Fifth Test

[Paul Incognito]

Engalnd's chances of winning the series 3-1 have been dealt a heavy blow with the news that Ponting is out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/australia/9327039.stm

[nimbusj15]

Apparently the Commenweath isn't overly impressed with the appointment of Clarke as Captain, with suggestions that it should have gone to Haddin. However that is there problem, the more pressing matter is does Collingwood play in this one or not?

[Jwscud]

There's even some genuine aviation interest in this one - the new Aussie number 3, Khawaja, apparently got his PPL before he could drive, and as far as I can see (the Telegraph article was a bit vague) is a CPL/IR holder.

[Paul Incognito]

All I can say is Good luck to him with his aviation career.

Feeling uncomfortable about this test. England have, mistakenly I believe, been celebrating as if they've won the series. They haven't, and what's more, given how much England have dominated the series on a whole it will be a travesty if it ends in a draw. Aussies have a passion for sport unmatched by any other nation that I can think of, and if they only had 11 people left on the planet, they would all leave their jobs in London's bars to represent their country - and they'd be capable of giving anyone a run for their money. Let's hope the premature celebrations don't come back and bite us on arsh.

On the other hand, if five days from now England are celebrating another innings victory, feel free to tell me I'm wrong, I really won't mind.

[Jwscud]

Not a bad first day considering the weather. Australia 134-4 having won the toss with everyone who got in having got out. However, Hussey's still there and Haddin hasn't batted yet so another great recovery could be on the cards.

Does Watson get scared when he passes 40 or something?

[Paul Incognito]

Interesting innings from Australia. The batsmen scored slowly and subsequently lost their wickets cheap, then when all hope appeared to be lost, the bowlers decided to bat with a bit more aggression and in no time they'd added close to 100 onto the last two wickets.

Given how easily the last few batsmen scored, I'd suggest the wicket isn't doing much, but then Johnson's just come on and swung the first couple, so not so sure. Pressure is on Australia though. Reckon they'll want to have 5 or 6 down and still have a 100+ lead at stumps.

[Jwscud]

Is it possible to stop Cook making runs? 765 in 7 innings!! Bell also finally made it to his first Ashes hundred and England 187 ahead with Bell and Prior making hay.

Chance of another innings victory if Swann gets the ball to turn?

[Paul Incognito]

Must be possible. When Australia get to bat again they have no choice but to go for it so there's going to be opportunities to get wickets. I'm hoping it'll be over today so in the odd position of actually willing on the Aussie bowlers now. Not that I want England to declare, especially as Prior is having a bit of fun out there and scoring at a useful rate too.

[Paul Incognito]

Well it will take one mother of an innings to make England bat again in this game, in fact if we get another wicket in the next couple of overs...and there it is, the 7th goes first ball...surely the umpires will give us the extra half hour now. If we need it

I wonder if this is the first time ever we've won three tests by an innings in Australia? Would look it up myself, but I'm sure one of the statos on Sky will let us know soon. Oh my giddy aunt, nearly a hat trick for Tremlett!

Can't stop thinking I was supposed to be there! A year ago I'd planned to do a little travelling at this time - Australia for the Ashes, India for the WC, then home via South Africa and Boston visiting friends. Then in February I met a young lady and the rest, as they say, is history.


(just noticed, 27 wickets in this test so far and not one lbw).

[kookabat]

Outbowled. Outbatted. Outfielded.

Outplayed.

Sigh.

[Jwscud]

This is what being an England supporter felt like for about 20 years.

[CaptChaos]

Celebrated with a Port Ellen last night after the result. We waited for "The Sprinkler" but it didn't seem to happen. Anyone know why an Aussie captain wouldn't hand over the Urn?

[vintage ATCO]

Love the comments on this page . . .
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sp ... 5983554362

[Jwscud]

Celebrated with a Port Ellen last night after the result.

England probably held the ashes back when that was distilled too

[CaptChaos]

Celebrated with a Port Ellen last night after the result.

England probably held the ashes back when that was distilled too

Yes it is getting harder and more expensive to obtain. We must do some formation stuff in the spring when you are around.