I agree, sadly Boland may not play another test? Was hoping conditions would suit but not to be, he was off his usual line a bit. Possibly frustrated with the conditions and batting down the track to him. I employed that tactic in a grand final once against one very talented quick and a good bowling attack that had the wood on is in big games. It worked batting a yard down and top scored with I think my best ever fighting innings and we just squeaked home at the death in my 17th grand final. After the game he said to me when back at the club celebrating over a beer "I should have knocked your block off old fella". I said - yes, you should have (if he felt he was good enough). He was quick but not "test" pace that I had faced in earlier years. I think batting down a bit and also altering going back and forward at will does affect good line and length bowlers. It certainly seemed to nullify Boland sadly.
Yes, I reckon Murphy would quietly have the Sh-1-ts. That might come from a fast bowling captain who does not understand or rate spinners. If they are going to ignore or crucify him, they may as well leave him out.
DMaxer said
07:23 PM Jul 11, 2023
I think they panicked rmoor and thought they could just blast them out. I dont usually rate off spinners as match winners but in England they come into their own. Just look at the damage Swan could do. An off spinner like Murphy is something different. He pushes it through and that is where the damage can be done. Remember Derek Underwood? He was almost medium pace and virtually unplayable if conditions were right.
rmoor said
10:25 AM Jul 12, 2023
Correct. Underwood was very dangerous and I think I spotted in the recent telecast he is still their top wicket taking spinner?
Murphy looks the goods but looks a bit raw still. On a wicket that suits him he could be more than useful. Unfortunately age may have caught up with Lyon, he would have got more overs in test #3 but we will never know will we?
I think they will pick Murphy again but be very interesting to see if, when and how he is used. If that test is rained out as you mentioned it could be he might get more bowling in a test fizzling away to a draw.
Watched an interview with Ronald McDonald this morning (have doubts about his coaching too) and it looks like Warner could be skating on thin ice. Marsh's success makes him hard to drop and he could force Warner out I hope.
I know you mentioned Warner has booked his ticket, but with his dismal performances I don't think he has a guarantee? I thought his performances on the last tour were so poor he may not even get picked for this tour. As much as I admire the man Doug Walters failed on one tour of England averaging around 7 from memory and they were forced to drop him, some attacking batsmen simply do not come to terms with England's wickets.
Have always subscribed to the theory you pick the best 11 cricket, best 13 R.L. and best 18 AFL and then work out the positions after that. To me that means no Harris (not a fan, cannot turn ball off hip) and Warner miss out, Marsh in, Green in and Murphy just gets a reprieve on lack of opportunity. Boland out, Hazelwood in. Green or Head open, Marsh at 6 regardless.
Was also very interesting they sent Neser out of the squad for a game in county cricket. He can bowl and English conditions suit, wonder if they are planning to use him soon?
Also interesting the Poms recognised their mistake and batted Brook down the order. Shame that, was looking forward to them being two-for early in the second dig!!!
DMaxer said
01:12 PM Jul 12, 2023
I subscribe to the theory that you pick the best player specialising in that particular position. Best opener, best number three etc. Otherwise it ends up like a NSW Origin side with four fullbacks picked and three therefore playing out of their specialist position.
If Warner is dropped(which wont happen) pick the next opener either Renshaw or Harris. Every batting position is different and requires different approaches, temperament and skills. Probably not so in short version cricket but definitely in proper cricket.
rmoor said
03:01 PM Jul 12, 2023
Fair statement. I probably opened for 20 or 25 seasons and played all my rep cricket as an opener and was a specialist. It was only the passage of years, reflexes and eyesight that saw different roles with the bat and sacrifice a spot to younger players or sheet-anchor the middle.
Only I am by no means a fan of Harris or Renshaw. Both have had more starts than Phar Lap and I seriously doubt if they will improve. Maybe Renshaw but for a left hander Harris is hopeless off his pads which is unusual for a left hander and gets bogged down, can't turn the strike with a push behind square, though Head has the same problem on leg only a better eye and heaps more talent.
