The Cricket 2005/06 Thread

[cruisysloth]

Okay with the Ashes done n dusted, lets leave that poor little thread behind and look forward to a summer where we take on the World, the South Africans and West Indies.

With Australia's pace stock's at an all-time low (in the selectors eyes at least) I'm all for Australia going with 5 batsmen, an allrounder, keeper, 2 spinners, 2 quicks but they have chosen the wrong person!! Shane Watson isn't, and NEVER will be up to test cricket. He'll average 25 with the bat and average 35-40 with the ball.

Dominic Thornely should be our 'Flintoff' moulded player. Or even Andrew Symonds.

For the summer, would love to see Thornely eventually make his way into that no. 6 spot in the aussie side, would settle for Symonds. And Hussey or Phil Jacques hopefully will replace Hayden at the top of the order.

For bowlers would be great to see Stuart Clark or Nathan Bracken getting a chance with the new ball for Australia, Brett Lee averaged 40 per wicket in England yet no calls for his head? When is Australia going to learn? Just because he's an excitement machine doesn't mean results!! Stat's don't lie!


By the way what does everyone think about Martyn's sacking? I think it's fucken disgraceful.

Martyn has averaged less than 40 in just ONE series of the past 10! The Ashes! He scored the most runs in world cricket in 2004, averaged 78 in New Zealand before the Ashes and was man of the series vs Pakistan.

Over the same period, which is the last 17 tests, Hayden has scored 980 runs at 33 with 1 century. Martyn has scored 1250 runs at 50 with 5 centuries!

Selectors should be sacked.

[Myxomatosis]

I dont think symonds can ever become an all rounder in a 'flintoff' mould. His bowling is not penetrating enough. I doubt he would get any five-fors with his hybrid off spin lollipops and gentle swingers in a test arena.

Brett lee hasn't bowled well with the ball, but I think his performance with the bat has shown he has the right brain for test cricket. Plus he's the best fielder in the team, and probably has the best attitude out of the whole mob.

[Lady Lex]

I agree: the selectors should be sacked.

But Im very happy to see Marto go. This is not 2004. This is 2005/2006. Once the time is up for a batsman, its time.

If Pakistan is coming out... hmm Aktar will be here right? Maybe Im crazy, but I find Brett Lee's bowling is a great deal more accurate and up a notch when he and Aktar are at each others throats. I really like seeing them compete against each other. Really great charge to the atmosphere.

Shane Watson... yeh.. he doesst make me feel moist.

Bichel and McGill I wouldnt mind to get a good look at this year. They deseve the go fo' sure.
Andrew Symonds is ALWAYS a quality player. wonder if he will be in the slips this year - he gets some pretty crazy catches!
Love Gilchrist too. Great player. Some wonderfully secure hands there.

*sniff.. I can just smell the warpaint, the champagne, KFC Cricket Meals and the smell of the green as the trap is unravelled... *sigh. Thank the lord for Cricket.

[SamJam]

I have no problems with Martyn being dropped, but he shouldnt have been the only batsmen.

They are paid big $$ to perform, I dont give a toss about reputation. Hayden and Katich should have gone as well but i guess that would cause too much disruption.

Watson aint up to it yet, but he's only young so he may develop like Flintoff has.

I will be donning the whites this wknd in a practise match for my club...first time in years...looking fwd to it. I will keep y'all posted with my matchplay this summer.

[Myxomatosis]

I have no problems with Martyn being dropped, but he shouldnt have been the only batsmen.

They are paid big $$ to perform, I dont give a toss about reputation. Hayden and Katich should have gone as well but i guess that would cause too much disruption.

Watson aint up to it yet, but he's only young so he may develop like Flintoff has.

I will be donning the whites this wknd in a practise match for my club...first time in years...looking fwd to it. I will keep y'all posted with my matchplay this summer.
So you're of the opinion that if a batsmen has ONE bad series he should get the chop?

[cruisysloth]

Samjam I just found out that our first round of cricket is October 1st not October 8th!! Oct 1st is parklife and the night after godskitchen in which I was planning to do both. FARK!! What to do...


Lady Lex, your a female right? I swear by your posting you are a fanatical male cricket follower!!!

And yes those KFC ad's that come on virtually every ad break during the summer of cricket as you lay on the couch hurting from a big night knowing you don't have to move because there's 8hrs of cricket on the box, absolute godsend.

[cruisysloth]

Martyn is allowed one bad series, considering his past form. Ask yourself this, whose going to score heavier over the next year, Martyn or Katich? My money is on Marto EVERYTIME.

Katich has had his chance to cement his place and really hasn't done so. He scored 248 runs at 27.55 with only 2 50's in 9 innings. Not good enough.

Marto should've stayed.

What does everyone think of Shaun Tait's One-day call-up? Whilst expensive in test matches and still finding his feet, I watched a lot of his ING cup matches this year and he was explosive to say the least. He went for 4.79 per over but that was standard with most of the other top quicks in the country. He took the most wickets in the comp (21 in 10 matches at an average of 19!) Think he is worthy. Still don't think he and Lee can play in same team though!! That goes for Tests and One-Dayers.

I think the best bowling line-up is your quickest bowler, your best bowler, and your best swing bowler.

In that mind, you'd have Lee Bracken McGrath as the 3 quicks. Don't think that'd do too badly.

[SamJam]

So you're of the opinion that if a batsmen has ONE bad series he should get the chop?
10 dud innings in a LOSING series is not good enough, changes need to be made. The only problem is the double standards shown by selectors.

Cruisy:

Starts so soon huh?? I havent even been to training yet..i guess ill be playing 2nd's. What pool is Surfers in?

[cruisysloth]

1st Grade is in Northern comp. our 2nd grade supposivedly are in Southern comp. Don't fucken ask me how?? That's what I heard cause numbers aren't even or something.

Get some runs and come up to 1's so I can sledge ya and talk about Desyn in the middle :lol:

And sorry but one bad series? Compared to about 5 bad series for Hayden? Wrong decision in my eyes.

You've gotta ask yourself with your selector hat on, whose gunna score more runs over the next year or so, marto or katich? I'm with marto. Class doesn't stay down for long and his style of game has always been suited to quicker pitches. He'll be prolific for WA this season

[Myxomatosis]

10 dud innings in a LOSING series is not good enough, changes need to be made. The only problem is the double standards shown by selectors.


If that was the case, then most of the batsmen would have been dropped. Its clear that pretty much all the batsmen struggled on the tour. Its unfair that martyn got the chop, whilst other guys got a 2nd chance. And its not as if prior to the ashes that martyn was playing badly....

[Lady Lex]

Lady Lex, your a female right? I swear by your posting you are a fanatical male cricket follower!!!

And yes those KFC ad's that come on virtually every ad break during the summer of cricket as you lay on the couch hurting from a big night knowing you don't have to move because there's 8hrs of cricket on the box, absolute godsend.

I have something that resembles boobies.. so yeh: me is a girly. I cant help my love for Cricket. It all started at an ING Game in the coprorate box of the Gabba. havent looked back. Best game in the world. Only outdoor sport Im into as well.

I like to fil up the esky with all my liquid treats right beside me and just flake out on the couch.

Bring it on. Bring it on. Bring it on!!!!

[cruisysloth]

My predictions for a big big summer coming up

Australia vs The World ODI 1-2 (would be 2-1 to us if warnie played)
Australia vs The World (If we bat first we will either win or lose closely. Bat 2nd and we could be in trouble)
Australia vs West Indies 3-0
Australia vs South Africa 2-1
Australia to win the One-Day series yet again.

If Shane Watson plays all 7 tests this summer then Australian cricket really is in trouble.

[cruisysloth]

Sorry but this was what like Katich's 3rd chance? And he couldn't even average 30. Time to go son

[Lady Lex]

:lol: I remember your Ashes predictions and I ALSO remember my saying to you: Dont discount England. Their games leading up ashes were pretty good too.

So I shall say again: Dont discount the South Africans too much. Very close matches this year.

*Gets to knees and prays. Please dont allow us to be exposed to Shnnon Noll singing Cmon Aussie Cmon. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! :lol:

[SamJam]

1st Grade is in Northern comp. our 2nd grade supposivedly are in Southern comp. Don't fucken ask me how?? That's what I heard cause numbers aren't even or something.

