Re -read the last paragraph of my previous post. I understand the penalties mount with each contravention. Both suspensions and fines. Its not a whip around the pub to cough a few cents. And its not just about the NZ test. If my understanding is correct the penalty escalations cover a 12 month period.

Your last sentence shows the clouds might be clearing. Well done.

I dont mind the rule because its means the paying public get to see 90 overs of cricket and value for their ticket. Some of the over rates of the Windies made a mockery of a full day's value.

Yes there is an ongoing problem with over rates, going back to the 80's West indies pace attack Granted, But that situation should never deny a team from going for a win in a test match.

It's just not Right. The Aussies Winning that game was a long shot, but i will never agree that we should be told to not go for it.

Not with 2 hours to go on an old pitch...

Yes there is an ongoing problem with over rates, going back to the 80's West indies pace attack Granted, But that situation should never deny a team from going for a win in a test match.

It's just not Right. The Aussies Winning that game was a long shot, but i will never agree that we should be told to not go for it.

Not with 2 hours to go on an old pitch...

The impact of the rule on the game has its implications. We were not told anything. The rule merely sets down the conditions of play.

As a consequence your criticism of Ponting for that incident is unreasonable.

The impact of the rule on the game has its implications. We were not told anything. The rule merely sets down the conditions of play.

As a consequence your criticism of Ponting for that incident is unreasonable.

Fair enough, But if i was Captain i couldn't sleep straight if i implemented that rule!! It really goes against my Grain

Ricky should have over ruled it. I almost lost a $1,200 Radio through RAGE!!!

LEARN HOW TO USE UPPER CASE

Thanks for filling in the gap on Adelaide. You are right. Only backs the point. I am not sure at Shield level Krejza has been that convincing to be back in the selectors vision just yet.

No, he hasn't yet. But I'm not convinced that Hauritz is any good at Test level. Krejza turns the ball a lot more (or at least seemed to). At the moment Hauritz is the best we've got, but IMO he's not a long term solution and we still need to find someone else. Might be Krejza, might be Holland, might be someone else.

No, he hasn't yet. But I'm not convinced that Hauritz is any good at Test level. Krejza turns the ball a lot more (or at least seemed to). At the moment Hauritz is the best we've got, but IMO he's not a long term solution and we still need to find someone else. Might be Krejza, might be Holland, might be someone else.

Agree. The problem is not solved and there is an opportuinity for a player if they are good enough.

FWIW, I think Hauritz had a very good Ashes and should have been selected for the final test. He has been serviceable without being a bowler to run through sides.

If there is a better option then that option might not be too bad.

A bit going on in cricket at the moment.

1) There's a possibility that the 2011 Ashes Test could be moved from the SCG to ANZ Stadium. Bigger crowds and more money is a factor: http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/...ory/434042.html

Would be sad IMO if Test cricket was moved from the SCG. ODI and Twenty20 would be good at ANZ though.

2) Wash out in Mumbai last night (which is a bit sad in that it was to be the first cricket in Mumbai since the terrorist attacks last year). Watson named man of the series (not Hussey?)

3) There's still a lot of talk about replacing Hussey with Hughes, and batting Watson at 5 or 6. It's going to be a tough decision. Lee/Clark vs Hilfenhaus and Hauritz vs Krejza are also being considered by CA.

Good news for Richie Benaud fans: he's staying on for another 3 years in a downgraded role: http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/...ory/434568.html

No more commentary after this season, but he'll be there for other things.

Very good article by Roebuck on Pakistan and West Indies who are both coming to Australia this summer.

At one time both teams were to feared and admired. How far have they fallen.

Both are dysfunctional hulks of their former selves. I doubt they'll hold themselves together for the length of a Test and self destruct.

Very good article by Roebuck on Pakistan and West Indies who are both coming to Australia this summer.

At one time both teams were to feared and admired. How far have they fallen.

Both are dysfunctional hulks of their former selves. I doubt they'll hold themselves together for the length of a Test and self destruct.

so sad about the West Indies. As a teenager i was in total awe of that team. Cool & Relentless.