I would like to see the selectors open with Green, he has sound defence, leaves everything (unlike Warner, would flash at anything). I think Green has the ability to leave and blunt the new ball but doubt if they will go that way. They should blood him but won't, he is a potential No 3 several seasons down the track? Also Green gives you 3 quicks, an offie and he and Marsh to take the rest spells. That also takes in my theory that the best XI has been selected. If you leave Green out you lose a lot in the gully where he is very talented.
I will be dirty if they pick Warner again and Broad gets him cheap both times. Be all hell to pay in the press then. His failures may well be leading the way for Labalphabet and Smith failures as well? Don't believe Renshaw and Harris bring enough to the table, it is a crying shame Pukovski hasn't learned to position himself properly to hook or pull. Other than his poor technique in that regard he looked the goods.
Also think replacing a left hander with one of two more left handers is playing into the hands of Broad, Anderson and Woakes.
We will see what the selectors do I guess, if we go down 2 - 3 and Warner plays both tests there will be some interesting reading in the news.
DMaxer said
03:30 PM Jul 12, 2023
I think if they drop him and the press decide to invite him in to have a chat about old times then there really will be some interesting reading.
Really, the replacement should be Bancroft. He had a huge summer. He scored over a thousand runs. Wouldnt the crowd love that!
rmoor said
09:42 PM Jul 16, 2023
Only a couple more days for what could be an enthralling 4th test barring any weather intervention.
The make up of each side will be as interesting as the match itself.
Currently watching the women's ODI and very disappointed local girl Phoebe Litchfield went cheaply. She is highly talented and is really good to watch, particularly through covers.
I think they will keep Warner and Murphy but it is questionable if either will then contribute much for different reasons. Green is the likely 12th man. His performances have been luke warm.
We will see, also will see if the Australian officials have any adventure in them - I doubt it.
rmoor said
04:37 PM Jul 19, 2023
Well, looks like Murphy's law has prevailed.
No off spinner.
Murphy out, Boland out as expected, Green and Hazelwood in.
Looks like Warner is the protected species we thought he would be.
Cummins spoke in glowing terms about Warner's contribution and the fine starts they have been giving the team.
Really???
Wonder what failure looks like??
Don't think there has ever been a batsman under more pressure to succeed than this bloke, this test.
Will be really interesting tonight to see if he can survive Broad's first over.
This test is looming as a possible rainy draw so one can see the logic in resting Murphy.
As mentioned previously, if Cummins is going to ignore him, why bother playing him.
His time will come, a bit more experience won't hurt him, he could be around for a very long time unless another Warnie appears.
Also be interesting who will come in earlier, Green or Marsh? I suspect Green?
There will be a few entertaining aspects of this match, obviously the pressure Warner is under. I reckon he is better off to go back to his old style and just go 110% at Broad and Anderson. Make the ball fly instead of poking at it like a habitual drunk as he has been.
The other one is how many catches will Bairstow drop. I reckon three this time.
May as well have Humphrey B. Bear keeping with a chaff bag as use that bloke.
Humphrey B. Bear just fell off the lounge due to a rare mention...........
DMaxer said
02:36 PM Jul 20, 2023
Well done Stuart Broad. Five bowlers have taken 600 test wickets or more and only two have been fast bowlers. Broad and Anderson. He played in Australia for a summer when he was 17. Wish he had stayed.
How about Johnnys catch. That was good. Another good test coming up.
rmoor said
05:10 PM Jul 20, 2023
Bairstow looked more surprised than elated.
Test isn't over yet, he had already conceded 8 in byes in the first 41.
As they say, it is harder to get out of some teams than in.
The batting was a bit disappointing, a few starts but no-one went on with it.
Be interesting to se if the ball hoops around a bit again tonight.
Head was disappointing again, silly shot and Labuschagne looked a tad unlucky.
Green has had a long time to mature but soon needs to step up.
This should be a good test, even if we only get to see 4 days?
DMaxer said
07:28 PM Jul 20, 2023
The byes were pretty difficult. One lot of four should probably have been a called a no ball as it sailed over Bairnstow's noggin.
I think he is a pretty good player and I don't think he pretends he is of test standard when it comes to wicket keeping. I think the Poms wanted him in as a batter and by also giving him the keeping duties they can include another player that would have missed out had Foakes been selected strictly as a keeper.
