.

What is really worrying me is the same thing that worried me when England won the rugby - we have been done by a team that isn't very good. Where does that leave us?

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 04:29 AM

Yes that happened to me 'erbert! I was standing on the outfield trying to look inconspicuous as was my wont. When a ball came my way. Unfortunately I had my hands in my pockets -otherwise engaged - - at the time. So the ball hit me on the head.

Should be reclassified as a blood sport.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,erbert
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 04:24 AM

I nearly lost an eye and one testicle to cricket at grammar school..

and christ only knows why they made us wear woolly jumpers and long trousers for sport in summer...???

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 04:20 AM

For somebody who has known virtually only batting collapses, dropped catches and thrashings for the England team from virtually everyone, who played againt us, this all takes a bit of getting used to. A very small minority of British lads play cricket anyway and because of our climate, which is better suited to other sports, there are only a few months of the year in which we can expect them to play and practice. Expecting England to compete at world class cricket is a bit like expecting Holland to produce downhill skiers. It is a wonderful result for our lads and I am sure I am not the only Brit Mudcatter to be surprised and thrilled.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,erbert
Date: 29 Dec 10 - 03:44 AM

oh don't get me started about cricket..

cricket !!!??

I'd rather watch a women's rugby team soaping each other up in the shower any day of the week

than cricket...

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 08:19 PM

Whatever.... I'm glad England won! Makes a nice change.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Brian May
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 05:42 PM

Well you mention the South Africans and I would have agreed however:

It would appear that anyone can be English these days, all you need to do is grow a beard, wave a Koran and preach hate. This qualifies you for instant membership of any English institution as they're all afraid they'll be called racist if they refuse you.

Ergo: South Africans and anyone else that stands for the English values of actually winning a game of cricket and speaking English are more than welcome.

But the native English cricketers do actually seem to be doing a tad better than ALL the native born Australians just at the moment.

Best of luck to them. Long may it continue, whatever the accent.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 07:36 AM

There will only be the Barmy Army there and they should get in for now't.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 04:38 AM

Well four blokes left to go in. Wouldn't it be magnificent if they got in there and really did something. Can't see it happening. I bet all the seats are half price.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 03:39 AM

Another great day by England.

A bit more of that tomorrow and........ Bingo.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 01:25 AM

It looks like you have a point. A spot of bother for the Aussies.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Hrothgar
Date: 28 Dec 10 - 01:20 AM

'I've had doubts about all the Auatralian captains since Allan Border.'

That was me above. Don't know what happened to my cookie.

Both Steve Waugh and Mark taylor had very good teams and did not have to do much. Ponting has been found out because a large number of that team have retired (well, he was actually found out on the day in 2005 when he sent England in to bat after McGrath had been injured in the warm-up. How stupid was that?).

Boder, on the other hanb, battled away until that very good team was built.

Now that Australia have managed to finally get England out, they need to bat for two days just to make it a contest, and I doubt that many of them have the both character and the ability in one package. Hussey is the closest - and he's gone before he was really there.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:22 PM

England have just lost two wickets for the addition of 21 runs, so it looks as if Australia will be batting soon, with the objective of staying at the crease for two and a half days. They could do it.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 02:47 PM

LOL The old ens are the best :-)

"He might be wrong here but at least he's PASSIONATE, not something we see much these days."

So are the English :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Brian May
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 02:08 PM

Arthur, Arthur, Arthur - I have not seen this side of your character before, come on, be kind.

He might be wrong here but at least he's PASSIONATE, not something we see much these days.

I would however, like to see England win - and unequivocally too. Would be good if we don't do it via the normal falling dominoes.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 01:01 PM

' I've had doubts about all the Auatralian captains since Allan Border'

Wasn't Steve Waugh a captain? Not much wong with him, as I remember.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 12:58 PM

Q: What does Ricky Ponting and a beer bottle have in common?
A: They're both empty from the neck up.

There was a man outside mowing his lawn. He lived next store to Ricky Ponting who had just gotten a computer. Ricky Ponting went out to his mailbox to check the mail and went back in. After he had done that 10 times the guy asked him why he kept coming back out side and he said my computer keeps telling me I have mail.

