The Ashes Tour 2013

[Will27]

Alex Doolan added to Sydney Test squad

"Tasmania batsman Alex Doolan could make his Test debut in Sydney after being added to Australia's squad.

Injury concerns surrounding the No.3 Shane Watson and fast bowler Ryan Harris."

I hope Doolan comes in for Bailey regardless and that they give Harris a spell and play Coulter-Nile.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013-14/content/story/705333.html

[Will27]

Cook's poor Captain performance probably masks a bigger issue; Too much responsibility is given to Cricket Captains to make all the on field decisions. Have a coaching panel/head coach on the sidelines making all the moves and strategy...much like nearly every other major sport.

Whilst I can see some merit in that, Bookman, over rates are already generally poor. How often does a side bowl the full 90 in a day; even with overtime?

If every time a captain is considering a field or bowling change he has to discuss it with his off field team, or the coach regularly calls the captain over to the boundary to give him instructions, this can only make over rates worse.

You could say that this can be done during play; but that would leave the fielding side a man short.

Edited to add quote. Moral; check topic doesn't continue over page before replying to a specific post!

IMO, that would be devastating for the game.

Along with the extra money and prestige of captaincy, comes great responsibility.

Maybe, just maybe you could do it in that circus called twenty/20 but not test cricket.

They have enough technology now. Every time the the camera goes into the change rooms

you see people on laptops etc. Pre-game meetings they review the opposition. Where they get

their runs, how they get out etc etc. At drinks breaks the coach can let the captain know if he thinks

something needs addressing or the 12th man can come out with a message. But to be honest, a good

captain will already know this.

One thing technology cannot do is have a "feel" for the game. When to bowl a part-timer, when

to change the batting order, move a fielder.

Sure, use technology to improve performance, but leave the captaincy to one man and his deputy.

Let the coach coach and the captain captain methinks.

Also on second thoughts, I wouldn't even like it in twenty/20

Edited December 30, 2013 by Will27

[BookMan]

Cook's poor Captain performance probably masks a bigger issue; Too much responsibility is given to Cricket Captains to make all the on field decisions. Have a coaching panel/head coach on the sidelines making all the moves and strategy...much like nearly every other major sport.

Whilst I can see some merit in that, Bookman, over rates are already generally poor. How often does a side bowl the full 90 in a day; even with overtime?

If every time a captain is considering a field or bowling change he has to discuss it with his off field team, or the coach regularly calls the captain over to the boundary to give him instructions, this can only make over rates worse.

You could say that this can be done during play; but that would leave the fielding side a man short.

Edited to add quote. Moral; check topic doesn't continue over page before replying to a specific post!

IMO, that would be devastating for the game.

Along with the extra money and prestige of captaincy, comes great responsibility.

Maybe, just maybe you could do it in that circus called twenty/20 but not test cricket.

They have enough technology now. Every time the the camera goes into the change rooms

you see people on laptops etc. Pre-game meetings they review the opposition. Where they get

their runs, how they get out etc etc. At drinks breaks the coach can let the captain know if he thinks

something needs addressing or the 12th man can come out with a message. But to be honest, a good

captain will already know this.

One thing technology cannot do is have a "feel" for the game. When to bowl a part-timer, when

to change the batting order, move a fielder.

Sure, use technology to improve performance, but leave the captaincy to one man and his deputy.

Let the coach coach and the captain captain methinks.

Also on second thoughts, I wouldn't even like it in twenty/20

Lot of pressure on Captain's now, more so than in the past.

Look at Cook 2nd innings...Took Broad off after only 2 overs, didn't bring Monty into the attack until Australia were over 100.

I can only think he made these decisions because he couldn't think clearly.

Every Captain, as an individual, is going to suffer from poor decisions at times while under stress. They will also direct with some bias (whether intended or not).

There is oodles of pre-planning and analysis done by most International teams now. Coaches/specialists for bowling, fielding, batting, fitness, diet etcetera. Strategies worked out before a series and before a match.

[BookMan]

Apart from the embarrassment, I don't think there's any reason for Eng to panic.