We went down the same path in the past by not selecting the best keeper but the best batter/keeper combination. He has the ability to really score quickly if he gets going. The guys that win you a test are the ones that can score quickly. The ones that hang around forever for a hundred can save you one but rarely win you one
How can they not play Murphy. All they have done is destroy his confidence. Even the mighty Windies with the fast bowling battery they had still included Roger Harper.
Anyhow, you know how I feel about our team. Until the Newlands gang retire or are found out I don't support them and wish them nothing more than constant defeats. If they drop Little Davey before he is ready to go we will soon hear about them from either him or the lovely Candice.
It is really good cricket though. Joe Root's catch was a cracker.
Craig1 said
09:43 AM Jul 21, 2023
Oh Dear, DMax you would be chucklin this morning.
The rest of us cant say much, except well done Poms at this stage.
rmoor said
10:25 AM Jul 21, 2023
This does not look good.
Looks like rain would be the only saviour for Aus.
Unless they too bat for a day and a half.
Having difficulty coming to terms with Cummins short pitched tactics and field settings.
They strike me as negative, in all my years of cricket I thought the stumps were the target that brings into play the keeper, slips, gully, mid wicket etc??
I am confused.
One wonders also if it is coming from the coaching staff.
I realise the poms have been preparing wickets to suit their new style but starting play with a deep square leg and deep point.
Really? Isn't that akin to only having 8 effective fielders (bowler excluded).
Craig1 said
11:57 AM Jul 21, 2023
Why didnt the " stand in or real captain " bowl ?
DMaxer said
01:45 PM Jul 21, 2023
I wasnt having a chuckle Craig, I laughed my head off.
That Crawley innings was nothing short of fantastic. More than a run a ball on a big ground. If that had been played on any of the previous ground this series he would have had probably 250.
I think the Poms could really tee off tonight and put on 150 plus in the first session.
Really enjoying this series with the cricket being played. It would be hilarious if Bairdstow gives them a towelling.
rmoor said
01:55 PM Jul 21, 2023
They could get away to a massive total and have this test over before the predicted rain.
If they do, which is likely as they will be throwing the bat tonight then it will put extreme pressure on Australia in game five.
When you look at it, we were very fortunate to win the first two tests, deficiencies could be getting found out now.
What happens if we get a thrashing and Warner fails to kick the innings off yet again?
Same old same old I guess, Warner in, bowl bouncers all day at Roots, Stokes etc.
Have a feeling this tail end of the series could get VERY ugly.
DMaxer said
07:08 PM Jul 21, 2023
I think you are right on the money rmoor. The first two tests could have gone either way if a catch had been held or a declaration not made.
I couldn't get over that innings by Zac Crawley. I watch the television picture and listen to a bit of the ABC radio coverage and heard that the fastest 200 in Ashes history belonged to Sir Donald in 1934 when he took 234 balls to score 200. Given this was a bigger ground and he scored 189 off 183, he only needed another 11 off 41 balls to equal that and off probably the best bowling attack in the world at present. He had a bit of luck, but so what, they all do. That innings was no fluke. Just because I don't like the present Aussie team doesn't mean I support the Poms, but this guy can bat.
I only played cricket at grade level but I don't care who they play for. If they are good I love watching them. I remember as a kid I saw Graham Pollock and Sir Garfield bat, I saw Barry Richards, Sir Viv, David Gower, Sachin and Virat Kohli. I knew my limitations so it was just fabulous watching these guys cart good attacks with such style and grace and power.
I think the weather forecast is bad for Saturday and possibly fine for Sunday so if they move it along until mid afternoon it is only the half way mark in the test. The ball is keeping low and there are cracks so it won't be easy getting anything above 250. I don't reckon the Poms want to bat again in this match. Look at the ball that got Root and you will see why.
I may be going the early crow but I think the Poms are building the momentum and the Aussies are starting to think about going home. The Oval in London is a bit of a graveyard for us so it is going to be exciting.
How good are the Pommie commentators. I have always liked Aggers and Vaughan. The surprise is how good Glenn McGrath is with his insights. I wish they would get rid of Jim Maxwell as he is becoming a know it all, loud mouth, bore.
