Third Test

February 10 can't come soon enough.

Well, that was fun. Had forgotten just how much fun it is.

Highlight of the day - Tendulkar's duck. The Indian fans were in shock for the rest of the day. So was I. ;-)

For the rest:
Bracken was the pick of the bowlers, despite not getting a wicket; the stuff-up on the run-out was utterly unbelieveable, and don't just blame Gilchrist - some idiot who shall remain nameless threw the ball to the wrong end to begin with;
Sehwag's technique looks even worse live than on TV, but his eye is good enough to get away with it. Pity he missed the double, he had earned it;
MacDill was - well, he was the MacDill we all know and despair over, there was absolutely no justice to him getting the first wicket;
bowling and fielding generally better and more disciplined than Adelaide, although there were still more blemishes than there should be;
The field placings were difficult to fathom at times, especially opening with only three slips to Bracken, the way he was bowling.

And the Bay 13 boys still know how to have a good time. :-)

I haven't heard anybody other than REB blame Gilly for the run out debacle, and REB might not have been serious anyway. Most of the blame has been thrown at BLee for his average throw.

I'm baaaa-aaaaack!

Spent Boxing Day cruising down Hwy 1 and heard sod-all cricket from about Moruya onwards because the static was absolutely driving me nuts. By Day 2 I was in Vic and heard most of the first two sessions (clear as a bell) then watched the first hour and a half after tea in the Korumburra pub, when Hayden and Ponting were on fire. Today I was in the crowd (a slower but engrossing day's play, the Indians did well to force Aust to bat nearly all day for a lead of only 190 but stuffed themselves good and proper losing both openers).

My tip: Australia will win around noon Tuesday scoring 80-120 in their second innings.

You missed a couple of good days, Nerk. But today was the best.

Truly absorbing. Enough to make me go back tomorrow.

my tip: Ponting will win the AB medal in a canter. probably take the trifecta.

I'd say you're right about Ponting and the AB, but the AB has yet to capture my imagination greatly. No disrespect to the man, or any winners past or future, but it does all seem a tad self-indulgent.

Brett Lee's explanation of why Gilly went in early Sat evening was possibly the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, and must have made whoever is teaching him media skills tear out hair by the handful.

You listening to ABC too? Absolutely idiotic, that story.

Liked the one about the Paki commentator, though.

The bloke that got lost in NZ? That was a ripper.

Yep.
This one is good enough to be immortalised. From today's ABC radio commentary.

A Pakistani commentator, in New Zealand for the current series, has been giving the radio audience there a great deal of unwitting entertainment.

This individual phoned the commentators at the Basin Reserve, saying he was at the Airport, in a taxi, and needed directions to the "Wellington Roundabout" - a common name for the ground in NZ. Instructions were given, used, repeated . . .the taxi-driver was driving around in circles, utterly perplexed because none of the directions made sense, and he hadn't heard of the place he was supposed to be taking his passenger.

The reason for this was eventually discovered. Said commentator was approx 500 km away - in Christchurch.

BTW, You going to be there tomorrow?

This game is too good to leave now, I'm going back for more.

Naaa, unfortunately. I've run out of money. I'm solidly broke until Wednesday. If it looks like finishing late tomorrow, I might go down the local pub and watch the last rites and nurse a flat beer.

Broke, schmoke, that's what credit cards are for.

I'll be on bread and water for a month once this season is over, but 'twill have been worth it.

Fred your tip is looking VERY good ...

And even with no money you should be there to watch it.

Come on down tomorrow, Fred, the gates are open at 10 and admission is free.

YaaHeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although, the last time I got into the MCG free of charge was the morning of the Border/Thomson last stand. :-(

Good night and a Happy New Year to all. Safe driving, good partying, and sensible resolutions (or at least ones you won't mind breaking).

See you some time next week. Maybe.

Well done Aussies on a great win, it looked decidedly dodgy at 2 for 300 odd on the first day. The Indians will be rueing (sp?) the BDT as one that got away IMO.

However, before we gloat too loudly at our friends on the subcontinent there are some things for us to think about...

Gilly's keeping: Is it my imagination or is it getting worse? Gilly appears to be diving a lot at the mo to compensate for a lack of footwork.

BLee: All brawn and no brains. Yet this guy will keep his spot ahead of Bracken or Willo for Sydney. Ganguly will be loving it.

JL: Must devise a counterattack to Aquacka. The poor fellow is a bit unfortunate because he is the only batsmen the Indians seem to have a plan for.

SRW: Has clearly lost the appetite for the battle. I can't see him coming up with a big innings in the final test match. I never thought I would say this but he should have retired after the Bangers benifit.

Thirtysomething: Marto is starting to rediscover the hesitant footwork and lack of confidence that handed a test to the Yarpies back when they had some ticker. He has got to learn to go on with it once he gets a start.

Hayden & Punter: Obviously, these people are freaks :)

regards,

REB

btw/ good on you Wino, a good comeback I thought.

r

hey! what's up!
well ,i think that it was a bad idea that brett lee doesn't played the test .........why?

In places that almost threatens to make sense....

Only if you drink enough, Fred . . . . please pass the bottle.