4 entries found with tag Ashes.

The Sheikh of Tweak

The Ashes are lost, thanks mainly to Shane Warne who was the leading wicket taker this morning at the Waca. England's latest capitulation means that they're now 3-0 down in the 5 match series, but I wonder if that's a fair reflection on the relative ability of the two sides...

What's contributed to such a poor performance? Take your pick from under-preparedness (Harmison's epic wide at the very start of the 1st Test Match at Brisbane hinted at that), Giles dropping Ponting before he became a centurian at the Adelaide Oval, not picking Panesar till the 3rd Test or key umpiring decisions that were poor (just ask Andrew Strauss what he thinks of his LBWs).

But there's hope. Collingwood, Pietersen, Alistair Cook (almost Boycottesque yesterday), Panesar, these guys have all had their moments and I've probably missed a few other notable performances. Also, in terms of sessions won (if you watch Test cricket that way) England have come away from sessions on top just as many times as the Australians this series. For example, but for a ridiculous hour at Adelaide on the last day, England had won almost every session.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if this Ashes series ends 3-2. Then England will really be kicking themselves. Another prediction - Warne's going to get fined before the series is out for his shameful and unrestrained histrionics after almost every delivery. If wooing umpires in such a way is not bringing the game into disrepute, I don't know what is. Sheikh of Tweak? Histrionic Geek.

Tags: Ashes, cricket, Shane Warne

War of Words

Two days till the Ashes start and the war of words is heating up.

"I'm going to target Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell" - Glenn McGrath
"The Australian bowling line-up is like Dad's Army." - Ian Botham
"They [England] are in for so much pain, so much pain. Facing the tiger who's tail you've been pulling. Pain, baby." - Russell Crowe

But you're a kiwi, Russell. Stay out of it!

Ashes urn

Related: Ashes, cricket

Countdown to The Ashes

Just under 4 weeks now until the first Ashes Test in Brisbane and the Australian propaganda machine is in overdrive! Remember, Ricky Ponting, what happened last time. Maybe they just can't help themselves. The Aussie cricketers seem to like a good taunt about as much as Jose Mourinho likes a good winge. Perhaps it's a sharp tactic. Low, but potentially effective. Sport is, as one of the american Ryder Cup golfers was saying (can't remember who though...) all about momentum and to want to gain some before a ball is even bowled is understandable. After all, it worked extremely well for Muhammad Ali. But let's be honest - the Australian cricket team are hardly Muhammad Ali... about the same age on average, but not in the same league.

Who is Ricky Ponting?

Ricky Ponting is the Australian cricket captain and I've been following his interviews this Ashes tour.

Sunday, 12th June 2005 - One week into the tour
"Andrew Flintoff is the only England player who could force his way into the Australia side."

Tuesday, 14th June 2005 - After a 100-run Twenty20 defeat by England.
"It's a pretty important game for us now against Somerset and we've certainly got to try and get whatever we can out of that.
"By the time Saturday and Sunday come around there won't be any excuses as far as preparation goes from us.

Wednesday, 15th June 2005 - Australia fail to defend a sizeable 342 runs and Somerset beat Australia by four wickets.
"It's pretty embarrassing."

Saturday, 18th June 2005 - Bangledesh beat Australia by five wickets.
"This is probably one of the biggest upsets in the history of cricket and my worst defeat as captain." ... so far.

Sunday, 19th June 2005 - Pietersen thumps 91 in 65 balls and England beat Australia at Bristol. Ricky gets out first ball. The golden boy of Australian cricket said, "All we have to do, I guess, is make it to the final of this competition - win a couple of games along the way and we'll see how we go."

I'm loving it.

Is this the worst Australian side ever to tour this country? I mean, when was the last time they won a game?

Tags: Ricky Ponting, cricket, Ashes

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