Bring it on, can't wait.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Saturday 22nd of July 2023 11:36:32 AM
Craig1 said
10:16 AM Jul 22, 2023
https://iview.abc.net.au/video/IP2101Q003S00
Watching 1st weapons demo last night, Our so called batters(men) could do well to learn the same art. Bairstow can get 99 without trying, we take 6 men to just pass him alone in 2nd dig.
That was (almost because he was stranded on 99 no) the third fastest century in Ashes history and hit off probably the best bowling attack in the world.
It was also the fastest 500 ever hit. To rub it in even further, Old Trafford is a big ground and our fielders were back yet look at the sixes hit.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 10:17:24 AM
Craig1 said
09:33 AM Jul 23, 2023
The example for me is when you are looking at young kids coming up. You want to be playing the game and play it how I have always played it; you play it tough, you play it fair. "And on a different day it doesn't happen." From an ABC Report.
Johnny Bairstow sinking to a new low. Crying "poor me ". He knew the rules, or did he ?
DMaxer said
10:19 AM Jul 23, 2023
That was (almost because he was stranded on 99 no) the third fastest century in Ashes history and hit off probably the best bowling attack in the world.
It was also the fastest 500 ever hit. To rub it in even further, Old Trafford is a big ground and our fielders were back yet look at the sixes hit.
DMaxer said
10:27 AM Jul 23, 2023
I don't think he has sunk to any lows by saying what he did. I think you have to appreciate just what this guy has been through. He suffered a freak accident at a golf course last year when he slipped and broke his leg in three places and also dislocated his ankle. Apparently the doctors were concerned that he would walk with a limp and that his days of playing sport were well and truly open. He had plates and wires in his leg and underwent surgery a couple of times and 12 months later he is back.
I think he can say whatever he likes. This Aussie team is universally hated, not only for the loutish ways of the past but also for that little incident at Newlands. This bloke stood there and belted the insides out of the self proclaimed best bowling attack in the world and was one run off the fastest ton ever in Ashes history. Who cares if it upset the cheats. I just wish they would drop Little Davey before he says it is OK for them to do so and he can spill his guts on the others involved. There are about seven or eight of them in this team that were there on that infamous day at Newlands.
Hope the weather clears up. The cricket is fabulous.
deverall11 said
06:02 PM Jul 23, 2023
Get rid of Warner and replace him with someone who can get runs.
He's a has been.
rmoor said
07:17 PM Jul 23, 2023
Not a big fan of Warner and all he does is poke outside off.
The slips must be on their toes when he is in.
A mate knew a kid played a lot against Warner in Sydney Grade and the reports were poor right from the start.
He was not popular from reports. Attitude.
Sure, he has a good record, but I have always considered him a fair weather player.
Put him on a flat Australian wicket and he is dangerous.
You only have to look at his record in England last two tours to see that he cannot handle seam conditions.
The trouble is that Renshaw and Harris have had more starts than Phar Lap and really do not look the goods.
Surely there are some bright young batsmen coming through the ranks to look at other than these two uninspiring players?
Harris must be well connected with some relo's got some skin in the game?
He is really poor off his hips in much the same way Head struggles and I don't think he is the answer.
Harris does not turn the strike off his pads that so many left handers are very adept with.
If there are 20 or more overs played tonight, I think we will be cactus and the poms will have massive momentum going into the 5th test.
Warner will get picked and he will get his wish of three tests v Pakistan next year and likely bow out a hero.
The other issue is Usman is not getting any younger either? Nor Lyon, or a few of our quicks.
Australia needs more tour matches against visiting test teams and less 50 over and Twenty20 v them to allow the states to play matches against touring teams like they used to so some young players can emerge.
Trouble is the big dollar is the driving force behind modern cricket so it can make the likes of Warner multi millionaires.
My old mate opened the bowling for NSW in the late 50's got two pounds a day to play Sheffield Shield!!!!
DMaxer said
07:32 PM Jul 23, 2023
Could not agree more rmoor.
He wont get dropped.
