THE ASHES 2010

[Ninewives]

Hot off the press from the Herald Sun (Melbourne Paper):

AUSTRALIA has named an unchanged 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG, starting on Boxing Day

They could change the team for injury of course but the intention is clear.

[guydesavoy]

(Ninewives @ Dec. 19 2010,16:05) Punter will play and he'll come good!

Quite right

When will people learn to stop writing off great players just because they have a form slump

Hussey, Johnson, Tubby Taylor.... just a few examples that come to mind...

Interesting choice to leave out a spinner for the MCG

[Ninewives]

 Yes I agree, too many are all too quick to write off the champs - and Punter is a champ.

There will definitely be a spinner in Melbourne, it is a flat wicket and with Michael Beer the only specialist spinner in the 12, it will be him. Siddle will miss out and Watson will be expected to bowl.

[69across]

No place for the hat trick hero in Brisbane.

[Ninewives]

(69across @ Dec. 20 2010,08:29) No place for the hat trick hero in Brisbane.  

Remarkable - but yes, Siddle will be carrying the drinks

[TTChang]

Every time I say Collingwood should be dropped, he plays & comes good.   Collingwood should be dropped ..

Tension for the Boxing Day Test Match building up nicely in the Melbourne bars .... as far as I can remember from last night     Yeah, sledging on the field and off. Very civilized on this board though (so far ... )  

Maybe go and shout the odds over a few VB tonight, TT feeling brave    You out here in Oz Pentire, or shagging in LOS?

[Guest]

(TTChang @ Dec. 23 2010,06:12) You out here in Oz Pentire, or shagging in LOS?

Neither at the moment TT

Every decade I spend a Christmas in Blighty just to make sure that I am missing nothing and besides that I wanted to see Kauto Star win his 5th King George at Kempton Pk on Boxing Day.

I shall be catching up with you sometime in January though hopefully

Meanwhile

Australia to Regain the Ashes 6/4

England to Retain the Ashes 8/15

[guydesavoy]

How long will you be down there TT ? For the duration of the Test or just a stopover ?

Careful with that VB, it has been known to cause wind

[TTChang]

About time I apologised for the 'Saveloy' tag Khun Guy (only once, and I knew you'd spot my slip of the keys!)  

Here for the duration, but it WAS windy today .... and I expect more hot air to follow from 'TLF Pom in Temporary Residence'.   What a great place Melbourne is, def my favourite city

[guydesavoy]

No jacket required TT...except in the Long Room

Who knows, perhaps our paths may cross

[TTChang]

Feels like a World Cup Final.  Off to the 'G' very soon to soak up the atmosphere.  Walked around the stadium Christmas Day, late afternoon, 4 people.  This morning 90,000+

C'mon you Poms! 

[daveduke007]

 Looking good for us Pom's at the mo TT

03:05

LW:
Australia 66-4 (28 overs) - Anderson 0-0-0-0-0- - Smith shoulders arms to a delivery that nips back and goes over the top off middle! England players wearing sweaters, it's like a cool May afternoon at Chester-le-Street.

Live it up mate    

[tomscam]

England's pace attack ran rampant over Australia in the first session of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, leaving Australia floundering at 4/58 at lunch.

[daveduke007]

03:10

LW:
Australia 66-4 (29 overs) - Bresnan 0-0-0-0-0-0 - More maidens than a Stockholm nightclub

[daveduke007]

03:14

LW:
Australia 71-5 (30 overs) - Anderson 0-0-W-4-1-0 - WICKET! Full and a hint of movement away from Smith who pushes hard away from his body and Prior takes a regulation catch. Brad Haddin immediately off the mark with a thick edge down to third man.