Location: University of Adelaide SA
Can we have a bit of opposition? The Australian team might as well play Australia A, at least that'd be a contest.
Summer of Cricket 2013/14
Aaron
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: University of Adelaide SA
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
We could try a match against the England women; that might be a better challenge.
TheBlacksmith
Chief Commissioner
Location: Ankh Morpork
I thought that was what we just did 8)
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
Graham4405
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: Dalby Qld
England won the Women's Ashes Test by 61 runs...
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
I must say I find the use ( or misuse ) of the term "The Ashes" strange. The origin is so well known that there's no point in going over it. Suffice to say, it was men's test cricket, England v Australia.
Now, it seems to be used willy nilly for women's cricket, rugby of whichever type, and anything else where it's us v the Poms.
The women's series here is one test, some 50 over matches, and some 20 over smash and giggle exhibitions, yet someone has titled it The Ashes. Sounds wrong to me; I think it cheapens the brand.
Now, it seems to be used willy nilly for women's cricket, rugby of whichever type, and anything else where it's us v the Poms.
The women's series here is one test, some 50 over matches, and some 20 over smash and giggle exhibitions, yet someone has titled it The Ashes. Sounds wrong to me; I think it cheapens the brand.
Graham4405
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: Dalby Qld
I must say I find the use ( or misuse ) of the term "The Ashes" strange. The origin is so well known that there's no point in going over it. Suffice to say, it was men's test cricket, England v Australia.
Now, it seems to be used willy nilly for women's cricket, rugby of whichever type, and anything else where it's us v the Poms.
The women's series here is one test, some 50 over matches, and some 20 over smash and giggle exhibitions, yet someone has titled it The Ashes. Sounds wrong to me; I think it cheapens the brand.
Agreed!
Aaron
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: University of Adelaide SA
I must say I find the use ( or misuse ) of the term "The Ashes" strange. The origin is so well known that there's no point in going over it. Suffice to say, it was men's test cricket, England v Australia.Let's not forget, Australia didn't just win the Ashes trophy, we won the test series, England lost, the urn ought go to them. It's a loser's trophy, not a winners trophy.
Now, it seems to be used willy nilly for women's cricket, rugby of whichever type, and anything else where it's us v the Poms.
The women's series here is one test, some 50 over matches, and some 20 over smash and giggle exhibitions, yet someone has titled it The Ashes. Sounds wrong to me; I think it cheapens the brand.
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
Let's not forget, Australia didn't just win the Ashes trophy, we won the test series, England lost, the urn ought go to them. It's a loser's trophy, not a winners trophy.
I hear what you say and have some sympathy with it. However, we should remember that the notice published lamenting the death of English cricket concluded by saying, "the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia."
So; it would seem that the winner of the series should hold the little urn.
Incidentally, the same little urn, normally on view at Lords, is the reason that any other sporting contest purporting to be an Ashes series in nonsense. It's for one type of contest, and one only, and there's only one trophy.
Graham4405
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: Dalby Qld
any other sporting contest purporting to be an Ashes series in nonsense.
I have no argument with that, but I guess in some cases the name could have different origins and still be a valid use! (I doubt it however).
http://ashsholidayunits.com.au/
Graham4405
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: Dalby Qld
Well, tonight the Poms managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory to be defeated by one wicket, thanks to James Faulkner's 57 run 10th wicket partnership with Clint McKay!
4BJ
Chief Commissioner
Location: Backside trackside at Hawthorn near Mitcham
Tonight I saw the Miracle at the Gabba.
Aaron
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: University of Adelaide SA
I was convinced at about 5 down that the Aussies had lost that game, as opposed to the POMs winning it. Having watched the whole game I remain confused as to who won, because I am quite convinced both teams lost...
bowralcommuter
Chief Commissioner
Location: Asleep on a Manly Ferry
I have to admit I turned off the tv when we were 9 down last night. Looks like we have Michael Bevan Junior!
TheBlacksmith
Chief Commissioner
Location: Ankh Morpork
I watched it through, but as we got closer to the 50th. over I was wondering what was holding Faulkner back? I have seen him effortlessly launch the ball out of the stadium and yet he was dicking about with singles and farming the strike. Then, at the last moment, when there was almost no time or balls left, he cut loose. And what a performance!
You could see the shock on the faces of the English team as they realised he was going to grab the victory. They made a lot of pointless changes to the field, but they had no effect if the ball went over them.
You could see the shock on the faces of the English team as they realised he was going to grab the victory. They made a lot of pointless changes to the field, but they had no effect if the ball went over them.
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
By the time Australia was 6 down, there was no way we were going to win. At 7 down, it was even more obvious. I stayed watching, just the see how close we would actually get. I've had a night's sleep since, and I am still reeling in disbelief. It was an amazing performance.
Graham4405
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: Dalby Qld
Tonight the Australians showed just how easy it is to beat the Poms and win the series. Another 5-0 drubbing on the way?
Warner and Haddin were superb...
Warner and Haddin were superb...
Aaron
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: University of Adelaide SA
Warner's run out....
Valvegear
Oliver Bullied, CME
Location: Norda Fittazroy
The Australian fielding all over the ground. . .
djf01
Chief Commissioner
SA Test squad announced ...