Was your mate Gordon Rorke by any chance. If so, how quick was he. Terrifying.
rmoor said
08:16 PM Jul 23, 2023
Nope, wasn't Gordon Rorke, Batesy.
When Warner retires, he might be able to get former Prince Harry to write the foreword for him in his book.
That will no doubt guarantee a best seller :
The Warner Chronicles.
Hardware tips.
Paper Tiger - nah that one's been used already.
A BROAD View on Suspension.
How to Leave.
Was I Better than Bradman.
Should be a good read......s'pose some clown will give me that one for Xmas.
DMaxer said
07:46 AM Jul 24, 2023
Full steam ahead for The Oval on Wednesday. I wonder if Murphy will get recalled.
Funnily enough, it has all gone sort of pear shaped for the Aussies since the Carey Bairstow dramas. I think a win for the Poms and a drawn series is a fair ending. The urn doesnt travel so they can still go and look at it at Lords.
Magnarc said
08:59 AM Jul 24, 2023
DMaxer, It could be said that you are living in the wrong country. You would be better suited being in the stands at the Oval conducting a couple of verses of Jerusalem.
Just for the record I think that the Brits deserved to win, but we didn't invent the Manchester weather.
Dave Warner? Kick a man when he's down comes to mind.
Magnarc, (ex Pom and proud Australian)
PS. Your preoccupation with Newlands is also wearing a bit thin. Move on lad, life's too short.
DMaxer said
10:33 AM Jul 24, 2023
Thank you very much for the lecture on where I should live Magnarc. As to where I choose to live and where I would be best suited I think I will make that decision.
I don't subscribe to your jingoistic rants even if though this is not your country of birth. As to Newlands wearing a bit thin, it will never wear thin until all those who took place are exposed.
Over the years I have spent quite a lot of time in the UK and it is a fine country and I think the people are very fair minded. Whether you like it or not, this Aussie cricket team is despised throughout the world. They are not even liked here in Oz. They are propped up by a sycophantic press eager for the Cricket Australia's advertising dollar.
Perhaps you might like to name just one country that likes them.
deverall11 said
10:48 AM Jul 24, 2023
rmoor wrote:
Nope, wasn't Gordon Rorke, Batesy. When Warner retires, he might be able to get former Prince Harry to write the foreword for him in his book. That will no doubt guarantee a best seller : The Warner Chronicles. Hardware tips. Paper Tiger - nah that one's been used already. A BROAD View on Suspension. How to Leave. Was I Better than Bradman.
Should be a good read......s'pose some clown will give me that one for Xmas.
No where near Bradman but at least Bradman was not the architect of the Sandgate affair.
Devise the ploy and get the youngest, greenest team mate to execute and threaten him with not
being able to retain his spot.
Then, take a few days/weeks to formulate a press interview. Like the old saying prior to PC:
"you can take the boy out of housing commission but not the housing commission out of him."
Yes, I reckon Murphy would quietly have the Sh-1-ts. That might come from a fast bowling captain who does not understand or rate spinners. If they are going to ignore or crucify him, they may as well leave him out.
Murphy looks the goods but looks a bit raw still. On a wicket that suits him he could be more than useful. Unfortunately age may have caught up with Lyon, he would have got more overs in test #3 but we will never know will we?
I think they will pick Murphy again but be very interesting to see if, when and how he is used. If that test is rained out as you mentioned it could be he might get more bowling in a test fizzling away to a draw.
Watched an interview with Ronald McDonald this morning (have doubts about his coaching too) and it looks like Warner could be skating on thin ice. Marsh's success makes him hard to drop and he could force Warner out I hope.
I know you mentioned Warner has booked his ticket, but with his dismal performances I don't think he has a guarantee? I thought his performances on the last tour were so poor he may not even get picked for this tour. As much as I admire the man Doug Walters failed on one tour of England averaging around 7 from memory and they were forced to drop him, some attacking batsmen simply do not come to terms with England's wickets.
Have always subscribed to the theory you pick the best 11 cricket, best 13 R.L. and best 18 AFL and then work out the positions after that. To me that means no Harris (not a fan, cannot turn ball off hip) and Warner miss out, Marsh in, Green in and Murphy just gets a reprieve on lack of opportunity. Boland out, Hazelwood in. Green or Head open, Marsh at 6 regardless.
