The fact that the game even made it to 5 days is at least testament to England’s stubbornness. Sure, people will question why Ponting did not enforce the follow on, which would have conceivably ended the game inside 4 days, but still, yet another* example of Australian arrogance. It wasn’t good enough to beat England, they were going for the full on humiliation. As far as I am concerned, this backfired on Ponting, as his aging bowlers had to spend more time in the field getting tired.

There’s been plenty happening in the cricket news recently, plenty I could blog about, plenty of scope for pontification, easy fodder for a bit of freestyle sledging. Selection issues, injuries, even the Ovalgate scandal is still going strong. Loads of it. But the trouble is, I can’t. I’m losing it. I am literally a nervous wreck. And no it has nothing to do with an extended drinking session on Saturday afternoon, whilst enjoying England’s victory over South Africa in the rugby. (Well, maybe it does a little.)
Nope, it’s quite simple. We’re in to the final countdown (2 points for whomever …read more

Now here’s something a little different. A new world cricketing record was set, well in fact 3 records were set, highest total, highest stand and highest winning margin by 2 Indian youngsters, eclipsing records previoulsy held by Sachin Tendulkar. The two boys, merely 13 and 12 years of old scored 644 runs between them, which combined with 77 extras, in 40 overs, securing the new records. That’s a remarkable run rate of 3 PER BALL.
The opposition, faced with a winning target of 722, weren’t to be outdone, except that they were – they were all out for 21, exactly 700 …read more

As we all begin to salivate uncontrollably at the prospect of the Ashes, I caught a conversation at the WAT forums about “Test battles” – that is, some of the big rivalries that have existed in cricket.
The one that sprang immediately to mind was Mike Atherton (England) versus Allan Donald (or is it the other way around?) of South Africa in 1998. A frighteningly pant-staining over of bowling, that somehow Atherton survived.
Good ol’ YouTube has come up trumps again. Enjoy!

I could insult you and all and tell you exactly who Freddie Flintoff is but that would frankly be ridiculous. What I will tell you is that this year is Fred’s benefit year, and by gosh if it doesn’t coincide neatly with being in Australia. So what else is there to do but have not one but TWO ridiculously well-packed benefit meal type affairs where there’ll be a whole host of sporting personalities on show being funny and talking cricket. Crikey.
The evenings will incorporate a 3 course dinner, Q&A session with past and present English & Australian Cricketers and an …read more