I think the bowlers have been more disappointing then the batsmen. They have

just been blown away by Johnson (mainly). IMO, Cooke, Bell and Pietersen would all still walk into the Aussie side.

Apart from Broad, all of the bowlers have been disappointing so maybe they should look at replacements for a few of them.

Stokes and Root have been positives.

It's ok to call out for replacements, but you have to have quality to replace them with. I wouldn't omit any of the batsmen

at this stage.

I agree.

Who do they replace who with? Do they need to at this stage?

[chooka]

Well done again to Australia, but i have to say, what a gutless, spineless performance by England. Utterly pathetic.

So the Aussies won, been out the back of Nakon Nowhere and no access to the outside world.

[farmerjo]

Yes aussies to good in the end chooka.

We all talk about what each side needs in player personal.

On the batting side you can see a number of players from both sides play many different forms of the game.

Something is lost for many of those batsmen in the way in a 5 day game and we have to play out the overs.

At the end of the day the team with the most runs wins.

So if that means moving a little around the crease to create scoring oppurtinities do it,rodgers a classic example in the second innings.

For the english there's a lot of players here playing big bash league at the moment and in good form.(just need a selection committee)

The aussies are a little different,alot calling for Baileys head but to me in a winning team he is contributing in other ways than the bat like leadership.(in saying that faulkner would be my pick for that spot).

[7by7]

Not having much to do, I've been reading through the earlier posts in this topic and came across this

Australia's squad (for the Oval) should be announced in a couple of days...They are just waiting for anyone to respond to their advertisement of 'Batsmen Wanted'

How things have changed in just a few months!

[BookMan]

Not having much to do, I've been reading through the earlier posts in this topic and came across this

Australia's squad (for the Oval) should be announced in a couple of days...They are just waiting for anyone to respond to their advertisement of 'Batsmen Wanted'

How things have changed in just a few months!

Yes, nothing much has changed, we still need 2-3 decent replacement ones.

We have South Africa next and our batting will be held to higher scrutiny than England's bowlers have held us.

[ripstanley]

Not having much to do, I've been reading through the earlier posts in this topic and came across this

Australia's squad (for the Oval) should be announced in a couple of days...They are just waiting for anyone to respond to their advertisement of 'Batsmen Wanted'

How things have changed in just a few months!

The experts a few months ago were say a 10 nil white wash for the poms. The biggest change for the Aussies has been their attitude. This has been through their new coach.

The Poms arrived in Australia with the attitude that we are have to turn up and we will win, The media in England and Australia told them this was the case.

Sorry they were wrong

England wake up.

[GrantSmith]

Not having much to do, I've been reading through the earlier posts in this topic and came across this

Australia's squad (for the Oval) should be announced in a couple of days...They are just waiting for anyone to respond to their advertisement of 'Batsmen Wanted'

How things have changed in just a few months!

The experts a few months ago were say a 10 nil white wash for the poms. The biggest change for the Aussies has been their attitude. This has been through their new coach.

The Poms arrived in Australia with the attitude that we are have to turn up and we will win, The media in England and Australia told them this was the case.

Sorry they were wrong

England wake up.

C'mon Rip, we all know the biggest change to the Aussie team was the addition of Candice Falzon to the WAG community!

[David48]

C'mon ..., we all know the biggest change to the Aussie team was the addition of Candice Falzon to the WAG community!

I have to say, I had to look up just who this mystery woman was ...

Credit

Candice Ann Falzon is an Australian professional ironwoman, surf life saver and model. She is of Maltese heritage.

Humm ... professional ironwoman, surf life saver and model ... well, more like journeymanwoman

A list of conquests ...

01/ West Coast AFL player Brent Staker stole Candice Falzon's heart and triggered her move to Perth in 2008.