Get some runs and come up to 1's so I can sledge ya and talk about Desyn in the middle :lol:

And sorry but one bad series? Compared to about 5 bad series for Hayden? Wrong decision in my eyes.

lol...id think id walk into 1's if i was training, but i cant seeing as i work in Brisbane. I dunno what their policy is with that. But would be awesome to play against you boys...me being an ex-demon and all (although im a bit of a club slut)

[cruisysloth]

lol...id think id walk into 1's if i was training, but i cant seeing as i work in Brisbane. I dunno what their policy is with that. But would be awesome to play against you boys...me being an ex-demon and all (although im a bit of a club slut)

Well rookie has gone to Broadbeach for big $$$ (dunno fucken why, he made 280 runs at 24 last year. they should've bought me!! :P ) so there'll be a batting spot in the team.

Speak to Scotty Morris, he's a good man, if you get runs, train or no train you'll play 1's

[cruisysloth]

:lol: I remember your Ashes predictions and I ALSO remember my saying to you: Dont discount England. Their games leading up ashes were pretty good too.

So I shall say again: Dont discount the South Africans too much. Very close matches this year.

Yeah well we didn't know McGrath would fall down did we. If Warne or McGrath get injured SA will beat us. Can't see any draws happening unless weather so 2-1 Aussies.

Kallis is a gun. Scoring heavily against EVERYONE. Gunna be a pleasure to watch him bat this coming summer!

[SamJam]

Well rookie has gone to Broadbeach for big $$$ (dunno fucken why, he made 280 runs at 24 last year. they should've bought me!! :P ) so there'll be a batting spot in the team.

Speak to Scotty Morris, he's a good man, if you get runs, train or no train you'll play 1's

Yeah..i dunno if all the boys are down there that i played with, cant believe Broadbeach are paying rook!

I played with Riley, Stingers, Travvie, Rook, I think Julian Hanrahan played a few games with us

[I am the best]

This thread should be changed to 'Local cricket club ramblings'

[SamJam]

:lol:

What you not intrested in the Gold Coast Club Competition?

[percy]

Im not a fan of Shane Watson, he was supposed to be the next big thing but didnt really impress in the few games i saw him, Andrew Symonds seems pretty eratic too, good one day player, but doesnt seem very consistant with bat or ball.

[I am the best]

:lol:

What you not intrested in the Gold Coast Club Competition?


PLease go on, i play in Canberra so its much more interesting

[SamJam]

Yeah...i heard Fishwyck (sp?) are the early season favourites lol

[lairymarc]

Okay with the Ashes done n dusted, lets leave that poor little thread behind and look forward to a summer where we take on the World, the South Africans and West Indies.

With Australia's pace stock's at an all-time low (in the selectors eyes at least) I'm all for Australia going with 5 batsmen, an allrounder, keeper, 2 spinners, 2 quicks but they have chosen the wrong person!! Shane Watson isn't, and NEVER will be up to test cricket. He'll average 25 with the bat and average 35-40 with the ball.

Dominic Thornely should be our 'Flintoff' moulded player. Or even Andrew Symonds.

For the summer, would love to see Thornely eventually make his way into that no. 6 spot in the aussie side, would settle for Symonds. And Hussey or Phil Jacques hopefully will replace Hayden at the top of the order.

For bowlers would be great to see Stuart Clark or Nathan Bracken getting a chance with the new ball for Australia, Brett Lee averaged 40 per wicket in England yet no calls for his head? When is Australia going to learn? Just because he's an excitement machine doesn't mean results!! Stat's don't lie!


By the way what does everyone think about Martyn's sacking? I think it's fucken disgraceful.

Martyn has averaged less than 40 in just ONE series of the past 10! The Ashes! He scored the most runs in world cricket in 2004, averaged 78 in New Zealand before the Ashes and was man of the series vs Pakistan.

Over the same period, which is the last 17 tests, Hayden has scored 980 runs at 33 with 1 century. Martyn has scored 1250 runs at 50 with 5 centuries!

Selectors should be sacked.

Agreed Cruisy, the selectors are off chops here, Watson, give me a break.
Martyns dropping is a real shock, you kind of get the sense he may not be in the cool crew, Lee clearly is. I'd pick Bracken ahead of Lee any time. McGill should play as the 3rd stirke bowler if that turkey Watson is going to play, he would probably go for a few runs like Lee but im sure he would take more wickets.
Again, what is Watson doing getting picked ahead of Symonds? Too weird to be an honest thing if you ask me.

My side, at least for a couple of tests to see what happens.

Jaques, get him in now and see if he can take the position away from Hayden, if not bring back an energised Hayden desperate not to let that happen again.
Langer
Ponting
Martyn
Hussey
Symonds
Gilly
Warne
McGill/Lee depending on pitch, both expensive wicket takers so they are much the same really
Bracken
McGrath

[TranceArt]

I'm liking 5 batsmen + Symonds/Hopes + 2 spinners + 2 quicks
Need a quality allrounder tho!

Would be awesome be if had an awesome left-arm orthodox allrounder!

And a decent fucking change bowler!

Fingers crossed Kasper or Dizzy can pull it together

[nickko]

I'll refuse to watch any match that Shane Watson partakes in, test or ODI. He has to be up there with the worst players ever to play for Australia. It's been said, but Marto's axing was a disgrace. Katich should go, but I'd be tempted to keep Hayden for just one more series to see if he can pull it together on Aussie pitches.

Hayden
Langer
Ponting
Martyn
Hussey
Gilchrist
Warne
Lee
Bracken
McGill
McGrath

[Myxomatosis]

Turns out that the Little Master won't be able to play in the World XI game :(


An unfit Sachin Tendulkar has opted out of next month's Super Series cricket.

The Indian batting maestro will miss the challenge series between champions Australia and the Rest of the World because he has not fully recovered from an elbow injury.

"He will not be playing in the Super Series because he has not fully recovered. He has told us and we have informed the ICC (International Cricket Council)," Indian cricket board joint secretary Goutam Das Gupta told Reuters from Kolkata.

Tendulkar has not played any competitive cricket since he underwent corrective surgery in May in his left elbow.


http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/sachin-pulls-out/2005/09/21/1126982119335.html

---------


Thats a crying shame, I love watching this guy bat when he's on song....

[Grandmaster]

I hope Symonds gets a chance in the test team again but I don't see it happening..

Gilly has to start performing as well or Haddin might get a chance sooner than we all think.

[cruisysloth]

You can't just pick an allrounder for the sake of England has one and it's working for them so we'll have one.

All-rounders, and quality ones at that are the RAREST breed of cricketers you can find.

Stupid Australia going with one just for the sake of it when it's clear that we don't have ANYONE at the moment up to it and will in turn just be left short when we do play one

[SamJam]

Jeez you guys lack any sort of foresight.

Im not Watson's biggest fan, but he's only 24 for christs sake. Was Flintoff a world beater at his age??? No. Give the guy some time to develop.

[Pinozi]

Oh No!!!!

I just got this on an email - and worse its from a Kiwi




Doug was at school this morning in the outback and the teacher asked all the children what there fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry etc, but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father.

"My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him."

The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask him if that was really true.

"No" said Billy, "He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."

[cruisysloth]

Sachin out of the world team? woopytifuckendoo

The bloke hasn't scored heavily for 3-4 years!!

He didn't warrant selection and was in there for his sponsor pull and his crowd draw.

[SamJam]

WTF? Cruisy.

:slap:

He is a gun, he's had a lot of injury problems lately, but he will end up being the highest scoring player EVER, and is a dream to watch.

Do you rate anyone?

[I am the best]

You can't just pick an allrounder for the sake of England has one and it's working for them so we'll have one.

All-rounders, and quality ones at that are the RAREST breed of cricketers you can find.

Stupid Australia going with one just for the sake of it when it's clear that we don't have ANYONE at the moment up to it and will in turn just be left short when we do play one


stupidest thing you have said on here i reckon

EVERY team needs a good all-rounder if they have one available

No Brainer really

And i find it hilarious just coz england beat us 2-1 in a 5 game series that dosent mean we would want to copy them, we are still ranked the #1 team in the world by a fair way

You just gave us another thing to take off you

..minus the vomit stains thanks!

[cruisysloth]

stupidest thing you have said on here i reckon

EVERY team needs a good all-rounder if they have one available

No Brainer really


Fuckoff idiot. The best team (possibly) in the history of cricket, the Australian side over the past decade, did it without an all-rounder.

