28

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.

Tags: Ashes, cricket, Ricky Ponting

20

Media mauling

The media mauling of Australia continues! This is a real treat. Ricky has now warned Pietersen, saying, "I'm sure his techniques will be tested out a lot differently in the longer version." Tested? What, like the thorough examination your bowlers give when spraying deliveries around so much their overs turn into 11-ball epics? Scary.

Related: Ricky Ponting, cricket

19

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?

See also: Ricky Ponting, cricket, Ashes

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