The Ashes 2009

[matthew123]

I'm guessing the Aussies will declare at Tea - and play the afternoon session like 20/20 so they have a chance to bowl out England in 4 sessions. Might have watched some of it but want to see the Currie Cup this afternoon.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

13 for 1. Anyone know a rain dance?

[Marmora Man]

For2!

[SimonM]

Brearley and Gower are of course famous Yorkshiremen<<

I did say "usually" - you just named the only two non-Yorkshire captains to have won the Ashes durring a 75 year period. And even Gower needed the assistance of the great Sir Geoffrey! B)

But I take it all back anyway. Clearly our stout English lads are going to give the colonial upstarts a sound thrashing, and thus far, in a move of Machiavellian cunning worthy of Brearley himself, have begun by lulling them into a false sense of security...

And PGC dear....you can get Toblerones all over ED! Although the "Mousse au Toblerone" favoured in some restaurants around here is a bit special! :))

[????]

Vaughn was born in Lancashire ;-)

[SimonM]

I don't like to mention Vaughan because not only was he born in Manchester, as you say, but he also supportss the *wrong* Sheffield football club...:)

[red devil]

...and don't forget Simon the 'great Sir Geoffrey' as well as being a professional Tyke, is also a diehard Man Utd fan...;-)

[Brendan]

Well they are one of Yorkshire's most popular kick ball teams aren't they?

[Brendan]

This from the Gurdian OBO:

'Facial fluff update, from Keith Flett "The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that for the first time in cricket history, going back to the days of WG Grace, Australia have out bearded England and thereby gained a decisive advantage in the first Ashes Test. Traditionally Australia have maintained an ultra clean shaven appearance and refused to dabble in the mysterious arts of facial hair, air currents and ball movement. In the last Ashes series Freddie Flintoff's beard played a key role and he subsequently went on to take the Beard of the Year title. On the fourth days play at Cardiff however it was clear that Hilfenhaus the fully bearded Aussie bowler new far better how to exploit the overcast and humid conditions than Flintoff did. BLF organiser Keith Flett said, 'Frankly the outbearding of England by Australia is the most charitable explanation for the team's current predicament. Any other view would be considerably more downbeard and downbeat'."'

I think they're onto something there.

[????]

2 more gone - finished by tea? And with that the Ashes methinks. Harmison has to play at Lord's but I fear another 5-0

[????]

Still I'll get my bet

[Sherwick]

Batting hasn?t fired. Bowling hasn?t fired.

[Brendan]

Sweet Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Seventy six for five in reply to reply to a million for six declared.

I?m still backing them to bat out the day. But then I?ve always been a bit delusional.

[Sherwick]

We made it to lunch! Hooray! Do we win a prize?

[ratty]

Cannot see this being a series whitewash but looks like we are not going to be able to bat this one out. Is there any rain anywhere please?

[SimonM]

Well it's been raining this afternoon in Switzerland dammit...

And I think Boycott got taken to Old Trafford one day by Michael Parkinson, another Barnsley F.C. apostate who was lured by the siren call of Best, Law et al...

SimonM (helpful bunny)

[Sherwick]

Incredibly we've made it to Tea!!! ::o

Celebrations all round!

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

I prefer Quality Street, if you don't mind, Sherwick.

[ratty]

Last session should be interesting!!

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Ooo - we're in the lead [for at least 10 minutes anyway].

[Santerme]

What a great finish

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Phew.

[Keef]

Skin of teeth comes to mind.

[Sherwick]

YEAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!

[????]

Fantastic - but still big underlying issues