A man once hired Ricky Ponting to paint stripes down a road, but he has to keep the contract and do at least four miles each day. The first day, Ponting does 8 miles. The boss is extremely impressed. The second day he does 4 miles. The boss is somewhat impressed, but not as much as before. The third day, he does two miles. The boss thinks he is just having a bad day, so he still lets him keep the job. The fourth day, Ponting only does 1 mile. The boss asks, "You were doing so well before. Why aren't you doing well now?!" Ricky Ponting replies, "I can't get far because each day I'm getting further and further away from the bucket."

Q. How do you know Ricky Ponting has been using the computer?
A. There is cheese in front of the mouse!

A car was driving down the street when all of a sudden it started swerving. The car was going back and forth till someone with a mobile phone called the police. A police officer pulled the car over. Ricky Ponting rolls down the window and says, " Officer, I'm so glad you are here. I saw a tree in the road, then I saw another. So I had to swerve to keep from hitting it!" The officer looks at him, then says, "Sir, that's your air freshener."

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Brian May
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 11:40 AM

If we're talking 'over-inflated salaries' then we best steer clear of footballers then. . .

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:19 AM

It looks like it will hinge on the timing of the declaration or else England will risk sacrificing the remaining wickets tomorrow in an effort to add as many runs as possible. It looks like the Aussies can only go for a draw now, so when they go into bat again - I would guess at about half way through day three, their sole intention will be to stay at the crease. It is unlikely to be pretty!

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 07:14 AM

It's time these pansies were put on win/loss payments instead of their over-inflated salaries.

Ponting has never been a good captain in my book - mind you, I've had doubts about all the Auatralian captains since Allan Border.

Trouble is, Ponting's touted replacement is Clarke, and he is scratching to hold his spot. We need a few palyers who are worrying more about batting for a while than thieir hairstuyles or whether they've had a bust-up from their bimbos.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:28 AM

Yep another good performance from England.

Sheer desperation from Ponting. Lovely to watch. Lovely to see hi get fined and lovely if England wins the match.

However, we mustn't sit back thinking that it is in the bag. Australia have shown that they can bat in the previous match.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Brian May
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:12 AM

I reckon the odds are unfair.

England have obviously got 12 players because Ponting isn't helping Australia.

However, England are pretty wonderful at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, so we need to wait until the fat lady sings (perhaps even at Faldingworth).

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:10 AM

I hear Ponting has been fined a large percentage of his match fee.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 06:04 AM

Never underestimate England's prowess at the batting collapse John! Still, the news so far looks good!

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 04:39 AM

Well, we will have to work really hard to lose this one :)

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Sooz
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 03:43 AM

He must be a very unhappy man this morning - will he still be captain in Sydney?

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Dec 10 - 03:11 AM

I see that, overnight, that so-called 'sportsman', Whingeing Sore-Loser Ponting, has been finger-pointing and f***ing & blinding at Aleem Dar, even though Dar's decision was supported by the 3rd umpire and Hot-Spot.

The behaviour of an arsehole, and a desperate arsehole at that.

Time the umpires were provided with yellow and red cards to thrust in the faces of wrong-doers, methinks. A red card might really give Ponting something to whinge about.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 09:41 AM

Yeh wasn't that great :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 08:09 AM

Sourpuss Sore-Loser Ponting's mug was a real treat as he walked off when he was out. Made my Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 07:39 AM

Well the Aussies had a very good first innings today. 98 all out. Well bowled England.

England 157 for 0

Stumps drawn

Now lets hope that England get their heads down and build on that score.

A very very positive first day for the poms.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 03:56 AM

There are alternative realities and normalities.....

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: bubblyrat
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 01:18 PM

By WAGS, I do mean,of course, Western Australian Goolie Squeezers.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 22 Dec 10 - 06:23 AM

During a test match, after an air-swing, a voice from the slips: "Well left"...then, from the commentary box, "I believe that luck always evens out."

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Dec 10 - 03:22 PM

the dog shat in the tuckerbox five miles from gundegai

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 07:38 PM

yes I thought of agog. But its a bit too cerebral and literate.

I detest that sort of songwriting - you know when MacColl quotes bloody Shakespeare - the wide and wasteful ocean and the trembling heart of a captive dove - all that bollocks.

I always feel in songwriting the language shouldn't draw attention to itself. Not unless you're Cole Porter with an imagined salon full of sophisticates pissing themselves every time you do an affected stutter or puff on your cigarette holder.

Subject: RE: BS: Ashes Cricket - Normality Returns
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 06:15 PM

Tie me Kangaroo down sport :-)