So no, every team does NOT need an all-rounder.

Name 10 quality all-rounders in the past 20 years. You can't? You know why. Because there isn't 10. They're a fucken rare breed and Australia is sucidal to pick Watson. Sure they'll get away with it cause we are still so much better than the rest of the world's but fuck me, Shane Watson??

[cruisysloth]

WTF? Cruisy.

:slap:

He is a gun, he's had a lot of injury problems lately, but he will end up being the highest scoring player EVER, and is a dream to watch.

Do you rate anyone?


Yeah he'll be the highest scoring player ever, wooptidoo. He hasn't done fuckall for 3 years. Stat's back it up. He averaged something like 28 in 2003/04

He hasn't been in the top 10 of batsmen in the world for a long time

[lairymarc]

Yeah he'll be the highest scoring player ever, wooptidoo. He hasn't done fuckall for 3 years. Stat's back it up. He averaged something like 28 in 2003/04

He hasn't been in the top 10 of batsmen in the world for a long time

I hate to agree with you (because its sad to see him not at the top any more, not even close at the moment really) but your right, he has had a few injuries but he aint been anything flash for a while.

[Lady Lex]

Doug was at school this morning in the outback and the teacher asked all the children what there fathers did for a living. All the typical answers came out, Fireman, Policeman, Salesman, Chippy, Captain of Industry etc, but Billy was being uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked him about his father.

"My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes if the offer is really good, he'll go out with a man, rent a cheap hotel room and let them sleep with him."

The teacher quickly set the other children some work and took little Billy aside to ask him if that was really true.

"No" said Billy, "He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say."

:lol: Thats great :thumb: even better - its from a Kiwi! :lol:

[LuvDatPoontang]

Yeah he'll be the highest scoring player ever, wooptidoo. He hasn't done fuckall for 3 years. Stat's back it up. He averaged something like 28 in 2003/04

He hasn't been in the top 10 of batsmen in the world for a long time

so 3 dud years (in his twilight mind you) overshadows the supreme career he had to that point? you are ever the cynic mr cruisy. i would love to see you bat.

[SamJam]

^^ He'd go alright..he came from the same schooling as me. lol

Anyway back to Sachin, i couldnt give a toss what his stats are like lately, he's the greatest batsmen of our era (along with Lara).

[Lady Lex]

I like Tendulker. (sp)

That is all.

[cruisysloth]

so 3 dud years (in his twilight mind you) overshadows the supreme career he had to that point? you are ever the cynic mr cruisy. i would love to see you bat.
Exactly, twilight of his career. He shouldn't get selected for what he has done in the past, should be the current best 11 players of the world.

Tendulkar is not one of the world's best 6 batsmen at the moment, he's not even in the top 10, let alone world selection

[lyric]

still I am disappointed that he isn't coming on the tour - I was looking forward to seeing him at the crease.

[mikeynom]

The best team (possibly) in the history of cricket, the Australian side over the past decade, did it without an all-rounder.

So no, every team does NOT need an all-rounder.

Name 10 quality all-rounders in the past 20 years. You can't? You know why. Because there isn't 10. They're a fucken rare breed and Australia is sucidal to pick Watson. Sure they'll get away with it cause we are still so much better than the rest of the world's but fuck me, Shane Watson??I disagree - I reckon Gilly is our all-rounder. He woulda been picked on his batting alone, but is also a competent glovesman.

I do agree that Watson is a hack. I can't believe what the Aussie selectors have to done to the team. I agree that changes were necessary, but dropping Marto and picking Watson? X(

http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/australia/content/story/219976.html

[SamJam]

Sounds like he's got the right attitude...i mean he's not going to get into the test team again at his age..i dont really expect him to be playing in the next world cup either..

[Myxomatosis]

He hasn't done fuckall for 3 years. Stat's back it up.

As you say, stats back it up.


Yr Mat R Avg
2002 16 1392 55.68
2003 5 153 17.00
2004 10 915 91.50
2005 3 255 51.00



Last year he got 915 runs at an average of 91.50.
The year before he had some bad form and then came down in injuries, so fair enough he didn't have a good year then.
And in 2002 he got a whopping great 1392 runs.
This year he's done alright despite injury, getting 255 runs in 3 matches at a healthy average of 51.

You call that doing fuckall? I wonder what you call a player who's out of form :lol:

I believe that if you look up pwned in the dictionary, you would see a picture of yourself.

[TranceArt]

ok Jacques and White are firing for Australia A atm

both have scored at least one century and got numerous more runs and without them they would have been fuct.

Jacques is a future top order batsman for the Aussies but I think White should get a go in the Aussie team as he can bowl too and already has the necessary leaderhsip credentials....

[SamJam]

but I think White should get a go in the Aussie team as he can bowl too and already has the necessary leaderhsip credentials....You have to be a Victorian to make a statement like that..he would average 20 with the bat and 40 with the ball in interantional cricket

[cruisysloth]

Jacques should've replaced Hayden at top of the order, Hodge/Hussey should've come in for katich. Martyn should've held his place. Someone should've come in for tait. Can't have him n lee in same side

[SamJam]

Australia will play two spinner at the SCG

[TranceArt]

I ain't Victorian for shite. Actually... don't ever say that about me. lol

Nah I know he is a fair average bowler but he is definitely performing with the bat in Pakistan and he CAN bowl of need be

[cruisysloth]

Anybody's views on the one-dayers that start on Wednesday?

I predict 2-1 to Australia (provided we bat first as we can't chase for shit)


World XI wasn't too impressive vs Victoria yesterday, only a narrow win. And it was a reduced Vic side as well with no Matthew Elliot, no Ian Harvey, two of their best players.

Hodge got 92, good to see him in fine form with the bat. The bloke's a run machine.

[Marshy]

I'm tossing up whether to go, it's hard to get excited about cricket when it's not at the MCG, I'm more excited about the 6 day test, I'm looking forward to loading up on the nachos and sitting in front of the telly for a good chunk of the week.

[LuvDatPoontang]

World XI wasn't too impressive vs Victoria yesterday, only a narrow win. And it was a reduced Vic side as well with no Matthew Elliot, no Ian Harvey, two of their best players.


umm elliot doesnt play for vic anymore. but thats prolly what you meant yeh?

[SamJam]

did he go across to SA?

I heard something about it, but he was awaiting a clearence

[LuvDatPoontang]

yep. blewett, lehmann, elliot... look out.

[SamJam]

is Flower still playing?

[adrian morton]

Anybody's views on the one-dayers that start on Wednesday?

I predict 2-1 to Australia (provided we bat first as we can't chase for shit)


World XI wasn't too impressive vs Victoria yesterday, only a narrow win. And it was a reduced Vic side as well with no Matthew Elliot, no Ian Harvey, two of their best players.

Hodge got 92, good to see him in fine form with the bat. The bloke's a run machine.

Sure there was no Elliot or Ian Harvey,but there was no Andrew Flintoff either.

[LuvDatPoontang]

is Flower still playing?

according to this;

http://www.cricketsa.com.au/redbacksPlayers.aspx?p=105

no.

[cruisysloth]

is Flower still playing?

Nah he's moved to England and just plays county cricket now. Never really got going in state cricket. Was quoted as saying that he couldn't believe how strong our domestic comp was. Said playing in it was harder than playing in a lot of test matches he'd played in.

Pretty solid statement from someone who was ranked no. 1 bastmen in the world for a few years and was scoring 1000's of runs a year whilst playing in a side getting belted every week

[cruisysloth]

Sure there was no Elliot or Ian Harvey,but there was no Andrew Flintoff either.

Yeah but there was 11 superstars of world cricket playing a domestic side.

Very unconvincing.

Means fuckall though when Wedsneday rolls around

[cruisysloth]

yep. blewett, lehmann, elliot... look out.

All still scoring mountains of runs, all still could do a job for Australia. Age a problem though of course and would never happen. Same goes for Michael Bevan, did someone say prolific?

[adrian morton]

GILCHRIST OUT TO PROVE HIMSELF AGAIN



Click here for Super Series schedule (http://www.sportinglife.com/cricket/fixtures/)
Adam Gilchrist enters uncharted territory this week as he seeks to expunge the first blemish on his cricketing CV - facing up to nemesis Andrew Flintoff in the process.

Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist has arguably just endured the worst tour of his international career which, much like his accustomed style of batting, has barely paused for breath since it began nine years ago.