02/ Braith Anasta and Candice Falzon at Maroubra Beach in Sydney, 2001

03/ Candice Falzon and actor Daniel MacPherson were rumoured to enjoy a mild flirtation

04/ Rugby Union player Matt Henjak with girlfriend Candice Falzon at Maroubra Beach in 2005

05/ Sydney FC player David Carney claimed that he and Candice Falzon were an item soon after her boyfriend Matt Henjak moved to Perth last year

06/ Candice Falzon was spotted visiting Marcos Baghdatis' hotel and his player's box at the Aussie Open

07/ Candice Falzon then moved onto Little Britain star David Walliams

Source

08/ Iron Man Matt Polle

09/ Sam Burgess

10/ Sonny Bill Williams

...

Source

11/ David Warner

If there was ever a song ... U2's 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' might fit the bill. Heck, good luck to her.

Thanks Grant ... I'd never even heard of her till you mentioned it ... Australia's Secret Ultimate Weapon^*

^*Grant will get that one.

[BookMan]

C'mon ..., we all know the biggest change to the Aussie team was the addition of Candice Falzon to the WAG community!

I have to say, I had to look up just who this mystery woman was ...

Source

11/ David Warner

If there was ever a song ... U2's 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' might fit the bill. Heck, good luck to her.

Thanks Grant ... I'd never even heard of her till you mentioned it ... Australia's Secret Ultimate Weapon^*

^*Grant will get that one.

Judging by that list Candice and David will not be together for very long. A pity really as Warner has been playing much better since their dalliance began.

For myself, visually speaking, Candice does nothing at all for me.

Shane Watson's wife on the other hand..*.giggity giggity giggity *

[Will27]

C'mon ..., we all know the biggest change to the Aussie team was the addition of Candice Falzon to the WAG community!

I have to say, I had to look up just who this mystery woman was ...

Credit

Candice Ann Falzon is an Australian professional ironwoman, surf life saver and model. She is of Maltese heritage.

Humm ... professional ironwoman, surf life saver and model ... well, more like journeymanwoman

A list of conquests ...

01/ West Coast AFL player Brent Staker stole Candice Falzon's heart and triggered her move to Perth in 2008.

02/ Braith Anasta and Candice Falzon at Maroubra Beach in Sydney, 2001

03/ Candice Falzon and actor Daniel MacPherson were rumoured to enjoy a mild flirtation

04/ Rugby Union player Matt Henjak with girlfriend Candice Falzon at Maroubra Beach in 2005

05/ Sydney FC player David Carney claimed that he and Candice Falzon were an item soon after her boyfriend Matt Henjak moved to Perth last year

06/ Candice Falzon was spotted visiting Marcos Baghdatis' hotel and his player's box at the Aussie Open

07/ Candice Falzon then moved onto Little Britain star David Walliams

Source

08/ Iron Man Matt Polle

09/ Sam Burgess

10/ Sonny Bill Williams

...

Source

11/ David Warner

If there was ever a song ... U2's 'I still haven't found what I'm looking for' might fit the bill. Heck, good luck to her.

Thanks Grant ... I'd never even heard of her till you mentioned it ... Australia's Secret Ultimate Weapon^*

^*Grant will get that one.

"Candice Opens Up:

How I Put Sonny Bill Behind Me"

Crikey, judging by her conquests, Sonny Bill ain't the only one that's been behind her

Davey Warner might be an opener for Australia, but he's batting eleven now.

I'm with Bookman on this one, she does nothing for me. I prefer Lara Bingle.

Having said that, I wouldn't kick her out of bed for farting.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Will27

[Will27]

Alastair Cook must change his tactics and team to prevent a whitewash

England's performances in Australia are a symptom of a longer-term malaise. Since they faced Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year they have played a brand of cricket that has been timid and attritional. Now they have been found out against an Australian team who have been very aggressive.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-must-change-his-tactics-and-team-to-prevent-a-whitewash-20131231-303ty.html#ixzz2p1DWcLFq

Some interesting points and team selections I think made by Michael Vaughan.