As for Pakistan, well Religion is ruining the whole country in every infrastructure.

Good news for Richie Benaud fans: he's staying on for another 3 years in a downgraded role: http://www.cricinfo.com/australia/content/...ory/434568.html

No more commentary after this season, but he'll be there for other things.

I was pleasantly surprised on hearing the news on Benaud. Good on him.

Very good article by Roebuck on Pakistan and West Indies who are both coming to Australia this summer.

At one time both teams were to feared and admired. How far have they fallen.

Both are dysfunctional hulks of their former selves. I doubt they'll hold themselves together for the length of a Test and self destruct.

Good to see most of the West Indies players have made the tour. I was thinking they would arrive with a second string half-baked side. Ponting is glad to see the better players have all made the trip.

Pakistan have dealt with NZ in fine fashion of late. Could be interesting.

Fwiw, I think the aussies do have them covered this summer.

12th man boxset out now,89 for 7cds.Well worth it

Now that Richie has signed on for another 3 years, that will give Billy Birmingham another idea for another CD.

Probably be entitled, "I'm back!"

12th man boxset out now,89 for 7cds.Well worth it

Yes if you get the Chance to Hear Billy's I/V on SEN do it, absolutely Hilarious!!

Amazing resemblance....

Alistair McDermott

bryce mcgain 4/40 20 overs, love to see him get another baggy green,even though its unlikely

Not happy with today's play at the MCG. Got them out for 277, but now we're 7/205. Middle order collapse. Missing Hodge I guess.

Not happy with today's play at the MCG. Got them out for 277, but now we're 7/205. Middle order collapse. Missing Hodge I guess.

and Nannes

We conceded points for the first time in 21 months. That's a long time.

Our bowling stock is seriously reduced, which might explain part of it. Nannes, Siddle, Harwood, Wright are all missing. But we failed with the bat. And the top 6 is still pretty strong.

I reckon all of the Test results in Perth for the past 5 years or so have been on sub standard wickets. And I think its getting worse.

However when you have over 1000 runs struck in a Test with less than 25 wickets taken over the 5 days then questions should be asked about the wicket. It happens way too often to pin it on the quality of the attacks.

Much depends upon the competence and integrity of ground management and administration. The English tour of the WI recently highlights this.

I sometimes feel that curators are got at by Ground Management and TV rights stakeholders to provide "insurance" that the Test will go the full 5 days. They nullify the pitch for bowlers and effectively kill the contest between bat and ball by the end of day 1.

Peter Roebuck has written a very sage and long overdue article on the quality of wickets in Australia. Australian wickets have lost their character and its one factor that is killing the game.

Victoria on the comeback: WA 7/155. Voges and Ronchi out in the last 4 overs. Their lead is 186. We're still a good chance to pull it off.

Victoria on the comeback: WA 7/155. Voges and Ronchi out in the last 4 overs. Their lead is 186. We're still a good chance to pull it off.

This is a great game! We've knocked off 60 of the 250 without loss. BUT, chasing in the 4th innings is always tough, even after great opening stands. You lose 3 wickets, then suddenly you realise there's only one specialist batsman left and you still need 100 odd. The pressure builds. My money's on W.A. I hope I'm wrong.

So glad to see someone else CARES about the Bushies, Titan!

I'm going in tomorrow - it's very relaxing.

I went to the first session of days one and two. It looks like a bloody good cricket wicket. Something in it for the quicks and McGain. Hope it doesn't break up on day 4.

This is a great game! We've knocked off 60 of the 250 without loss. BUT, chasing in the 4th innings is always tough, even after great opening stands. You lose 3 wickets, then suddenly you realise there's only one specialist batsman left and you still need 100 odd. The pressure builds. My money's on W.A. I hope I'm wrong.

So glad to see someone else CARES about the Bushies, Titan!

Go the BIG V. This will be a great win if they pull it off, half a side injured.

What a top come back, keep it up!