The New Year's Test 2006

[craigb]

Just thought I'd beat Midge to it. :D

O.K, we're one up with one to play, who do we drop for the Sydney Test?

[Gumby]

Sideshow Bob !!

just thought I'd kick start it for you Craig. :rolleyes:

[ozwinner]

Sideshow Bob !!



Must admit I dont like his "look" but he can play alright when he has to.
Like when he is about to be dropped....:D
Maybe they should threaten to drop him every match.

Al :)

[Daddles]

What I don't like about Sideshow Bob is that in tests, he only seems to perform when about to be dropped. Sorry, we have genuine talent in this country, we don't need that sort of lottery being played (and I don't care if he packs Ponting's kit bag for him). Of course, one should remember that I'm not too keen on him as a one day player either despite the godlike status some give him.

Clarke is a genuine talent and although he suffered in England, has done well back home.

Boof continues to do well and his test career has suffered with less reason than the gollywog's.

But heck, what would I know, I'm not from Sydney so I don't have the necessary filters on my glasses. :mad:

Jaques might just do well given the time. He certainly did no worse than our experienced batsmen in general.

What's with Gilly's form? Over worked? Slowing down? Having one of those dips that all great players seem to have? Perhaps I've been watching the wrong tests. Oops, dammit, I've been listening to Kerry O'Keefe :rolleyes:

And who else was pleased that McGill took the last wicket? I've nothing against the Awesome Warnesome but McGill is a bloody good bowler who deserves a bit more of the limelight.

Isn't that new Packy Umpire good. Good to see a new bloke who's got the goods. Now, if we can get rid of that git Bowden we'll be right.

Did I misread things or we carrying a few injuries out there? Not sure on that - just vague pieces of commentary I've picked up over the last few days.

And just to show that I'm not completely confused with my cricketing knowledge (yes, it IS a strange and unusual use of the term), will someone PLEASE shoot Tony Greig:mad:

Cheers
Richard

[craigb]

And who else was pleased that McGill took the last wicket? .....
but McGill is a bloody good bowler who deserves a bit more of the limelight.



Me. :) At least the Stewpot has a wrong 'un. :rolleyes:

Trouble is, he's also prone to bowling four balls. That's just because he's an attacking bowler though.



Isn't that new Packy Umpire good. Good to see a new bloke who's got the goods. Now, if we can get rid of that git Bowden we'll be right.

Yes he is. AFAIK the only decision he got wrong was Sideshow Bob's first wicket and even that was a close one that looked out to me at normal speed.



will someone PLEASE shoot Tony Greig

I'd like to oblige but he's not worth going to jail for. :D

[bitingmidge]

Thanks for the thread Craig! :D

I read somewhere that every team needs a Boof.

I suspect that Boof has a bit of Qld blood in him, maybe he could open with Matt.

P
:D :D :D

[Grunt]

I wouldn't write off Sideshow. It often takes a bit of success to get your confidence and to prove to yourself that you're good enough. It was certainly the case with Warne and for me back in the days when I used to play test cricket.

[Gumby]

Yes he is. AFAIK the only decision he got wrong was Sideshow Bob's first wicket and even that was a close one that looked out to me at normal speed.


He got one wrong today - the first wicket. Not Out !

[craigb]

for me back in the days when I used to play test cricket.

So the true Grunt is exposed.

You are really Fat Cat Ritchie! :eek:

:D

[Gumby]

So the true Grunt is exposed.

You are really Fat Cat Ritchie! :eek:

:D

No, he's from Romsey :rolleyes:

and so is his wife, and his cousin, his wife's brother and his uncle who is also his brother (if you know what i mean)

:D

[bitingmidge]

No, FatCat was a Queenslander.

Grunt was this bloke I reckon, famous in my eyes for holding his bat in the air while being clean bowled (in the Centenary test??) Dunno when, but it was a true Gillette moment.

P

:D

[Gumby]

No, FatCat was a Queenslander.

