The Ashes 2010

[MrPlum]

Surely England will retain the Ashes tomorrow !

Haven't enjoyed an English victory this much since Botham's heroics. The Ashes victory at home last time out, was not IMO won by the better team. This time, though, there are no doubts.

Terrific performances from Bresnan and Trott. When they got Hussey for 0, the dog and I both leaped off the sofa.

Just want them to complete the job in the final test. No let up!

[caller]

Can any of the Oz members tell me what happened to the Australian Cricket Academy which was famous for churning out top class players?

Well that must be the success that came from Rodney Marsh? He got bored and repeated his success in England - and we learnt.

These things are cyclical, but having experienced it, there is nowt sweeter that beating the aussies in their own backyard. They are not good losers.

[Big Boy]

These things are cyclical, but having experienced it, there is nowt sweeter that beating the aussies in their own backyard. They are not good losers.

[Zidane]

Congratulations to England who wrapped up the 5th Test in Sydney by an innings and 83 runs to win the series 3-1.
It was the first time in history Australia had lost 3 matches by an innings in a series.
Alistair Cook averaged an amazing 127 with the bat and Jonathan Trott would also have averaged over 100 but for his unfortunate duck in this match.
Bell,Pietersen and Prior also averaged over 50 with the bat.
In contrast only Hussey averaged over 50 for the Aussies.

As for the bowling Anderson,Bresnan and Tremlett were far superior to their Australian counterparts with only the unfortunate Harris having a decent average for the Aussies.

[Jimbob]

England expected every man to do their duty: and they did in the oldest international sporting contest traditions.

The last test has been interesting in that the first Muslim has played in the baggy green cap breaking the Anglo Saxon mould. Mad dogs and Englishmen are not alone in going out into the midday sun. (No comments please Mr. Plum.)

[pharvey]

Yes, congrats to England - cracking win.....

1. What do you call a world-class Australian cricketer?

Retired.

2. What do you call an Aussie with a bottle of Champagne?

A waiter.

3. What do you call an Australian who can hold a catch?

A fisherman.

4. Why can no-one drink wine in Australia at the moment?

They haven't got any openers.

5. What is the difference between Cinderella and the Aussies? Cinderella knew when to leave the ball.

6. What does LBW stand for in Australian?

Lost, Beaten and Walloped.

7. Which Australian spends the most time on the crease?

The person who ironed the cricket whites!"

8. What do you call an Aussie holding a six inch urn above his head?

The England bowling coach!"

9. Not all is lost. Australia still has world class spinners.

There's the redback, the funnel web..."

10. Michael Clarke wanted to captain Australia really badly. And now he has done exactly that.

[Jimbob]

The sad state of Australian cricket, or the catch up required, is highlighted by the following news item where Allan Border (Captain Grumpy) looks for the Susan Boyles of cricket

Allan Border to judge Cricket Superstar
Wednesday, 12 January 2011 |
(http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2011/01/ ... -superstar)
Foxtel announces Allan Border as judge of reality series Cricket Superstar.
Foxtel has today announced that Australian cricketing legend Allan Border will be a key judge on the upcoming reality series Cricket Superstar.

The former international cricketer turned Fox Sports commentator, played over 150 test matches and scored over 11,000 test runs during his sporting career. Border also retains the world record for the number of consecutive test appearances, and the number of tests as captain (1984-1994).

"This show is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young ambitious Australian cricket player to take a giant leap. It will be the ultimate test of skill, stamina and perseverance as well as compelling viewing for everyone at home," he said.

Border will be joined by fellow Fox Sports presenter Lee Furlong in a nationwide search for Australia's top fifteen male cricketers. The contestants will then have to live together, while competing in a range of challenges for the opportunity to be crowned cricket superstar.

Auditions for the series commenced today, with the programme expected to air later this year.