The 33-year-old returned home from the Ashes defeat, having failed to register a single half-century in five outings and been prised out by Flintoff - whose fearsome bowling, including a mastery of reverse swing, made him England's leading wicket-taker - on four occasions.

Even in the limited-overs contests - the mode in which Gilchrist and his international colleagues take on the ICC World XI at the start of the Super Series here - Gilchrist managed only one score in excess of 50 in seven attempts.

"I would like to think I have got more than what I offered in that series to come in the future," said Gilchrist, as he prepared for Wednesday's opening contest at Telstra Dome.

"I have proven I can do it previously.

"England's bowling restricted what I was able to do; it was a tough, tough series for all batsmen on both sides.

"They planned well, executed well - and, in particular, 'Freddie' was outstanding.

"Probably in the end I got past him but maybe took my eye off the ball when I was facing Matthew Hoggard and a couple of the others.

"They won that battle, for sure, and it has given me things to go away and have a look at."

Gilchrist takes issue with the theory that he was undone in the 2005 Ashes by an extra intensity, the like of which he had not previously experienced.

"If people think that was the first time I have been under pressure there is a difference in perception and reality," he said.

"I certainly wasn't taking on any more weight or feeling any differently to other Test matches.

"There are phases you go through at different times. But it is how you come out of it, cover it up and not let other people know about it - you deal with the moment if you can.

"On reflection I didn't change too many things, I tried to make subtle differences to combat what Flintoff was doing and I went a little bit negative through the middle of the series just trying to survive a bit, which maybe quelled my attacking instincts too much."

Gilchrist will have a new opening partner, Simon Katich inheriting the role left vacant by the omission of Matthew Hayden, as the Australians face up to a world side comprising a new-ball pairing of Shoaib Akhtar and Shaun Pollock complemented by Flintoff.

His presence will no doubt be more pleasing to the Australian public than Gilchrist, given the reception he received whenever he performed 12th-man duties in the victory over Victoria at the weekend.

"'Freddie' is the most valuable cricketer in the world, or equal with Shane Warne, at the moment," Gilchrist added.

"They are the two guys you would currently want in your team.

"'Freddie' was inspirational in everything he did in the summer - and now it is all done and dusted you can step away and only admire that. It was a lot like Shane was for us."

Like veteran Warne, the 27-year-old Lancastrian is enjoying superstar status in this sports-crazy country and admitted at the launch of the series on Monday that it was a pleasant surprise.

"It has been quite a nice reception from the public," said Flintoff.

"I was not sure what to expect, but it has been really good.

"If someone had told me two or three years ago I would be involved in a game like this I would have laughed at them.

"It will be ultra-competitive cricket and what everyone wants to play in."

Excitement over the performances of Flintoff and co during the 2-1 victory has spared Australia too much of a backlash, and the only concern is how the hosts acquit themselves in the primary phase of their re-building process towards England's tour and the World Cup next winter.

The fallibility of Ricky Ponting's side was meant to be tested in this International Cricket Council-organised showdown, but its deliverance ahead of schedule seems to have strengthened interest in the sport Down Under.

"The general feeling from the public was that they appreciated the quality of cricket - and just as in England, there were so many people who were not normal cricket watchers finding themselves up here watching at two, three, four o'clock in the morning," said Gilchrist.

"It was just such an intense series; it had its peaks and troughs for each team. But England sustained the high quality in the big moments, and that got them over the line.

"Their resurgence has got people talking. People want to know why we have not, as we have before, gone in and whitewashed everything.

"The challenge for us now is to get the Ashes back."

[cruisysloth]

Age does two things, slows down your reaction time and challenges your footwork.

Gilchrist is a victim of this.

Haddin should be drafted into the side straight away as Gilly ain't gunna make it to the World Cup

[adrian morton]

Here we go,let's see what damage The Ashes loss has done to the aussies if any.

I hope it's a good game,ricky ponting won the toss and elected to bat.

[mikeynom]

Man I love cricket in the summer. The Ashes was a great series, but there's something special about it here in Australia over summer! :)

[SamJam]

bah, at work and wont get home till late.

at least there's baggygreen, but id rather be at home watching

[nickko]

What was that about Gilchrist? :P

[lairymarc]

Should be a good total set, hope they get 300 at least, will be cracking chase. Gilchrist looked in good touch.

[mikeynom]

Marto did his chances of getting back into the Test squad no help. :(

[lairymarc]

Marto did his chances of getting back into the Test squad no help. :(

Really bad way to get out in the situation, looks like it may all come apart in the middle order again.

[adrian morton]

Vetori over Clarke...How soft was that?

Aussies struggling once again.

[mikeynom]

We prolly need another 50 runs to make this a competitive total... those World XI dudes should be able to bat a bit, eh?

[debski]

damn delayed telecast in perth! :(

[nickko]

Catching Watson.

Retard.

[adrian morton]

World eleven in big trouble...Here comes Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.

[adrian morton]

Come on Flintoff!!!

Itm is watching you :thumb:

[THEHEATH]

And waiting for you to fail.

[adrian morton]

He might be the last man standing at this rate,

thank god it's only the world 11 and not England

So?

I don't really care.

[THEHEATH]

:lol:

Who knows, if flintoff is still in they might give him last man gets his tucker. England get away with all types of shit.

[adrian morton]

:lol: Hahaha yes we do get away with murder.
I think our invasion of India is a perfect example
Bullying those poor little indians into making us a cup of tea.

[nickko]

Fuck off Freddie!

[percy]

Good to see order being restored, dunno why Ponting didnt give Cameron White a bowl if he is new and the game was already won.

[adrian morton]

I would hardly call beating a box of chocolates restoring order.
But I guess you guys will take anything now :lol:

Thanks to England :ninja:

[nickko]

We bowled out probably the best batting lineup ever assembled for 162. Sure, most of them don't play together, but there's no taking away from the achievement.

[adrian morton]

That's true...I'll take a win anyday over a loss.

[toons]

We bowled out probably the best batting lineup ever assembled for 162. Sure, most of them don't play together, but there's no taking away from the achievement.

I Agree. Especially after all flak they have copped in the media.

Well done boys

[adrian morton]

AUSSIES BACK ON TOP OF THE WORLD



Click here for live scorecards (http://www.sportinglife.com/cricket/scorecard/12119.html)

Australia put their Ashes woes behind them to open the Super Series with a convincing victory over the ICC World XI at the Telstra Dome.

Only a late cameo from England hero Andrew Flintoff narrowed the eventual margin to 93 runs after the representative side consistently lost wickets in the first of three one-day internationals played indoors.

Flintoff eventually fell for 38, caught in the deep, moments after lofting Shane Watson over extra cover for six.

International colleague Kevin Pietersen went cheaply during a collapse which saw the World team slip from 45 for one to 118 for eight.

He became the first of Watson's three victims, the second of whom was Kumar Sangakkara, who top-scored with 64 before being caught at point to be sixth out.

The trickle of dismissals began when Glenn McGrath produced a double blow which accounted for Virender Sehwag and Jacques Kallis.

When left-armer Nathan Bracken claimed the prize scalp of West Indies great Brian Lara, Australia were on top despite flooring two catches in the field.

Indian star Sehwag had already been spared from a straightforward chance to Shane Watson at slip off Brett Lee when he flicked McGrath straight to midwicket.

Then, after McGrath nipped one back to trap Kallis leg before in the 12th over, Kumar Sangakkara was handed a life by Simon Katich, who failed to hold onto a skier running back from mid off.

Denied a success with that howler, Bracken did not wait long for reward as Lara was lured into a drive at a slower ball and picked out Andrew Symonds at cover.

McGrath's opening burst of 7-1-13-2 made sure the most was made of the new ball under the floodlights.

The return of Lee reaped an immediate dividend when Rahul Dravid was hurried by the fast bowler's pace and fended a simple catch to Ricky Ponting, running in from cover.

It proved a contrast to the start of the Australian innings when top scorer Katich and Adam Gilchrist, a new-look pairing, shared 80 for the first wicket.

Only some excellent bowling from spin duo Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori hauled back the Australians, who were particularly savage on Flintoff.

[LennyNero]

The ashes were not a one day tournament. We were still the best one day team in the world.
Saying that, the world XI were disgraceful. Pathetic batting display.
One dayers are always a bit of a crap shoot though. That world team is unbeatable in Tests. They could bat for a whole week if they wished.

