THE ASHES 2010

[guydesavoy]

(pacman @ Dec. 18 2010,07:00) If Australia wins this Test, the series will be drawn, if England win, they will retain the Ashes. That is because there are only two more Tests to be played & if Australia won both of them, the series would be tied at two wins each.

I assume you're banking on the fact that nobody is paying attention

[pacman]

    You've lost me...           would you mind translating that?

[Ninewives]

As Paccie says - Australia is back in series if we win this test and it is looking good at this stage. A lead of 400 will take some getting in the 4th innings. Go Aussies

[guydesavoy]

Yes, I'm glad he cleared that up  

400 might be a hard ask if it weren't for the fact that England will haveat least 2 days to make it. Much will depend on whether Australia can get some early wickets. Otherwise, on current Batting form, England can do it.

Unless Mitch steps up again   Or another form sleeper wakes up

[guydesavoy]

Much will depend on whether Australia can get some early wickets.

England 3/55, and in trouble

[pacman]

A wicket on the last ball of the day & England are 5/81.

I doubt they will last till lunchtime tomorrow...

[guydesavoy]

It may not wrap up that quickly, I expect a fight

Special shout out to KL :

"Houston, we have Penetration"

[Guest]

Yeah ok Aussie you can have this one in Perth just to keep the series alive and well and truly kicking....after all, one of my series bets was on a 2-1 result for England

Magnificent comback by Australia especially the guys who were dropped for Adelaide

GDS....Yep, the MCG is definately going to be full up on Boxing Day.

Just a side note, it's a good job us fans are enjoying a bit of a banter, because some of these players from opposing sides appear to genuinely dislike each other and are not afraid to show it on the pitch.
Not the way I like to see Cricket played.

[Ninewives]

Swann openly predicted that England would win the Ashes in Perth €“ I wonder how he feels now!

The only person standing between Australia levelling the series is Bell, arguably England's best batsman.

Bring on Boxing Day.

Go Aussies. Go Mitch.

[guydesavoy]

(pentire @ Dec. 18 2010,18:12) Magnificent comback by Australia especially the guys who were dropped for Adelaide

Just a side note, it's a good job us fans are enjoying a bit of a banter, because some of these players from opposing sides appear to genuinely dislike each other and are not afraid to show it on the pitch.

It was great to see the bowlers find some form. The main issue with the Australian team, since the departure of so many Greats, has been that we have been chopping and changing line ups trying to find the right mix. Giving some guys a try when they showed some Shield or One Day form, only to see them not produce that form consistently. Then change the line up again...

On any day any one of these 'new guys' can be very damaging. Unfortunately consistency has been lacking. It may take some time for a new 'Team' to gel. England knows all about that... Let's hope something comes out of this Ashes Series to help that along.

On the question of the 'animosity' displayed.. that has been the subject of discussion amongst the commentary team here. The consensus from both sides seems to be that it's healthy and not too OTT and just shows the passion of both sides.

If tomorrow turns out as predicted, the next 2 should be great to watch.

btw Boxing Day is always full, no matter who is playing

[Ninewives]

I'll be there on Boxing Day. Drinking half strength beer, in an overcrowded outer, listening to the Barmy Army, eating dry turkey rolls and wishing I was recovering from my hangover in bed. God I just can't wait!

[guydesavoy]

There is better Catering in the Long Room, but sadly hangovers respect no boundaries

[katoeylover]

Well done Australia - a great comeback

Now back to the drawing board for Melbourne.

Will Ponting play with his broken finger?

[pacman]

   That's a good question. The man has a huge ego but it does give him the perfect excuse to step aside while his form has been so poor.

I'm betting he plays though, there is nothing like the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. And who knows if he will get to play another Ashes game there?

[Ninewives]

Punter will play and he'll come good!