Grunt was this bloke I reckon, famous in my eyes for holding his bat in the air while being clean bowled (in the Centenary test??) Dunno when, but it was a true Gillette moment.

P

:D

another failed 'all rounder' :rolleyes:

[Wongo]

I am thinking of trying out the South African Cricket team or should I learn how to play first?:D

[Daddles]

I am thinking of trying out the South African Cricket team or should I learn how to play first?:D

Wongo, why should you be any different to the rest of us. Mate, DON'T learn how to play the game :D

Richard

[Daddles]

The above post was going to be a greenie to said Wongo but dammit, it seems I'm not generous enough :(

Richard

[DanP]

McGill is a sook and only has the stats he does because he only ever bowls on true spinners pitches. I'd like to see how he goes on a pitch that doesn't turn. At least Warnie can get drift and variable bounce.

Dan

[ozwinner]

Warniiieeeeeeee........ http://www.ubeaut.biz/party.gif

Al :D

[Driver]

McGill is a sook and only has the stats he does because he only ever bowls on true spinners pitches. I'd like to see how he goes on a pitch that doesn't turn. At least Warnie can get drift and variable bounce.

Dan

Dan

You're right but you're probably being a bit unfair to Magilla. He's a bloody good spin bowler who deserves to be picked when the wicket's right for spin.

Warnie, on the other hand, may be one of the greatest cricketers ever and the selectors would be insane not to pick him whenever he is available. He can conjure up wickets from nowhere. The bloke is a superstar.

[Grunt]

The bloke is a superstar.

And a dickhead

[Daddles]

And a dickhead

maybe, but he's a very talented dickhead and a very hard working one. Coming back from that suspension was an unbelievable effort, one that would have killed the career of most cricketers. Mind you, you then have to consider why he was suspended which is where the dickhead term comes back into it. The man has to be one of the great contradictions of the game.

Richard

[craigb]

I agree with both Daddles and Grunt. :)

Say what you like about Warnie, he's a once in a generation cricketer and cricket will be the poorer when he retires.

For me, he's a bit of a plonker as a bloke but a truely great cricketer!

As for the Stewpot, in any other era he would have been lauded as a great spin bowler. It's his misfortune to be sharing the stage with Warnie.

[bitingmidge]

Now that the voting's been counted on Sideshow Bob:

P
:rolleyes:

[outback]

Craig's right. Imagine Warne never existed, we'd all be like a dog with two errr... tails. :D MAcgill is a world class spin bowler, he's just around when a once in a lifetime bowler is also around.

[Ashore]

I'd like to see how he goes on a pitch that doesn't turn.
So would I , pity the selectors arn't as unbiased in their selections as we would be :D :D :D

[Studley 2436]

Me. :) At least the Stewpot has a wrong 'un. :rolleyes:

Trouble is, he's also prone to bowling four balls. That's just because he's an attacking bowler though.


. :D
MacGill is prepared to set batsmen up. Saw him give away 3 fours then get the batsmen caught out. That was impressive having a plan and the courage to stick to it.

Studley

[Studley 2436]

McGill is a sook and only has the stats he does because he only ever bowls on true spinners pitches. I'd like to see how he goes on a pitch that doesn't turn. At least Warnie can get drift and variable bounce.

Dan
Nah MacGill bowls better than warne just thata he never gets picked because they love Warnie.

MacGill drifts it has got a wrong one and batsmen can't read him. Warne can't do any of those things. Warne does land it on a spot consistently that's his strength. Variable bounce is something that is due to the pitch.

Studley

[bitingmidge]

Next match:
Australia v South Africa, 3rd Test
23:30 GMT, Jan 1

I guess that's why it's called the New Year's Day test eh??

P
:confused:

[Grunt]

It always has annoyed me that the test starts on the 2nd. If it started on the 1st people could watch while recovering from their hangover.

Them cricketers don't need any rest.