[bornslippy1984]

Did anyone else notice how appalling Telstra Dome looked? It was hideous. I can understand that they had to use it to take the weather out of the equation, but they couldn't make it look a little better? Bad spots on the grass, shothouse outfield, the pitch was a **** as well...

Anyway, i thought it was a pretty boring game to watch. The World XI batsmen looked terrible. Hopefully it may get a it more exciting with a packed house, lots of noise, and an improved performance by WXI.

[bornslippy1984]

BTW, did anyone else get the feeling that they selected the World XI batsmen on reputation rather than form?

Ehere the fuck is Inzy, the fat ****? He's the number 9 or so in the top 100 ODI batsmen, and he's not there.

Why is Lara there? Andrew Stauss, Steven Fleming, Gibbs and Atapattu are all ranked higher than him.

[lyric]

The ashes were not a one day tournament. We were still the best one day team in the world.


Exactly - we didn't lose an ODI in England. All the whingers conveniently forgot about that in the lead up to this game.

The pitch at the Telstra Dome was a disgrace.

Yah for steamy nights, cold beer and cricket ;D Bring on Friday.

[SamJam]

Im pretty sure i heard it was raining outside in melbourne???

However the outfield was disgraceful - very patchy. Why does Melbourne get all three game??

Brisbane could have got a much larger crowd than that.

[LuvDatPoontang]

Why is Lara there? Andrew Stauss, Steven Fleming, Gibbs and Atapattu are all ranked higher than him.

hmmm lemme thinks... watch the great brain lara at the end of his tenure or fleming, gibbs and attapattu who have years ahead of them. i understand your question of merit but i'd rather see an absolute legend. no matter what.

[bornslippy1984]

hmmm lemme thinks... watch the great brain lara at the end of his tenure or fleming, gibbs and attapattu who have years ahead of them. i understand your question of merit but i'd rather see an absolute legend. no matter what.
I agree that it would be exciting to see him play, but why include him if there are better players who would present a stronger opposition? It turns the series that was designed to give Australia the strongest competition they have faced for years into what is basically Australia v Biggest Names in cricket, rather than greatest talents atm.

[mikeynom]

Watson is a hack, but his run out was pretty good! Maybe getting his heart torn apart by that slurry means he's thrown himself into his cricket as a means of escape?

[LuvDatPoontang]

that throw was scarily accurate. like a homing missile. has bracken always bowled so pedestrianly?

[SamJam]

I agree that it would be exciting to see him play, but why include him if there are better players who would present a stronger opposition? It turns the series that was designed to give Australia the strongest competition they have faced for years into what is basically Australia v Biggest Names in cricket, rather than greatest talents atm.
do you think the series would have generated as much interest if you left those big name players out and selected players on current form?

[cruisysloth]

Im pretty sure i heard it was raining outside in melbourne???

However the outfield was disgraceful - very patchy. Why does Melbourne get all three game??

Brisbane could have got a much larger crowd than that.

They played it there because of the weather and hence the rain outside and the closed roof.

The outfield? If you've watched any of the AFL over the past few years you'd know the problems associated with that outfield and the grass in general.


Watson is a hack, how the fark he got 3 wickets amazes me, he did really well with the bat again.... NOT. What the fuck is he doing in our side.


Pretty good effort by the aussies, I predicted 2-1 to them so it's looking pretty good. Gotta remember the Aussies are doing this without the world's best bowler as well, mr shane warne

Very very dissapointing from the World Side. It seemed by the way they batted that everyone expected someone else in the team to do the job for them. They won't bat that bad again I don't think

[Anselm]

We bowled out probably the best batting lineup ever assembled for 162. Sure, most of them don't play together, but there's no taking away from the achievement.In cricket it doesn't really matter about not playing together because its an individual thing. Obvious exception is run outs and I think anyone would of got run out by Watson. That was an unbelieveable throw.

EDIT: I though Bracken was ok. swung the ball a but and hit the right spots.

[cruisysloth]

hmmm lemme thinks... watch the great brain lara at the end of his tenure or fleming, gibbs and attapattu who have years ahead of them. i understand your question of merit but i'd rather see an absolute legend. no matter what.

It's a world XI so should be picked on current form. Tendulkar and Lara don't equate. There's plenty of players in better nick than them. They are there though for the crowd pull, just like Beckham at Real Madrid

[SamJam]

Pretty good effort by the aussies, I predicted 2-1 to them so it's looking pretty good. Gotta remember the Aussies are doing this without the world's best bowler as well, mr shane warne

i heard the commentary team say Warne is thinking of making a comeback for the 07 World Cup.

Three-Peat if thats the case

[LuvDatPoontang]

EDIT: I though Bracken was ok. swung the ball a but and hit the right spots.

yeh i was more reffering to his slow/slow/medium pace.

[cruisysloth]

i heard the commentary team say Warne is thinking of making a comeback for the 07 World Cup.

Three-Peat if thats the case


I reckon he'll do it. Why wouldn't he? Not much else to keep rolling around for. New challenges.

And yes Australia would get their third in a row easy if he played. Would be a good swansong for him n mcgrath

[bornslippy1984]

do you think the series would have generated as much interest if you left those big name players out and selected players on current form?
If they are capable of beating Ausralia, then yes.

And lets, not get confused, if you like crikcet, you'll know who Gibbsey is. He's a fucking axe who would belt Watson through the goddamn roof of the dome if given the chance. Inzamam isn't exactly unknown. Tendulkar isn't there anyway.

I agree that the name Lara is a crowd puller - not to the same extent that it used to be, but still a crowd puller. However, if they are selecting players who will raise revenue rather than stregnthen the team, why is the series being played? It turns into a marketing excercise rather than a legitimate contest.

[Anselm]

It's a world XI so should be picked on current form. Tendulkar and Lara don't equate. There's plenty of players in better nick than them. They are there though for the crowd pull, just like Beckham at Real MadridUmmmm...... Lara's averaged over 80 in the past 12 months.

EDIT: Thats in tests...not as good in ODI.

EDIT EDIT: He's also currently 3rd in the test players ranking behind Dravid and Kallis

Don't believe the hype kids. He's still the man.

[LuvDatPoontang]

However, if they are selecting players who will raise revenue rather than stregnthen the team, why is the series being played? It turns into a marketing excercise rather than a legitimate contest.

i agree in the long run, yes pick the most competitive team. but as the inaugral team responsible for trying to sell this concept, they have to offer something so tantalisingly delicious as to attract people. the most exciting/talented international lineup to have played the game should offer this incentive imo. i doubt the most "in form" international team would succeed... yet.

[SamJam]

And lets, not get confused, if you like crikcet, you'll know who Gibbsey is. He's a fucking axe who would belt Watson through the goddamn roof of the dome if given the chance. Inzamam isn't exactly unknown. Tendulkar isn't there anyway.

Yeah i know who Gibbs is, he goes alright, but im quite happy with the makeup of the team. Lets not forget selectors would try to get at least one player from each nation playing. (Except for Zimbabwe and Bangladesh)

[SamJam]

Besides...when you look at the record books in the future, you will see it is one of the best ever sides ever established

[nickko]

Lara deserves his spot. If not solely for his batting, for his fielding as well. Two brilliant outfield catches last night.

Was impressed with Bracken too. Bowled a good line and length, and swung the ball as well.

[bornslippy1984]

i agree in the long run, yes pick the most competitive team. but as the inaugral team responsible for trying to sell this concept, they have to offer something so tantalisingly delicious as to attract people. the most exciting/talented international lineup to have played the game should offer this incentive imo. i doubt the most "in form" international team would succeed... yet.
:lol: at your use of delicious. I see your point - it's still more of a concept game, and I guess they need to use some figureheads to draw attention to it. I just hope that, if this is to be repeated every few years, they can use form players.

[adrian morton]

I don't think it will ever be repeated again,the whole idea behind this series came about from Australia's dominance in world cricket,so if sole nations can't beat australia then let's put a world team together and see what happens,but now that australia have lost the ashes and many people have lost in a way there respect for australia I think this series will be a one off.

[LuvDatPoontang]

umm hasn't it already been agreed that it will take place every 4 years? the top ranked country at that particular point in time, playing the rest of the world?

[adrian morton]

You could be right

[mikeynom]

:lol:

Is that the sound of someone climbing back down off their soapbox I hear?