[tw25rw]

Alastair Cook must change his tactics and team to prevent a whitewash

England's performances in Australia are a symptom of a longer-term malaise. Since they faced Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year they have played a brand of cricket that has been timid and attritional. Now they have been found out against an Australian team who have been very aggressive.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/alastair-cook-must-change-his-tactics-and-team-to-prevent-a-whitewash-20131231-303ty.html#ixzz2p1DWcLFq

Some interesting points and team selections I think made by Michael Vaughan.

He needs some behind closed doors training sessions with Candice Falzon.

[Exsexyman]

Slightly off topic i know, but i for one would like to pay tribute to Jacques Kallis who has just retired from test cricket, signing off with a fine century against India. Without doubt one of the greatest players of his era, certainly the best all rounder. More than 13,000 test runs at an average of over 55, and 292 test wickets. A true great. As a young player at the start of his cricketing career he had a couple of seasons with Glamorgan in the County Championship where i had the pleasure of seeing him play a few times. It was obvious then that he was high class. He leaves a huge hole in South African cricket, cricketers of his quality don't grow on trees. He will be missed wherever test cricket is played, although he is continuing in the one day format. Well played Jacques, you had a great innings.

[BookMan]

Slightly off topic i know, but i for one would like to pay tribute to Jacques Kallis who has just retired from test cricket, signing off with a fine century against India. Without doubt one of the greatest players of his era, certainly the best all rounder. More than 13,000 test runs at an average of over 55, and 292 test wickets. A true great. As a young player at the start of his cricketing career he had a couple of seasons with Glamorgan in the County Championship where i had the pleasure of seeing him play a few times. It was obvious then that he was high class. He leaves a huge hole in South African cricket, cricketers of his quality don't grow on trees. He will be missed wherever test cricket is played, although he is continuing in the one day format. Well played Jacques, you had a great innings.

Spot on mate, great player.

His retirement though is perfect timing as Australia is playing South Africa in its next Test series

[David48]

All the talk is of a 5 nil whitewash ... I just hope there's no commentators course.

Speaking of commentators ...

One of Australian cricket's most colourful characters, Kerry O'Keeffe, has called stumps on his commentary career.

O'Keeffe has announced that the Sydney New Year's Ashes Test will be his last in the ABC Grandstand commentary box after 13 summers of entertaining Australian radio audiences.

"I thought I'd last one Test. I knew my commentary style was not what the ABC listener was used to. I had a terrific ride and it's time for somebody else to have a crack."

HERE

Like his style or not ... he is a character of Cricket ... and one I will miss.

.

[David48]

Kerry O'Keeffe - Frog in a Bank

For those who have not heard this classic before ... http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-24/kerry-okeeffe---frog-in-a-bank/5174280

.

[Will27]

Pace bowling legend Glenn McGrath says current Australian pace attack as good as any he's seen

"That's right, the most prolific fast bowler of all time claims that in this series Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle have been the equal of McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee."

Gee it's not like Pidgeon to come out and make a grand statement

IMO, no comparison, Harris is a Rolls Royce and Johnson is in unbelievable

form. Siddle has also been very good but compared to McGrath, Lee and Gillespie,

I don't think so.

[BookMan]

All the talk is of a 5 nil whitewash ... I just hope there's no commentators course.

Speaking of commentators ...

One of Australian cricket's most colourful characters, Kerry O'Keeffe, has called stumps on his commentary career.

O'Keeffe has announced that the Sydney New Year's Ashes Test will be his last in the ABC Grandstand commentary box after 13 summers of entertaining Australian radio audiences.

"I thought I'd last one Test. I knew my commentary style was not what the ABC listener was used to. I had a terrific ride and it's time for somebody else to have a crack."

HERE

Like his style or not ... he is a character of Cricket ... and one I will miss.

.

I'll be sorry to see him go. His laugh is unbelievably annoying, but his analysis is excellent and he has the common touch.

I wish a couple of the other long term ABC commentators would retire instead...or as well...or even just say nothing

[David48]

If anyone thinks that we Australians aren't still interested in this decided Ashes Series ...

They just did a live cross to the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) and they started queuing

for tickets from 5am ...

[BookMan]

If anyone thinks that we Australians aren't still interested in this decided Ashes Series ...