[craigb]

It always has annoyed me that the test starts on the 2nd. If it started on the 1st people could watch while recovering from their hangover.

Them cricketers don't need any rest.

Trouble is that all the cricketers are hungover too. :eek:

[Studley 2436]

*LOL* play a 5 day boxing day test and then start again on the 1st

They get the 31st off how can they complain? I just want to know why they bothered touring NZ?

Studley

[Grunt]

I just want to know why they bothered touring NZ?

Money

[Grunt]

These cricketers are really lazy. They won't go out to play 'coz there is a little bit of drizzle about. Pansies.

[bitingmidge]

*LOL* play a 5 day boxing day test and then start again on the 1st
Every week I play the equivalent of a 5 day test match, then front up for another one after two days off, often I've travelled long distances in those two days.

If it rains, the game I play goes on, no bad light, and plenty of crook decisions go against me.

These blokes are professionals, let them play on New Years Day!

P

:D :D :D

[craigb]

I can't think of much to say about today's play. It was a pretty slow day, the Sarth Effricans seem determined to grind it out.

It's a bit of a tradition that I have with a few mates to go to the first day of the New Year's test. Glad I didn't go today though.

This year one of them scored us free tickets to the members for the fourth day so we're going then instead. :D

Hope it's a good as the fourth day in Melbourne. :)

[bitingmidge]

Craig,

Here was I thinking you'd comment on how well Sideshow Bob bowled, without luck on the day!

P
:D :D :D

[craigb]

Well I guess he bowled better than Hussey. :D

(What was that all about :confused: )

[bitingmidge]

(What was that all about :confused: )

Just trying to add some life on a day when even the umpire's went home early!

cheers,

P (Have a great day at the grounds eh!)



:D :D :D

[Driver]

What do you think about Billy Bowden's chat with Ricky Ponting towards stumps? Was he trying to influence Punter to take off Brett Lee and bring back a spinner because of the light?

If he was, surely that's going too far? If he has any problem with using fast bowlers in fading light, the umpire's only proper course is to offer the light to the batsmen; not to try to influence the fielding side's captain about his bowling attack?

Is Billy the Kiwi just trying to make a name for himself as a character? That's certainly the impression he creates.

[bitingmidge]

I wonder if Billy's eyes aren't so good in the dull actually.

He does seem overly concerned about the batsmen's health in overcast conditions.

P
:confused:

[Gumby]

Only one word can describe that day's play:

YAWN!

[Daddles]

Ruddy Bowden back at his usual form :mad: Prat. Shouldn't be an international umpire.:mad:

Richard

[fxst]

Looks like we need gumby for a selector.:D
Hayden & Langer flop again :mad: how often do you have to stuff up before they look for replacements
and we wont mention the ronald mcdonald of the cricket umpiring world......... Bowden......... someone should show him where the under 5's are playing as he is not test class in my view
Pete

[Grunt]

Hayden has made
v. West Indies
37 & 118
110 & 46
47 & 87

v RSA
0 & 20
65 & 137

Hard to see how he could do much better.

Langer has been injured but has made

37 & 47 in the first test against RSA
99 & 20 in the 3rd test against the Windies.

Very hard to make a case for dropping either of these two.

[Gumby]

Looks like we need gumby for a selector.:D
Hayden & Langer flop again :mad: how often do you have to stuff up before they look for replacements
and we wont mention the ronald mcdonald of the cricket umpiring world......... Bowden......... someone should show him where the under 5's are playing as he is not test class in my view
Pete

Actually, in that over where Warnie appealed vigorously - twice, Bowden got it right both times. Not out. Warnie ought to pull his bloody head in. Pollock was NOT impressed about the caught behind appeal and rightly so.

I wonder if we'll be made to follow on ?

[Driver]

we wont mention the ronald mcdonald of the cricket umpiring world......... Bowden......... someone should show him where the under 5's are playing as he is not test class in my view


Don't let's be unfair to Ronald McDonald!