[adrian morton]

Soapbox? I'm english we don't wash ourselves it's too bloody cold.

[lairymarc]

I reckon the world 11 will come out and blast in the next game, egos were dented and scores will be settled, Lara and Sehwag will both fire, and Freddie will get it right with the ball.
How lame was the run chase though, really shit. The whole thing felt like an exhibition game, glad I didnt waste the money and go down after all.

Anyone going to the test? Im thinking of going for a saturday session if anyones keen to meet me at the bar.

[adrian morton]

I'll get back to you on that one lairymarc...gotta check my roster first.

[SamJam]

Anyone going to the test? Im thinking of going for a saturday session if anyones keen to meet me at the bar.
If i was still living in Sydney id definately be there..awesome weather ATM too (Well In QLD anyway)

[bornslippy1984]

I reckon the world 11 will come out and blast in the next game, egos were dented and scores will be settled, Lara and Sehwag will both fire, and Freddie will get it right with the ball.
How lame was the run chase though, really shit. The whole thing felt like an exhibition game, glad I didnt waste the money and go down after all.

Anyone going to the test? Im thinking of going for a saturday session if anyones keen to meet me at the bar.
I've got tickets to Day 2 - I'm pumped!

[cruisysloth]

McGrath's rested for this game. World XI automatically I think go to favourites in this game.

Anyone think maybe the ACB/ICC have told McGrath to stand down so as to give the World XI a better chance to win and hence make the series 1-1 into sundays game?

Aussies winning 3-0 would be nearly the death knell for this series again

[SamJam]

Anyone think maybe the ACB/ICC have told McGrath to stand down so as to give the World XI a better chance to win and hence make the series 1-1 into sundays game?

No way, they just know the test is more important and it being a 6-day test McGrath could be doing a LOT of bowling.

[lairymarc]

McGrath's rested for this game. World XI automatically I think go to favourites in this game.

Anyone think maybe the ACB/ICC have told McGrath to stand down so as to give the World XI a better chance to win and hence make the series 1-1 into sundays game?

Aussies winning 3-0 would be nearly the death knell for this series again

You are having a laugh aint you Cruisy? You never know they may even tell him to bowl short and wide in test to give the poor helpless batsmen a chance. Give me a break.
You really do have a photo on the wall dont you?

[Lady Lex]

I reckon the world 11 will come out and blast in the next game, egos were dented and scores will be settled, Lara and Sehwag will both fire, and Freddie will get it right with the ball.
How lame was the run chase though, really shit.

I dont agree. Australians will slaughter again.

Its just obvious. I mean.. how could a World Team possibly work well together when they hardly actually play together. Course the world team will get slaughtered everytime.

I must say though> sure is nice to see Shaoib Ahktar. Classy player. I think he and McGrath are my all times favourites.

[SamJam]

Its just obvious. I mean.. how could a World Team possibly work well together when they hardly actually play together. Course the world team will get slaughtered everytime.

True..but when you think about it Lex, it really is an individual game as well, if you perform to your ability, then the team usually benefits. Except if your Hayden and you score the slowest hundred ever in a must win ashes decider then that may not be beneficial, but lets not talk about that.

[LuvDatPoontang]

werd samjammyjams. there is only so much teamwork involved in batting, its more up to individual talent to score runs.

[SamJam]

First ING game begins next Friday QLD v NSW @ The Gabba. May pop down after work if the tix are reasonable.

[bornslippy1984]

I dont agree. Australians will slaughter again.

Its just obvious. I mean.. how could a World Team possibly work well together when they hardly actually play together. Course the world team will get slaughtered everytime.

I must say though> sure is nice to see Shaoib Ahktar. Classy player. I think he and McGrath are my all times favourites.
You didn't think he was looking a bit unfit? He's not in the best shape... and his bowling has suffered pretty badly.

[ozcar]

Gettin slapped about the park...

Flintoff the "Ashes Hero" has gone for 30 off 4 overs.

85 for nort after 18.

I'm off to the cricket :)

[lairymarc]

I dont agree. Australians will slaughter again.

Its just obvious. I mean.. how could a World Team possibly work well together when they hardly actually play together. Course the world team will get slaughtered everytime.

I must say though> sure is nice to see Shaoib Ahktar. Classy player. I think he and McGrath are my all times favourites.

In the one day format one or two great individual performances can outweigh a good all round team performance, in the test format this isnt the case, the World side should and probably will get smashed due to this.
Any one of the world side can win the one day games with a big show, if 2 or more really fire in any capacity they will be hard to beat.

Gilchrist is smashing them all over the park at the moment though, good to watch, he just belted Murali over the long on boundary it went 10 rows back, big hit on that ground.

[Lady Lex]

:lol: Samjams nooo... lets not ;)

You didn't think he was looking a bit unfit? He's not in the best shape... and his bowling has suffered pretty badly.

Actually, I thought he had looked rather heavy last time he was out in Oz. He was looking rather 'thin' this time round... maybe he is stressed?

I just really like his form and his sportsmanship. He encourages goodnatured compeition amongst players. Not like a certain someone's encouragement to call people 'curries' or whathaveyou. I dunno.. there seems to be a bit more .. respect amongst players when he is about.

Im doubtful that they will win though.. Its not just about batting - catches win matches and all that. And if the team isnt on the same page....

Damn I love Vittori. What a great bowler. And I will never ever ever lose my respect for Gilchrist.

ozcar - you should be a Ritchie Beneau clone.. ;)

omg.. I JUST LOVE CRICKET SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!! :lol:

[Punk in Drublic]

Gilly!

This is why we love you :-D

[cruisysloth]

First ING game begins next Friday QLD v NSW @ The Gabba. May pop down after work if the tix are reasonable.

They should be pretty cheap!! I remember we did our mad monday after the cricket season at a pura cup game and by memory was like $9 or $12 to get in

ING shouldnt be much more!

[mikeynom]

Go Gilly goooooooooooo!!!!

[nickko]

What an absolute pleasure to watch.

Now that he's 100, he will really go nuts. :-D

[SamJam]

Now that he's 100, he will really go nuts. :-D
way to put the moker on him nickko

[nickko]

Tell me about it. :(

How close was Marto to another duck! He's playing some good shots though, let's hope he can stick one up those selector ****s.

[bornslippy1984]

What an absolute pleasure to watch.

Now that he's 100, he will really go nuts. :-D
:|

[bornslippy1984]

Nice cover drive. He's looking OK.

[nickko]

:|

Yeh, yeh. The point has already been made.

[bornslippy1984]

Yeh, yeh. The point has already been made.
:lol: Sorry, didn't see it...

...congrats Punter!

[nickko]

This is gonna be massive.

[mikeynom]

Goooooooooooooooo marto!!!

[mikeynom]

:(

[nickko]

Great finish by Symonds and Clarke.

Will be a top chase.

[Lady Lex]

They should be pretty cheap!! I remember we did our mad monday after the cricket season at a pura cup game and by memory was like $9 or $12 to get in

ING shouldnt be much more!

yeh: tixs are like $15 (you prolly had group concessions)

but then again.. thats for the commoners. ;) Youd never catch me anywhere near those areas.. Corporate Box only - with plenty of champagne on ice thanks Waiter boy! :lol:

[ricksta]

Australia are going to get flogged at this rate. Hold on, I know how to jinx this:

GO SANGAKKARA!

[ricksta]

Holy fucking shit - five seconds later and Sanga gets run out! Fuck me dead.

[ricksta]

Followed by a maiden over. Nice work ricksta :-D

[THEHEATH]

The rest of the world are like that python that tried to swallow the alligator ;D

[ricksta]

Ha! Lara puts in another poor performance.

Nice one Heath :thumb:

[THEHEATH]

I do my best work after dusk.

[percy]

Good to see the pommie players back to doing what they do best. Watching the ball sail over their heads for 6, and getting out cheaply. At least this was a better game, poor running for the World XI was the difference.

[adrian morton]

Adam Gilchrist hit four sixes in racing to the fastest hundred by an Australian in one-day international history - off just 73 balls - to put his own poor batting form behind him.

His strokeplay emphasised the high quality of an England attack which denied him a solitary half-century throughout the five-Test series.

[THEHEATH]

:lol:

Somebody get out the Mortein.

[mikeynom]

Well. The ODI's are outta the way, bring on the Test!

[bornslippy1984]

Test will be closer than that. The Aussie one day team has more over it's rivals than the test team atm.