Was also very interesting they sent Neser out of the squad for a game in county cricket. He can bowl and English conditions suit, wonder if they are planning to use him soon?
Also interesting the Poms recognised their mistake and batted Brook down the order. Shame that, was looking forward to them being two-for early in the second dig!!!
Only I am by no means a fan of Harris or Renshaw. Both have had more starts than Phar Lap and I seriously doubt if they will improve. Maybe Renshaw but for a left hander Harris is hopeless off his pads which is unusual for a left hander and gets bogged down, can't turn the strike with a push behind square, though Head has the same problem on leg only a better eye and heaps more talent.
I would like to see the selectors open with Green, he has sound defence, leaves everything (unlike Warner, would flash at anything). I think Green has the ability to leave and blunt the new ball but doubt if they will go that way. They should blood him but won't, he is a potential No 3 several seasons down the track? Also Green gives you 3 quicks, an offie and he and Marsh to take the rest spells. That also takes in my theory that the best XI has been selected. If you leave Green out you lose a lot in the gully where he is very talented.
I will be dirty if they pick Warner again and Broad gets him cheap both times. Be all hell to pay in the press then. His failures may well be leading the way for Labalphabet and Smith failures as well? Don't believe Renshaw and Harris bring enough to the table, it is a crying shame Pukovski hasn't learned to position himself properly to hook or pull. Other than his poor technique in that regard he looked the goods.
Also think replacing a left hander with one of two more left handers is playing into the hands of Broad, Anderson and Woakes.
We will see what the selectors do I guess, if we go down 2 - 3 and Warner plays both tests there will be some interesting reading in the news.
The make up of each side will be as interesting as the match itself.
Currently watching the women's ODI and very disappointed local girl Phoebe Litchfield went cheaply. She is highly talented and is really good to watch, particularly through covers.
I think they will keep Warner and Murphy but it is questionable if either will then contribute much for different reasons. Green is the likely 12th man. His performances have been luke warm.
We will see, also will see if the Australian officials have any adventure in them - I doubt it.
No off spinner.
Murphy out, Boland out as expected, Green and Hazelwood in.
Looks like Warner is the protected species we thought he would be.
Cummins spoke in glowing terms about Warner's contribution and the fine starts they have been giving the team.
Really???
Wonder what failure looks like??
Don't think there has ever been a batsman under more pressure to succeed than this bloke, this test.
Will be really interesting tonight to see if he can survive Broad's first over.
This test is looming as a possible rainy draw so one can see the logic in resting Murphy.
As mentioned previously, if Cummins is going to ignore him, why bother playing him.
His time will come, a bit more experience won't hurt him, he could be around for a very long time unless another Warnie appears.
Also be interesting who will come in earlier, Green or Marsh? I suspect Green?
There will be a few entertaining aspects of this match, obviously the pressure Warner is under. I reckon he is better off to go back to his old style and just go 110% at Broad and Anderson. Make the ball fly instead of poking at it like a habitual drunk as he has been.
The other one is how many catches will Bairstow drop. I reckon three this time.
May as well have Humphrey B. Bear keeping with a chaff bag as use that bloke.
Humphrey B. Bear just fell off the lounge due to a rare mention...........
Test isn't over yet, he had already conceded 8 in byes in the first 41.
As they say, it is harder to get out of some teams than in.
The batting was a bit disappointing, a few starts but no-one went on with it.
Be interesting to se if the ball hoops around a bit again tonight.
Head was disappointing again, silly shot and Labuschagne looked a tad unlucky.
Green has had a long time to mature but soon needs to step up.
This should be a good test, even if we only get to see 4 days?
The byes were pretty difficult. One lot of four should probably have been a called a no ball as it sailed over Bairnstow's noggin.
I think he is a pretty good player and I don't think he pretends he is of test standard when it comes to wicket keeping. I think the Poms wanted him in as a batter and by also giving him the keeping duties they can include another player that would have missed out had Foakes been selected strictly as a keeper.