They just did a live cross to the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) and they started queuing

for tickets from 5am ...

Lot of members I believe?

The roof of the new members stands is incomplete, so first members in get to choose the stand/seats with a roof

Edited January 2, 2014 by BookMan

[BookMan]

If anyone thinks that we Australians aren't still interested in this decided Ashes Series ...

They just did a live cross to the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) and they started queuing

for tickets from 5am ...

Lot of members I believe?

The roof of the new members stands is incomplete, so first members in get to choose the stand/seats with a roof

Ashes 2013: Cricket tragics queue before dawn for seats at SCG

There are no dead rubbers in an Ashes series. Just ask the thousands of members who started queueing outside the Sydney Cricket Ground before dawn on Friday, a good seven hours before the first ball was due to be bowled down the pitch in the final Test of the five-match series.

Cricketing tragics of all ages began arriving from 3.30am in an annual rush for seats known as the Paddington Gift.

By early morning, the queue snaked several hundred metres back to Anzac Parade as members vied to get the best spot in the house for what could be an Australian whitewash of the series.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/ashes-2013-cricket-tragics-queue-before-dawn-for-seats-at-scg-20140103-308f0.html

[David48]

I reckon that England was due to win a Toss.

Opened the Betting account.

Flicked on Ch9 for the Toss ... 8.50 (9.50 EDST) ... still with their morning program ...

Bat to the Account, 15 secs before closing ... a rushed $3 on Cooke winning the Toss.

Too late ... market closed.

15 mins later Ch 9 show the Toss ...

A fortune lost again.

Settled for $3 on Australia to win @ $1.70

I wonder how Clarkie will go on his home ground?

[BookMan]

3 changes to the English team

In are:

Garry Ballance

Scott Borthwick

Boyd Rankin

Australia remain unchanged, but we have kept Lyon in as a handicap.

[BookMan]

I reckon that England was due to win a Toss.

Opened the Betting account.

Flicked on Ch9 for the Toss ... 8.50 (9.50 EDST) ... still with their morning program ...

Bat to the Account, 15 secs before closing ... a rushed $3 on Cooke winning the Toss.

Too late ... market closed.

15 mins later Ch 9 show the Toss ...

A fortune lost again.

Settled for $3 on Australia to win @ $1.70

I wonder how Clarkie will go on his home ground?

How about a parlay bet?

Top scorer first innings England: Cook

Top scorer 1st innings AUstralia: Warner

Australia to win

[Will27]

I reckon that England was due to win a Toss.

Opened the Betting account.

Flicked on Ch9 for the Toss ... 8.50 (9.50 EDST) ... still with their morning program ...

Bat to the Account, 15 secs before closing ... a rushed $3 on Cooke winning the Toss.

Too late ... market closed.

15 mins later Ch 9 show the Toss ...

A fortune lost again.

Settled for $3 on Australia to win @ $1.70

I wonder how Clarkie will go on his home ground?

How about a parlay bet?

Top scorer first innings England: Cook

Top scorer 1st innings AUstralia: Warner

Australia to win

Top scorer first innings England: Pietersen

Top scorer 1st innings AUstralia: Clarke

Lowest scorer: Bailey

Australia to win

[BookMan]

Top scorer first innings England: Pietersen

Top scorer 1st innings AUstralia: Clarke

Lowest scorer: Bailey

Australia to win

This could be Bailey's breakout innings!

[BookMan]

I reckon that England was due to win a Toss.

Opened the Betting account.

Flicked on Ch9 for the Toss ... 8.50 (9.50 EDST) ... still with their morning program ...

Bat to the Account, 15 secs before closing ... a rushed $3 on Cooke winning the Toss.

Too late ... market closed.

15 mins later Ch 9 show the Toss ...

A fortune lost again.

Settled for $3 on Australia to win @ $1.70

I wonder how Clarkie will go on his home ground?

How about a parlay bet?

Top scorer first innings England: Cook

Top scorer 1st innings AUstralia: Warner

Australia to win

Well that one is down the gurgler...