The Ashes 2009

[jimbo]

Ok, I've tried to resist starting this for as long as I can but I can wait no longer! The big sporting event of the summer is less than a week away and the warm-up matches are in full swing with some noteable performances from some fringe players causing a few few selection issues for both sides - Does Flintoff play? Who to go for between Harmison and Onions? Do we play 2 spinners at Cardiff? Do Australia even play a spinner?

I can see a close, well matched series though sadly not for the same reasons as 2005 when both sides were 1 and 2 in the world. This year it's more like 3rd V 5th, but home advantage may just help us. 2-1 either way for me!

[Bruno]

Can't wait. Really cleaned up at the bookies with the 5-0 last time out.

Personally I don't think Flintoff should be allowed in the squad following his latest booze shame.

Aussie win for me.

[thebish]

am sure freddie will play - the Harmison question is more interesting - I am still haunted by his first over out in Oz - I have lost faith in him - but a timely 3-wicket haul will mean the question will be asked....

[jimbo]

Can't wait. Really cleaned up at the bookies with the 5-0 last time out.

Personally I don't think Flintoff should be allowed in the squad following his latest booze shame.

Aussie win for me.

I'm not sure about the Aussies this time. Their attack looks exceptionally one dimensional and Ponting is bang out of form. If he has a quiet series then thats half the job done. For a change we seem to have a few decent players with a bit of variety. It'll be close i tells ya!

[Bruno]

Harmisons wide

Jesus, I'd repressed that!

[jimbo]

am sure freddie will play - the Harmison question is more interesting - I am still haunted by his first over out in Oz - I have lost faith in him - but a timely 3-wicket haul will mean the question will be asked....

He was steaming in yesterday and hit Hughes on the head before bouncing him out, and then hit Ponting a little later. Hughes looked very suspect against his short ball, which may be a factor in the final selection as he's had a sensational start to his career and could be a big player this summer. On the other hand there's Onions who can hit good areas consistently and keep it tight. Then there's the fact Cardiff turns square and whether to pick Panesar or Rashid as a second spinner.

[thebish]

Harmisons wide

Jesus, I'd repressed that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Y6T44t ... re=related

[jimbo]

Harmisons wide

Jesus, I'd repressed that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Y6T44t ... re=related

Whereas it was him who set the tone in 2005 by doing this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ70wtD-fLA just after hitting Langer.

[thebish]

Harmisons wide

Jesus, I'd repressed that!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7Y6T44t ... re=related

Whereas it was him who set the tone in 2005 by doing this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ70wtD-fLA just after hitting Langer.

indeed it was - 4 years ago - but somewhere he lost it big time...

I so hope he's got it back - because if he has - with his height and pace (and therefore bounce) - he can be a lethal weapon....

[ratbert]

I can't call this either way to be honest. I suspect England are more up for it though.

Shame there's no Old Trafford test this year. Someone remind me whereabouts in England Cardiff is again?

[thebish]

I can't call this either way to be honest. I suspect England are more up for it though.

Shame there's no Old Trafford test this year. Someone remind me whereabouts in England Cardiff is again?

Cardiff is in the little bit of England that sticks out above cornwall and devon called Waleshire (I think)

[Bruno]

Too true, though LCC earned more from three Take That gigs than they would have in 10 years of cricket (according to the club, anyway).

[superjohnmcginlay]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

[jimbo]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

Fact. But it does stage enthralling cricket matches and England have a good record there. I'll never forget the Monday there in 2005. We got to the ground at about 7 to queue up for tickets and apparently 20,000 were turned away due to demand. What followed was one of the greatest days of cricket ever.

[keveh]

Ok, I've tried to resist starting this for as long as I can but I can wait no longer! The big sporting event of the summer is less than a week away and the warm-up matches are in full swing with some noteable performances from some fringe players causing a few few selection issues for both sides - Does Flintoff play? Who to go for between Harmison and Onions? Do we play 2 spinners at Cardiff? Do Australia even play a spinner?

20/20 was on a few weeks back jimbo

It's definitely hard to call this one, neither team has been playing at their best so I don't think that it's going to be a white wash for any of them.

[Lord Kangana]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

Fact. But it does stage enthralling cricket matches and England have a good record there. I'll never forget the Monday there in 2005. We got to the ground at about 7 to queue up for tickets and apparently 20,000 were turned away due to demand. What followed was one of the greatest days of cricket ever.

I turned up at 8, and was turned away about 30 people from the gate. B*stards.

As for Flintoff, I like watching players like that, I'm already lamenting that there'll be no Symonds, so keep him in.

[thebish]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

Fact. But it does stage enthralling cricket matches and England have a good record there. I'll never forget the Monday there in 2005. We got to the ground at about 7 to queue up for tickets and apparently 20,000 were turned away due to demand. What followed was one of the greatest days of cricket ever.

I turned up at 8, and was turned away about 30 people from the gate. B*stards.

As for Flintoff, I like watching players like that, I'm already lamenting that there'll be no Symonds, so keep him in.

Flat Jack??

[Puskas]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

Fact. But it does stage enthralling cricket matches and England have a good record there. I'll never forget the Monday there in 2005. We got to the ground at about 7 to queue up for tickets and apparently 20,000 were turned away due to demand. What followed was one of the greatest days of cricket ever.

I turned up at 8, and was turned away about 30 people from the gate. B*stards.

As for Flintoff, I like watching players like that, I'm already lamenting that there'll be no Symonds, so keep him in.

Flat Jack??

Or, as he was known in the later stages of his career, when I remember him best, Fat Jack....

Only to be outdone in that department by Ian Austin.

It remains a great pity that Ian Austin never got a test cap - it's always good to see a fat lad doing well. Makes me feel better about things, generally....

[thebish]

The problem with Old Trafford is its a bit of a dump.

Fact. But it does stage enthralling cricket matches and England have a good record there. I'll never forget the Monday there in 2005. We got to the ground at about 7 to queue up for tickets and apparently 20,000 were turned away due to demand. What followed was one of the greatest days of cricket ever.

I turned up at 8, and was turned away about 30 people from the gate. B*stards.

As for Flintoff, I like watching players like that, I'm already lamenting that there'll be no Symonds, so keep him in.

Flat Jack??

Or, as he was known in the later stages of his career, when I remember him best, Fat Jack....

Only to be outdone in that department by Ian Austin.

It remains a great pity that Ian Austin never got a test cap - it's always good to see a fat lad doing well. Makes me feel better about things, generally....

he did open the bowling with Gough in the 1999 world cup... as I recall they always described him as "rolling in to bowl"

[jimbo]

Don't let Ian Austin's failure to break through get you down!