We went down the same path in the past by not selecting the best keeper but the best batter/keeper combination. He has the ability to really score quickly if he gets going. The guys that win you a test are the ones that can score quickly. The ones that hang around forever for a hundred can save you one but rarely win you one
How can they not play Murphy. All they have done is destroy his confidence. Even the mighty Windies with the fast bowling battery they had still included Roger Harper.
Anyhow, you know how I feel about our team. Until the Newlands gang retire or are found out I don't support them and wish them nothing more than constant defeats. If they drop Little Davey before he is ready to go we will soon hear about them from either him or the lovely Candice.
It is really good cricket though. Joe Root's catch was a cracker.
The rest of us cant say much, except well done Poms at this stage.
Looks like rain would be the only saviour for Aus.
Unless they too bat for a day and a half.
Having difficulty coming to terms with Cummins short pitched tactics and field settings.
They strike me as negative, in all my years of cricket I thought the stumps were the target that brings into play the keeper, slips, gully, mid wicket etc??
I am confused.
One wonders also if it is coming from the coaching staff.
I realise the poms have been preparing wickets to suit their new style but starting play with a deep square leg and deep point.
Really? Isn't that akin to only having 8 effective fielders (bowler excluded).
If they do, which is likely as they will be throwing the bat tonight then it will put extreme pressure on Australia in game five.
When you look at it, we were very fortunate to win the first two tests, deficiencies could be getting found out now.
What happens if we get a thrashing and Warner fails to kick the innings off yet again?
Same old same old I guess, Warner in, bowl bouncers all day at Roots, Stokes etc.
Have a feeling this tail end of the series could get VERY ugly.
I think you are right on the money rmoor. The first two tests could have gone either way if a catch had been held or a declaration not made.
I couldn't get over that innings by Zac Crawley. I watch the television picture and listen to a bit of the ABC radio coverage and heard that the fastest 200 in Ashes history belonged to Sir Donald in 1934 when he took 234 balls to score 200. Given this was a bigger ground and he scored 189 off 183, he only needed another 11 off 41 balls to equal that and off probably the best bowling attack in the world at present. He had a bit of luck, but so what, they all do. That innings was no fluke. Just because I don't like the present Aussie team doesn't mean I support the Poms, but this guy can bat.
I only played cricket at grade level but I don't care who they play for. If they are good I love watching them. I remember as a kid I saw Graham Pollock and Sir Garfield bat, I saw Barry Richards, Sir Viv, David Gower, Sachin and Virat Kohli. I knew my limitations so it was just fabulous watching these guys cart good attacks with such style and grace and power.
I think the weather forecast is bad for Saturday and possibly fine for Sunday so if they move it along until mid afternoon it is only the half way mark in the test. The ball is keeping low and there are cracks so it won't be easy getting anything above 250. I don't reckon the Poms want to bat again in this match. Look at the ball that got Root and you will see why.
I may be going the early crow but I think the Poms are building the momentum and the Aussies are starting to think about going home. The Oval in London is a bit of a graveyard for us so it is going to be exciting.
How good are the Pommie commentators. I have always liked Aggers and Vaughan. The surprise is how good Glenn McGrath is with his insights. I wish they would get rid of Jim Maxwell as he is becoming a know it all, loud mouth, bore.
Bring it on, can't wait.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Saturday 22nd of July 2023 11:36:32 AM
https://iview.abc.net.au/video/IP2101Q003S00
Watching 1st weapons demo last night, Our so called batters(men) could do well to learn the same art. Bairstow can get 99 without trying, we take 6 men to just pass him alone in 2nd dig.
That was (almost because he was stranded on 99 no) the third fastest century in Ashes history and hit off probably the best bowling attack in the world.
It was also the fastest 500 ever hit. To rub it in even further, Old Trafford is a big ground and our fielders were back yet look at the sixes hit.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 10:17:24 AM
Johnny Bairstow sinking to a new low. Crying "poor me ". He knew the rules, or did he ?
That was (almost because he was stranded on 99 no) the third fastest century in Ashes history and hit off probably the best bowling attack in the world.