Bring on Saturday!!!

[Jennifer Garner]

F*Ck the ashes

we rule

best of 7 england??

[cruisysloth]

World XI is paying $2.30!!!

I'm gunna jump on that.

Murali n Vettori in tandem at the SCQ.

If Australia pick Watson we're farked

[Lady Lex]

gee.. doesnt it suck when a chick knows her cricket :lol:

[bornslippy1984]

World XI is paying $2.30!!!

I'm gunna jump on that.

Murali n Vettori in tandem at the SCQ.

If Australia pick Watson we're farked
I'd hit that. Good price - actually, I'm surprised it hasn't jumped a bit more due to their shitty 1 day showing. But, I suppose the two formats are not exactly indicative of each other.

[The Admiral]

so was shane watson actually good or did the world xi just play badly?

[percy]

He batted pretty well in the last game, he bowled ok, and he got a good runout in game 2. He isnt a bad player, but surely there are better players getting around. Not sure how good Cameron White will be, he didnt seem to be spinning the ball much for a leg spinner, i guess it would be hard to be a leggie in Australia when everyone is used to Shane Warne.

[adrian morton]

http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/5521/allsportflintoffmartynwicket4w.jpgYessss!!!

Andrew Flintoff Player Of The Year :thumb:

Kevin Pietersen One Day Player Of The Year & Emerging Player Of The Year :thumb:

Australia Won Best Umpire Of The Year :lol:

[cruisysloth]

http://img429.imageshack.us/img429/5521/allsportflintoffmartynwicket4w.jpgYessss!!!

Andrew Flintoff Player Of The Year :thumb:

Kevin Pietersen One Day Player Of The Year & Emerging Player Of The Year :thumb:

Australia Won Best Umpire Of The Year :lol:



What was that?

Test Rankings
1. Australia 127
2. England 119
3. India 112

One-Day Rankings
1. Australia 136
2. Sri Lanka 123
3. New Zealand 116
4. Pakistan 116
5. South Africa 111
6. England 109

Come back and start talking when your on top of both trees. Cause it ain't ever going to happen

[adrian morton]

I'm not talking about Rankings cruisy.
i'm talking about the Icc cricket awards that were held in sydney this evening.
As for the rankings,England have won 6 Test series in a row.
It's only a question of time before we knock you guys off the top.

[poorboy]

Saheed Afridi, 6 off his first ball, strike rate 108. Can someone say "Jihad"?

[cruisysloth]

I'm not talking about Rankings cruisy.
i'm talking about the Icc cricket awards that were held in sydney this evening.
As for the rankings,England have won 6 Test series in a row.
It's only a question of time before we knock you guys off the top.

Dream on mate. You'll never be no. 1. If a side knocks Australia off it'll be India (if they get their shit sorted)

How the fuck are you gunna win on the sub-continent with a 4 pace prong attack?

[cruisysloth]

Australia - 16 Test WINS in a row

Come back with something better than that.

[adrian morton]

How about The Ashes.

Is that good enough?

[poorboy]

no. if you beat us on our soil in the next series, maybe.

[SmakCrackleDrop]

As you say, stats back it up.



Last year he got 915 runs at an average of 91.50.
The year before he had some bad form and then came down in injuries, so fair enough he didn't have a good year then.
And in 2002 he got a whopping great 1392 runs.
This year he's done alright despite injury, getting 255 runs in 3 matches at a healthy average of 51.

You call that doing fuckall? I wonder what you call a player who's out of form :lol:

I believe that if you look up pwned in the dictionary, you would see a picture of yourself.

Get him!!
He's a Virgin!!

[nickko]

Andrew Flintoff Player Of The Year :thumb:

Ummm, that would be joint player of the year. Pretty disrespectful not to mention Jacques Kallis, who probably deserved the award in his own right.

[cruisysloth]

How about The Ashes.

Is that good enough?

Beat us with McGrath and that'll be enough. Beat us on our own soil and then we'll talk.

It simply is not going to happen.

[bornslippy1984]

How about The Ashes.

Is that good enough?
Win them away from home.

Win against us in Australia, and then you can gloat. :thumb:

[eman]

anybody see Simon Katich's girlfriend? she's smoking

[Jennifer Garner]

what brand?

[cruisysloth]

The story of the Ashes was simple.

Glenn McGrath steppped on a cricket ball.

That's where it was won n lost.

[cruisysloth]

anybody see Simon Katich's girlfriend? she's smoking
Photo or STFU

[bornslippy1984]

Photo or STFU
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/10/12/c11_gallery__245x400.jpg

[Lady Lex]

The story of the Ashes was simple.

Glenn McGrath steppped on a cricket ball.

That's where it was won n lost.

hmm... do I not recall you saying one person is not the whole team? ^^ ;)

WE LOST THE ASHES Cruisey.. finding it a bit hard to accept eh? :/

[Anselm]

Ummm, that would be joint player of the year. Pretty disrespectful not to mention Jacques Kallis, who probably deserved the award in his own right.
Kallis is the best player in the world by far. I rate him so highly I'd argue for his inclusion in an all time world XI. He averages 56.87 with the blade, which puts him in the same company as Tendulkar (57.25). He's also taken 183 wickets at 31, which puts him the same company as people like Merv Hughes (212 at 28) and Jeff Thomson (200 at 28)

[nickko]

Surely you could have found a better example than Merv Hughes. :P

[cruisysloth]

Don't underestimate Merv Hughes as a cricketer. Look past the beer belly and the joker in him and he was regarded as one of, if not, the best white fast bowler in the world of his time. All the batsmen held him in very very high esteem

[nickko]

Alan Donald?

[adrian morton]

Curtley Ambrose was well ahead of Merve Hughes.
Dunno if any of you guys remember the One dayer VS the West indies when Dean Jones asked Ambrose to take his Jamaican coloured wrist band off.
Hahaha what a way to fire up a fast bowler.

[nickko]

He said white fast bowlers adrian.

[adrian morton]

Oh white??? Well in that case the winner is Phil Tufnell :lol:

[nickko]

:lol: If ever there was a spinner worse than Ashley Giles...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/graphics/2005/07/08/28ashe/xcquot.jpg

[adrian morton]

Hahahahahaha POST OF THE DAY

[LuvDatPoontang]

what about dipak patel, who opened for nz (yeh revolutionary) in the world cup... he was a right ol laugh.

[adrian morton]

My fondest memory of the mighty Phil would have to be a 1 dayer at the Scg.
An outfielder threw a return throw to Tufnell who was waiting at the stumps for a certain run out :(

[nickko]

Was that when he took the bails off without the ball?

[adrian morton]

That's the one...

[adrian morton]

http://img422.imageshack.us/img422/952/gladstonesmall8zv.jpg Anyone seen my neck ?



Ok enough Pommie bashing,i'm suppose to be English.

[poorboy]

Curtley Ambrose was well ahead of Merve Hughes.
Dunno if any of you guys remember the One dayer VS the West indies when Dean Jones asked Ambrose to take his Jamaican coloured wrist band off.
Hahaha what a way to fire up a fast bowler.
i remember that, piss funny. ambrose was great to watch, dean jones even better though

[Anselm]

Surely you could have found a better example than Merv Hughes. :P
Merv and Thommo were considered 1st line strike bowlers who led the Australian attack for a number of years. I guess what I was getting at is that he has a batting average comparable to someone who is arguably the greatest of all time, and bowls as well as front line quicks....Noone else has ever done that....Even the great Both only averaged 30 with the willow.

And why the hell are there sunglasses in my post

[ricksta]

And why the hell are there sunglasses in my postThat's what you get when you post an 8 next to a ) , even if it is cut and pasted from somewhere 8)

[eman]

That's what you get when you post an 8 next to a ) , even if it is cut and pasted from somewhere 8)

:lol: i was wondering what those 8)'s were doing next to the 2!

[cruisysloth]

:lol: If ever there was a spinner worse than Ashley Giles...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/graphics/2005/07/08/28ashe/xcquot.jpg

Yeah but at least tuffers was entertainment.

Giles is as bland personality wise as he is shit at bowling

[mikeynom]

Curtley Ambrose was well ahead of Merve Hughes.
Dunno if any of you guys remember the One dayer VS the West indies when Dean Jones asked Ambrose to take his Jamaican coloured wrist band off.
Hahaha what a way to fire up a fast bowler.
I thought it was a white sweatband? Added that racial slant to the incident... I'm not sure if I remember it or if I've just heard Richie and co talk about it over the years.