Michael Clarke(c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.
I must say, I'm a touch disappointed by the axing of G Bailey, but I guess it is understandable. I'd like to think we've turned the corner in terms of selection policy, but I fear the instant we lose a game we'll be making wholesale changes again. Looking at the stats of both S Marsh and A Doolan you have to ask what either of them have done to warrant inclusion in the side. In Doolan's case it's the hundred he made against Sth Africa in the practice match on the last tour.
To put things in context Ed Cowan has a better FC record (he's made more FC hundreds than Doolan and Marsh put together), *and* a better Test record than either of them. And while Doolan made a big hundred against SA in the practice match against a sub-test standard and motivated attack on flat SCG pitch, Cowan did the same in the first innings against their best attack in a test match at the Gabba. No no-one is demanding Ed Cowan be rushed back into the test side - certainly not me. But his credentials are far better than either of the two who were picked to replace Bailey.
Michael Clarke(c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.
I must say, I'm a touch disappointed by the axing of G Bailey, but I guess it is understandable. I'd like to think we've turned the corner in terms of selection policy, but I fear the instant we lose a game we'll be making wholesale changes again. Looking at the stats of both S Marsh and A Doolan you have to ask what either of them have done to warrant inclusion in the side. In Doolan's case it's the hundred he made against Sth Africa in the practice match on the last tour.
To put things in context Ed Cowan has a better FC record (he's made more FC hundreds than Doolan and Marsh put together), *and* a better Test record than either of them. And while Doolan made a big hundred against SA in the practice match against a sub-test standard and motivated attack on flat SCG pitch, Cowan did the same in the first innings against their best attack in a test match at the Gabba. No no-one is demanding Ed Cowan be rushed back into the test side - certainly not me. But his credentials are far better than either of the two who were picked to replace Bailey.
SAR520SMBH
Train Controller
Phil Hughes??
I'm at a loss as to why he hasn't been included in the squad. Of the 3 or 4 considered for the tour he should have been picked hands down over the others.
And I don't want to hear any of this drivel about his technique or he's fragile when he comes out of domestic cricket and into the Australian team etc etc blah blah blah..... His record in South Africa alone, mind you his last couple of domestic seasons have been outstanding, should be the reason why he should be in South Africa.
I'm at a loss as to why he hasn't been included in the squad. Of the 3 or 4 considered for the tour he should have been picked hands down over the others.
And I don't want to hear any of this drivel about his technique or he's fragile when he comes out of domestic cricket and into the Australian team etc etc blah blah blah..... His record in South Africa alone, mind you his last couple of domestic seasons have been outstanding, should be the reason why he should be in South Africa.
bowralcommuter
Chief Commissioner
Location: Asleep on a Manly Ferry
Phil Hughes??
I'm at a loss as to why he hasn't been included in the squad. Of the 3 or 4 considered for the tour he should have been picked hands down over the others.
And I don't want to hear any of this drivel about his technique or he's fragile when he comes out of domestic cricket and into the Australian team etc etc blah blah blah..... His record in South Africa alone, mind you his last couple of domestic seasons have been outstanding, should be the reason why he should be in South Africa.
Well actually he struggled to play spin properly last time, however South Africa don't have a decent spinner so that's not a valid reason on this occasion. After seeing Steve Smith come of age I was thinking they'd give Hughes another crack at the side. The selectors are short minded it seems, they dump Bailey and pick another short form specialist in Shaun Marsh.
djf01
Chief Commissioner
Well actually he struggled to play spin properly last time, however South Africa don't have a decent spinner so that's not a valid reason on this occasion. After seeing Steve Smith come of age I was thinking they'd give Hughes another crack at the side. The selectors are short minded it seems, they dump Bailey and pick another short form specialist in Shaun Marsh.
The only conclusion I can come to with the Sean Marsh selection is they are trying to increase consistency of the squad across the various formats. That doesn't explain Alex Doolan. It could also be the reason I think Warner was picked: a player who can "play all 3 versions of the game" and with high IPL earnings so seen as ideal candidate to be contracted. It must be said though that Sean Marsh is a fine player, and IMHO far more capable than his numbers have suggested to date.
I fear the problems with selection policy we've had over the past few years have just been masked by a single successful series. Now the team is winning again it's back to business as usual. I hope I'm wrong though.
Aaron
The Ghost of George Stephenson
Location: University of Adelaide SA
It must be said though that Sean Marsh is a fine player, and IMHO far more capable than his numbers have suggested to date.Yup, pick on current form, Sean Marsh is not on it at the moment, leave him out. Expected performance is a pointless measure, current and demonstrated performance are the key selection criteria.
I fear the problems with selection policy we've had over the past few years have just been masked by a single successful series. Now the team is winning again it's back to business as usual. I hope I'm wrong though.
TheBlacksmith
Chief Commissioner
Location: Ankh Morpork
Well, what another amazing victory for our lads. Only a couple of balls to go and we won by taking the last wicket. The thing that got me intrigued is that watching Clarke, it was if he fully expected it was going to happen, no sign of resignation there, finessing the field right up to the last. Great captaincy.
And Cook sitting in the stands was on his phone to see if he could get an earlier flight out.....
And Cook sitting in the stands was on his phone to see if he could get an earlier flight out.....