Idle cricket musing

[Ted Max]

It feels premature to sack Vaughan, but by God he needs some runs.

I also think there's a problem with his relationship with his management team. He seems to be trying to fiddle wickets with odd fields, as if he's publicly declaring that he's doing his best with what he's been given, and doesn't rate the plans coming from his back-up team. (unlike with Fletcher/ Cooley - where it was very clear what each bowler was to do to each batsman).

His pre-match comments about Pattinson were also unworthy, as was giving him three overs on that first day, when Flintoff and Anderson bowled four times as many.

[Brendan]

Is it worth mentioning that Ambrose is gone?

[Ted Max]

Oh, this Test was all done and dusted by 6:45 on Saturday evening. All the rest is just chat.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Been to a funeral - more action there than at Headingley.

Drop Vaughan, replace him with Rachel Heyhoe-Flint.

[Keef]

Broad being stubbor, almost at the target... Lets make them get padded up to chase a total of 7.

[dc]

or 9

[Ted Max]

I said 14 to win tomorrow morning. I wasn't too far out.

[Brendan]

Broad's cameo at the end there was a definite positive for the England team though.

[Ted Max]

ENGLAND WIN! - the toss and will bat.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

That'll be the highlight of the test, then.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

A "short, squarish third man" should have Harry Lime turning in his grave!

[Brendan]

Help! I?ve lost my sledging mojo. Not that it was ever all that mo to the jo anyway but I can?t even seem to come up with an inappropriate quip about England having it?s Sidebottom back in working order.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Not to worry Brendan, many a mickle makes a Morkel.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Rachel H-F - where are you?

[Brendan]

Quack quack quackity quack.... of the golden variety.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Ha. Your mojo still ain't working.

[Keef]

Vaughan - captain fantastic... :-S

Caught behind first ball. Well done you!

Decent opening, 0-68, then suddenly 2-68!!!!!!!!!!

[Keef]

Pietersen 4 off of 9 balls, then gets caught leaving us up the creek!

Just hope Cook and Bell can do something or this is going to be a thrashing!!!

[Brendan]

170 odd for 6 by tea on the first day. Don't worry chaps it may rain.

[Keef]

Would rather it didn't. This is a bloody disgrace, and I want a thrashing that may force someone to do something about it!

As far as I'm concerned, good field positioning is not enough to make you captain. Beyond him, there are several players who need to look what they are doing, it's starting to get like the football team, where is the passion?!?!?

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Obsolete piece of English cricket equipment due to distinct lack of something

*****

[Keef]

231 all out. Freddie semed to be trying to do the right thing and take it slow, but had no other batsmen with him.

Oh well, lets see what the bowlers have got...

[????]

I think I can see a grey cloud out west somewhere.......

[Keef]

Hang on a minute, is that Smith gone??? 17-1 ... Maybe this will be interesting after all, but I won't speak too soon.

[Marmora Man]

231 all out. Freddie semed to be trying to do the right thing and take it slow, but had no other batsmen with him.

I have a feeling that it was messing with a winning formula to bring Flintoff back into the side that has started this slide into averageness. I was planning to attend the Oval Test on my birthday - but not sure it will feel like a treat now.