I do remeber that Tufnell runout tho - gold! Didn't he have three goes at hitting the wickets and totally farked it?!?

PS: Check the Wisden profile on Gladstone Small: "Australia's discomfiture was increased by Small's strange build: seemingly without a neck, he walked around as though he still had a coathanger inside his jacket..." :lol: :lol:
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/player/20217.html

[SamJam]

I thought it was a white sweatband?
correct!

[adrian morton]

I thought it was a white sweatband? Added that racial slant to the incident... I'm not sure if I remember it or if I've just heard Richie and co talk about it over the years.

I do remeber that Tufnell runout tho - gold! Didn't he have three goes at hitting the wickets and totally farked it?!?

PS: Check the Wisden profile on Gladstone Small: "Australia's discomfiture was increased by Small's strange build: seemingly without a neck, he walked around as though he still had a coathanger inside his jacket..." :lol: :lol:
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/player/20217.html
:lol: What a bunch of fucking dim wits the old England team was.
I mean seriously have a look at some of the tossers that played for England during that horrid period.
Guys like Tufnell and Small,Malcolm,Lamb and co.
Never seen such a bunch of uncordinated spastics in my life.
Have a look at the current England team in comparison,guys like Flintoff,Pietersen and Strauss. Pure Athletes

[nickko]

Shame they aren't pure Englishmen. :P

[adrian morton]

Strauss and Pietersen might not be all there,but Flintoff,Harmison,Jones,Trescothick,Vaughn and Hoggard are all British and all excellent athletes.

[cruisysloth]

Aussie Team:
Matthew Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting (captain)
Michael Clarke
Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain)
Shane Warne
Brett Lee
Glenn McGrath
Stuart MacGill
12th Man: Brad Hodge

Not enough batting in there. World XI to win for my money. Watson won't succeed at Test level.

[SamJam]

Jeez Brad Hodge must feel hard done by..

Cant stand Macgill, mr two bad balls per over.

[nickko]

Hussey should be playing instead of Katich. This should be his last chance.

[P_Floyd]

What time does play start today?

Considering bailing on this uni work, and getting home to watch the first session.

[SamJam]

^^Jeez..the life of a uni student...those WERE the days.

[onetallpoppy]

im working at the players breakfast tomorrow. whose leg should i break first muralis or flintoffs? :)

[P_Floyd]

^^Jeez..the life of a uni student...those WERE the days.

I'm just kidding myself.

Staying with the uni work. Baggygreen.com.au will be enough....

[bornslippy1984]

Aussie Team:
Matthew Hayden
Justin Langer
Ricky Ponting (captain)
Michael Clarke
Simon Katich
Shane Watson
Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain)
Shane Warne
Brett Lee
Glenn McGrath
Stuart MacGill
12th Man: Brad Hodge

I think I just vomited in my mouth a little bit.

Hussey > Katich

[findshorty]

what a start by Harmison!
couple of beautiful yorkers to get rid of Langer.

[SamJam]

Hussey's one day form is outstanding, but his pura cup form was pretty ordinary last season, and thats why he's down the pecking order.

[cruisysloth]

Jeez Brad Hodge must feel hard done by..

Cant stand Macgill, mr two bad balls per over.


MacGill is statistically a better and more effective bowler than Brett Lee. He should've played in the Ashes, we wouldn't have lost then

And Hodge 12th instead of Katich? Give me a fucken break

[cruisysloth]

QUOTE=SamJam]Hussey's one day form is outstanding, but his pura cup form was pretty ordinary last season, and thats why he's down the pecking order.[/QUOTE]

Yeah but his county 4 day game form has been on fire. He's scored millions of runs for years now

[nickko]

Harmison's ball to Langer was brilliant. He'll bowl bloody well in Australia, with his height and all.

[LuvDatPoontang]

at this rate i think hayden's suited to the 6 day game.

[adrian morton]

Awesome channel 9 have just turned the cricket on...

What an over from Harm...Bye Bye Langer for a fat 0

[bornslippy1984]

at this rate i think hayden's suited to the 6 day game.
:lol: :lol:

S/R of 38.71. Excellent work.

[nickko]

What a stupid shot by Ponting. Threw away a good innings.

[LuvDatPoontang]

hmmm is it delayed by 2 hours or sumfing on tv?

[bornslippy1984]

Congrats Matty Hayden.

Time to get on with it.

[nickko]

hmmm is it delayed by 2 hours or sumfing on tv?

Tis live, I only bothered posting now...

[SamJam]

oh..look Clarke made another 30-odd, what a player..*shakes head*

surely this is Katich's last chance..

[nickko]

Clarke shouldn't have been given though, in fairness.

Katich, what a fool.

[bornslippy1984]

surely this is Katich's last chance..
You'd like to think so.

[SamJam]

^^

Is that:

YOU'D like to think so

or

you'd like to THINK so

[bornslippy1984]

^^

Is that:

YOU'D like to think so

or

you'd like to THINK so
:lol: 2nd option.

Getting run out in a 6 day test is fucking unforgivable.

[bornslippy1984]

Shit, goodbye Hayden.

That could be crucial. Watson in = :meh:

[nickko]

Watson looked solid today. He played Murali well up until his dismissal, which I actually missed.

Gilchrist was just phenomenal, again.

[THE BEAT]

Gilchrist never ceases to impress. Looking forward to him cutting loose tomorrow morning along with warne and lee. World seem to be lacking a little in the bowling stakes, think they could have done with shoaib instead of two spinners, considdering Smith and Sehwag can bowl reasonable spin. Kallis gotta improve with the ball if they r any chance

[The Admiral]

score please?

[Punk in Drublic]

An interesting day's play.

Do you think that Hayden has turned the corner and finally hit some form again? His two recent centuries certainly suggest that the selector's faith in him has paid off.

I hope he continues to play well! :thumb:

P.S. Gilchrist :love:

[P_Floyd]

All out for 345 :|

[nickko]

Fuck. I wasn't even watching. How pathetic.

[P_Floyd]

3/46........keep em coming :thumb:

[P_Floyd]

5/137 This shaping up to be a close match.

I've got to get home to watch it. Damn assignment...

[Rabicemann]

how crap is the third umpire on lbws now..

stupid rule, slows it down way too much. they may as well replace the umps with a hatstand.

[P_Floyd]

Damn Warne is killing them. His figures: 3/12

World XI 7/157

Geez I hate it when I miss seeing him bowl. Save some wickets for when I get home Warne.

[nickko]

Go Warney!

[Marshy]

7/157... What are the chances of this test actually making it to the 6th day. I'm really disappointed with Lara's efforts in the Super Series, looks like he spent too much time at Boutique!

[adrian morton]

Bummer I was hoping to catch the last two days in person.
I agree I don't think it will go past the 3rd day.
Unless the rain can drag it out an extra day or two.

[nickko]

Great to see McGill getting some wickets.

Yeah, I can't see this making it past four days.

[bornslippy1984]

Just got back from the cricket - good day. I feel a bit pissed. ;D

[nofun]

yeh I went as well Chris, was a good day.

One of the funniest streaker efforts I have seen, didnt security nail him.

Cricket was good as well.

[cruisysloth]

Watson

Bat:
24 off 60 balls
10 off 37 balls

Ball:
0 for 38 off 6 overs


yeah, real star he is. Quicker he gets dropped the better.

Intereting to see Dominic Thornely, the man I think should be at 6 if Aussies want an all-rounder got 51 off 60 balls yesterday in the ING game vs QLD and got 1 for 0 with the ball from one over.


Good to see Katich fail again. Hopefully they drop him and put Hodge in there at No. 4 and Clarke at 5.

[cruisysloth]

All out for 199. We lost 9 wickets for 47 runs. What an absolute joke.

Watson Katich should be playing there last tests for a while hopefully


Could be a very very interesting run chase if the World XI bat to potential, which I think they will with a win in sight

[THE BEAT]

This will be lucky to go the normal 5 days let alone 6. The world look like they will crumble again like in the first innings. Disappointing considering the amount of talent in the team, not one consistent player scoring runs for them. Cant believe they chose boucher what a joke, sangakarra is as good if not better with the bat and would have taken the numerous chances missed by boucher off murali with his eyes closed.