50 replies to this topic

[Jim]

Not often these days that Australia are stretched to the fifth day, so kudos to England for doing at least that in all three tests to date.

The chivalry of prolonging the agony.

[Blofeld's Cat]

The Aussies seem to be heading for a rare Ashes "five-fa".

[Jim]

Ah well, there's always the rugby.

Or not.

...OK, so there's the football.

Hmm.

The darts? Nope.

Um.

I'll get back to you later on what England are good at. Probably much later.

Australia have played extremely well and deserve their success.

[Blofeld's Cat]

How nice of Richard Branson and Beefy Botham for suggesting that the little urn should stay in Australia. That garish Waterford crystal copy isn't worth it anymore, it seems.

[Vauxhall]

Making extremely painful viewing, and I'm really not sure why I put myself through the agony of watching the action at ridiculous times of the day. Although the Collingwood/Warne exchanges were quite entertaining today. Oh well, probably only one more day to endure.

[Hitch]

Many congratulations to Australia on their magnificent victory; thoroughly deserved. Goodbye and farewell to Langer, McGrath and Warne (someone had to put Langer first) whose departure will deepen the lengthening shadows over the green sward ...*insert suitably romantic image*...and leave the game poorer for their passing. Let's hope the MCC sees sense and lets Australia keep the urn until it is won back halfway during the 22nd century.













I'm going outside. I may be some time.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Well, the urn was never a trophy for the series - that's what that huge Waterford crystal thing is for. The actual urn was created by a newspaper reporter who gave it to the MCC. So it is owned by them as private property.

And besides, we Aussies are too irreverent to bother continuing the 2 million pound insurance policy the MCC took out on it if we were able to keep it.

[Vauxhall]

With the second day of the series just starting (albeit in Wales...), what are people’s thoughts and predictions for this summer of cricket? Will England’s hit-and-miss batting line-up get the better of Australia’s inexperienced bowling attack? Are the Ashes coming back to England once more? I’m going for a 2-2 draw, meaning that Australia retain the Ashes. I feel that both teams are us unpredictable as the other - no longer is it 1st vs 2nd in the world. The current strength of India and South Africa makes it more like a 3rd/4th play-off.

[Zorin Industries]

But Gene Hunt is great in it, no?

[Vauxhall]

But Gene Hunt is great in it, no?

Good Bowie track too, yes.

[Jim]

Well, this is all most entertaining, I must say.

Just hope the rain holds off.

[Vauxhall]

Yes, indeed. If nothing else, I feel that this afternoon’s session has guaranteed that this match will not be heading towards that most genteel of cricketing results: the draw. Tremendously entertaining, and that Flintstone chap has hardly had a look in yet.

However, until the final Australian wicket falls, I will continue to back England's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at any given point though.

[Vauxhall]

EDIT

[Scrambled Eggs]

However, until the final Australian wicket falls, I will continue to back England's ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at any given point though.

The thing which stands out about this series (and which really shouldn't astonish me as much as it does, but there you go) is the amount of unhatched chicken counting amongst various commentators.

People who you think would know better were saying this was England's series before the thing started, and the reaction to the England win was a bit loopy to say the least.

As a sort of neutral in this Pommies vs Convicts stuff I was quite looking forward to seeing a bit of humble pie served. Didnt want England to lose, just an ignominious draw - the kind which makes you wonder why you bother watching such a stupid sport.

But then the whole momentum of the game gets turned on its head. A great thing about cricket - there'll be hours, perhaps days, of tedium watching blokes chew gum and insult each other... then suddenly it'll become high drama.

[Vauxhall]

Now, that really was a mighty fine day.

The fates conspired to ensure that I was doing my first live on-air stint at my new job as victory was sealed. Special.

Rarely has a team been statistically more outplayed and won. Perversely, that makes it even sweeter. Next time Ricky.

[DaveBond21]

As an Englishman in Australia, I am having a great day. It's winter, it's 25 degrees and sunny and England have regained the Ashes!!!!

Mind you, my Aussie mates are very quiet this morning. No texts, no e-mails.....

A great day!!!

[danslittlefinger]

Ahh, the thwack of leather on willow never sounded so sweet...
now I'm off to take my googly for a silly mid off.

Congrats us!!!!

[sharpshooter]

Every single member of the English cricket team will now get knighted. Or something stupid like that. Oh, wait.

[DaveBond21]

Every single member of the English cricket team will now get knighted. Or something stupid like that. Oh, wait.

It's not up to the likes of us who gets knighted and who doesn't. Bring it on. Knighthoods and champagne all round!!

[Vauxhall]

Absolute cracker! Tremendous victory from a top England team unit. Fantastic.

[sharpshooter]

Australia is hopeless and an overhaul is long overdue. Ponting has to go. He does not know how to place a field, read the play or select the correct bowlers. He contributed nothing, and many runs would have been saved if he knew what he was doing. His insolent rage against the umpires regarding an obvious not out decision is evidence of that. It’s time for the youngsters to take over. The talent is there, yet they are not chosen. For some reason they have to wait until they’re pushing 30. Hilariously, Hussey was under pressure to retire. Yet without his century’s, Australia would have had no-one. And when he didn’t fire, the whole team collapsed. It’s not his fault. You cannot rely on one man every time. The entire team is average at best, and list management has been poor.

Anyway, congratulations to England. The better team won.