It was also the fastest 500 ever hit. To rub it in even further, Old Trafford is a big ground and our fielders were back yet look at the sixes hit.
I don't think he has sunk to any lows by saying what he did. I think you have to appreciate just what this guy has been through. He suffered a freak accident at a golf course last year when he slipped and broke his leg in three places and also dislocated his ankle. Apparently the doctors were concerned that he would walk with a limp and that his days of playing sport were well and truly open. He had plates and wires in his leg and underwent surgery a couple of times and 12 months later he is back.
I think he can say whatever he likes. This Aussie team is universally hated, not only for the loutish ways of the past but also for that little incident at Newlands. This bloke stood there and belted the insides out of the self proclaimed best bowling attack in the world and was one run off the fastest ton ever in Ashes history. Who cares if it upset the cheats. I just wish they would drop Little Davey before he says it is OK for them to do so and he can spill his guts on the others involved. There are about seven or eight of them in this team that were there on that infamous day at Newlands.
Hope the weather clears up. The cricket is fabulous.
He's a has been.
The slips must be on their toes when he is in.
A mate knew a kid played a lot against Warner in Sydney Grade and the reports were poor right from the start.
He was not popular from reports. Attitude.
Sure, he has a good record, but I have always considered him a fair weather player.
Put him on a flat Australian wicket and he is dangerous.
You only have to look at his record in England last two tours to see that he cannot handle seam conditions.
The trouble is that Renshaw and Harris have had more starts than Phar Lap and really do not look the goods.
Surely there are some bright young batsmen coming through the ranks to look at other than these two uninspiring players?
Harris must be well connected with some relo's got some skin in the game?
He is really poor off his hips in much the same way Head struggles and I don't think he is the answer.
Harris does not turn the strike off his pads that so many left handers are very adept with.
If there are 20 or more overs played tonight, I think we will be cactus and the poms will have massive momentum going into the 5th test.
Warner will get picked and he will get his wish of three tests v Pakistan next year and likely bow out a hero.
The other issue is Usman is not getting any younger either? Nor Lyon, or a few of our quicks.
Australia needs more tour matches against visiting test teams and less 50 over and Twenty20 v them to allow the states to play matches against touring teams like they used to so some young players can emerge.
Trouble is the big dollar is the driving force behind modern cricket so it can make the likes of Warner multi millionaires.
My old mate opened the bowling for NSW in the late 50's got two pounds a day to play Sheffield Shield!!!!
When Warner retires, he might be able to get former Prince Harry to write the foreword for him in his book.
That will no doubt guarantee a best seller :
The Warner Chronicles.
Hardware tips.
Paper Tiger - nah that one's been used already.
A BROAD View on Suspension.
How to Leave.
Was I Better than Bradman.
Should be a good read......s'pose some clown will give me that one for Xmas.
DMaxer, It could be said that you are living in the wrong country. You would be better suited being in the stands at the Oval conducting a couple of verses of Jerusalem.
Just for the record I think that the Brits deserved to win, but we didn't invent the Manchester weather.
Dave Warner? Kick a man when he's down comes to mind.
Magnarc, (ex Pom and proud Australian)
PS. Your preoccupation with Newlands is also wearing a bit thin. Move on lad, life's too short.
Thank you very much for the lecture on where I should live Magnarc. As to where I choose to live and where I would be best suited I think I will make that decision.
I don't subscribe to your jingoistic rants even if though this is not your country of birth. As to Newlands wearing a bit thin, it will never wear thin until all those who took place are exposed.
Over the years I have spent quite a lot of time in the UK and it is a fine country and I think the people are very fair minded. Whether you like it or not, this Aussie cricket team is despised throughout the world. They are not even liked here in Oz. They are propped up by a sycophantic press eager for the Cricket Australia's advertising dollar.
Perhaps you might like to name just one country that likes them.
No where near Bradman but at least Bradman was not the architect of the Sandgate affair.
Devise the ploy and get the youngest, greenest team mate to execute and threaten him with not
being able to retain his spot.
Then, take a few days/weeks to formulate a press interview. Like the old saying prior to PC:
"you can take the boy out of housing commission but not the housing commission out of him."
Once a bogan, always a bogan.