And if you did let Billy Boy umpire the under-5s, the little buggers would probably scrag him! Come to think of it ....

[ozwinner]

Like it or not the RAS has given us a good challenge, and I appreciate it, better than whatchin Oz whitewash all the opposition.


Al :)

[bitingmidge]

Looks like we need gumby for a selector.:D
Hayden & Langer flop again :mad: how often do you have to stuff up before they look for replacements

Err, Pete.... I know others have leapt to Matt's defence, but can you really drop a bloke who was the second highest test run getter in the world for the 2005 year?? That useless captain of ours was highest.

Dunno, but I reckon that's OK.

Have a look at the great openers through history, and I reckon most of them'd be pushing to average 25 over their careers. If one of the above mentioned "only" gets 25, they have their futures hanging over them... what IS that about?

P
:confused:

[Ashore]

Err, Pete.... I know others have leapt to Matt's defence, but can you really drop a bloke who was the second highest test run getter in the world for the 2005 year?? That useless captain of ours was highest.

Dunno, but I reckon that's OK.

Have a look at the great openers through history, and I reckon most of them'd be pushing to average 25 over their careers. If one of the above mentioned "only" gets 25, they have their futures hanging over them... what IS that about?

P
:confused:
Comes down to Wayne Bennetts comment last year ,"If you listen to the fans then you will soon be sitting with them"
The Selectors have ( finally ) tried 6 or 7 new players since the Ashes
at least they are trying.

[redwood]

seems everyone is baying for batting blood. what about the bowlers:eek: . we should have knocked em over for under 300 with the pill swingin and seamin all over the joint. warnie excepted, mcgrath is almost ready to be put to pasture. and just like big joe angel lee cannot finish a team off thats why he will always remain our 2nd or 3rd bowling choice for the remainder of his careea. and as good as magill is hes not in the picture when warnies around. then whos in line next? bracken clark lewis, are they our future:eek: its lookin grim. our batting will survive cause we have back up. but geeez its not lookin to good for our bowling future:(

[craigb]

Its' pretty rare that both the openers fail. I can't remember the last time that they both went cheaply.

Having said that, why were they playing like it was a 50 over game when all they had to do was get through the 10 overs or so 'till stumps :confused:

I thought Hayden had re-learnt to be conservative?

[Gumby]

I can't remember the last time that they both went cheaply.



Do what my wife does once every once in a while. Think of England. :D :D

[Grunt]

Do what my wife does once every once in a while. Think of England. :D :D

She's gotta think of something to take her mind off the boredom. Still, you think that she'd be able to concentrate for 30 seconds.


:D:D

[bitingmidge]

Don't worry chaps, they're just setting it up to be interesting 'cause we moaned about yesterday.

P
;)

[craigb]

Think of England. :D :D

I'm trying my best to forget. :D

[ptc]

Hayden come on !
give me Bevan any day.
its about time some body read the riot act.

[redwood]

Hayden come on !
give me Bevan any day.
its about time some body read the riot act.

bevan was good but only wanted to play for himself. couple of years ago in tassie bevo scored i think 7 tones and the team won ony one or two outrights. very selfish but very good player:)

[fxst]

Its' pretty rare that both the openers fail. I can't remember the last time that they both went cheaply.

Having said that, why were they playing like it was a 50 over game when all they had to do was get through the 10 overs or so 'till stumps :confused:

I thought Hayden had re-learnt to be conservative?

thats my point exactly Thanks Craig :)
Pete

[Grunt]

Who are you going to replace them with? Phil Jaques?
I've never been a huge fan of Hayden's but you can't argue with them figures.

[DanP]

Warnie ought to pull his bloody head in.

Hang your head in shame Gumby, you traitor. Why dontcha move to Adelaide or sumthin. Next you'll be baggin Bucks.

Dan

[Studley 2436]

Hang your head in shame Gumby, you traitor. Why dontcha move to Adelaide or sumthin. Next you'll be baggin Bucks.

Dan
Well it would beat the hell out of being in Victoria! Can't bag Buckley northern Territory lad who came to Adelaide and learnt how to play here at Port Adelaide before going to Collingwood via Brisbane was that ever a mistake. He could have 3 flags now with brisbane or none ever with Collingwood what thinking man would go there to play. Buckley got a degree (BSc I think) here at the Adelaide University went and finished his exams the day after he picked up the Magarey Medal.

Not that I think anything of him he is just a sook who screams at the umpires because his side believes that it has never given away a free kick.

Studley

[redwood]

Well it would beat the hell out of being in Victoria! Can't bag Buckley northern Territory lad who came to Adelaide and learnt how to play here at Port Adelaide before going to Collingwood via Brisbane was that ever a mistake. He could have 3 flags now with brisbane or none ever with Collingwood what thinking man would go there to play. Buckley got a degree (BSc I think) here at the Adelaide University went and finished his exams the day after he picked up the Magarey Medal.

Not that I think anything of him he is just a sook who screams at the umpires because his side believes that it has never given away a free kick.

Studley

agree that he is a prised sook and up him helf (and up eddy some times no doubt) but hes a banana bender not from the northern territory. and how lucky was criss scott who collingwood traded to brisbane for figjam. at least collingwood have the second most overated coach of all time after jock mchale in mick malthouse ready to take them to a bottom 3 finish :D

[DanP]

You blokes are obviously still not over getting knocked out of the finals two years running by
THE MIGHTY PIES!!!!

[DanP]

(the Real Magpies)

[Grunt]

Here I thought Dan was a good bloke but no he's in the same camp as Gumby. Does this mean that Dan and Gumby are camp? Or you just have an unhealth love for Buckley?


:D:D

[bitingmidge]

Does this mean that Dan and Gumby are camp?

No they are just intents.

BTW, it looks like our brilliant opening partnership did exactly what is expected of them: took enough shine off the ball for the middle order to build a solid platform. I just don't understand anyone knocking them! ;)

Cheers,

P
:D :D

[craigb]

Hussey's out.

Sideshow Bob, come on down!
:D

[craigb]

26 to avoid the follow on.

Time for a score Gilly!

[Grunt]

Bob's out. Didn't look out to me on the first replay

[Grunt]

Warne is out.

[Gumby]

Bob's out. Didn't look out to me on the first replay

That wouldn't have hit a leg stump if there were 2 more ! What are these umpires smoking ?

[craigb]

That wouldn't have hit a leg stump if there were 2 more ! What are these umpire smoking ?

They must be intimidated by the relentless RSA appealing! :rolleyes:

[Gumby]

They must be intimidated by the relentless RSA appealing! :rolleyes:

I thought of that when they showed the replay. They can hardly complain when they appeal for something so obviously not out.:mad:

Think I'll go and wash the car, I can't stand watching it.:(

[Grunt]

I am begining to change my mind about the use of the 3rd umpire. Maybe it is time to start using the 3rd umpire for LBWs and snicks. The number of mistakes that are being made by umpires is beyond a joke.

[bitingmidge]

Poor Bob, just when he was setting himself up to make a million too...:( .

At least he got more than Warnie.

P
:D

[Wongo]

I am begining to change my mind about the use of the 3rd umpire. Maybe it is time to start using the 3rd umpire for LBWs and snicks. The number of mistakes that are being made by umpires is beyond a joke.


Why not using the hawk-eye technology instead? The Hopman cup tennis is using it this year and it works well so far. Players can challenge the empire’s decision. As long as they don’t over do it, although highly unlikely because you know what our bowlers are like, then it should be the way to go.

A 3rd umpire will help but the human error is still there. Let the computer make the decision and at least this way it is less arguable.

Or of course we can let error as “part of the game”.

Just a thought.

[outback]

Hawk-eye in cricket is a joke. All ya gotta do is hit the pitch and it says yer out.

Ump's are under too much pressure, everytime they snivel we get 800 replays to if they wiped their nose properly. I reckon it s got a lot to do with the poor performancxes we see lately.

[bitingmidge]

For all that, less than 100 behind, another top TEAM effort that!

350 doesn't seem to be such a bad score, maybe not a winning one, but I think it unlikely that Aus will lose from here. SA can't get lucky two innings in a row... can they??

P

[Driver]

Great to see Gilly coming back into a bit of batting form. Some of those boundaries were awesome - especially the two behind the wicket off Nel.

[ozwinner]

The kid on the phone to his mates was the best....

Al :D

[craigb]

I don't think I'd like to see LB's referred to the 3rd umpire. It doesnt leave too much for the blokes on the field if you do.

Umpiring mistakes are just part of the game I reckon. It usually evens itself out.

The ABC blokes were saying that Bob should have been out on a prior appeal (didn't see it myself as I was at work).

Maybe the umps need a coach like the players?

Anyway, it's set-up for an interesting day tomorrow so I'm happy. :D

[Gumby]

For all that, less than 100 behind, another top TEAM effort that!

350 doesn't seem to be such a bad score, maybe not a winning one, but I think it unlikely that Aus will lose from here. SA can't get lucky two innings in a row... can they??

P

They need to get 230 in 2 sessions tomorrow, plus bat for one hour after tea, then put us in with a lead of around 360+ . We can't win at that point but will they get us out? It's a 50/50 bet.

Unless they collapse in the second innings and we are set around 280, then it's game on.

[bitingmidge]

Unless they collapse in the second innings and we are set around 280, then it's game on.

It's game on!!

Trust me. ;)

and you (craig) are there for the whole day!!! :eek:

Right, I want you to go for a beer/pie/ wee every ten minutes in the session.

That should have them all out by lunch. Then remain transfixed for the rest of the day when Australia is batting.

Cheers,

P
:D

[craigb]

Right, I want you to go for a beer/pie/ wee every ten minutes in the session.



Righto then captain :D

[Grunt]

All at the same time.

[ptc]

Put your foiley's on we might see you on telly.

[craigb]

O.K. which one of you bstrads was responsible for the rain dance? :D

Bloody umpires, rain stops, skies lighten and the players take to the field FORTYFIVE minutes later. Just in time for the next shower. :mad:

Oh well, at least it was a freebie. :rolleyes:

[Gumby]

O.K. which one of you bstrads was responsible for the rain dance? :D

I couldn't stand it any more :o

You'll thank me one day ;)

[craigb]

287 off 76 required.

Definitely gettable.

[Gumby]

287 off 76 required.

Definitely gettable.

Yeah but for which team :)

[Grunt]

1/106. Gettable for the Aussies me thinks.

[redwood]

Saint Mathew will get us their... even thou he is past his prime:D

[Cliff Rogers]

They have a bit less than 2 hours from now.... :rolleyes:
http://mirror.bom.gov.au/products/IDR033.loop.shtml

[craigb]

109 off 37.5 with 9 in hand.

A shoo in I'd reckon.

(having said that, I hope they don't collapse :eek: )

[Cliff Rogers]

Some clown just came in & asked is Symonds was batting yet. :D

[Cliff Rogers]

...A shoo in I'd reckon.....

The rain is getting closer......:(

[silentC]

Just said on the radio it's unlikely to rain before sunset.

[Wongo]

How many of you are sitting in your office and are suppose to do work right now?
What a pack of bludgers.:D

[Cliff Rogers]

Just said on the radio that they got an SMS to say it was raining near by.

The radar is showing light rain in Sydney now. :(

[craigb]

Just said on the radio that they got an SMS to say it was raining near by.

The radar is showing light rain in Sydney now. :(

I'm about 3k from the ground.

Bright day outside the window.

[Cliff Rogers]

How many of you are sitting in your office and are suppose to do work right now?
What a pack of bludgers.:D

Sounds like me. :D